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HEADMASTER’S MESSAGE VOLUME 4 No 11 DURBAN FIXTURE A SUCCESS ON 1 9 J U L Y 2 0 1 9 ALL FRONTS Wwww.parktownboys.co.za A big thank you to all parents who assisted with the hosting of over 280 boys from Durban High School on Friday night. The IMPORTANT DATES very positive response from our parents resulted in our having more parents willing to host than there were students. 22 July - SBA Tests start 23 July - Grade 9 Subject The good spirits around the braais amongst the parents during Choice Assessment and after the 1st XI Hockey match on Friday night added to the atmosphere as they tried to fill the stomachs of the teenage 24 July - Inter - House boys they were looking after! Shooting Public Speaking - We were pleased to hear how much parents had enjoyed hosting Junior Best Speaker Durban High School boys because of their manners and bearing. This feedback has been passed onto the Durban High School 25 July - Public Speaking - Headmaster: We have also received positive feedback from Senior Best Speaker Durban High School staff about their interactions with our boys. Grade 11 & 12 - On the field, competition was keen and both the 1st XI Hockey Careers Evening and 1st XV Rugby enjoyed good wins. 28 July - PBHS vs Jeppe A WEEKEND FILLED WITH DRAMA ON THE GLOBAL Rugby and Hockey SPORTING STAGE Compulsory Fixture 1 Aug. - Grade 9 Subject For avid followers of sport at national and international level, last Choice Assessment weekend was overwhelming for many. The Cricket World Cup produced a final with a dramatic and exciting climax which no-one - including, I suspect, those who set out the rules - would have expected. Those who find cricket tedious could not allege that SBA TESTS - 29 JULY ‘19 the end of the game was boring.
What impressed me was the way the New Zealand Captain and GRADE 12 : PHY.SC coaches handled the defeat, without dwelling on the element of GRADE 11 : BUS. STUDIES chance - with a throw-in hitting the bat or the furore surrounding GRADE 10 : L.SCIENCES umpires' decisions. GRADE 9 : SS:HIST/GEO At Wimbledon, Federer and Djokovic delivered an epic Men's GRADE 8 : CREATIVE ART
Final, the longest ever played, and the first to be decided on a tie
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Federer rolled back the years with some fine tennis, while Djokovic hung in the game time and again, and kept control of his emotions, showing great resilience ASSEMBLY FOCUS under pressure and saving two match points in a row. Again, what struck me was the level of sportsmanship and respect for each other by both players - Djokovic in his joy, and Federer in his disappointment, acknowledging the chances he should “Life is like a piano - the have taken. white keys represent happiness and the black On the South African front, Darryl Impey won Sunday's leg of the Tour de France ones represent sadness. and Dylan Fritelli the John Deere PGA Golf Classic and our Proteas Netball team When both keys are played excelled, beating world No. 2 team Jamaica 55-52 which gave them a run at the together, it gives us the World Cup Semi-Finals, which they have now qualified for with one pool game sweet music of Life.” still to play, beating Scotland and Uganda this week. And then there was the - anonymous quote Afcon Soccer Semi-Finals, the Grand Prix at Silverstone.... the list goes on.
It was a thrilling weekend's sport, and it reminded me of how much sport is a part Address by Mr.W.Swart of our lives. We have much to learn from positive role models at the top of their game. It is important that we remember also that such success does not merely happen - it is the result of many many hours of practice, training, skills development, courage and sacrifice. Our boys are at the start of their development; they must take on board the effort required as outlined above, to enable a player, and a team, to be at the top of their game and to win the big moments. OLD BOY SHANE YOUNG (MATRIC 1983) VISITS THE SCHOOL
On Tuesday 16 July, Old Boy Shane Young visited the school, and addressed the boys briefly in assembly. I mention this because Mr Young is in education and was Head of Accounting at St David's Marist Inanda before moving overseas to Auckland where he is Deputy Headmaster at Westlake Boys' High School, a school of 2400 (!).
