News04

Boots and All!   This group of aspiring David Beckhams booted their way to success in the recent Stellawood Primary Mini Soccer Tournament when they won the trophy for the Grade 2 Boys. The young men with the golden boots are Sam Whitton, Luke Tsoulouras, Liam Gaylard, Haydon Kasaris, Siwaphiwe Mhlahla, Luke van As and Liam Moodley.

Courting Success Having been chosen to play in the trials for the Durban Central zone, Joshua Chetty has been selected to represent KZN Primary Schools Tennis at the National Tournament to be held in Pietermaritzburg during the July holidays. Touch and Go A touch rugby team "Marist" entered  the Kearsney Touch rugby tournament which took place on Sunday 8/6/08.Amongst others,competing teams included Kearsney, Westville, DHS, Glenwood, Kloof, Hillcrest ,George Campbell, Marist, Marirtzburg College, Port Shepstone, Northwood (these were all drawn from the relevant schools' 1st teams). The team won all their games and made it to the semi-finals against Glenwood,where they scored a try which was disallowed. With 50 seconds remaining, Glenwood scored and knocked Team "Marist" out.

Top of the Pops To celebrate Fathers' Day, the Foundation Phase held a special assembly for Dads and Gramps. Kaylin Joubert's dad was the winner of the lucky draw hamper.

 

Stepping Up To The Mark The Big Walk Fundraiser was held at the end of May with the entire College community legging it around the school playing fields.Not only did the participants reach their target of R100 000, but they surpassed it by R16 000 with more monies still coming in at the time of writing.

Masterly Masters Mr Jonathan Schumann of the College’s English Department, was recently awarded his M. Phil in Theology by St Augustine’s University. His research paper was titled “ The scandal of particularity: a critical response to John Hick’s pluralist hypothesis”.     Mrs C. Vermeulen   Mr N. Mare     Mr J. Schumann Mr Neil Mare received his Bachelor of Education Honours Degree and Mrs Charmaine Vermeulen received her Master of Education Degree specializing in Gender and Education on the 19th April this year. Her thesis was titled ‘An exploration of the ways in which Secondary School girls construct their relationship to Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy’.

Intercontinental "Sisters" The Exchange Student Programme is upon us and our ambassadress to the Marist school in Ascot, England, Tamryn Pillay, has already returned after five weeks away. She says that the programme has helped her grow in independence and confidence and was thrilled at the opportunity to experience a culture very different to her own. Her counterpart from the English school, Amy Shingles, flew to South Africa with Tamryn and will spend the next month at St Henry’s and has already been touched by the warm welcome she has received from the Marist family at the College.

Shooting for Bulls-Eye! Calvin Hartley, who matriculated from the College in 2006, is Beijing bound. He is part of the South African Olympic team and will be the country’s only representative in Archery. He is ranked the top archer on the African continent. Calvin has garnered South African and all Africa records and earned a coveted International Archery Federation 1300 Recurve Award (only one other archer from the continent has ever won one). He will travel with Olympic team to Korea for the two weeks leading up to the Olympics for pre competition training and acclimatization.   Calvin at the World Championships in Mexico.

Fluttering Flags In mid May, in honour of the visit to the College of His Eminence Cardinal Wilfrid Napier, the flag of the Vatican City was hoisted for the first time above the main archway in the Quad. The flag consists of two vertical bands of gold and white with the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the Papal Tiara centered in the white band. It is one of only two square country flags in the world, the other being the flag of Switzerland. The flag flew alongside the flag with the school coat of arms which is hoisted each school day.   American Art Adventure An article on an emotionally wrenching piece of work on child abuse by Grade 12 Art student, Mikele Hasson,  appeared in the “Mercury” last year. American Claudia Ford, who had spent time in South Africa, got to hear of Mikele’s work and, because of a  traumatic experience in her own family, was interested in what he had produced. Mikele started emailing other artworks of his to her. This has led to Mikele’s being awarded a six week pre college programme in furniture design at the Rhode Island School of Design where Ms Ford is Director of the Office of International Programs. The School is affiliated to Brown University, an Ivy League institution. Mikele is the first recipient of a full international scholarship to the School of Design. Mikele then hopes to enroll for full time study in industrial design at the School in 2009. He flies to the USA in July and is looking for sponsorship for his travel. Mikele working on his latest piece in his studio

Tackling Shakespeare’s Lads During, the holidays at the end of the first term, the College 1st XV met in combat with an English touring side from King Edward VI School from Stratford-upon-Avon and beat the visitors 27 – 18. King Edward’s was established at the end of the 13th century. The Guildhall at the school was most probably where William Shakespeare was taught the Bible, Latin and Rhetoric.  Rugby has always been a particular strength at King Edward’s and, since 1870, many members of the school’s 1st XV have gone on to play for county and national teams. Mr Mark Vorster, the St Henry's H.O.D Sports and Culture, with the Vice Captain and Captain of the King Edward's 1st Xv.

