Kearsney Chronicle 1996 V >; X. ■§
rieville Graham Polkinghorne (19 February 1941 - 22 September 1996) (Kearsney 1952-1957) In 1952he arrived as a new boy - a very small boy - if notthe smallestin the school.By 1992he had become thebiggestboyowingto hisappointmentasChairman ofthe Board ofGovernors. I have known him for all ofhis 55 years and he was a man ofsteel who never changed his values while keeping up to date with the times. This eharacteristic has in most eases seen him rise to the top in whateverhe undertook during his life and stood outduring histime ofillness.Kearsney was his second love after his family and to Trish we say thank you for giving him the space to stamp his exceptional leadership qualities on this school. Fie was a man of vision, a peoples' person and a caring friend.Hiscommitmenttothe schoolimpacted on all, boys, staff, parents and friends ofthe school. Loved by one and all, as the huge turnout at his memorial service proved, his passing can only have left a gap. We mourn the loss of a truly great and courageous Christian gentleman, but rejoice in the privilege of having known him. Graeme Shaker
94RPE 1996 Kearsney College Trustees MrN G Polkinghome(Chairman) Mr D W Barker Mr J W Gafney Mr E S C Gamer Mr B Hagemann Mrs S C Hotz Mr C Woolacott Honorary Life Trustees Mr A B Theunissen Mr W H Hulett MrT A Polkinghome Dr G W Shuker Rev C Wilkins Kearsney Board of Governors MrN Polkinghome(Chairman) Mr L Buys(Vice Chairman) Mr R Becker Mr R Benney MrG J Collingwood Mr A R Ewing Mr A K Francis Mrs H Gammie Mr N Gerber Mr T Rosenberg Mr J E Sabine Dr G W Shuker Mr A W H York Ex Officio Members The Presiding Bishop ofConference: Rev Dr M S Mogoba Chairman Natal Coastal District: Rev Dr N S Hudson Representative Natal Coastal District: Mr C Woolacott Honorary Life Governor ProfV J Bredenkamp Kearsney College Headmaster Mr O J Roberts Kearsney College Old Boys'Club Mr A Ross Mr J Wallace Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 3
■ -".anw: #.;;v ■*.■ ?■. 7 I' - I "(Sp yif-'r. ', > V Mi TS^. . Wri- ■ .iW-W-'''-■' ■a. - • S. ;ir •:-■?! / / i-;- The Headmaster's Desk At our Executive Seminar at the beginning of The year, we decided that we would like this, our 75* year, to be one which no pupil, parent. OldBoy or staffmember would ever forget. As you page through this magazine, you will hopefully get a feel for the special year that we did have. Ithink back to the Thanksgiving service, the trip to Old Kearsney, the tennis, waterpolo and rugby festivals, the musical evening, the anniversary ball. Comrades day, that never ending Founders' weekend which included Chess and the OldBoys' dinner ... then on to trials and the I.E.B. ... and in harness with it, the 'Beyond 2000 Appeal' and the exciting new projeets all which emanated from it. Yes, we have so much for which to be thankful. We set ourselves three prime goals besides the 75* anniversary celebrations and appeal; * to ensure that we kept up to date in terms ofnew technology and learning approaehes. We derived and started the implementation of an 'information technology vision'. We have already established another computer laboratory and are busy with the staff development programme. * to help devise and implement a strategic plan to accommodate growing numbers. Our Architects are busy finalising plans for the upgrading of our swimming pool and the building of a teacher resource centre, whilst the science laboratorieshave been upgraded. * to improve the unity and teamwork amongst the Executive and staff. The successes so evident during the year were achieved through real team effort amongst all segments of the Kearsney fraternity. The year was also tinged with sadness with the passingofour Chairman,NevillePolkinghome. His courage and inspirational leadership will never be forgotten. We welcomed our new Chairman, Lauron Buys, who stepped into the breach far sooner than he would have wanted. Education in this country is in transition. There are many hurdles yet to be overcome. Iwouldurge all to look at thepositive. We at Kearsney will do all in our power to assist in themaintenance of standards. We thank God for his blessings in the past and ask for his guidance in the years ahead. OJRoberts Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 4
Board of Governors New Appointments LAURON BUYS i Since matriculatingfromKearsney College in 1970 as Deputy Head boy, Lauron has remained a dedicated and active participantin the Kearsney community.In 1987 he was appointed to the Kearsney College Old Boys' Executive, taking over the helm in 1992 as President ofthe Club and in this capacity acting as an ex-officio member of the Board of Governors and the Parents' Society committee.In March 1995 he was appointed Vice-Chairman of the Board under the inspirational leadership of Neville Polkinghome. The following year, he assumed the positions of Chairman of the Board of Governors and Chairman ofthe Trustees ofKearsney College. With a Higher Education Diploma from the University of Natal, a three year teaching stint at Northlands'Boys'Highand managementexperience in pre-primary education, Eauron's interest in education is a valuable addition to his inherent business acumen and interpersonal skills. These qualities, combined with his integrity, loyalty and commitment to the College and a strong personal vision forthe future ofKearsney,make him an ideal helmsman to steer Kearsney College into 2000 and beyond. HELEN GAMMIE Helen Gammie is well-known to all associated with Kearsney College,forhervitality,unstinting energy, and determination to make Kearsney both a top educational institution and a home away from home for our sons. Many of us within the Kearsney Community have been motivated by her enthusiasm to get 'stuck in' and help wherever possible in the functions and projects she has driven. The saying that,"Ifyou ever wantto get something done,give it to a busy woman",was surely written with Helenin mind.Sheleadsa hecticlifestyle butis never too busy when duty calls at Kearsney. As Chairman ofthe House committee in charge ofthe pahostelsandcertainfacilities,shecanbeseendailyatthe college. The75th ballthis yearbearstestamenttoher unsurpassed organizational abilities and catering expertise.Butwhilefunctionsofthisnatureremindusof herinvolvementatKearsney,muchofwhatshe does behindthescenesgoesbyunnoticed.Thiscommitment without any expectation ofreward must surely