News05

Eighty Years of Integrity In Education



We have chosen the oak tree emblem to encapsulate the theme of our Eightieth Anniversary. Traditionally, gifts of oak have been given to mark the completion of the eighth decade. Much of the Marist ethos is summed up in the scripture from Isaiah 61:3-4 which says: “They will be called oaks of righteousness...to reveal the splendour of the Lord.” Part of the College’s Vision Statement reads: “We aim to make Jesus Christ known and loved as we prepare young men and women for higher education and for their continuous challenge of harmonizing faith, culture and life”. The annals of the College in 1929 carried the question: “I wonder what will become of this little mustard seed?” Half a century later  in 1979, the Editorial in the College Year Book stated: “The little seed has grown into a large important tree of learning.” 

Jesus spoke at least twice about tiny seeds having within them the potential for great things: in Matthew 17, He said that faith the size of a mustard seed would be enough to move mountains and, in all three of the synoptic gospels, He told a parable where He said: “It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and grew into a great tree; and the birds of the air lodged in its branches .” The parable points out that, no matter the smallness of the origin, there is  great potential for progress and growth in the kingdom of God. Whether it was a mustard seed or an acorn, the seed at St Henry’s has grown significantly and borne much good fruit and has many years of fruitfulness in it.
 
Opening of the new memorial belltower











The Memorial Bell Tower, a striking addition to the heart of the College, set in the newly paved Quadrangle, was blessed and dedicated by His Eminence, Wilfrid Cardinal Napier, on Remembrance Day, the 11th November. In addition to the Foundation Stone, two other  plaques are set into the base of the Tower. One bears the names of Marist Brothers who have taught at St Henry’s and have since died and the other those of past pupils who gave their lives in the Second World War. When the names of the Marist Brothers were read, Brother Brendan, Principal from 1966 to 1981, carried a vase of white roses. He was accompanied by two pupils, one from the Senior Phase and the other from the Foundation Phase, each carrying  a large candle. The three laid the candles and flowers at the base of the southern side of the Tower. The positioning of the plaque commemorating the Marist Brothers is a symbol of the journey southwards the first Brothers made to the shores of South Africa, the first country outside Europe in which Marist schools were established. As each name of the war dead was read out by Head Girl Serinya Parumaul, the bell in the Tower was tolled by the Head Boy, Matthew Docherty. Pupils and members of staff brought forward a candle and  a white rose and laid it on the steps on the northern side of the Tower, where the plaque bearing the names of the eighteen past pupils who paid the supreme price in the Second World War is set. This symbolised that these young men went North to take part in that global conflict. The nineteenth name was not that of a past pupil, but that of the brother of Mr David Geerdts, a most generous benefactor of the College.

They've got rhythm



Two Grade 5 girls, Amy Cooper and Emma Spencer, represented KZN in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the SAGYMGAMES in Gauteng in October. Emma picked up her first national medal, earning bronze in the clubs apparatus. Overall, she came eighth in the country in her age group. Amy also delivered an outstanding performance, coming tenth in her first Rhythmic Nationals, having previously represented KZN in Artistic Gymnastics.

 
Prefects elected for 2010


The new prefects for 2010 were recently elected. We congratulate all eighteen on their achievement.

Of Leather and Willow



Almost one hundred aspiring expert wielders of bat and ball from six primary schools gathered at the start of the fourth term for an abbreviated U11 Cricket Festival (the rain had frustrated earlier efforts to hold the usual two day affair). The lads, kitted out in appropriately coloured caps and T Shirts sponsored by BadBoy, enjoyed an excellent  day of Twenty20 cricket.

 

Representing KZN Four  St Henry's Primary First Rugby Team players were selected from 90 KZN  players to participate in the U13 2009 Durban & Districts Team selection: Claude Geach; Sandro Borelli; Brandon Girling and Jean-Luc Tostee.   The boys were in the top 11 squad selected to represent Crusaders’ Rugby Club. After seven hours of trials, Claude and Jean-Luc made the  cut into the top thirty, with Claude eventually being chosen for the final 22 man squad. They will play the Junior Blue Bulls squad in Pretoria at the end of September.

