St Johns Preparatory School

St Johns Preparatory School Houghton Tel: 011 645 3100/ 087 550473 12 April 2013 Newsletter Number 4

From the Headmaster

Take a break. Sometimes you need to stop, take a deep breath, and empty your head. Haruki Murakami, 1Q84 I cannot quite believe that the first term is almost at a close it certainly has been an incredibly busy term for boys, staff and parents alike. Weve had assessments in every subject, cricket matches, water polo matches, basketball matches, Chatterbox, camps, many hours of community service, a magnificent Supper and Song, a successful athletics season and ending with a glorious Inter-House Athletics Day last Saturday. Staff have attended numerous conferences and workshops, completed the IQAA evaluation process and contributed to the success of another fantastic Easter Rugby Festival. I have entertained so many deserving boys for a 4CT that I have almost lost count. Looking back, I am not quite sure where or when we had time to fit all of the above into our normal school life during these past 13 weeks, but we did; and I congratulate and thank everyone who gave of their time and supported us and the boys to achieve this. Next term will be equally busy, so now is the time to relax, enjoy the break from packing lunch boxes or finding parking first thing in the morning, from discovering that your boy has a project to hand in the next morning or needs six loo rolls for D&T - and all of this while trying to manage your own job. As a parent myself I know all too well the stresses that test us on a daily basis, even though we do our utmost to avoid them.

Reminders from the Diary

12/04 07/05 20/05 21/05 22/05 23/05

Break Up for Easter Holidays School Begins Let The Children Sing Parents Information Evening Let The Children Sing Let The Children Sing

So during the next few weeks, I would urge you all just to enjoy the break and relax so you can enjoy the time you have with your son. Whether you are going away or staying here in Johannesburg, make time and engage with him whether it is simply going to the movies, a picnic at the dam, visiting the Planetarium or kicking a ball around these are the priceless memories that are forged and remembered by your son in his adult life and can never be replaced. Remember, there is no meeting or appointment more important than your son. You can always organise another meeting, but an opportunity missed with him is gone forever and boys do grow up so quickly.

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In our household, we normally try and make a list of things that we would like to do in the holidays. Some may cost money, some may not all realistic in terms of being able to be achieved and all wanted by one or all of my children. Everyone gets to choose one thing that they would like to add to the list, and having a varied age range in the family, it sometimes makes for interesting reading! It may be a round of golf, listening to music that my daughter loves and we loathe, a sleep over, cooking a meal together, going up to the nets, playing a card game, going out for coffee and a milkshake, creating a vegetable garden or painting nails (not myself of course nor my boys!). There is something on the list that will make each member of our family happy. So to close, I wish you all a wonderful holiday and I look forward to seeing you all at the start of the Trinity Term and to hearing all about your and your sons various happy holiday encounters, adventures and tales. True happiness arises, in the first place, from the enjoyment of one's self, and in the next, from the friendship and conversation of a few select companions. Joseph Addison Patrick Lees Headmaster

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IBSC Action Research Programme 2012/2013: Fostering creativity in boys through their use of digital technologies The International Boys Schools Coalition (IBSC) initiated the programme of Action Research in Boys' Schools in 2005. Each year, teachers from around the world apply to be part of this programme, and work collaboratively online for a year, on a particular topic. Their findings are presented at the annual IBSC Conference. Last year the conference was held in Melbourne; this year it is being hosted by St Christophers School in Richmond, Virginia. Expert Geoffrey Mills (in Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher (2nd edition), explains that: Action research is any systematic inquiry conducted by teacher researchers, principals to gather information about how their particular schools operate, how they teach, and how well their students learn. This information is gathered with the goals of gaining insight, developing reflective practice, effecting positive changes in the school environment (and on educational practice in general), and improving student outcomes and the lives of those involved.