be Helen's finest quality - one which makes her an invaluablememberoftheBoardofGovernors. TERRENCE ROSENBERG Having completed a B.Comm MBA, Terry joined Arthur Andersen & Co in the consulting division in South Africa in 1972. In 1980hebecame an intemational partner,eventually headingupthe world-wide mining team in 1982.Then in 1986he became managing di rector ofthe South African practice.In 1988 he pur chasedBearesEimitedandchangedthenametoPrefcor Holdingswherehe heldthe positionofChairman until the mergerwith the McCarthy Groupin 1992.Henow holds the position of ChiefExecutive ofthe com bined group. Terry has played tennis for Southern Transvaal and is currently involved in a wide range ofcommunity services RICHARD BENNEY On leaving Kearsney in 1966 he started a career in banking by joiningthethen BarclaysNational Bank and after a period of five years moved into the Building Society industry, as a Branch Manager.Amovetocommercecamewhenhejoined the Home Building industry filling the position of AdministrationDirectorTransvaalforCoughCooper Homes.Attheendof1990hejoinedPGAutoglassas FinancialManager,aposition stillheld.Hehas served asbothtreasurerandchairmanoftheTransvaalbranch ofthe OldBoysclub andheand wifeShirleyconvene the Gauteng Parents' Society.In his leisure time he enjoys fly fishing and growing orchids. sNT Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 5
r Kearsney College Staff ■m / 1 V « Mr O J Roberts Mr K Decker Mr M F Bissell Mr J L Hall Mr D Boshoff Mrs J R Broadbent Mr R Candotti Mr D Cato Mr F P D Cocks Rev P Crundwell Mr L P Daniels Mr R de Villiers Mr J A Drew Mr K J Garrett Mr D Goldhawk Mr D Graves Mr M Griffiths Mrs S Griffith Mrs P M Isaac Mr P G King Mr D L Knowles Mr R W Lamplough Mr M G Mack Mr J McMichael Mrs K L Mollentze Mr B Ndaba Mr O D Phipps Mrs R J Randall-Taylor Mr P A T Ratcliffe Mr P-J A Richter Mr B Riley Mr G EM Shone Mr K Smith Mrs A M Stevens Mr B S Steyn Mrs C V Tullidge Mr C J Van Loggerenberg Mr S L Van Wyk Mr A F Van Zyl Mrs V A Wallace Mr A H Willows Mrs D S Woodroffe Mrs M W Alborough Mr J G Bester Mr G S Borresen Mrs J Du Casse Mr MIMDawson Mrs S A Gelder Mrs B Kassier Mrs D Littlejohn Mrs D Lyness Mrs J McKeman Mrs K Tocknell Sister A Ashbumer Sister M Morgen Ms A MFuller Mr R J Smith Mr G Govender Mr R Pillay B A Hons TTD FDE (Management) B.Ed T Cert BAB Ed MA B Ed BA (Phys Ed) HDE M.Sc HED BA (Hons) HED BSc HDE BAB Ed BA (Hons) WTSD FDE (Maths) BSc (Hons) HDE BA HDE HDE FDE BA Sp (Hons) Grad CE BAB Ed BSc UED BA (Hons) PCE B Soc Sc, HDE, B Ed BA UED BA (Hons)HDE,FDE (Ed Management) BA(Hons) UED HDE SEC ED MA HED BAFA, HDE B Paed (Arts) BSc, STD, FDE, (Computers in Ed) BA B Ed, HDE B Ed T Dip BSc B Ed Nat Dip - Nat teacher Dipl-Ind. TeachDepl BA UED BA HDE L.T.C.L. B Comm, HED NTDA NHD HDE SEC ED BA HDE BA HDE B Sc HDE B ComHDE Dip M (GSM) Dipl.Basic Bookkeeping/Accounting BA HDE Reg Nurse/Midwifery/Com .Health Reg General Nurse Headmaster Deputy Headmaster/Maths Deputy Headmaster/History Deputy Headmaster/History Afrikaans i/c Science English Lower School Tutor/Maths Director Post Matric/Maths Chaplain Housemaster Finningley/Maths Biology Geography Science Housemaster Gillingham/English Afrikaans Head 4th Form/Biology i/c French i/c Resources Centre i/c Geography Housemaster Pembroke/History i/c History Lower School Tutor/Science English Art Part time Zulu M.Ed Computer Studies i/c Afrikaans i/c Maths i/c Biology Design & Technology Part time English i/c Phy Ed i/c Music Accounting, Bus Economics i/c Art Afrikaans Science Afrikaans i/c English Maths i/c Accounting, Bus Economics Receptionist Development Trust Officer Bursar Financial Secretary Financial Manager Marketing Secretary School Shop (Part time) Headmaster's Secretary School Secretary Bookkeeper Director of Marketing Registered Nurse Registered Nurse Housekeeper Estate Manager Sports field Supervisor Maintenance Supervisor Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 6
Staffnotes The staffscene at Kearsney is never static and 1996 is no exception. What with arrivals and departures, hatches and matches, there has never been a dull moment. New Arrivals: Gerry Ndaba Gerry is a new member ofthe Zulu department and this is hisfirstteaching post.Hehascometo usfresh from University and has impressed with his quiet, confident manner. He gives valuable help with basketballandrugby,and would like to beknown as a peace-loving person who is interested in crossculturalexchanges.Asyet,Gerry has no need to pay lobola! Shaun Van Wyk Shaun is a versatile member ofstaffdoing sterling work in no fewer than three departments, namely: Physical Science, Mathematics and Entrepreneurship. He has come to us most recently from Glenwood High School.Shaun'sloveisthegameof tennis and this is amplyhomeoutbythe manyhours spent with pupils on the tennis courts. He is at present Charman of USSASA Southern Coastal Tennis Association. He is married to Jane and has two children,Joshua and Chanais. Deon Boshojf Deon has filled the post left vacantin the Afrikaans department by the departure ofDean Sudding. His last post was at Dale College where he taught Afrikaans, Physical Education and Business Economics.Deon is a rugby enthusiast and at Dale College was master-in-charge of Sport, coaching rugby and waterpolo. He enjoys the challenge of getting the best out of pupils who find his subject difficult. He is married to Caroline and they have2 year-old twin sons, Daniel and Luke, and baby Mark. Brian Riley Brian has joined the Design and Technology department where he takes greatpleasure in sharing his knowledge and considerable expertise with his pupils.Brian hasarich technicalbackground having served as a senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at NatalTechnikon and having worked for 18 yearsin industry.Herunsatightandtidy ship, as a visit to his department will bear out. John Smith John on his bicycle is a familiar sight as he rides the range inspecting sites and generally checking up on things. He has taken over the Estate management with a very decisive grip. