From the Desk of Nick Clogg - College Deputy Headmaster: Academics
We have reached that time of the year when many ‘lasts’ become the order of the day. The Grade 12s, in particular, will be filled with many mixed emotions as all these ‘lasts’ gain momentum. As educators we can pin-point fairly accurately that time in the year when the Grade 12s have had enough of school: they are desperate to experience the world without school rules, fixed routines and incessant adult nagging. Ironically this desire to get to the ‘other side’ is shortly lived especially when the demands of the ‘real’ world dissipate the emotional excitement of actually being in it. For some however, the concept of leaving school is daunting especially since there are so many unknowns. Irrespective of which emotions dominate, I hope sincerely that the Grade 12s will take a little time to reflect on their own educational journey and possibly realise how privileged they have been and how lucky they are to have experienced such a wonderful education. Without doubt all the Grade 12s have been offered the opportunity to be in a position whereby the world’s challenges are easily within their grip. In addition, I would hope that through this reflection process they will internalise what the teachers of St David’s have meant to each one of them.
Recently I came across this article by Dr Steele, an internationally recognised educationist with much foresight. In the article below, he expresses his views of what great teachers know about kids. When I read this, I specifically cross-referenced his insight with the teachers we have at St David’s. With hesitation, I can write confidently that this is what all of the teachers at St David’s strive to achieve every day:
“It's about the kids. It's always about the kids. Some kids act apathetic. It’s an act. Every kid cares about something… and great teachers try to figure out what it is. Some kids come to school ready to learn… and some not so much. Great teachers come to school ready to make a difference with all of them. Kids are much more likely to remember how you taught than what you taught. Classroom management is not about having the right rules FOR kids… it’s about having the right relationships WITH kids. Kids sometimes do stupid stuff in class, but great teachers don’t sweat the shenanigans. They’re too busy teaching and building relationships. The kids might not remember how much work you put into your class. But they will always remember how much heart you put into your class. It’s quite possible that the kids you like the least, are the ones who need you the most. Kids don’t usually remember lessons for a long time. But they remember kindness… and humor… and joy. Great teachers have those qualities in spades. Kids don’t gravitate to subjects… they gravitate to teachers. Great teachers know that when they show up to work… happy to be there, they’ve significantly increased the likelihood that the students will have a great day. As a rule of thumb, kids like the teachers who really like them. So it’s kind of important to like the kids. Some kids are a bright spot in their teacher's day. And some kids need a teacher to be a bright spot in their day. Some kids are nervous about going to school. Great teachers understand that a smile, a high five, or a quiet conversation can change the trajectory of a kid's bad day. Kids are not complicated. They like to feel supported, encouraged, and valued -- same as teachers. It’s good to know the content. It’s great to know the pedagogy. It’s imperative to know the kids. The best teachers never forgot what it was like to be a kid. Teachers did not get into education to raise test scores… but to make a difference in the lives of kids. And that makes them heroes!” (http://www.steelethoughts.com/2017/06/what-great-teachers-know-about-kids.html)
COLLEGE NEWS AND SPORT
Grade 8 First Aid Programme
As part of the Grade 8’s extension week, they were divided into their Houses and participated in an History excursion and debate and took part in a Basic First Aid and CPR Course. The Basic First Aid and CPR Course was facilitated by Sister Heather and included management of common medical conditions like Asthma and seizures, and injury emergencies like broken bones and bleeding. The course included practical training in wound and injury management and taking care of the patient. The boys participated with enthusiasm and were very proud to receive their certificates at the end of the course.
The St David’s PTA views its role primarily as a FUNraising committee, and we’re really happy with how this year’s Nite Fever played out. It was a revival of the brand after a Jubilee-inspired hiatus in 2016, and while there are definitely lessons to be learned, we loved that NiteFever 2017 was a wonderfully FUN celebration of our community…by our community!
We welcomed more than 2500 people on a magical September evening, with the weather playing along beautifully to be the perfect backdrop to loads of activities and family fun. The Mzansi Youth Choir was exceptional, the St David’s Music Department so very impressive, and Locnville had the crowds dancing to the end, with a lot of moms and dads showing the children just how to party…
As a PTA, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone at the school who gave up their time to have everything on the property ready for NiteFever, most particularly to the marketing team who worked so hard to drive ticket sales. Thanks also to the vendors and performers who made the evening so memorable, and to all the parents who helped with (wo)manning the gates. The Matric Dance Committee did an outstanding job of providing LUMO gear for the kids and the Prosecco Bar for the adults along with the newly established Water Polo Circle selling thirst quenching gin & tonic's at the Gin bar.
Last, but certainly not least, our thanks go to all the families that joined us for a wonderful evening of fun, catching up with friends, and building the St David’s community.
The Grade 3s were kept entertained and informed by the staff of Eduvet on Wednesday this week.
Hooked on Books
If books open the doors to learning, then Hooked on Books provides the key! Prep school boys were introduced to age appropriate books through interactive drama and stimulating performances. This is where learning and enjoyment meet!
Zimbabwe Cricket Tour
PREP WEEK AHEAD
Saturday
30 September
First Holy Communion Retreat
Sunday
01 October
Frist Holy Communion Mass at 09:00
Tuesday
03 October
Survivor’s assembly
Wednesday
04 October
FAMSA presentation to boys (day 1)
Thursday
05 October
FAMSA presentation to boys (day 2)
Junior prep Cultural Evening at 17:00
Friday
06 October
Rick Wilson Water polo festival
Saturday
07 October
Grade 0 camp out
Family Mass at 17:30
LITURGICAL Sunday 01 October- 26th Sunday of the Year
Ps 25, 4-9
Mt 21, 28-32
