Launch of our OPA NETWORK Simelane Oval Unveiling Meeting Pridwin's Oldest Old Boy
WHAT'S IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE:
The boys from our 'Class of 2017' are about to finish Matric at their respective high schools and we wish them all the best for their final exams!
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OLD PRIDWIN ASSOCIATION
WHAT'S IN THIS ISSUE
Launch of the OPA NETWORK The Simelane Oval Unveiling Meeting Pridwin's Oldest Old Boy
We were delighted to welcome back our Class of 2017 for the annual Old Boys' Chapel Service and Lunch which took place in April The day was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and there was lots of catching up done by the parents, teachers and our old boys over a lovely lunch!
OLD BOYS' CHAPEL & LUNCH CLASS OF 2017 News & Events
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All members of our Pridwin Community play a vital role in the success of the boys while at Pridwin, and for many years afterwards The strong friendships formed within our community extend amongst the parents, staff and old boys and to ensure that these relationships last a lifetime we have launched The Old Pridwin Association (OPA) which encompasses our entire community and ensures we all stay connected!
LAUNCH OF THE OLD PRIDWIN ASSOCIATION
The launch of The OPA, held in April, was a wonderful evening enjoyed by our old boys, past and current parents and staff Paul Davis, the President of The OPA welcomed everyone and spoke about the importance of each of us playing an active role within our incredible Pridwin Community.
We invite all members of our Pridwin Community (old boys, past and current parents, teachers and staff) who have supported, and continue to support our school, to join The OPA and remain a part of this wonderful school and our strong network of alumni
THE OPENING OF THE SIMELANE OVAL
An incredibly special and significant event took place at the launch of The OPA the Venus Street Field was officially named The Simelane Oval. The Simelane Oval is named after Mark Simelane, a Pridwin Old Boy who sadly passed away last year. Please read more about Mark and his time at Pridwin on the following page.
The Burnett and Simelane family.
We were honoured to have the Burnett and Simelane family with us to unveil the plaque and open the field We thank both the families for being with us on the night to honour Mark
12 10 1977 28 05 2021 PRIDWIN OLD BOY
Mark was a member of the unbeaten Pridwin Cross Country Team in 1989 and the unbeaten 1st XI Cricket Team in 1990. He was an integral member of the Swimming Team, the 1st VI Tennis Team, the Athletics Team and the 1st Soccer Team, of which he was Captain. Mark is especially remembered on the Cricket field as a brilliant fielder, an excellent bowler and a talented batsman. It was therefore very fitting that he was awarded the Paul Anschultz Memorial Bat for the most promising Grade 6 Cricketer in 1989, and in 1991 was elected as the Pridwin Open All-Round Sportsman of the Year.
Mark was an example to all and made the most of every opportunity during his years at Pridwin, both on the playing field and in the classroom. He was an exceptionally talented sportsman and displayed outstanding sportsmanship, leading both on and off the field.
MARK SIMELANE
Mark attended Michaelhouse for his high school years where he represented both the Cricket and Rugby 1st Teams and was selected for the South African Plascon U15 Cricket Academy. After school Mark worked as a bond trader for ABSA and then joined the Burnett Group Insurance Brokerage before moving into the Commercial Property Sector.
Mark Simelane attended Pridwin Preparatory School from 1983 to 1991. Mark’s enrolment at Pridwin was a historic event as he was the first black pupil to attend the school at a time when laws prohibited black and white pupils from learning alongside each other.
Pridwin is proud to honour Mark Simelane as an Old Pridwinian and privileged to name ‘The Simelane Oval’ after one of our most significant and symbolic old boys. Mark will always be remembered for his enthusiasm in everything he did, for his memorable service to Pridwin, and for his love for life. Thank you for being part of our history.
THE SIMELANE OVAL
'EX NIHILO NIHIL FIT' 'OUT OF NOTHING COMES NOTHING'
Mark had the innate ability to find happiness in the simplest of things and along with this possessed a huge amount of humility and kindness. His outgoing and friendly nature made him a pleasure to be around, and his mischievous sparkle made for never a dull moment.
RECONNECTING WITH PRIDWIN'S OLDEST OLD BOY
Dr Clark was especially proud to tell us that, “Pridwin and its principles gave me an excellent start in life for which I am grateful”.
ThePridwin1stCricketEleven1942 BackRow:IanMarx,Dickway,MichaelDunsfordWhite,ZiggieMeyer FrontRow:DouglasQuince,JohnWaite,DavidWright(Capt),DonaldClark,GrahamWilson S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 N E W S L E T T E R
After school Dr Clark went on to be a Springbok athlete and 1948 Olympian before qualifying in medicine in 1953 He served as a Doctor in Eshowe for over 55 years and retired from his practice in February 2020.
We were thrilled to re connect with Pridwin's Oldest Old Boy, Dr Donald Clark, (93 years old) and are grateful to Edmund Batley for helping us get in touch. Dr Clark left Pridwin in 1942 and attended Michaelhouse for high school.
Dr Clark is currently living in Eshowe, Kwa Zulu Natal and we planned a special visit to meet him at his home Patrick Lees and Dr Clark had a ‘virtual meeting’ and it was wonderful to listen to Dr Clark sharing special memories of his time at Pridwin.
A full opt in directory of old boys, past parents and staff and current parents, to connect you to our Pridwin community around the world
Grade specific groups to share news and photos taken throughout the year OPA updates, photos and upcoming events!
If you need any assistance signing up please don't hesitate to contact us and we will happily assist. alumni@pridwinprep co za or call the Advancement Office on
1116
A job board where career opportunities can be posted by OPA Members and their companies
Connect and stay in touch! 011 788
TO JOIN SCAN QR CODE OR CLICK HERE WWW.OPANETWORK.ORG
A secure platform to connect, network and share news Access to The Pridwin Community Business Network, a platform to register your business or look for products and services
Please sign up to receive information & invitations to our OPA Events. S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 N E W S L E T T E R
A mentorship programme with opportunities to be mentored by others or offer mentorship to fellow alumni
We are thrilled to have launched the The OPA Network an APP exclusively for our Pridwin Community
We are so grateful for all donations towards The Pridwin Foundation Fund please see details below if you would like to make a donation or alternatively contact the Pridwin Advancement Office advancement@pridwinprep.co.za or on 011 788 1116.
Foundation Fund Nedbank Branch Code : 198765 Account Number : 1469178117 Reference : (Last Name) Foundation
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