Look Think Act Reflect

This year, the global team has been researching ways in which boys creativity might be enhanced through the use of digital technologies. There are 45 global participants, divided into three online teams. My team members include: Ben Marr (Scotch College, Melbourne); Ian Fisher and Christina Braid (Crescent School, Toronto); Peta Gresham (Kings School, Sydney); Peter Holt (Dr Challoners Grammar School, UK); Erica Sprules (Sterling Hall, Toronto); Bruce Collins (St Albans, Pretoria); Andrew Katz (Roxbury Latin School, Boston); Patrice Dixon (St Georges, Vancouver); James Balmer (Fairfield Country Day School, USA); Stephen Feldman (Belmont Hill School, Massachusetts) and Nathan Staas (Barker College, Sydney).

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Their projects range from using Gamemaker software to enhance problem-solving skills; using digital story telling tools to facilitate creative writing; using various mobile and tablet technologies in creative design processes and music composition; and using software to develop integrative thinking skills; to using a variety of online programmes to facilitate French teaching. The team works collaboratively online over a period of a year, sharing their findings and holding discussions on this Google site:

The projects are nearing an end now and team members will each submit a 5000 word research paper next week, for publication by the IBSC. I am looking forward to editing these 12 papers and I know I will be learning a great deal along the way as I work through them. No doubt there will be much of interest to share with our staff next term! Margot Long Email: longma@stjohnscollege.co.za Note: Examples of reports by previous action research teams can be found on the IBSC website: http://www.theibsc.org/page.cfm?p=285

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Athletics Season 2013

The athletics season this year has been an interrupted one. The duration of the season was very short and the first meeting against St Benedicts was cancelled due to bad weather. Our tabloids afternoon was also cut short as the new lightning warning system sent us off the field. We used the morning lessons to focus on teaching the skills required for the different events. This means that each boy was given the opportunity to participate in all the track and field events. During the afternoon lessons, the coaches were set at different stations and the boys were given the opportunity to go to any of the events in which they wanted to improve. The boys could practise, improve their times and distances, and also challenge for a place in the team. We successfully competed with the likes of St Peters, St Davids and Pridwin. Our teams out-performed all these teams in the A and B field events, with high jump and shot put being our strongest events in all age groups. We were equally matched with all the other schools in the track events. We ended off our season with a very successful Inter-House Meeting on Saturday 6 April. Well done to all our St Johns boys on a fantastic athletics season! Mr Joe Xaba MIC Athletics xaba@stjohnscollege.co.za

4CTea 2013
Outstanding Manners to a Parent Donato Moodie Excellent History Assessment Max Mukami Andi Qu

Outstanding isiZulu Assessment Chilima Nkanza Zaydan Moti Max Mukami nTando Brummer Watipa Chitondo Miles Li

Won both Chess Matches Khavish Govind

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The UII boys have been studying Ancient Egypt. Here they are showing off their own Ancient Egyptian artifacts.

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There once was a boy named Brian Who had a mishap with the iron Whilst ironing his sock He got quite a shock Poor Brian he ended up dying

There once was a crazy young wolf Who had a great father named Poof The unfortunate father Fell head first through lava And that was the end of old Poof

Limerick by Spencer Clarke Limerick by Graeme Gush

There once was a guy named Mike Who had a really big red bike The bike got sold For two tons of gold And that was the story of Mike

There once was a cow named Pilk Now he liked to drink his own milk One day he drank himself dry Then he had to eat pie And that was the end of his milk

Limerick by Nicholas Papadakis

Limerick by Taylor Williamson

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I Am Poems

By Timothy Martin

By Reece Wilford By Dexter Harding

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By Nicholas Papadakis

By Henry Rochester

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What My Friends Think Of Me

By Keagan Lion-Cachet

By Matthew Chow

By Nick Koutromanos

By Darren Lowery

By Alex Barrow

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Cricket
In the Michaelmas Term later this year, over half-term, twelve of our boys will represent the U11B cricket team at the inaugural Beaulieu Preparatory 20/20 Cricket Tournament. Pool fixtures will be played on Friday 25th October and the play-off fixture will take place on Saturday 26th October. This will be followed by a prize giving and awards ceremony. The squad will be finalized by Monday 14th October and further details will be provided to the parents of the selected boys. We look forward to participating in this exciting initiative. Sean Logan MIC Cricket

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Cricket U10B vs Norwood Primary

Ben Macqueen and Corijn Van De Loosdrecht The opening batsmen for the 2nd XI vs The Ridge