Splashing Out Alexander Petrusewicz competed in the KZN Winter Championship Gala in August and garnered siver in the 50m Breaststroke and gold in the 100m Breaststroke.

Reaching the Top Notes In July, one of our pupils, Kurtney Naidoo, and her co-choristers in the Kwazulu Youth Choir joined 24 other choirs from around the world in Gorizia, Italy for the annual International Cecilia Seghizzi Choral Competition, one of Europe’s top six such events. The choir was one of eight selected to perform at the Prize Winners Concert and received a tumultuous  standing ovation. The singers were awarded “Gold” (scoring at least 90%) in two sections (Folklore and Jazz) and the “Public Vote” for the most popular choir.

Making the Grade The Dux student of 2006 at St Henry’s Marist Brothers’ College, Klemens Kremnitzer, has made the Dean's Honours List in the College of Letters and Science for the Spring 2009 term at UCLA Berkeley.

Talent Treads The Boards A chilly Durban evening at the start of the third term saw a vibrant presentation of a wide medley of talent in the College's presentaion of "Beanies,  Blankets and Bunnies." Pupils from all three phases performed with flair before a capacity audience in the College Amphitheatre. Items ranged from strictly classical to flamboyant to upbeat contemporary. The outstanding wealth of talent in the College was showcased in what will become, it must be hoped, an annual event.

Straight Down the Fairway Intermediate Phase pupil, Ruben Coetzer,participated in the South African Junior Golf Foundation Tournament in July, coming 5th at San Lameer, 3rd at Port Shepstone and winning the tournament at the Wild Coast Junior Championships.All Ruben's opponents were  much older and stronger than him and so his success has special significance. Winning Ways With The Willow Ishaan Maharaj was selected for the KZN  U15 invitational side which took part in the 2009 Eastern Junior Club Cricket Festival in Gauteng. He received two Sporting Accolades for his run totals in two of the matches and was given a Sportsmanship Award,. His team was deemed the U15 Team of the Festival. This was the first time teams from KZN have been invited.

Netting Victory Tyler Visser won the U14 section of the Amanzimtoti Tennis Club Junior Tournament and was placed second in the A Group Doubles.

Sorry, No Flying Allowed!  It was strictly shoe leather (no fairy wings) permitted for the Parents’ Association’s annual BIG WALK. The entire College community took to the fields and circumambulated the Cricket Oval ovewr and over again. Pledged monies are still coming in and to date some R125 000 has been raised.

Our Wider Marist Family The College recently hosted a party of American students and staff traveling from the Marist University in Poughkeepsie, New York. They have been in the country with the Marist College South Africa programme. The University is rated in the top 150 universities in the U.S.A.. Founded in 1929 (the same year as St Henry’s), Marist's 150-acre campus overlooks the Hudson River in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, midway between New York City and Albany, the state capital. What started as a school for the training of future Marist Brothers has developed into one of the leading colleges of the arts and sciences in the Northeast. The party toured the school, briefly addressed the High School students and then were entertained by a group of College staff and students. It is hoped that exchanges and communication will be established on various levels between the two institutions in coming years. It is very exciting to have forged links between two members of the worldwide Marist family that hadn’t existed before.

Celebrating Our Roots The 5th of June saw the whole College community coming together with other members of the Marist family and friends to celebrate the Feast Day of the Founder of the Marist Brothers’ St Marcellin Champagnat. Before Mass, his Eminence Wilfrid Cardinal Napier  blessed the recently completed Primary playground. His Eminence was the main celebrant at Mass with Bishop Barry Wood and other priests concelebrating with him. The community recalled the special ethos which gives Marist education around the world its very distinctive flavour with banners and a short presentation on the five pillars which make up the Marist Ethos: Presence; Family Spirit; Love of Work: Simplicity and Mary’s Way.