Mr Young played No. 8 for the 1983 1st XV Rugby; he said the reason he went into teaching was because of the impact his It was certainly heartening to teachers had on him at Parktown Boys. He mentioned his hear that the same core values Accounting teacher, Miss H Lubbe, and Mr J Nooy, his Afrikaans are being developed across teacher. He spoke of the excellent foundation he had received at thousands of kilometres. In Parktown Boys' High School. discussions with our Rugby staff it was also pleasing to hear that Mr Young went onto refer to the Parktown DNA and its focus on our coaching programmes are core values. He said this focus was mirrored at Westlake Boys very similar to the programmes where they had developed a 'Character Education' programme at Westlake Boys. It was very
across the school emphasising Effort, Commitment, Punctuality, good to have Mr Young with us
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TERM TWO REPORTS
On Friday the students received their Term 2 Reports. I have spoken to the boys at Assembly about reviewing their results, and getting back into school routines as soon as possible. In chatting to a number of boys since we've been back over the past two weeks, there has been the usual mix of boys pleased with their performance and others disappointed; I've had boys also saying they can't believe their careless errors; others saying they realise their preparation was not good enough. Staff feedback echoes this with staff indicating that the boys' comments were evident in the marking in some cases where the boys had clearly not prepared all sections of the work thoroughly. Help design the new Other boys have acknowledged that there are areas they now need to work on CENTENARY LION and are doing something about it. This is key: that the boys take responsibility for their learning. They need to take ownership of their performance and to ensure Submit your designs to they have a clear way forward. Mr Stippel Part of this is managing the examination period, something many juniors, in particular, are not good at. There were often junior boys who remained on campus after they had finished writing, and who did not use this time effectively, which has impacted negatively on their performance. The Staff, from their side, will have a clear idea of areas which need revision and reinforcement as we seek GENERAL NOTICES to ensure improved performance during Term Three and at the end of the year across all grades. In some subjects specific programmes will be driven at junior School starts promptly at 7:35. level. All late comers in the morning are to report to the DR Room. As I have mentioned previously, examination conditions demand different skills and cover more sections of work. Some students find this daunting, especially at Friday Detention - check the junior level where, for some straight out of primary school, this will have been a notice board outside Mr Van more intense set of examinations. Thus for many, their results will have dropped Zyl’s office. below their Term Mark assessments. Of course, these examinations serve as a wake-up call to all students in terms of the standards set by the School, and we House Tutor 14h00 - 16h00 shall certainly expect improved performances going forward and at the end of the Academic & year. It is by constantly demanding a higher level of performance from Grade 8 Late Comers 14h00 - 15h00 onwards that we are able to enjoy the sustained high levels of academic performance which we achieve at Matric level, our key exit point. School Shop - open daily Monday 9h00 - 14h15 Tuesday 9h00 - 14h00 Your sincerely Wednesday 9h00 - 13h15 Thursday 9h00 - 14h45
Malcolm Williams Friday 9h00 - 14h15 HEADMASTER 3 2{
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SPORT
During the June/ July Holidays Parktown Boys' High School was involved in the Interprovincial HOCKEY and Varsity Hockey Tournaments.
Under 18A - Michael Le Forestier which played in the A Section came 5th, the teamB being managed by Mr K. Reddy. Michael played very well and by all accounts was unlucky not to be selected in the SA School Boy Setup.
Under 18B - After many years this team finally regained its place in the A Section by winning their B Section Final. Cameron Le Forestier and Lungile Cebekhulu were integral members of the team. With Cameron scoring in the final against Northerns A, he would go on to be selectedF for the Under 17 National Setup. SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS Under 17A - Brandon Baadjies and Nicholas Catt were members of the Gold Medal Winning Southern Gauteng 17A team, conquering all who came before Dylan Knox was named “Man them. of the Tournament” and captained the U17B Hockey Under 17B - Dylan Knox played superb Hockey and unfortunately only won Side. Silver, losing to the 17A side in the final.
