Term 1 in Pictures
2014
From the Principal’s Desk At the start of this year, we decided that our theme for 2014 would be “THINK KID”.
experiences a little Faith, Humanity and Courage is needed.
This is to remind us all that we are in the business of children and that it should always remain our primary focus. As safety is always paramount when dealing with children, we have had guest speakers in to talk to our children about seatbelt safety and general safety in cars.
We were once again reminded at our Easter service of the spirit of community that binds all that we do at Epworth.
We hope the “Think Kid” theme will help all involved in the lives of our children remember that their education for life is our priority. The end to the first term has come quickly and it feels like only yesterday that we saw the excited faces of our children as they arrived for their first day of 2014. Faces that expressed hope, joy and the expectation of wonderful things to come. They surely were not disappointed and have experienced a full and diverse term. Epworth continues to produce an amazing environment for children to learn in and develop a love for knowledge. We have gone from learning to read, write, dive and swim to watching chickens hatch and caring for ourselves and others. In true Epworth fashion, this was grounded in our motto: Fida, Humana, Fortis. For each of these learning
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families a safe and blessed Easter time together. Fida Humana Fortis Reynard White
Prep School Parents’ Association
Pictured above are the members of the 2014 Prep School Parents’ Association. Not present: Prudence Masuku, Lyall du Toit, Stef Roux and Gia Bromfield. Portfolios: Chairman: Sharryn Middleton Secretary: Karen Rushton Treasurer: Sally Fuhri Board Representative: Cornelia Mchunu
Achievements Epworth dominates KZN Canoe Sprints
Dusi champion shares some paddling tips
Epworth’s dominance of the paddling scene was highlighted at the recent KZN Canoe Sprint Championships held at Nagle Dam on the weekend of 22/23 March. Over 20 Prep School pupils participated in the event, with many of them ending up on the podium. It was especially encouraging to see youngsters, Cohen Murray and Jodie Fuhri, excel in so many of the U10 events.
Aspirant paddlers in the Prep School were treated to a coaching session by 2014 Dusi winner and Epworthian, Robyn Kime. Pictured at Camps Drift are (from left): Catherine Risk, Siana Middleton, Robyn Kime, Tafadzwa Mutomba, Mark Roux, Philip Schutte, Amahle Khumalo
Supporting CHOC All the Prep School children who participated in the KZN Sprints
U10 paddler, Cohen Murray, paddling his way to victory
On the podium (from left): Alexandra Risk, Julia Bertling–Roodt & Jodie Fuhri
On Valentines Day, the Prep School held a civvies day in support of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation of South Africa and raised close to R4000. To add to the day, cancer survivor and Grade 7 pupil, Jessica Anderson, presented her story of “Faith, Hope and Love” about her struggle with kidney cancer. Ironically, it was nine years - to the day - that Jessica was first diagnosed with this dreaded disease. She was assisted in her presentation by her best friends, Hayley and Kimberley. At the end, Jessica thanked everyone for supporting the day and said, “It is so great that today we as a school could have a civvies day and raise money for CHOC so they can continue to do the amazing work that they do to help these families in need.” Jessica Anderson (centre) with her friends, Hayley (left) and Kimberley (right)
Events & Features Celebrating a milestone - First day at big school
Interhouse Gala The annual Interhouse Gala provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to contribute points to their houses, either by participating in one of the many swimming events or by displaying great spirit and cheering from the side of the pool.
Enthusiastic Grade 1 pupils pictured on their first day at school. Above (from left): Shannon Atwell; Mikaela Sprunt; Rebecca Rowe; Rebecca Price; Erin van Rooyen; Abbey Hackland. Below (from left): Nceba Christian, Rowen Rajah and Veer Premchand
Rhodes (pictured above) took first place in the gala by winning the most points for their house and Buxton (below) won the Spirit Cup
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Below: Priya Singh spending time with her son, Sid, on Moms’ Night which gives moms the chance to find out what their children do at school.
Very fun teacher who doesn’t shout loud & never gets cross
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Above: Enjoying Dads’ Night are (left) Alexis Davies and her father, Gareth with Nitika Simmers and her dad, Dale (whose wife just gave birth to twin boys)
Events & Features Epworth pulls off another successful Mudman
Demonstration galas
“Everything seemed to be very slick this year” sums up this year’s Mudman held on 2 March at Albert Falls dam. Once again, the Mudman committee did themselves proud by ensuring that every single aspect of the event was top class. “Without these hardworking people who each take on a portfolio and run with it, we would not be able to host such an awesome event that has grown from humble beginnings 11 years ago,” said Gavin DundasStarr. Also integral to the success of the event were the Epworth staff, high school girls and parents.
Pupils in Grades R, 1 and 2 all displayed their swimming and sporting talents in demonstration galas held especially for parents to observe how their children are taught and how they have progressed.