Intercontinental Exchange The second term each year sees the arrival of a young lady from a sister school of St Henry’s in Ascot, England as part of our Exchange Programme. Iona Hampson spent a month at the College and was struck by the great sense of community. As with most visitors to South Africa, she was thrilled  The family of Claudia Menezes of Grade 9 hosted Iona during her stay. Claudia had spent a month in Ascot with Iona’s family before the two girls flew to South Africa. Claudia was feted by her hosts and visited places in London, Windsor and Portsmouth. Both young ladies entered into the academic and cultural programmes of their host schools and experienced the special flavour different countries give to the Marist learning experience. The two yopung ladies are seen in the photograph with a fine example of English manhood, Claudia on the right and Iona on the left.

Choral Competion  Kurtney Naidoo, one of 74 choristers chosen for the 2009 KZN Youth Choir, is now one of only 48  selected to travel and perform in Rome, Venice and Slovenia and to compete in an international choral festival in Italy. The choir, now in its 40th year, will be facing a huge challenge in the very testing Italian competition, says the choir’s Artistic Director, Mr. Du Toit.

Thank You to The St Henry's Marist Family St. Monica’s, a joint effort by a collaboration of the College’s Academics Portfolio; the Spiritual & Outreach Portfolio; as well as the staff… A small part of Outreach 2009. As many people in the Marist community are aware, the Spiritual & Outreach Portfolio and the Academics Portfolio have been involved in a charity project at St. Monica’s Children’s Home this term. I feel that it is time that you are made aware of what we have achieved, and how successful the project has been so far… St. Monica’s is a home for orphaned, abandoned and forcibly removed children, situated in the treasure beach area of the Bluff. It was once a government-funded organisation, however with the current politicians that be, this funding has since been removed. The organisation therefore relies solely upon donations to sustain its 87 or so children. Every Wednesday, Mev. Wilkins, Ms. Turner, and Ms. March take a convoy of approximately ten students from grades 10 to 12 down to St. Monica’s, where they aid in sectors of the home such as academics, sports and general upkeep of the facility. Stephen Horn and Thersegan Naidoo have teamed together to teach the children some basic Karate self-defence, at the request of the children at the home. The teachers aforementioned; many matric students such as Aman Baboolal, Bianca Phillips, Kelly Breeds, Kimberley Van der Merwe and myself- Matthew Docherty (amongst others); as well as a few grade elevens and tens; diligently aid the students academically with homework and things that they do not understand. Also, Zack Humphreys and Nicholas Pitman (amongst others) are actively involved in hotly contested soccer matches on the premises. Finally, some of the cottages are in need of redecoration, and therefore we are in the process of sanding down their walls in order to paint murals on them for the children. On Wednesday 1st April, we held an Easter egg hunt at St. Monica’s for all the children on the premises, with the eggs so generously donated by all of you. Each child received three Easter eggs, as well as any they found on the hunt. Not to be forgotten, the children were educated a little by Father Des on the Spiritual side of Easter; the fact that Christ died on the cross for each and every one of them. I would like to thank firstly, Mev. Wilkins (Afrikaans); Miss Turner (Life Orientation); and Miss March (also in the Life Orientation department); for providing us students the opportunity to reach out to others and to spread a little love within the world. We really do appreciate the transport, and your involvement in the project. Also, I extend my thanks to the Marist Family for their support in the Easter egg appeal. The collection was of sizeable proportions, which is indicative of your awareness for those less fortunate. Finally, I would like to thank all of the students involved in the project. All of you are true ambassadors of the Marist legacy, and must continue to give of all that you can, in whatever field you undertake. I admire you for your enthusiasm and dedication in an area that requires a lot of patience, emotional strength, and hard work. You are role models to me and you are role models to all the people who study and work at St. Henry’s. A special thank you to a very involved student in the college (who I believe doesn’t wish to be named- but he/ she knows who they are), along with the parents of this student, who managed to donate a packet of clothing for each child in the home, (individually packaged and named); as well as approximately 500 new pairs of jeans. This generosity is a true rarity in society, so we as the Marist community would like to thank this family for aiding in making the St. Monica’s project a success. This, brothers and sisters is the way of life that St. Marcellin wished us to follow- to give to others and to think of others before we take for and think of ourselves. The amount however, is immaterial; for all those participating in this project are giving gifts more valuable than even the above multitudes of clothing. They give of something that money cannot buy… They give of their time; and… nothing, save the love that they spread within this time of reaching out to others, is greater. Yours faithfully, Matthew Docherty (Head Boy) Spiritual & Outreach Portfolio