Under 16B - Coached by Kyle Reddy Congratulations to Cameron Le and David Bell, this B Team would hold its Forestier for making the U17 own in the A section, coming 9th. This SA Hockey Training Squad. team Iincluded Michael Bailey, Kellen Strydom, Mngulise Mkhulise and Taylor Smith. Under 16C - Kyle Naude and Jesse Thomas were members of the Silver Medal- winning team at their regional tournament, unfortunately falling victim to the D Team curse, losing in the final to the Southerns U16 D team, with school friend Cade Goodgall in the 16D side able to get one over his peers. 3 2{
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Under 14D - Dominic Stavrou, Mandla Ndhlovu, Keithon Thompson and Tsholofelo Mohojane were Silver Medallists as part of the U14 D side, beating the C side managed by Old Boy, John Henning, in the Semi Final and losing to Northern Free State A in the final.
And finally Goalkeeper Gift Moyo, U14, had penalty shootout heroics as he stopped KZN Inlands from scoring 3 of their 5 Penalties as the Southern Gauteng under 14 A side Vice-Captain guided his team to Gold in their tournament. Managed by James Furlonger, this side scored 27 and conceded 6 on their way to Gold!
Team Gauteng - Kadin Norval and Polite Ndlovu were members of the Team Gauteng represented at the Winter Games. They finished 4th out of the 9 official provinces taking part.
PBHS vs DHS
On Friday 12th July, we welcomed Durban High School to Parktown, with almost 300 DHS boys and 30 staff members looking forward to an action-packed sporting weekend.
On Friday afternoon, the Chess team took on their opponents with much gusto and won both junior and senior sections. The Cross Country juniors and seniors did us very proud by soon following suit, leaving the DHS athletes in their tracks and at a slight disadvantage with the altitude.
The hockey teams went into action at 15h30 with some exceptionally exciting games, while the hosting parents enjoyed a social bring and braai and enjoyed the action on the Astro below. Our thanks to the Hockey and Rugby sub-club organizing committees for their assistance in collating hosting numbers over the past few weeks as well as for their assistance on the day! A
most enjoyable evening was had, accompanied by the wonderful
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As is evident by the results, the seniors saw some fantastic, tightly-contested FINAL games throughout the weekend and special congratulations must go to the 1st SCOREBOARD XI, as well as the 1st and 2nd XV on their outstanding wins. Hockey Results: All games were played in the highest spirit of healthy schoolboy competition and sportsmanship and our players made us proud both on and off the field. Special 1st XI won 4-0 mention must also be made of our team of First Aiders, who had a busy weekend U16A lost 1-5 but managed each injury with calm professionalism and care. U15A won 6-1 The visiting players, parents and staff commended and expressed their gratitude U14A lost 0-7 to our School on every level, from the outstanding hospitality to boys simply U14B lost 0-1 extending a warm and friendly greeting at all times. We thank our parents, U14C drew 0-0 learners and staff for ensuring that we heard the Lion roar proudly in good spirit.