The total number of entrants - 1440 - was up on last year’s figure by 6.5% and a profit of R265 000 was made which will be spent on projects benefiting the whole school. Dundas-Starr is confident his team will continue to grow and improve the event and is encouraged by positive comments from participants such as, “This is the best event I have been to in the last 12 months.” Sally Fuhri (left), Sharryn Middleton (right) and Gavin Dundas-Starr are to be commended on their great leadership and dedication to the Mudman event.
Grade R girls practice their skills before venturing into the pool
Grade R boys looking cool and collected in between some of their activities. From left: Rohan Khan, Ethan van der Merwe, Tristan Padayachee and Lwandle Dlwati
The Mudskippers get out of their starting blocks Mr White assists some Grade 1’s with their diving skills
Events & Features Grade 5 creative writing project
Growing music at Epworth
This term, the Grade 5’s studied mini beasts (invertebrates) in their Natural Science class. As a creative writing and computer lesson they were tasked with writing a short story, aimed at Grade 1’s, about an invertebrate of their choice. They devised a pamphlet on the computer, with pictures and text, and then printed it out. Each Grade 5 then read their own story to a Grade 1 child in the outdoor classroom.
Music at Epworth is going from strength to strength with the acquisition of a variety of new instruments. Over the past five months, the school has acquired six new pianos which have replaced some very old instruments which had passed their sell-by-date. There is already a noticeable improvement in some of the piano pupils’ enthusiasm for the instrument.
Grade 5 pupil, Hannah Govender, reads her story to Thato Masondo
Grade 1 pupil, Hannah van Deventer, listens intently to Bhavin Hulloowan’s story, “The Naughty Fly”
In addition, the school has bought five alto saxophones, five clarinets, five flutes, five half-size violins, and two additional half-size cellos for the Prep School. All these instruments are available for hire. “Consequently, there has been an increase in the number of pupils learning these instruments, which, in time will facilitate the expansion of the ensemble programme and grow the numbers of pupils in the High School taking Music as a matriculation subject,” said Head of Music, Mr David Orr. Saxophone teacher, Mr Jeff Judge, introduces some of the new instruments to the Prep School children
Grade 7 pupil, Charlotte Gearing, tries her hand at playing the saxophone under the expert guidance of Mr Jeff Judge, who teaches saxophone to all the Epworth pupils
Events & Features Grade 7 girls have some fun in the High School
among other things, emphasised the importance of “treating others as you would like them to treat you.” The presenters left “manners bands” with the teachers for them to hand out to the pupils to remind them of what they had learned.
Visiting Epworth from Unakekelo Crèche
The Grade 7 Fun Afternoon was organised by the Marketing department to give the girls a “taste” of the High School and for them to engage in some out-of-the ordinary fun activities. After tea and a brief presentation by Mrs Klug, the Sports department treated them to an “Amazing Race” activity. This was followed by the decorating of cup cakes, expertly co-ordinated by Mrs Kidd in Consumer Studies and a contemporary dance session led by Mrs de Villiers.
Educational fun in the Pre-primary
Educate and Fascinate entertained the pupils in the Pre -primary with their show “Manners and Bullies” which,
Pictured above is Phumelele Majola from Unakekelo crèche who recently spent two days observing at the Pre-Primary School. Last year’s Grade 7 100 km relay run raised funds to support Phumelele’s studies to become an Early Childhood Development Educator. She will be starting her course in April.
Learning the meaning of history As part of a “Growth” theme, the Grade 3’s learnt all about history as it relates to family. They all had to bring old objects and artefacts from home that reminded them of their personal history. Together with the assistance of Librarian, Cynthia Koopman, the children created a display of the items in the library and produced signs, using the computer, to go with their display. It was interesting to see what the children viewed as “old”. On one hand, mom’s t-shirt from Australia that she had kept for four years was considered old while another child brought an oil lamp that was made in 1780. Of particular interest was a Norwegian flag brought in by Jennifer Hellman. The flag belonged to her great-great grandfather, Roald
Events & Features
Meet the New Staff
Amudsen, who was leader of the first expedition to reach the South Pole on 14 December 1911.
Anton Immelman - Head of Sport
Grade 3’s posing next to their display in the Library: (from left) Njubulo Kunene, Shivalya Govender, Toby Nuttall, Arav Roopchand and Lexie Risk
Easter egg drive Once again, the whole school Easter egg drive was very successful with 18 900 eggs collected - A new record! The Interact Club members dropped off Easter eggs for the pupils of Nichols Primary in Edendale. The school also donated eggs to Youth For Christ and to the Reach Out Foundation that looks after the France settlement just outside Pietermaritzburg. Each Epworth estates’ staff member received a box of eggs from representatives from the Preschool, the Primary School and the High School, to wish them Happy Easter, and to thank them all for their hard work in making our school a wonderful one.