Bidding Farewell  After 16 years of outstanding and dedicated service to the Marist Family at St Henry's, Mr Paul Venter left the College at the end of the first term to take up a post at another leading independent school in Kwazulu Natal. Mr Venter has been an inspirational mentor in the History Department and has coached sport (in particular, the 1st XV Rugby) with an inimitable passion. In his farewell address to the College, he spoke of students tenaciously pursuing a dream and standing at all costs for righteousness' sake. He leaves colleagues, pupils and parents alike many happy memories of his years at St Henry's. We wish him well in this next stage in his career and life.

Awards Ceremony – Thursday 20 March The following awards were made at a ceremony in the Amphitheatre on the last day of the first term: Swimming - Colours Lee Beard Rudi Buntzen Justin Edmunds Tiziano Gospodnetic Rowan Howse Kyle Johnstone Gareth Moore Sheldon Nel Matthew Richings Byron Thompson Oratory - Half Colours Aman Baboolal Asheen Bhagwandin Matthew Kimble Taliya Naidoo Bianca Phillips Shrivaan Raju Oratory – Forum and Discussion Teddy Cipolla Matthew Docherty Erin Honneysett Nicolas Pitman Cricket  – Full Colours Durelle Mahadesen – re-award Jason Reineke Cricket – Half Colours Alaister Cohen – re-award Christopher Carey – re-award Shrivaan Raju – re-award Matthew Sprong = re-award Nicolas Pitman Patrick Rimbault Girls – Waterpolo – Half Colours Charlene Charls Rene Forbay Chanel Harvey Paige Moolman Lisa Moore Natasha Moore Devania Naidoo Stacey Turnbull Aemey van Dijl Indoor Hockey Captain – 2008 Charlene Charls Indoor Hockey – Full Colours    * Stacy Hiron Indoor Hockey – Half Colours * Charlene Charls Marilyn Donachie Kirsten Kenchenten Stacy Turnbull Tennis – Full Colours Kyle McMahon Tennis – certificate KZN High School Tennis U15B– Mikhail Modi First Team Rugby Captain 2008 Carl Muller

Making Melodies The first lunchtime concert to showcase developing talent at the College was held in the last week of the first term. There are now about 35 pupils studying at the Music school, several of whom performed before a very appreciative audience. Both the Senior and Junior Choirs sang and instrumental music ranged from the sublimely classical to some very contemporary Rap!

Splashing out!    Three of our Intermediate Phase swimmers excelled when they represented KZN in the South African Primary Schools Aquatic Championships in Cape Town. Kate McAuley was placed 11th overall in 100m freestyle and 7th in the 100m butterfly. In both cases, she was the 1st placed KZN swimmer. Cayley came 11th in 50m backstroke and 17th in the 100m backstroke, bettering her times on both occasions. Earlier, in the KZN Championships, she came 4th and 2nd respectively in the same events. Daimon Delamoney won his heat in the 200 m backstroke and came 11th overall. In the 100m backstroke, he came 3rd in his heat and 12th overall.

Carrying their Bats Chadley Mahadasen of Grade 5 was selected for the Durban Central U11 Cricket team for the KZN Coca Cola U11 Cricket Festival later this month and now has been chosen as part of the KZN U11 squad. Grade 5 pupil Kellan Berry has been chosen as one of the six cricketers from the Durban Central district (the other six coming from schools in the Durban North area) to play in the Durban Invitational side.

Making Headlines Wednesday 5th March 2008 was a signal event in the history of St Henry’s Marist Brothers’ College. This year marks the 12th year girls have been in the College and so it’s the first year St Henry’s is coeducational throughout the Grades. The first girls will be writing Matric and the fairer sex has made it into the ranks of the prefect body. Out of that group, the 2008 Head Boy and, for the first time, the Head Girl have been selected. Their appointment was announced this last Wednesday at St Henry’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Laréchia Parumaul has the distinction of being the first young lady to fill this post in what for so many years was a bastion of masculinity. She plays first team hockey and netball, is a formidable debater and with the new, Head Boy, Matthew Kimble, is an active member of both the Co-workers Society (a group which works to improve the lot of disadvantaged people) and the College First Aid Group. Both successfiully completed the Toastmasters Course in 2007.She has set her sights on becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst. Matthew comes to this position of leadership in the school with impressive academic credentials, having, like Laréchia, consistently achieved a place in the top five in his grade all through his school career. Matthew is a Second XI Cricket Captain and is Chairman of the College’s Debating Society. He has been awarded his half colours for Tennis and hopes to study Law.

Victim or Victor? At their two Awards Ceremonies held in early March, St Henry's Marist Brothers' College had  Bruce Walsh as their Guest of Honour, who had taught at the school some three decades ago.His presentation to the assembled pupils, staff and parents was entitled “Winners or Losers in life; it’s your choice”. He was severely injured in the Planet Hollywood Restaurant bomb blast on the Cape Town Waterfront in 1998. His prognosis was bad and it was not expected that he would live.When it became apparent that he would live, the prognosis was that the quality of his life would be very poor. At one point, it was decided to switch off the life support machines. This didn't happen and Bruce rallied. Today, 9 years after the bomb and with the loss of both his legs, he lives a full and rewarding life. He drives a normal car; jogs 5 kms, runs on his treadmill and works sometimes more than a full day. Soon after his horrific experience, Bruce decided to take charge of his own life and to manage it according to a vision. He challenged his audiences to reflect on their own journeys, and to decide whether they are inherently winners or  losers, leaders or followers. Awards Ceremony Guest of Honour, Mr Bruce Walsh, with Mrs Illona Sumner, Principal of the Primary School.