We look forward to visiting Durban High School next year as this relationship Rugby Results: between our two schools is further nurtured. 1st XV won 41-32 2nd XV won 38-22 U16A drew 19-19 U16B won 29-0 U15A lost 24-0 U15B lost 27-0 U15C lost 17-0 U14A lost 26-7 U14B lost 15-0 CULTURE U14C lost 31-10 U14D won 31-5
PUBLIC SPEAKING All students are encouraged The Oratory boys were invited to the Jeppe Boys' Public Speaking to participate in one Cultural Competition which was held on Tuesday the 16th of July. The Activity as there are a total schools that participated were Parktown Boys', Jeppe Boys' and of twelve Extra-curricular King Edward the VII. Activities to choose from. Our results were as follows:
Individual speakers Teams Matthew Thomson A+ Grade 10 B Thashlan Chetty A Grade 11 team 1 B Kago Motlhabane B Grade 11 team 2 B+
Phalo Mbangcolo B+ Grade 12 B+
Roohan Munir B 3 2{
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STUDENT AFFAIRS GIBS Spirit of Youth Programme
The school would like to congratulate Grade 11 learner HONOURS AWARDS and GIBS Spirit of Youth Ambassador, Hamza Patel, on his recent selection to AWARD OF THE HONOURS BLAZER TO MICHAEL GOLDSCHAGG represent this learner- The Honours Blazer was introduced at Parktown Boys' High School in 2010 by leadership programme as a the Headmaster at the time, Mr C Niemand, and has been awarded to six member of a distinguished deserving Parktonians on five previous occasions between 2010 and 2017. panel of selected speakers at the recently held ABSA Youth The daunting requirements for the Day celebrations. recipient of this prestigious award is that he should achieve Full Colours in Academics, Sport and Culture in his senior years at the school (Grade 11 and 12) and that he should wear the Honours Blazer with pride in, and commitment to, the ethos of Parktown Boys' High School.
It is with great pride and the acknowledgement of his success that the Honours Blazer was awarded to Michael Goldschagg at a Special Assembly held in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday 9 July. Michael received Full Colours in Academics, Full Colours for Tennis and Full Colours for his unstinting efforts and commitment to the school's Media Centre.
Michael has excelled academically throughout his time at Parktown It was indeed an honour to recognize and was awarded Full Colours for Michael's efforts in such celebratory Academics at the Academic Prize- fashion! His family were all gathered Discussing the topic, “Working giving in January this year. together on stage to share the special together to Build South He also achieved Full Colours for moment with their son, brother and Africa's Future”, Hamzah Tennis during the 2019 season and nephew and to afford him all the honour added valuable insights to the had already been awarded Full which he so justly deserved for his discussion and we are proud
Colours for his work in the Media contribution to Parktown Boys' High to have him represent the
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MATRIC DANCE
OUR MATRICS CONTRIBUTE TO A FINE MATRIC DANCE
This year's Matric Dance was held at the Fairways Hotel, Rand Park Golf Course. This new venue worked well, and there was the added benefit of the venue being closer to Parktown Boys' (compared to the Indaba Hotel).
The venue, tables and decor set a dignified tone, which was continued when our dashing young men of the 2019 Matric Group arrived with their glamorous partners on their arms, ready to enjoy the evening.
Once everyone had arrived and enjoyed a welcome drink, the Matrics moved into the venue after 'running the gauntlet' of VIP's, to whom they had to introduce their partners. It was a classy occasion, and I must commend the Matrics on their understanding that this was a special occasion, and more formal, and how they entered very positively into the spirit of things.
Our hosts had prepared a fine spread for us to enjoy, which ensured we were well looked after on the culinary front. Speeches were kept to a minimum, and the apt comments by Mr de Jong and Head Prefect Dean Fin added to the special nature of the occasion. Dean Fin opened the dance floor soon after, with an impressive waltz, perhaps not matched by everyone who then followed him onto the dance floor!
The positive informal interactions between our boys and the staff in attendance was also a plus. The success of the evening was also evident in that most of those present stayed and enjoyed themselves for the full duration of the evening.
A lot of work goes into such events beforehand and on the night. Our thanks to Ms E. Fourie, along with the support of Mr de Jong and Ms Watson, whose hard work paid off on the night and ensured our Matrics were able to enjoy an evening to remember. The contribution of the above-mentioned staff to this important Matric event is much appreciated. 3 2{
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EXCHANGE STUDENTS
At a recent assembly the MANDELA DAY following two exchange students were welcomed to the school: In celebration of Mandela Day, Deputy Headmaster: Student Affairs, Mr Swart called upon the learners and members of staff to heed former president Nelson Mandela's call to dedicate 67 minutes of their time in serving humanity.