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for him or to escape his eagle eye.He appears to possess the necessary attributes for the position he holds - patience and an unflappable temperament.They will certainly stand him in good stead in whatcanbe averyfhistratingjob.Allpower to your elbow,John,as the Irish are fond ofsaying! Gavin Bester Gavin is the first encumbent in the new post of Development Officer. He has been very much occupied in assisting Dr Shuker with the 'Beyond 2000'Appealcampaign while his main responsibil ity is to administerthe DevelopmentTrustFund.He brings to these posts considerable expertise and experience from the financial world having run his owninsurance businessin Johannesburg.Histies to Kearsney are strong - he is an Old Boy, an exmember of the Board of Governors and a parent. This last position will doubtless continue for some time as he and his wife Leslie have three sons. Sallyann Gelder Sallyannand hercheery presence havereturned,this time on a permanent basis. She is Karen Tocknell's full-time assistantin the Marketing Departmentand she makes an eminently suitable welcoming committee for prospective pupils and new boys to the College. Vicky Mare Vicky hasjoined us as Assistant Librarian, having come from Hillcrest Senior Primary where she served as a Teacher's Assistant. She quietly and efficientlyperformsallthe'mopping-up'operations in the Resource Centre thereby freeing Paula Isaac for more important tasks. Jenny du Casse Jennyhaseometo usfrom Westville Hospitalwhere she spent the last three years doing the books. She has spent most of her life doing Bookkeeping and professes a great interest in figures and computers. At Kearsney she holds the position of Finaneial Secretary in charge ofCredit Control. Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 7
Mick Dawson Mick has most recently filled the role ofBursar at the Rapid Results College.His position at Kearsney is that ofFinancial Manager,working closely with our Bursar to run the financial affairs ofthe school. He enjoys the outdoors and is a keen sportsman. Charles Moodley The Science department has a new lab assistant, Charles Moodley,replacing Henry. New Arrivals OfAnother Kind The stork was kept very busy in 1996 with the birth ofnofewer than6staffchildren,3boys and 3 girls. They are all thriving and should be a force to be reckoned with in afew years time. Congratulations to the Richter,Mack,Nott,Garrett,De Villiers 1 and Boshofffamilies on another little mouth to feed! 1 -^1 Departures ^" During the yearwesaid farewellto three members " of the teaching staff - Ken van Blerk, William * Vermaak and Dean Sudding - our Estate Manager, BrianPotter and HenryRampershad, the technician in the Science department. Ken Van Blerk Ken went into retirement at the end of 1995. However,throughout the year he has helped out in a practical way wherever he can around the school. He is happy doing what he likes best, pottering and tinkering. Dean Sudding The departure ofDean Sudding and hisfamily atthe end ofthe first term was a great loss to Kearsney, and acorresponding gain to Bishops.In histen years atthe schoolDean certainly made his mark in many spheres. He proved to be an innovative Afrikaans teacher and a dedicated sports coach. Cricket and rugby were his chief passions. His highest achievementwasaspellas1XIcoach.Hisallround ability as a schoolmaster was recognised with his appointment as Gillingham housemaster.Under his control the house continued its successful run by winning almost all inter-house competitions. The crowning achievement was Gillingham's victory in the school gala shortly before Dean's departure. In the staffroom Dean will be chiefly remembered for his off-beat sense of humour and his devious practicaljokes.Hekept his colleagues constantly in -i. suspense, wondering what surprises were in store for them.For years to come Took alike' pranks will be known as"Suddingisms". Brian Potter Brian has gone into well-deserved retirement after serving many years in the exhausting and at times frustratingjob ofEstate manager.He held a crucial position in the physicalrunningoftheschooland we willrememberhim for hisready smile and histennis serve. We wish him a happy and restful retirement. Henry Ramparshad Henry started his career as laboratory assistant in the Science departmentin 1965 where he saw many HDD's and teachers ofscience come and go. He proved himself adept at '*^1, -■ matters scientific, coming to the rescue often in potentially dangerrt ous situations, controlling unpre- - dictable chemical reactions, putting out fires and the like. All teachers in the department 1 depended very heavily on Henry to set up apparatus for practical work and to ensure that it was in perfect workingorder.Hedidall thiswithadmirable expertise and aplomb. In addition to his invaluable work for the science department, Henry, with the tireless help of his wife. Sheila, ran the school tuckshop formany years.Henry was also frequently called upon to performmenial administrative tasks intheholidays, somethinghe was no stranger to. As a teenager inthemid 1950's hehadacted as general office helper and messenger for the then Headmaster,Mr Stanley Osier. Henry Ramparshad has therefore proved himself to be a loyal and invaluable servant to Kearsney College for aperiod spanning some 35 years. We wish to express our sincere gratitude for his hard work, his dedication andhis unswerving loyalty to the College. Matches On the 23"* MarchKarenHagemannmet her match when shemarriedNeil Tocknell at her family home in Damall. We wish them both many years of marriedbliss. May the honeymoonnever end! Housemaster Dave Goldhawk has replaced Dean Sudding as Housemaster ofGillingham.Wewishhimapleasant residency. Dave's post of Standard head for Forms 1 & 2 was taken over by DavidCato &MarkMack. Sheila Griffiths (Staff Chronicler) Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 8