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A victorious 2nd XI vs The Ridge on Pre-Prep Field

U10A Cricket Team before departing for an away fixture

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U11A Cricket Team

3rd XI before departing for an away fixture

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Farewell to Ms Maitland

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Kloofwaters Camp 2013

This years camp was very different in many ways. It was the first time in my life that I came down with a very strange and unwanted illness called Home Sickness. At first I was fine but then I started to feel sad. This years camp was longer than ever before! 5 days. I felt sad at night and I missed my mum. This didnt stop me having tons of fun during the day though. I loved our day visit to Maretlwane. We jumped off high rocks into clear water pools with a waterfall. We met Mr Nic and saw his house. Another different experience during this camp was being able to sleep outside under the stars. We saw bats and listened to the sounds of the night. It was awesome.

By Ethan Berriman

The Upper IIs arrived at Kloofwaters by bus and spent 4 nights there. Some of the fun things that we did was a river challenge where we were tied together by rope and walked through a river. We also had to build our own shelter and spend the night in it. My favourite part of the trip was the hike up to the kloof and we abseiled down on a steep slope. We also visited Maretlwane and jumped off a 5 metre high ledge into a pool of water below. I cant wait to go back next year for more fun in the bush!

By Alex Wiltshire

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St Johns Preparatory School

Individual Achievements Karate

Well done to Nicholas Koutromanos, Dino Koutromanos, Matthew Chow, and Matteo Paparella, who all passed their Karate gradings!

Soccer
Dino Iozzo has been selected for the Olympia U13 Football Team which will compete in Lloret De Mar, Costa Brava Spain. Well done, Dino!

Swimming
Peter Buckle competed in the SSA Regional Gala in Pretoria this weekend. There were 62 clubs and about 1000 swimmers taking part. His results were as follows: 100m freestyle - 2nd, 50m freestyle - 1st, 50m back - 1st, 100m fly - 3rd, 200m IM 4th, 50m breast - 5th, 400m free relay - placed 5th out of 12 in U12 age group 200m free relay, placed 4th out of 14 in U12 age group. Well done, Peter!

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UI Grandparents Tea
The Upper I boys didn't realize how much fun could be had doing History, while at the same time delighting their grandparents. They had to interview either their granny or grandpa and enjoyed finding out, for example, where they went to primary school, who was their first date and what is their oldest possession. The boys then presented their findings in the form of a poster and a speech to their grandparents. It was quite evident how the grannies and grandpas really enjoyed listening to and watching their grandsons in action. This was followed by a cup of tea and an opportunity for them to express their gratitude and appreciation for a wonderful morning spent at the school.

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Easter Egg Raffle

The giant Easter egg very kindly donated by Mrs Bollini raised R8645 for the KES lightning fund.

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3rd Prize Mrs Rimmer

2nd Prize Timothy Milton

And the winner is Carl Leathwhite

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St Johns Lost Property - Before and After!

Despite the big improvement in the Lost Property the number of items that are not marked continues to be a problem. We once again appeal to the boys and parents to ensure that all items are marked. This facilitates the return of lost items and also makes the managing of the process much easier.

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Renowned British author

Author of the bestselling teen spy series Alex Rider, the humorous detective series Diamond Brothers, the spine-chilling Power of Five books and his brilliantly adapted series of myth and legends will be addressing the boys of the Prep and signing copies of his books.

Date: 23 May 2013 from 9am Where: Rene England Hall, St Johns College Contact: sulter@stjohnscollege.co.za

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Notices
iCare
Whilst we hope and anticipate that all boys will feel able to approach their teachers or a member of staff should they feel that something is wrong, we understand that this will not always be the case. Some boys may feel unsure of how to approach a staff member or unsure of what they should say. For this reason we are continuing to use the iCare box, which is now located in Mrs Powells office. We also have an electronic version where boys can contact the Pastoral Care Team at iCare@stjohnscollege.co.za. The Pastoral Care team is hoping that the boys make use of these initiatives to highlight anything that they CARE about at St Johns Prep.