“On Thursday, 18 July Nelson Mandela would have been 101 and to celebrate the icon's birthday, people across the world are called to action by using their individual power to change the world. The world knows that former president Nelson Mandela spent 67 years of his life making the world a better place for humanity and we are now all called upon to give 67 minutes of our time.
At his 90th birthday celebrations in London's Hyde Park in 2008, Nelson Mandela said: "It is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now.”
We cannot ignore this call of the greatest icon that has ever lived. It is important to recognise Nelson Mandela's values and his dedication to the service of humanity as well as acknowledge his contribution to the struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
The recognition and celebration of Mandela Day aims to serve as a global call to Eero Kakko is a Grade 11 action, for us to affirm our individual power, to make a difference and, in doing so, Rotary Youth Exchange help change the world around us for the better. Student from Finland and will be enrolled at the school until By devoting 67 minutes of our time, one minute for every year of Nelson 6 August (Host brother: Mandela's public service, we can take a small step towards solidarity with Bohlale Ntlhole, Grade 11A). humanity and the global movement for good. We must all take action, inspire change and attempt to make every day a Mandela Day. Adriel Paules is a Grade 8 informal exchange student from Spain and will be Former US president Bill Clinton said the core of Mandela's example was that enrolled at the school until 26 "the power of public good does not require public office, just a well-placed heart July (Host brother: Luke and a determined mind.” Madiba, as Nelson Mandela is affectionately known Ackers, Grade 8R). around the world, has taught us a myriad of life lessons and we all owe it to him to support his work and legacy by doing and living our own lives as best we can. The school wishes both of The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory reiterated that “Nelson Mandela did not them all the best as they want a legacy cast in copper, concrete or marble, no monuments or highways, Embark on their journey of but a living legacy of volunteerism and service.” interaction and self-discovery during their stay at the school
Therefore we have to do, serve, give and complete the journey towards complete and in South Africa. freedom by embarking on our own “long walk to freedom”. 3 2{
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To inspire change, here are a few examples of how we can honour Nelson Mandela's legacy on Mandela Day: - make a new friend or get to know someone from a different cultural background - read to someone including orphans, the blind and elderly - offer to tutor someone pick a subject that you're good at and help someone with their understanding of that subject - organise a WhatsApp group for you and your neighbours - be an advocate for the disabled and marginalised
In conclusion, I leave you with the following quote by Nelson Mandela:
“Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great; you can be that generation.”
HEART OF THE LION
On Friday members of the Heart of the Lion spent the morning with children at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital as part of the Mandela Day initiative. The boys were involved with: playing games; story telling; delivery of a special McDonalds breakfast and new pyjamas.
The boys had an amazing time surrounded by the amazing people who do such wonderful work at the hospital.
'There can be no greater gift than that of giving one's time and
energy to help others without expecting anything in return'
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OLD BOYS’ SPORTING ASSEMBLY FOCUS ACHIEVEMENTS USSA - The Wits First Team “ Life is like a piano - the whole keys represent happiness and Hockey coached by Ricky West the black ones represent sadness. When both keys are and Managed by Mr Kyle Reddy played together, it gives us the sweet music of Life.” came first in their tournament. Old Boy Brad Riley, Michal Address by Mr W Swart Marki, Thabang Modise and Brad Riley were in the Gold Medal winning team. Current first team coach Gareth Riley was an integral member as well. OLD BOYS
IN MEMORIAM: RAYMOND LOUW AND JACKIE MEKLER It is with sadness that we remember and celebrate two Alumni of Parktown Boys’ High School who made their mark in their particular areas of talent and interest. Both men provide fine examples to all of us currently a part of Parktown Boys.