Top Talkers With pupils from 73 other schools, the St. Henry's Marist Brothers’ College’s team of Nicholas Pitman, Teddy Cipolla and Stephen Horn took part in the annual Rotary/Daily News Team Talk competition. Teams had to identify a problem in their communities and provide solutions. The St Henry’s team chose the topic "Stomping out violence" and, amongst other solutions, suggested that the Matric class has an important responsibility in setting a tone of peace and understanding within its school and therefore must ensure its school's environment is violence-free.   After making it through the preliminary and semi-final rounds, the team came face-to-face with the top five other schools in the final round at Howard College, UKZN on the 31st of March and emerged victors. St. Henry's' beneficiary school, St. Albini's Girls’ High School, was awarded R20 000 and R2 000 worth of books were given to St. Henry's Learning Resource Centre.

Sporting Celebrations As part of its 80th Anniversary celebrations, St Henry’s Marist Brothers’ College held a Touch Rugby Tournament and Mini Soccer and Cricket Festival on 28th March. Almost 500 members of the Marist family and friends of the College (including members of the fairer sex) enjoyed an excellent day of fun, along with a large and enthusiastic crowd of supporters.

Excellence Recognised Our 2008 Dux, Katrina Du Toit, has been announced as a joint-recipient of the Bishop De Lalle Scholarship for 2009. The scholarship is given to the top student in the Grade 12 public exams in a Kwazulu Natal Catholic school. Katrina, who is studying at Stellenbosch University, shares this honour with three other young ladies from Catholic schools in Durban who all scored the same grading in their IEB exams in 2008.

Home Runs Galore! Dean Munsami, a member of the College’s successful softball squad, was part of the U16 KZN Softball team that took part in the South African Schools Summer Games held in Pretoria during the first week of the December holidays. The  KZN team were the overall tournament winners, defeating Western Province in the semi finals and  Limpopo Province in the finals.   Top Honours Grade 12 Warwick Marlin has become a Springbok Scout, the highest award attainable by a Scout in the South African Scout Association.He has moved through the various advancement levels necessary for this achievement. He has given 40 hours of community service to a project in the Umvumvulu Valley, doing refurbishing of outhouses and playground equipment. Warwick has flexed his leadership skills in leading a troop at a Springbok Camp help held in Burman’s Bush. He has also given a presentation on the incorporation of troops from rural areas into the operations of urban ones, taking into consideration the significant language and cultural differences between the troops.

A Fishy Tale Kegan and Matthew Ormshaw won 1st and 2nd place for Freshwater and Offshore angling respectively at the KZNLTBAA prizegiving on 14th March. The brothers both also won a number of other Trophiesfor various achievements throughout the 2008 fishing year.

Super Support Enthusiastic cricket lovers (and others) from the College community gave vociferous and enthusiastic vocal support to the Proteas on the fourth day of their second Test encounter with the touring Australians. For their efforts, the learners won for the College R1500 worth of KFC vouchers and sports clothing from the Cricket Union. These items will be put to good use in the College’s Outreach Programme for disadvantaged children.