The aim is to provide the boys with an alternative avenue to voice their feelings around whatever may be on their minds. This extends beyond the reporting of just peer difficulties (such as bullying) the aim is to further enhance the quality of the St Johns experience. All notes placed in the box or sent via email will be treated confidentially and actions instituted where possible.

We ask that you encourage your son to make use of the iCare initiative so that we can make his day all that he hopes it can be. Hugo Meirim meirim@stjohnscollege.co.za

AFRIKAANS TUITION Is your son struggling to communicate in Afrikaans or having difficulty mastering the basics of the language (oral or written)? I am qualified to assist in both of the above areas and would be available to provide the necessary tuition between 15:00 and 18:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at St Johns Preparatory. Tuition will be provided on either a one-to-one basis or in group situations, lessons will last for an hour. Progress will be regularly monitored and pupils will be expected to perform certain tasks and complete basic written assignments. Tuition fees for individual lessons are R250 per hour and R150 per hour for group sessions. Should you be interested in the above, my contact details are as follows: Graham Carroll Tel : 011 534 1224 Fax : 011 534 1225 Cell : 076 858 9420

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Notices
Art club and extra classes
From the beginning of next term, Mr Poco is starting an Art Club (for LIII and UIII boys) and extra art classes for junior boys. Senior boys are encouraged to join the Art Club on Tuesdays from 14h00 -15h00 or Thursdays from 15h00-16h00. Juniors may arrange extra art lessons with Mr Poco at alternative times and on alternative days. We hope to see the senior boys joining the Art Club to create various exciting art works with mediums they do not normally use in class, such as print making, photography, oil painting and many more. This will be a fantastic opportunity for any boy who wishes to develop his art skills. For further information e-mail Bruno Poco on poco@stjohnscollege.co.za

Italian Language Lessons

Small age appropriate classes and individual tuition offered outside school hours at St Johns. Experienced mother-tongue graduate teacher using communicative method of conversation, maintaining cultural ties for solid IEB foundation. Contact Lisabetta on 082 682 2859 or Lisabetta@iafrica.com

EXTRA MATHS LESSONS

Lower III & Upper III boys in Mrs De Langes classroom Every Thursday 14h00 - 15h00 (Teacher recommendation only)

Shop At St Johns College New opening times from 28th January 2013
Tuesday and Thursday: 7am to 3pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10am to 3pm For stationery and labels, as well as all your sports clothes, jerseys, bags and socks

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Wise words from Mr Mack Playing the game. Say to yourself:-

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When Neils bowling, were all bowling. When Neils bowling, we are his arms, legs, his toenails and feet. When Neil gets a wicket, we all have a wicket. When he does, pat yourself on the back, clap your hands and say: Well done, Neil for I am heart of Neils heart. And so it is with fielding and batting. Do the same for yourself and for every player in your team. Dont say to yourself: When will I get a turn to bat or bowl? Your turn will come. When it does, remember: there are ten other hearts beating in mine, loving me, trusting me, and believing in me, never criticizing me. Remember:- in our team, we are all important, there are Everest, to be climbed but the most important player is the one who bats last, scores the last run; bowls last; takes the last wicket; takes the last catch; secures the last run out. Say to yourself; If I am ever dropped from the team, it really, really doesnt matter. Im still part of St Johns. Ill find my way back. Play hard to win; but dont think about winning, dont think about losing. Think about one thing: this one ball right now. This ball I am facing (if Im batting). This one ball I am bowling. This one ball I, or someone else, is fielding. Back up your team-mates, your fellow batsman, your bowler, your fielders. One ball at a time. Play one ball at a time. Enjoy the game; love it. P raise your team-mates; encourage your team-mates; make them better than they are. Respect and recognise your opponents. future. They are your comrades and friends of the

Dont just give your best. Give all of yourself. Give more than your best. If you get bowled out for a duck, say to yourself: I can still win this game by stopping one run, by taking a catch or even with a run out. Never, never give up. If we ever lose a game, so what! Say to yourself: It was like falling asleep. Well wake up tomorrow. Say to yourself, and dont ever forget it: My coach says I am a wonderful player in a wonderful team at a wonderful school. Finally, dont ask who wrote these words for the writer of these words is the goodness and worth singing in your hearts. Neils and every boys coach at St Johns