RAYMOND LOUW (Class of 1943)
Raymond Louw was born on 13 October 1926 and matriculated from Parktown Boys' in 1943. He followed a career in journalism and became the editor of the Sunday Times in 1959 and thereafter the editor of the influential Rand Daily Mail newspaper in 1965.
He was an outspoken critic of the South African apartheid system since his advent into journalism. In 1989 he met the then-banned ANC in Lusaka (Zambia) and headed the Media Defence Trust, an organisation created to assist journalists who had unjustly been imprisoned or censored; he also became chairman of the New Era Schools' Trust which helped to establish non-racial schools in post-apartheid South Africa.
In 2007 he received the Mondi-Shanduka Newspaper Lifetime Raymond Louw (above) Achiever Award and in 2011 was awarded the International Press pictured during a conference.
Institute Award for his life-long campaign against journalistic
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President Cyril Ramaphosa made the following comment following Raymond Louw's death on 5 June 2019:
“With the passing of Raymond Louw, the country has lost a brave and principled journalist and a champion of press freedom. Throughout his illustrious career, he reminded us of the critical importance of the media's freedom to the health of our democracy.”
JACKIE MEKLER (Class of 1949) OLD BOY Jackie Mekler was born on 5 March 1932. He was a five-times Comrades 'Madosh’ Tambwe amongst Marathon winner and competed in this torturous ultra-distance running event the tries for the Lions on twelve occasions altogether. He ran his first Comrades Marathon in 1952, finishing 7th and in 1958 he won first place in this well-known athletics event. He went on to claim further victories in 1960 (when he broke the 6-hour record Michael 'Madosh’ Tambwe is an for the run), 1963, 1964 and 1968. He holds 10 Comrades Gold medals, 1 Old Boy (Matric 2016), who Silver medal and 1 Bronze medal. played Craven Week in his Grade 11 year and went on to play for the Jackie Mekler grew up in the Arcadia winning Lions U19 Currie Cup Orphanage in Parktown and attended team in his Grade 12 year. Parktown Boys' High School, where he matriculated in 1949. At the somewhat He was contracted to the Lions young age of 16, he joined Germiston Super Rugby franchise in 2016 Callies Harriers, to this day one of the most and went on to play on the left outstanding athletic clubs in South Africa. In wing in their 2017 and 2018 addition to his Comrades Marathon campaigns. Michael holds the achievements, he represented South Africa record for the quickest hat-trick of in numerous international long-distance tries in a Super Rugby match. athletic events: he earned a Silver medal at the Commonwealth Games (in Vancouver, He was kept out of Super Rugby in Canada, 1954) and in the same year held 2019 due to an ankle injury the world 50-mile record. He recently wrote sustained in the Lions Currie Cup a book, entitled “Running Alone”. campaign last year.
The chairperson of the Comrades He has recently been in good Marathon Association made the following form, scoring 4 tries in a great statement upon news of his death on come back by the Lions vs the 1 July 2019 : Pumas this past weekend. Michael will be ending his time at “Jackie Mekler was an absolute the Lions at the end of the Currie gentleman and a Comrades legend who Cup season; he has signed a new triumphed over adversity to live a humble contract with the Sharks for the and honourable life. He was a role model upcoming Super Rugby season,
and an inspiration to generations of and we wish him the best of luck in
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JOHNNY CLEGG: SOUTH AFRICA LOSES AN ICON OF SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND COHESION
With the passing of Johnny Clegg on Tuesday night, South Africa has lost an iconic figure who epitomised so much of the promise of our rainbow nation.
Through his unique cross- cultural, mixed Language brand of music which he developed along with his band members in Juluka and Savuka, he broke down social boundaries and stereotypes, and was always a champion of human rights. A humble person, Clegg Aattained national and Iinternational acclaim, with his song “Asimbonanga”, about Nelson Mandela while he was still in prison, one of the most popular struggle songs of the 1980's. We have much to learn from the legacy Jonny Clegg leaves as a nation-builder, a champion of human rights and
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