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Portfolio Prefects M Nelson Head ofSchool R Lee Deputy Head ofSchool A Gait Head of Gillingham and School Prefect G Gammie Head ofFinningley and School Prefect G Picken Head ofHaley and School Prefect W Voogt Head ofPembroke and School Prefect K Paradies Deputy Head of Gillingham and School Prefect D Parker Deputy Head ofPembroke and School Prefect S Rautenbach Deputy Head ofHaley and School Prefect K Staats Deputy Head ofFinningley and School Prefect R Atkinson School Prefect J Hunter School Prefect B Polkinghome School Prefect M Stacey School Prefect R Baxter Prefect in Gillingham D Bissell Day Boy Prefect D Comrie Day Boy Prefect B Currin Prefect in Gillingham T Hall Prefect in Pembroke A Johnson Prefect in Gillingham R Leibbrandt Prefect in Pembroke M Mthethwa Prefect in Gillingham R Price Prefect in Gillingham A Sander Prefect in Pembroke T Thackwell Prefect in Haley R van Loggerenberg Day Boy Prefect A van Rooyen Prefect in Haley V Vidas Prefect in Haley The school prefects, under strong leadership from head boy Mark Nelson who was loyally supported by his deputy,Robert Lee,worked hard at running their portfolios as well as doing their routine school and house duties. The managementofthese portfo lios(academics, cultural, day boys, outreach, pub lic relations, spiritual and sport) involves the set ting ofobjectives for the year and then planning and executing strategies to achieve them.It gives the prefects experience in developing the skills necessary for these tasks,a valuable introduction to what many ifnot most ofthem will A V be called upon to do in years to come. • R. Lamplough a m i ir ir- m r V n O h-..- n '.L/4 ■•r n k Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 10
LE.B. Senior Certificate 70(89%)Obtained Matriculation Exemption 9 Obtained Senior Certificate No Failures A Aggregate:21 Atkinson RD Christie DL Crabbia PL Currin BM Gait AI GeldenhuysVM Hind PD Hourquebie DP Hunter J Leibbrandt RE Lorimer SD Mullins AP Paradies KW Parker DC Picken G Sander AN Smith TW Storrar PR van Loggerenberg R van Schaik CF Vidas VS B Aggregate:12 Baker RD BissellD Buchan BBR Comrie DS LeeRRC Lobban WE Machutchon MR MkhizeEX Nelson M Thackwell TC Voogt W Warrington NJ CAggregate:25 Baxter RL Brown SP Bull DP Coskey TA Durrett RH Frizelle S Gammie GJ Gregory Ross Gregory Ryan Hall TM Hastie SG Hendry J Macaulay KA Matebese MN Mothibi MX Mthethwa MM O'Callaghan CRR Pilkington T Piskounov V PolkinghomeBN Stacey MK van Aardt WE Verwey GP Windsor JG Yiannakis EC Subject Distinctions(A) Paradies KW English, Maths, Science, Biology, Geography, Computer Studies, Ad. Maths. Lorimer SD English, Maths, Science, Art, Computer Studies Mullins AP Maths, Science, Computer Studies, Accounting, AdMaths Gait AT Maths, Science, Geography, Accounting Hind PD Maths, Science, Accounting, AdMaths van Loggerenberg R English, Afrikaans, History, Geography van Schaik CF Maths, Biology, Science, Geography Hourquebie DP Maths, Science, Accounting Nelson MA Maths(SG), Science (SG), Art Parker DC Maths, Science, Art Picken G Maths, Science, Geography Smith TW Afrikaans, Science, Accounting Storrar PR Maths, Science, Accounting Vidas VS Maths, Science, Biology Atkinson RD Science, Accounting Currin BM Geography, Art Hunter JA English, Science Leibbrandt RE English, Science Yiannakis EC Maths(SG), Science(SG) BissellD Science Buchan BBR Art Christie DL Accounting Comrie DS Science Crabbia FL Art GeldenhuysVM History LeeRRC Afrikaans Lobban WE Art Matebese MN Science(SG) MkhizeEX Science Mthethwa MM Science(SG) Pilkington T History PolkinghomeBN Science(SG) Sander AN Science Thackwell TC Science(SG) Van Rooyen GA Afrikaans Total: Higher Grade 72 Standard Grade8 Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 11
6th Form Prize Giving Headmaster's Address Mr Chairman and Mrs Buys,Mr Neil van Heerden, Members ofthe Board ofGovernors,distinguished guests. Ladies and Gentlemen ... welcome to you all. Thank you for being with us today.I felt it ap propriate in this our 75th Year to look back and see ifwe haveindeed fulfilled the vision ofourFounder, Sir Liege Hulett. For this we need to look a little morein depth atthefamily history ofSir Liege. Flere Iam indebted to the workdone byRobin Lamplough who is masterminding the Flistory ofthe College to be published soon. The detail makes fascinating reading. Whatemerges is that Sir Liege came fi-om a staunch Methodist family with deep roots in edu cation. His Grandfather opened aschool"for young gentlemen"in Greenwich and anotherin Gillingham, Kent, specifically to cater for Methodists as most schools were Anglican or non-conformist. Sir Liege's father was educated at Gillingham House school, studied medicine, and later returned to re open his father's school. In the 1850's William Irons recruited some400 dis tressed Methodists who settled at Verulam. Like all settlers there were hard times but under the de termined leadership ofmen like Tom Garland,Tho mas Groom and John Polkinghome they weathered the storm. A century later the names of Irons, Polkinghome,and Groom have been established as part ofthe history ofKearsney College as well. Sir Liege arrived in 1857in Natalwith only5pounds. Before he had completed building a home on leased ground his parents arrived to join him. His father opened asmallschool. Meantimethe entrepreneurial Sir Liege carried on trading with Zululand,married andthen eventually leased600acres which he called Kearsney after a place near his home in England. He tried various crops, with maize and coffee the most successful, before he did very well out oftea and later sugar. His spectacular rise in economic power brought with it an increased involvement in politics where he rose to Minister ofNative Affairs and later Speaker ofthe House in the colonial cabi net. He was knighted in 1902, before becoming a Senator of the newly established Union of South Africa. This necessitated a move to Durban. The Kearsney House was briefly occupied by his son, Albert, but was then left empty. A Methodist friend,Arthur Foss pointed outthat Kingswood was the only Methodistschoolinthe countryandsuggested Kearsney College be established as the second such school. Sir Liege did notneed much persuading. You have a briefresume ofour first 75 years in the handouts before you. Forgive me ifI could not do justice to the Board Members, the Staff, the Old Boys,the parents,and the boysthemselves who have taken Sir Liege's legacy and each in their own way contributed to the growth of Kearsney as we see and enjoy it today. AsI take you through myreport on the year I leave you to judge whether you feel we have preserved the ethos ofour founders. 