Robyn Naidoo presents Margaret Mtshahe with a box of Easter eggs while Jordan Howells and Lungi Kunene look on
Anton rejoined Epworth in January after a three-year absence, having acquired valuable educational experience and competencies to add to his already versatile skills base. He first joined Epworth in 1995 as a drama teacher, theatre director and sports coach, enjoying a career that spanned 16 years. During this time, he coached tennis and hockey and was a Midlands hockey selector. In 1998, together with Sally White and Lee Jenkins, he conceptualised and initiated the Independent Schools’ Sports Festival which has grown into a hugely successful and popular event on the sports calendar. Anton was also responsible for building up the dance programme at Epworth and was instrumental in founding the Spring Arts Festival. In 2011, Anton moved to St Nicholas Diocesan School and was appointed Deputy Head. The following year, he became Acting Head of School for eight months and then moved to Deputy Head of Academics (a full-time teaching position) for the high school and Head of Boarding for the whole school. Anton brings a vibrant and fresh approach to sport at Epworth with a vision that embraces a sport for life philosophy which is based on the Canadian Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. He says, “This inclusive model encourages children to get involved in lifelong physical activity by connecting and integrating school physical
Meet the New Staff education programmes with elite sport club programmes and recreational sport programmes in the community.” Physiological, psychological and social aspects are all involved in developing each athlete into a complete person. Anton is firmly in favour of a sports system that encourages participation in one sphere and nurtures excellence in another. He would like to see the top sports teams competing to win and the lower-end teams enjoying the physical activity and team work. He plans to introduce specialised coaching to every sports discipline and would like to see the same person coaching a particular sport across all grades. In his spare time, Anton plays Second League squash for Epworth’s mens team. Although a provincial tennis and hockey player while at school, Anton was persuaded by Sally White, when he first came to Epworth, to try his hand at squash. Ever since, he has been a devoted squash player although, he says, tennis will always be his first love.
Anne Duthie - Head of Music
the different pace of life in Maritzburg. Before coming to Epworth, Anne taught music and choir on a part-time basis at a variety of different schools, and across all grades, in the Durban area. Although she appreciated the variety and flexibility of teaching at different schools, she believes one of the draw cards of working at one school is the ability to build and establish relationships with people. Anne is an accomplished musical performer, chamber musician and accomplice who has performed around the country and overseas. She has a Bachelor of Music degree, attained from the former University of Natal (UND), and has also lectured at UND and the former University of Durban-Westville. Anne’s enthusiastic approach to music is infectious and she is intent on teaching children to love music and to have an appreciation for the different styles of music. She feels it is important to teach children how to listen and to distinguish between the different instruments. “They don’t have to like it, but they must learn to appreciate it as an art form, said Anne. Above all, music should be fun and not become a drag, she added. Next term, Anne would like to introduce a pre-primary extra-curricular music programme which is a franchise that she, along with others, was instrumental in setting up. When she’s not teaching or performing, Anne enjoys being in the kitchen - cooking and baking - and professes to being a book worm. She also spends time birding and hiking and appreciates the outdoors.
Born and bred in Durban, Anne recently re-located to Pietermaritzburg to take up the position of Head of Music in the Prep School. She describes it as “an opportunity that was too good to pass up” and is thoroughly enjoying being part of the Epworth community. She also rates living and working in a more tranquil setting and is embracing
High School Highlights Hamlet Production Wows Audiences Epworth’s Hamlet production, performed at UKZN’s Hexagon Theatre, truly showcased the depth of talent and versatility of the cast. Expertly directed by Di Wilson, the play was specifically conceived for young audiences studying the play for English examinations, however, it appealed to all audiences looking for a fresh version of this famous production.
Supporting a Worthy Cause - CANSA Relay Forty-five High School pupils and three teachers participated in the CANSA Night Relay, held on 28 February. The Epworth team’s banner for the evening was “Compassion without Boundaries”. They donated R6000 to this worthy cause.
Drama teacher contributes to publication High School Drama teacher, Diana Wilson, is one of three compilers of two new volumes of South African monologues: Now I am Alone 1 and Now I am Alone 2 which were recently launched in Stellenbosch.
Smashing Success at Tennis Festival Epworth won a nail-biting final against St Anne’s to clinch the 2014 Invitation Independent Schools’ Tennis Festival in Cape Town for the second year in a row.
U14 Team Triumphs at Gala Epworth came up trumps at the Senior Girls’ Gala by winning the U14 Medley Relay and the U14 Freestyle Relay. Team members included Sarah Philpott, Julia Jarvel, Georgie Askew and Ashleigh Green.
Dates to Diarise 23 April: Start of Term 2 28 April: Public Holiday - School day 01 & 02 May: Public Holidays - No School 07 May: Normal School day until 12:00 10 May: Epworthian Day 23 - 26 May: Half-Term 16 June: Public Holiday - No School 27 June: End of Term 2 Please note that Family Day will not coincide with Epworthian Day as it has in the past. It will be held later in the year - the date and format is still to be finalised Click here to view the full whole school calendar: http://www.epworth.co.za/wp-content/ uploads/2014/03/20140327_master_calendar_template_t 2_2014_03_06_.pdf
Sprint Canoeing Kayla de Beer and Donna Hutton have been selected as members of the SA Junior Sprint Canoeing team which will compete at the African Youth Games in Botswana in May. In addition, Donna will represent SA at the Junior Olympics in China in August.
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