St David's Newsletter - 14 July 2017

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From the Desk of Nick Clogg - Deputy Headmaster: Academics

We have reached that time of the year when exam stress becomes a reality, especially for the Matrics who have also realised that there are very few academic days that remain. It is always interesting to observe the change in atmosphere in the corridors as we approach the exam session: some become quite reserved, some overly ‘talkative’ potentially to hide their fears or stressed, and others become excited because this is the arena in which they can now shine. Whatever the emotional reactions may be, everyone must have a plan in place. I would hope that this plan had been in place for a while and preparation began weeks ago! However, we must also consider that some boys will re-inforce that notion of procrastination of which men seem to be prone! If the latter is dominant, it is imperative that a ‘forced’ plan of action is put in place. Key to this plan of action is ensuring that the boys’ time is managed effectively: a rigorous twelve-hour-per-day revision programme is unwise and will escalate that sense of ‘unpreparedness’. An effective revision programme must target specific outcomes in relatively short sessions. These sessions must be interspersed with some form of exercise to allow for a disconnect. It is assumed that notes will be written down, practise will occur and importantly, past papers will be consulted. Equally important is that the boys focus specifically on the last couple of exams: too often boys ‘forget’ about these exams because they are positioned towards the end of the exam period, and thus there will be ‘lots’ of time to prepare for these exams. Exam fatigue is very real and unless the boys prepare for their last few exams first, this fatigue can overwhelm them.

In the College we have purposefully decreased the number of exams written and the length of these exams because we do not want to fall into the trap of over assessment. This assessment period is part of the academic journey which culminates in the final NSC exams in Grade 12. By the time the boys reach these final exams, we are confident that they are well-prepared to face any academic challenge thrown at them by the IEB. However, the journey before these final exams is vital. Our intention is to create some academic pressure that focuses the boys on continuing their development of work-ethic, time-management, organisational skills and tenacity. Each boy must set realistic goals for these exams, and reflect on these goals when they get back their results. This reflection must focus only on their results and not on the results of others: the boys are quick to compare their results with those of their peers as opposed to comparing their results with their own goals. The exam session should not be a competition with others but rather a check-point in each boy’s academic journey – this ‘competition’ ultimately must be with themselves.

This does not imply that we will not celebrate those who achieve excellent results during this assessment period - we will - but we will also celebrate all those who improve upon their set goals or previous exam results.

I wish everyone the best of luck for these exams and urge you to believe in the fact that if you are well-prepared, as in everything in life, expect to achieve pleasing results.

Click here to read: Mini Marist Prattle

COLLEGE NEWS AND SPORT

Awards Assembly - 07 July 2017

Congratulations to the following boys who were awarded their General Honours in assembly:

Gareth Bridges (Soccer, Leadership, Rugby)

Connor Davies (Orienteering, Canoeing, Cross Country)

Alastair Dunn (Academic, Leadership, Music)

Jason Farr (Swimming, Water Polo, Rugby)

Merrick Hughes (Academic, Leadership, Rugby)

Nicholas Minnie (Academic, Leadership, Rugby)

Nkosinathi Ngcobo (Soccer, Leadership, Cross Country, Music)

Thomas O’Donoghue (Water Polo, Leadership, Rugby)

Braydon Wooley (Basketball, Leadership, Rugby)

Best Speakers Evening

Best Speakers Evening results:

Seniors:
1st: Luke Rheeder, grade 11
2nd: Jordan Parker, grade 12
3rd: Keenan Heinzelmann, grade 11
Juniors:
1st: Kade kalell, grade 9
2nd: Brendan Craven, grade 9
3rd: Gerhard Human, grade 10

Provincial Hockey

Congratulations to four of our St David's Grade 12 boys who represented the U/18A Southern Gauteng team at the National IPT at Kearsney. The team won a bronze medal in the tournament.
Brady Matthews and Tomi Longwe were selected to the South African Schools U/18B Team.

From left to right:
Brady Matthews, Tomi Longwe, Rupert Hartmann and Brynn Hunink

Canoeing

Congratulations to Peter Tumiel who has completed one of the many requirements in terms of working towards his colours for canoeing.
Peter completed his third river this term. On Saturday 9^th he entered and completed the Klip River, where he and his paddling partner finished second in their category. The water was low, which resulted in many mishaps for a few, while Peter safely negotiated his way to the end.

COLLEGE WEEK AHEAD

COLLEGE RESULTS

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PREP NEWS & SPORT

GRADE 4-6 RETREATS

Every year the Grade 4-6 learners are given an opportunity to participate in a retreat, a special time when the boys have a chance to become closer to God. This year the retreats were held at the St Martin de Porres Catholic Church in Craighall. The theme of each retreat was “Finding Jesus” in prayer, forgiveness, in others and in spreading the word about Him.
This year’s retreats were different from previous ones as the boys were divided into smaller groups to enable the boys to interact with the leader of each group. These leaders are all university students who have grown in their own faith and are keen to share their journey with the boys.
The boys had an opportunity to be creative and enjoy the day, outdoors and indoors. They were given some practical ideas on how to pray, how to ask forgiveness, how to tell their friends about Jesus but, most importantly, how to spend time with Jesus in meditation.
Each retreat ended with Mass which was said by Fr Teboho in the Parish church. The boys enjoyed the morning and hopefully, will put into practise some of things they have learnt.

JP Interhouse Soccer

Wednesday 12^th July saw the Junior Primary Inter House soccer take place. It was a fantastic event with boy from Grade 0 right through to Grade 3 representing their houses. The aim of inter house events is to foster house spirit, which was evident in abundance thanks to the efforts of many of the staff and Grade 7 boys as they managed the youngsters through the afternoon. The scores and points from this event will be added to the Senior Primary inter house scores on the 22^nd July to come up with an overall winner for the inter house soccer. Thanks to all the parents for their continued support and to all the staff for their huge efforts in making the event a success.

GARETH KOLKENBECK–RUH

UPCOMING EVENTS

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REFLECTION FOR THE WEEK

YOU ARE EXALTED AND GLORIFIED ABOVE ALL ELSE FOR EVER

Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the merciful Father, the God from whom all help comes. He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help those who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.

Fr Teboho Matseke

LITURGICAL
Sunday 16 July - 15th Sunday of the Year
Rom 8, 18-23
Mt 13, 1-23

2017 SWOP SHOP TIMES
Day		Time
Monday		07:15 - 08:30
Tuesday		13:00 - 15:00
Wednesday		07:15 - 08:30
Thursday		07:15 - 08:30

ST DAVID’S MARIST INANDA 2017 CALENDAR

TERM 1
Start	Wednesday 18 January
Close	Saturday 8 April (After sport)
Half Term	CLOSE	Thursday 23 February (After school)
	RETURN	Tuesday 28 February
School and Public Holidays	Monday 20 March (School Holiday)
	Tuesday 21 March (Human Rights Day)

TERM 2
Start	Wednesday 3 May
Close	Friday 4 August
Half Term	CLOSE	Friday 23 June
	RETURN	Monday 3 July
Public Holiday	Friday 16 June (Youth Day)

TERM 3
Start	Tuesday 5 September
Close	Tuesday 5 December
Half Term	CLOSE	Thursday 19 October (After school)
	RETURN	Tuesday 24 October
Public Holiday	Sunday 24 September (Heritage Day)
	Monday 25 September (Public Holiday)

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