75th Celebrations and Appeal We setouton this our 75th year determined to make it one that all associated with the College would not forget. It was to be a year of giving thanks and celebrations coupled with an appeal to pave the way for the future. The first day opened with a Thanks giving Servicefollowed bya special assembly which included the induction ofprefects,the raising ofour anniversary flag, and the presentation ofa 75th tie and pen to each pupil. ThatSunday 120invited past and present Govemors, staff, parents and pupils gathered in the little ChapelatOld Kearsney(near Stanger)for a moving service taken by our Chap lain, Peter Cmndwell using texts carried by some boys cyclingfrom new Kearsney. Jannie Storm and Colin Silcock read these texts and Thea Reece led us in a prayer ofThanksgiving. Afterwards we all enjoyed a guided tour of the old school and the graveyard. Halfterm saw the first ofour celebratory activities in the form ofa tennis festival. Weinvited eight of the top tennis schools in South Africa. This led to some marvelous play with our own side emerging as winners with everything hinging on a final set tiebreak. During the Easter holidays we hosted an exciting international waterpolo festival. Eton College (Windsor), Scott's College (Australia) and C.B.C. and St George's College(Zimbabwe)joined many ofthe top schoolsfrom ourowncountry. St Stithians were named the team of the week. They won all their games with our team losing only narrowly to them. A 75th Musical Supper was held to celebrate and enjoy the remarkable resurgence of music in the College. We were entertained by superb singing from our chamber and school choirs totalling over 120voices. Ourorchestra playedtwonumbersfor us. Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 12
Thiswasinterspersed byinstrumentalensemblesand solo performancesbysomeofthe 180ladsnowleaming to play instruments atthe College.The Anniver saryBallwasaresounding successthankstothe won derfulorganisationofHelenGammieandherteam. In the wordsofone ofthose who attended: "It wasthe most enjoyable and classiest event thatIhave ex perienced atKearsney A special Chapel service for Old Boys from the 1930s was arranged by Mick Bissell and Graeme Shuker at Old Kearsney at the end ofMay.The Old Crocks rugby match proved to be a very special day. For ComradesDay,stands were placed at the entrance to the College, a barmer was put across the road and a 'rolling' breakfast for Old Boys and friends proved a great success. The International Rugby Festival held here at Kearsney with five lo cal schools and three teams from England,Ireland and New Zealand provided some very entertaining rugby. The crowd on the Saturday is estimated to have been in the region of6000 spectators. The culmination ofour celebrations this year took place at the beginning ofAugust - our Founders'Week end. The dinner on the Friday evening saw nearly 500 Old Boys,of all ages, gather from around the world to celebrate our 75th Anniversary. The Old Boys'AGMonthe Saturday moming wastestimony to the thriving, well-managed and growing society which contributes so much to our school. To quote Sir Ian MeLeod,the Chairman ofour U.K.branch, in his address to the Old Boys on this occasion "7 leftKearsney butKearsney has never left me The President's Cocktail Party on the Saturday evening saw probably the biggest crowd ever gathered at the Greyhound Club to watch the SA/Wallabies match on the big screen in the marquee. That evening I had the pleasure ofattending the school's production of"Chess". Iam sure that all ofthose in the capacity audiences will agree with methat it was an outstanding production befitting our celebratory year. The Old Boys' Chapel and Broadcast Service on the Sunday moming also saw capacity attendance. The morning ceremony washighlighted bythe pres ence of two former College Chaplains, Vie Bredenkamp and Athol Jennings,who participated in the service and Dr Shuker and our Head boy who spoke on what Kearsney meant to them. The weekend ended with tennis,squash,hockeyand mgby matches against the Old Boys. The first XV game,being played in excellentspirit,produced attrac tive miming mgby which entertained thelargecrowd. The final cocktail party after the game ended a suc cessful weekend. I would like to pay tribute and give thanks to all the staff and Old Boys who were involved in the suc cessful planning and implementation ofthese many celebratory activities. A special word ofcommen dation to Miek Bissell for his incredible organisa tion ofthe sporting festivals. Angela Stevens also needs mention for the brilliant work she has done with the Choir and for her production of"Chess". Coupled with this has been an Appeal orchestrated by our Chairman of the Appeal Committee, Dr Graeme Shuker, ably assisted by our newly ap pointed Development Director, Gavin Bester and the membersofthe Steering Committee made up of Old Boys and parents. They have worked tirelessly setting up regional Committees, holding some 30 cocktail parties,journeyingto the U.K.and America, and visiting potential donors. So far some R2,5 million has been pledged. The architects are busy with the first three ofour projects namely: upgrading and establishment ofnew Informa tion Technology facilities for pupils and staff so the upgrading and heating ofour swimming pool BO the extension ofthe admin building to include a staff workroom and additional offices for our finance department. BO I do hope the R5 million target is reached. Support for this campaign is so essential ifwe are to stay in the forefront of education and be more accessible to all. I would like to pay tribute to Graeme and Paddy Shuker. I doubt there is any other person who has served the College more tirelessly,loyally,and with such commitment and devotion. Having schooled here, he then became a member of the Board and Trustees. He attended more than 100 Board Meet ings. As Chairman he appointed me and he and Paddy wentoutoftheir wayto makeusfeel athome and partofKearsney. His advice and strong leader ship have been largely responsible for the course taken by our College. Having retired from both the Board andfrom Hulett's,he had every right to hand the batton over,but his love for Kearsney led to his agreeing to yet another daunting task as Chairman of the Appeal. Anne and I, and all of Kearsney, thank you sincerely for your love and service. Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 13