Celebrating Excellence His Eminence Cardinal Napier, Katrina Du Toit and Mrs Anne Oberholzer at the Awards Ceremony The evening of Friday 6th March was a gala affair for St Henry’s Marist Brothers’ College. It was the Annual High School Awards Ceremony in the College’s Eightieth Anniversary year. Not only were the academic achievers in Grades 8 to 12 from 2008 publicly recognised, but a special accolade was given to Katrina Du Toit who was announced as the 2008 Dux for having been placed in the “Top Achievers” list. This list honours the top fifty students in the Independent Examination Board’s Matric exam in South Africa. This is the second year running that a St Henry’s student has achieved this distinction, with Cameron Smith having done so in 2007. The Guest of Honour on this sparkling occasion at St Joseph’s Church in Morningside was Mrs the Chief Executive Officer of the IEB, Mrs Anne Oberholzer. At the conclusion of the evening’s proceedings, Matthew Docherty and Serinya Parumaul were announced as Head Boy and Head Girl for 2009. His Eminence, Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, was among the special guests on this red letter occasion. Serinya Parumaul and Matthew Docherty, the newly-appointed  Head Girl and Head Boy for 2009 Message from Matthew Docherty, Head Boy for 2009 Dearest Brothers and Sisters of St. Marcellin I am deeply honoured to be given the responsibility of being your Head Boy for the year 2009. It was a wonderful feeling to be given this position of service, and I was deeply moved by the amount of support that each and every one of you dedicated to Serinya and myself on the night of the Awards Ceremony and on the following Monday at school. My wish is that we can maintain this support throughout the year, and become a school unified in all that we undertake. Together, we must make this year a foundation upon which the ideals of St. Marcellin will firmly stand, where respect, loyalty, honesty, and compassion are the governors of our actions, and where we as a whole stand for what is right. Together, we can be the people that this world so badly needs: people who stand for what is moral and just, without the fear of recrimination. Nothing is impossible! Footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down. Together, each of us can be leaders - leaders of our school, community and the world at large. I feel that, if I can make a positive influence on just one person within St. Henry’s this year which they will carry with them for the rest of their lives, then my year as head boy will have been a success. Before this year began, I wanted so badly to serve my school, and to give back to it what it had given to me. St. Henry’s is more than a school to me. It is an institution operating under the patronage of St. Marcellin Champagnat, inspired by the love of Jesus Christ. This school opened me to Jesus’ love, and inspired me to attempt to inspire others to show love and compassion to each other, in the way that Jesus did. My appointment as Head Boy not only gives me the opportunity to serve my brothers and sisters, but also the opportunity to inspire that one person whom I seek. OMNIA VINCITE: “Together we can conquer all difficulties”. Our school motto is very true. Together, we must conquer all difficulties. If we, as a family, can find it in ourselves to spread purity within our school to all those that we are in contact with, and to all those that we meet, then can we shift our focus to reaching out and helping the country to which we owe our freedom. Then, and only then, can we work together as a community of faith, ready to serve humanity.  My most loving regards to all of you, my brothers and sisters, in the anticipation of one of the most significant years of St. Henry’s. Good luck to you all, and know that Serinya and I are with you every step of the way. Matthew Docherty (Head Boy 2009) Message from Sérinya Parumaul, Head Girl for 2009 A wise man once said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step”. My journey of a lifetime began with a small step through the gates of St. Henry’s Marist Brothers’ College, fourteen years ago. Today, it is that very step which proved to be my greatest and wisest, as it led me through the doors of an extra-ordinary school, in which my great journey of self-discovery and self-development began. I would like to express my deep gratitude and thanks to all, for your trust and confidence in me. You have enhanced my enthusiasm and spirit by providing the responsibility of leading this wonderful and most prestigious school. I shall put all my efforts and resources to keep the flag of our school flying high and it will always be my first aim and priority to meet your expectations. My fellow students, we have a memorable year ahead which is the school’s 80th Anniversary. In this year, we must nourish the very roots that St. Marcellin embedded and build a relationship of trust, love, respect, loyalty and family spirit. I believe that “Working together works”, so let us work together to meet this challenge.  Communication must be free and clear, therefore let us recommit ourselves to openness, friendship, support and may our efforts be tenacious in making this 80th year a memorable one in a very short space of time. Matthew and I, will shoulder our responsibilities jointly and steer you to pride yourselves on self-discipline and perseverance. Let us fully exploit the immense wealth of opportunities offered by our school, educators and accept every challenge ahead with faith. We must pledge to be role models with a high motivation to learn even when the times ahead may prove to be demanding. I am grateful to God for He has showered His mercy over me these past few years and without Him all dreams would not be possible. A special thank you to my parents and sisters, who have given me insight and guided me to find the best path to follow my dreams. I would also like to thank the past Head prefects of St. Henry’s who have worked with full devotion and excellence. It will be a great inspiration for me to continue and carry forward the same path with dedication and spirit. May the leadership of 2009 be a torch that will burn as brightly as possible before it is handed down to future generations.  In our journey of a thousand miles, Matthew and I would like to leave everlasting footprints! Sérinya Parumaul (Head Girl 2009)