Hip Hop Hooray! Ayanda Nkabinde and Jayd Soliar are breaking into the world of Hip Hop. Performing as "Maximuz", they have recorded a six track CD called "Legends at Birth" where they fuse their talents in the fields of rhythm and poetry. They are working on a second CD to be called "Hip Hop Heroes".

Playing the Shots Christopher Walker, a member of Grade 9, is part of the KZN squad tennis team and has been invited to play in the KZN tennis trials Pietermaritzburg in the middle of  March.

Base Player Thomas Simpkins of Grade 9G was selected to play for the U13 KZN baseball team which competed at the University of Pretoria in the National Schools Championship Games in December. The team played well, losing their first game against Western Province and being narrowly beaten by the Gauteng team. KZN came third in the tournament.   Good Enough to Drink Members of Grade 6 recently had an excursion to Durban Heights Water Works where they studied how our water is purified before it reaches our taps.   The Sweet Sound of Strings Michael Ross is the lucky new owner of a replica of a much-prized Guaneri del Gesu violin. His father approached a violin-making concern in Florida who spent four to six weeks crafting the beautifully toned instrument for Michael, who is now in Grade 6 and progressing well with his music-making on this outstanding new instrument.

A Big Hitter!

Dean Munsami played U13 Softball for Kwazulu Natal at the National Schools' Championship Games held in Pretoria in December. KZN came third in the inter-provincial competition.Dean was selected to play for the u13 South African All Stars Team.   Serving Aces Joshua Chetty, an ace tennis player from St Henry's Marist Brothers' College, played in four tournaments over the December holidays. He took second place in the Round Robin Tournament at Westridge Stadium. Joshua then was part of the KZN team in the National Schools Summer Games and was chosen to be part of an Invitation side which will play for selection for the South African team in July this year. He then went on to play in the SAA Coastals Nationals in Stellenbosch and the Slazenger Western Province Super 7 in Rondebosch.   Spinning Wheels Grade 12 pupil, Matthew Richings, competing in the KZN Triathlon Champs in January, came 4th in the U19 Category and, in his age group (U17), he was placed 2nd in KZN.  He has qualified for the KZN team to take part in the South African Triathlon Champs in East London in February. Triumphant Tries Matric student , Rowan Howse, played for the U16 Touch Rugby team in the Inter-provincial Touch Tournament in Durban recently. His team were the winners their section. Rowan was selected for the S.A. Trials, making the U19 team which will be competing for the World Cup in 2009.   Une Annee en France Grade 11 student, Stephen Horn, is in France this year as part of the Rotary International Youth Exchange. He is staying with his host family in Bayonne in the Basque region in the South of the country.

Movie Magic  The premiere of Lemony Snicket’s ‘The Miserable Mill’ was held recently in the Marist Association Hall .  This exceptional piece of work  was produced by St Henry's students belonging  to an “animation studio”  called Bouncing Biscuit Studios founded in September 2006. It has the aim of  being creative and innovative through animation and  learning as much about the animation process as possible. Having decided on a suitable story,  a 30 page screenplay was drafted, turning the entire book into a detailed movie script with specified camera angles, dialogue, locations, music score and sound effects. The team was guided of Piers Carey (father of Ben Carey, part of the team) who lectures graphic design and animation at the Durban University of Technology. They were very fortunate to acquire the use of a professional sound recording studio (Siyabonga Media Trust), owned by Neil Campbell (father of Hayley Campbell, also a member of the crew). The voice cast of eleven people was carefully recorded and then the entire movie soundtrack was created. There followed long hours of animating, drawing, tracing, lip-synching and more. The  very talented Susan Carey helped tremendously on the artistic side of the production. The Bouncing Biscuit Studios crew consists of: Hayley Campbell, Kelly Breeds, Cate Bredenkamp, Benjamin Carey, Shrivaan Raju, Dayakar Padayachee and Stephen Horn. The cast of Lemony Snicket’s ‘The Miserable Mill’ stars are Jonathan Schumann, Catherine Horn, Katrina du Toit, Piers Carey and Neil Campbell.

Matric Success St Henry’s Marist Brothers’ College has just notched up its 37th year out of the last 39 with 100% of its Matric students passing the 2007 exams.  Cameron Smith garnered a full-house of distinctions in all six of his subjects and was placed in the top 50 students in South Africa in the IEB exams. Cameron, a top performer in cricket and soccer, representing the College in the first teams in both sports, and winner of the St Henry’s Best Speaker’s Trophy, hopes to study Business Science at UKZN.