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Report On The Year I do not have time to report on everything that hap pened this special year but I will mention the high lights and share with you some interesting com ments taken from the records ofour firstfew years. Weopened in 1921 with 11 boardersand2dayschol ars and by 1928 the enrolment had grown to around 70. "Over50% have come because theirparents were so wellpleased with the behaviour ofthe boys al ready here. I mention this becauseI wish to con gratulate theschoolgenerally that this isso,and to bring to the notice ofall how very much thefuture ofthe College we love depends on the boys them selves." (Chronicle,Easter 1928). Next year we will have some600 pupils with every bed filled and 150 day students. Due to the uncertainty in state schools and our own successes we had some 290 applicants for the 100 places on offer. "I said it would takefive years before we could make ends meetfinancially - nextyear thereshould be a clear margin on the R.H.S. between income and expenditure." (Chronicle,Easter 1928). We are in a similar position now but I remain con cerned that our fees make accessibility difficult for most. Wedare notbe complacent with the economy as precarious as it is. Many are saying that Independent Schools should not get a subsidy but I would remind them that the subsidy amounts to but1%ofthe Education budget and Independent schools educate 2% ofthe popu lation. Surely, our parents who are all tax payers are entitled to the little assistance we get? "At the end of1926 nine boys satfor the Junior Certificate Examination - seven passed, three get ting 1st classes. In the matriculation onlyfoursat, but we were lessfortunate, only one securing a pass." (The Critic, September 1927). Last year we achieved the 2nd best results in our last20 years being pipped only by those ofthe year before: 80% gained exemption 56%got'Caggregates and above There were no failures Andrew Buchanan was awarded Honours Cum Laude and achieved an aggregate ofover90% with 7'A's and a'B'(over90% in Maths,Science,His tory and Advanced Maths). This year we write the I.E.B.for the first time and I wish our matriculants well knowing they have been well prepared by a teaching staffthatit would be difficultto better. The academic ethos continues to be very positive throughout as our results in national and provincial examinations and competitions show at all levels. In Sir Liege Huletfs Obituary the following is writ ten; "The College boys are surrounded by educating evidences ofSirLiege's early efforts and enterprise ... again and again when one experimentfailed he tried another until hefound in tea and sugar, in dustries that have become a great asset to Natal and the Union." (Obituary June 1928). This year our Entrepreneurship programme really took offwith businesses springing up by the dozen. Some were very successful...others failed butabove all the pupils are learning to become employable in this new age ofmachines and downsizing. We have to respond to change and the growth of our Commerce Departmentand the emphasis being placed on Information Technology and Life Skills is evidence ofthis. Yet things haven't really changed that much as these topics for debates in 1928 show: so Strict discipline is goodfor a school 15-0 infavour so Men should he hangedfor murder 15-0 infavour so Boys should be taught to cook andsew 12-3 infavour so Civilised men are happier than cave men87against! (Chronicle,June 1928). Whatabout this leaffrom a Kearsney boy's diary: February 2nd Back amongfamiliarfaces ... some of them veryfamiliar. 3rd Franz brings a gramophone and a tuckbox with him. 4th France still very popular. Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 15
7th Ginger has brought his sister'sfriends photo and a new writingpad. 12th Ginger buys a new writingpad. 13th Matrons dog arrives. 14th Fellows miss socks, slippers, etc. 16th Dog disappears. 17th Play cricket nearprep building ... borrow 3/ -for broken window. 21St Buy new pencil. 22nd New pencilpinched. Pinchedsomeone else's. 23rd Findpencil lost on 21 in hip pocket. Now have2pencils. 28th Ginger buys another writing pad. (The Critic, August 1927). Has sport changed much? "Rugger isfinding itsfeet at Kearsney. The enthu siasm and readiness to learn which is being dis played is greater than ever before thanks to the ar rival ofMr Medworth who has captured the posi tion ofstand-ojfhalffor Natal. Heplayed against the All Blacks at Maritzburg. The strength ofthe first team lies in theforwards who have so trained themselvesthattheycan lastoutthefastestofgames with little perceptive slackening off"(Chronicle, June 1928). The strength ofour side certainlylayin theforwards and our fitness. Though we narrowly lostto6sides we recorded notable victories over Bishops, St Stithians, Kingswood,St Andrews,and Jeppe. Cricket seemed to be the other main sport at the Old Kearsney. Rowan Groom made the S.A. Schools'side and MichaelNienaberhasjustretumed from overseas having made the National U15 side. Certainly, in my time we have never had the depth ofcricketing talent we presently have. We fielded 18sides and manyofthem are still unbeaten with the 1st XI doing very well. The highlight of our sporting year has been the amazing resurgence of hockey with the first team losing only one of their 26 matches with 14 players gaining selection to provincial sides at different age groups.Close on their heels must be tennis with our teams yet again winningthe A&Bleaguesin Durban and Maritzburg, and our own festival challenge, and coming 2nd in the Wayne Ferreira toumament with the 2nd team winning the other pool. Sportis certainly flourishing atKearsney where our aim remains to enable every boy to represent his school. Our depth is remarkable and is best illus trated byswimmingand waterpolo wherethethere are 150polo players,andthe'B'swmirningteam winning theirleague such thatthey willbe promotedto the'A' league where they willjoin ourfirstteam whocame 3rd inthetop8gala. Squash,athletics,basketballand shooting are thrivingthough sailing hasgone into de cline with nocoach onthe staff. Musicand playsfeature prominentlyin early records: "The play was a complete success. Could every body realise the amountoftime spent by Miss Ellis andMr Oram atrehearsals,and at thepreparation ofthe stage and lighting, they wouldfeel it was bound to be a success"(Chronicle, June 1928). Again nothing much has changed. Hard work and a great team effort saw an excellent production ofthe musical "Chess". Our musicians and choirs reached new levels this year. The music has been an undoubted feature ofthe year. I persuaded the choir to record a C.D. and I gather they are hoping tojourney overseas next year. The chapel singing has been such that, when the organ ist was away, the boys chose to sing unaccompa nied! I have always believed that a successful edu cation is dependent on identifying a pupil's talents and then providing the opportunities for them to grow. Our45 Clubs and Societies help dojust this. Time is our biggest problem ... how to fit every thing into a day. We have seen that first and foremost Kearsney was founded as a Church school. "Again it is notthatthesegrowingladsshouldknow that with all his getting SirLiegesaw to it that reli gion was not neglected? His service as a local preacher is well-known. The delightful Chapel in which we worship is another lasting tribute to the place hegave to theservice ofGod."