March 2008: First St. Mary’s students visit South Africa Nine St. Mary’s students; Kirsty Ryan, Philip Ward, Emily Tindall, Katie Moran, Patrick Pounder, Hector Hall, Chris Spillane, Nicola Wilson and James Holland and three teachers, David Geldart, Barbara Pounder and Richard Chattoe, travelled to South Africa. During the visit the group stayed in Eshowe which is well over an hour from Mnyakanya School. 5.00am starts were the norm with the group having to be at Mnyakanya for a 7.30am start to the school day. The group had the opportunity to observe lessons, teach lessons (all subjects), coach sport and provide in-service training to teachers and Sports Assistants. Sports coaching sessions after school in the six sports of the School Sport Mass Participation Programme (Football, Athletics, Rugby, Cricket, Netball and Volleyball) attracted over 300 students every day.
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Education Minister, Ina Cronje kept her promise of visiting the team when they were in South Africa by joining them for a meal in Eshowe with representatives from the Department of Education.