Future Foundations At the end of August, a group of staff and pupils took part in a ceremony  on the building site of the Old Mutual Centre, between Smith and West Streets, at which a time capsule filled with memorabilia of the school in its Anniversary year was buried below the Food Court in the centre of the new Mutual Mall. An anniversary tie and scarf, College Year Books, photographs of school buildings and pupils, a rosary and a letter from the College Principal filled the capsule which was sealed for a future generation to unearth.

Top Serve Mikhail Modi won all his singles matches in the U17 Tennis Winter School Tournament and has been invited to play in Bloemfontein in the S. A. National selection in both singles and doubles.

Riding The Crest Oscar Wootton (Grade 8P) was awarded half colours for Under 14 Surfing at the 2009 KZN Surfing Awards . He was also nominated for Special Awards. Currently he is ranked 6th in KZN in surfing.

Playing Hard



On 24^th September, the Durban and Districts League Team (“Hillcrest Villagers U13) invited players to participate in a player revue selection. Rory and Michael were selected to represent  Durban and Districts on 4 October against the Falcons at Pinetown Rugby Club and on 11 October against the Blue Bulls at Amanzimtoti Rugby Club. 

To The Rescue!



On Thursday 30th October, Kevin Worth was in the Westville Mall C.N.A. when a woman collapsed with a seizure. Kevin immediately took control of the situation. He saw to the woman’s safety, applied the necessary First Aid and called for assistance. He gave instructions to call the paramedics and asked that the medical officer from the next door gym be summoned. The gym First Aid Officer was of no help. He was only a Level 1 and unable to offer any assistance.The woman had three fits in total, remaining unconscious throughout most of the ordeal. Kevin remained calm and applied his Level 3 First Aid knowledge with excellent results.The paramedics never arrived!

 A medical intern arrived on the scene and Kevin continued to assist until the woman could be taken to hospital. The intern commended Kevin on his excellent First Aid skills and said he had saved the patient’s life.

 Kevin completed his Level 3 First Aid course through St Henrys. It has not only benefitted our school community but our community at large. Kevin’s quick action and bravery was noted by many on that day..

The Athletics season ended with the Intermediate Phase and High School Sports’ Day. A variety of pre-contested events and the Foundation Phase Sports’ Day preceded the day. As a result, by Sports Day on Saturday 19 August, St. Henry’s House was in the lead. The weather held out, allowing us to complete the morning’s events. Sixty events were run off including an Old Boy’s race, a parents’ race and two inaugural staff versus Matrics 4 X 100m relays (men and women). Our guests of honour this year were Sheldon Vetter (Class of 1988) and his wife, Maureen. They donated the Senior Victrix Ludorum trophy (the Danae Vetter Memorial Trophy) in memory of their daughter who passed away in 2007 after being diagnosed with leukaemia. This was awarded to Charlene Charls. The winning House was St. Henry’s, with the other houses coming in this order: St. Patrick’s, St. George’s, St. Andrew’s.