(Obituary June 1928). OurChaplain,PeterCrundwell,and manyofthe staff and boys have ensured that our Christian heritage continues to grow and become a source of inner strength to us all. Peter enjoyed a term offand reported as follows on his return: "1visited eightEnglish schools. Religious Educa tion in England isfar more highly geared than in South Africa owing to thefactthat it is taughtas an examinable subject with three periods a weekfor teaching. Despite the greater emphasis on R.E. teaching,Ifound the spiritual life ofthe schools at afarlower ebb than ours. It wasgood to return to Kearsney and discover that the SCA. hadgrown to Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 16
about250plus members and that there wasjustso much openness to the Christian gospel." This has been the busiest year I can remember. I wantto thank all who have played a part in making it such an extraordinary year for us all. The seniors set out to maintain standards and traditions. This they undoubtedly achieved through the effective leadership of Mark Nelson and Robert Lee and of all the prefects and matrics who set the example for all. The Post Matrics entered into the spirit of things and contributed greatly whilstproducing good academic results. The parents and Parents' Soci ety worked hard and supported and motivated their sons and the College's celebrations and appeal. I would particularly like to thank all ofyou who have supported the Gamettand Howson families follow ing their tragic motor accidents.The Old Boyshave fulfilled the objects ofthe Club as laid down in the first meeting of12th May 1928:to promote fellow ship, to continue friendships, to assist other Old Boys,and to uphold the honour,prosperity,and tra ditions of the College. The Board with the very active sub-committees have directed operations and been ofgreat assistance to me.I would like to pay a personal tribute to Neville Polkinghome. He had that uncanny knack of being able to make things happen through great personal motivation and in volvement. He and Trish supported Anne and I in our tasks and have been wonderful friends. I con gratulate andthank LauronBuys who hastaken over as Chairman soonerthan he would have wished. He has lunged into his role with his normal vigour and has ensured our ship stays on course.Anne has once again worked tirelessly for the College and sup ported me incredibly. The Deputies have given the schoolthe leadership needed and me wonderfulsup port ... it is a privilege working with such talented men.The staff- academic,administrative and sup port - have had to work harder than ever before in this our 75th year. They have responded to every challenge and ensured ourproud standards are main tained. I would like to conclude with the identical para graph used at the first recorded speech day in 1928: "I conclude with my usual note ofoptimism, as sured that a long and useful life lies ahead ofthe College and that Natal and South Africa will have cause to rejoice in the wisdom andforesightofour Founder and those associated with him in the es tablishment ofKearsney College." (From the Headmaster's Report). .i <. \ X I / I' *• t-fh ■f.l Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 17
Guest Speaker MrNP van Heerden. (Executive Director South Af rica Foundation) MasterofCeremonies,Mrand Mrs Buys, Mr and Mrs Roberts, Members of the Board of Governors Ladies and Gentlemen, and finally - and most im portantly - the form 6 class of 1996. Iam honoured to have been invited to be part ofthe proceedings at this important day for the members of form 6 and their parents and of course for Kearsney College and all those associated with Kearsney. We live in a young country,and an edu cational institution which can look back over 75 years ofcontinuous service to the community is a source ofgreat pride. In a world in which change and the obsession with tomorrow have become dominant themes,we must not fail to recognise the value oftradition in our lives. At Kearsney,Chris tian ethics and humanitarian principles form the mainstays ofthat tradition. Together with memo ries ofthe good times,and sometimesthe bad,these will be the values which will distinguish you from others in the years to come. On this occasion it is good that we remind ourselves ofthese things. You will also take with you from Kearsney pride in its many achievements. We live in an increasingly competitive environment in which achievement is sought and rewarded - this does not always mean being first - but it does mean finding and consoli dating our strengths and pursuing them with dedi cation and above all not giving up. As much as we live in an increasingly competitive world, we also live in an ever smaller world with which we as individuals and communities mustlive in harmony. This calls for us to reach out to others as is done in the outreach programme here at Kearsney. Christian ethics make us our brothers' keepers- and ifweobeythis command,it is asource ofinner strength - it helps us to shape the environ ment in which we live - it is a bridge to friendship and also to partnership such as the partnership be tween parents, teachers and pupils to which you belong here at Kearsney. As a young diplomat in Japan many years ago, I was struck by the great respect for the privacy of the individual on the one hand,but also the obliga tion on every memberofsociety to be agood neigh bour and to relate actively to others. This principle forms an important part of modem Japanese man agement practice and is thought to have contrib uted significantlytothe economic miracle ofthe last thirty years in that country. The enquiring and questioning spirit which is en gendered by a Kearsney experience will stand you in good stead. Butin this regard it is useful to recall the words ofSamuel Johnson when he wrote of: "that indistinct and headstrong ardour for liberty which a man ofgenius always catches when he en tersthe world,and always suffers to cool ashe passes forward". These are all part ofthe assets which you will have accumulated here at Kearsney - think about it and know that you are immeasurably richer for it - and also that nobody can take it away from you. After this year you will pass on to the rest of your life and the search for your place in the overall scheme of things. Last year Premier Dr Frank Mdlalose, when addressing this assembly said that teaming is a life long process. Those were wise words to be remembered, if we are to cope in an ever-changing environment and hope to escape the fate ofthe dinosaur. The world into which you will venture will have changed very much from that which your parents and even your older brothers and sisters experienced when they left school. More than ever change has become a keyword - consistency now lies in the in consistency and in preparing yourselfto find your niche you will have to carefully take accountofthis change factor - so for instance in the view ofsome the concept of life long careers in fixed positions will disappearin many walksoflife and be replaced by a continuous series ofseparate engagements and projects. A further major new determinantto factor into your planning will be the phenomenon of globalisation or global economic integration and the pervasive influence which it is to have on our country,on our businesses, on our institutions ofteaming, and, in fact, on society as a whole. Let us explore this concept briefly since it is, I be lieve,ofspecial relevance for the tomorrow you are facing. Global economic integration - the widening and in tensifying oflinkages in trade and finance has accel erated over the past ten years - the ratio of world trade to GDP - the value ofgoods and services pro duced in acountry -hasrisen threetimesfaster since Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 18
1985 than in the preceding decade. Globalisation is underpinned by liberalisation ofeconomic policies and by new technologies that facilitate transporta tion and communication. There is now ample evidence that point to a posi tive correlation between willingness on the part of societies to participate in international economic integration and their growth rates - those countries that integrated most rapidly over the past decade grew on average 3% faster than others. Ifthen we must accept global economic integration as an important reality of our time with attractive rewards for those who join, what are the require mentsfor participation? It is clearly and mainly the ability to compete. The Swiss based World Eco nomic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report for 1996 defines competitiveness as a nation's capacity to achieve economic growth. It ranks Singapore, Hong Kong,New Zealand and the US as the four most competitive countries in the world - South Africa incidentally is ranked 43rd out of49 coun tries listed. The same survey lists Singapore,New Zealand,Thailand and Hong Kong asthe fourcoun tries with the highest growth rates - confirmation of the strong - and hardly surprising - correlation be tween the ability to compete and growth rate. A further interesting dimension can be added - a recent survey of economic freedom in the world covering the period 1975-1995 lists Hong Kong, New Zealand,Singapore and the US,in that order, as the countries with the highest level ofeconomic freedom.(South Africa is ranked 54th outofa total of103countries). Thesurvey summarisesthese find ings as follows: "Every nation that significantly improved its rating (that is, on the scale of economic freedom) also achieved solid economic growth. Onthe otherhand, economies that moved away from economic free dom were characterised bysluggish growth and eco nomic decline". Let me retrace my thesis: so the global economy is becoming increasingly integrated; so countries where economic freedom prevails and who achieve high levels ofcompetitive ness can most effectively participate in this globaleconomy; so and when they do,they grow significantly faster What about South Africa? If we aspire to be a successful nation, as we do,of course,we have to become progressively integrated into that big world out there. And for us, like for others,an important key will be our ability to com pete in a framework of economic freedom. If we look at the requirements for countries to become internationally competitive to whichI have referred, I believe we already have many ofthem and others are well within our reach. The South African economy has consistentlyshown a high propensity for trade - close to 60% of our GDP is made up ofimports and exports. This un derlines the importance of our successful integra tion into the global economic picture. I previously referred to the low rating South Africa achieved in the current competitiveness survey of the World Economic Forum - 43rd out of49 countries sur veyed. Add to thatthe factthat South Africa's share in world exports decreased from 1.35% in 1980 to 0.66% in 1994 whilst its share of world imports decreased from 1% to 0.5% in the same period. There are different interpretations for these figures and South Africa's recent history and our transition to a fully-participatory democracy clearly has to be taken into account. Notwithstanding these consid erations and progress in many areas, we will have to say to ourselves there is much hard work ahead in becoming a successful nation. The pursuit ofglobal opportunities calls for confi dence to face competition. All sectors of the economy,government,private enterprise and labour must be exposed to intemational best practice. It requires initiative, leadership and boldness. Gov ernment is called upon to create a climate which will enhance the ability to compete intemationally by: so abolishing state monopolies so encouraging foreign direct investments so promoting research and development so developing infrastructure and also institutional and human resources so lowering taxes so promoting a fair and responsive labour mar ket A number ofthese elements are present in Govern ment's macro-economic strategy which was an nounced in June this year. We mustnow look to its progressive and purposeful implementation. Business for its part must respond to and support government's reform initiatives and promote an Kearsney Chronicle 1996 - Page 19
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