02 The year in review Including message from the Headmaster and Col lege staf f news 12 The Class of 2020 A tr ibute to the Matr ic group, including a message from the Headboy, academic awards, school prefec ts and the Kearsney Col lege Counci l 24 Looking back at the year in the Houses Repor ts from Housemasters and prefec t Heads of House 42 Academic reports Including IEB resul ts,and repor ts from each depar tment 70 Spirituality Repor ts on spir i tual i t y and fel lowship 72 Outreach Repor t on the boys ’ invol vement in ser v ing the communi t y 75 Cultural activities and clubs The Cul ture@Kearsney programme, cul tural enr ichment and clubs and societ ies of fered 88 Sport Ref l ec t ing on the spor t ing ac t i v i t i es of the year 162 Kearsney Foundation News and ini t iat i ves from the Foundat ion Of f ice 168 Kearsney College Old Boys Updates on the ac t i v i t ies of the Old Boys around the wor ld 172 In Memoriam Remember ing the Old Boys who passed away in 2020 Contents Kearsney Chronicle 2020 Front cover image: Kearsney COVID cairn. The greater Kearsney community was invited to lay a stone on this cairn, established to reflect on the year and what it had meant to the individual, their family and friends in light of the coronavirus.
2 The Chairman, Guest of Honour Dr Belfort, members of the Trust and Board, online guests, staff, parents, boys and the departing class of Grade 12s: 2020, wow, who would have predicted a year like we’ve all experienced this year? The final cricket match of the summer season took place at Hilton on a beautiful Saturday in February. Our First XI had triumphed over Hilton earlier in the week in the final of the KZN T20 competition but was soundly beaten in the 50 over format. The 1st Basketball team recorded an exciting win, and scores of boys were streaming to the buses and cars for transport back to Kearsney. A late summer thunderstorm that had been brewing the whole afternoon was rumbling in from the south. On our way back home, the storm’s fury hit the long line of cars and busses inching towards the N3. It was quite frightening as tall eucalyptus trees on either side came crashing down, completely blocking the road whilst torrential rain pelted down. With all vehicles now stationery and at the mercy of the storm, it soon became apparent that we were all sitting ducks in danger of other trees falling on the helpless cars in their path. In the torrential rain and howling wind, attempting to clear a way through the rubble, I found myself suddenly assisted by two Kearsney boys who had jumped out of their cars to help move the fallen trees that were lying across the road. Working in unison, we managed to clear away, allowing cars to get through and out of danger. Those boys had appeared without being called upon to do so and got stuck into the job at hand because the situation demanded it for the greater good. Little did I know that this violent event was a harbinger of challenges that would face us in the year to come. The Kearsney spirit of seizing the day would be evident in staff, boys, parents and Old Boys in the months that were to follow as a microscopic virus wreaked havoc across our world. Headboy Aaron Smith, his deputy Qiniso Xulu and their prefects were stoic in keeping their year group together under these extraordinary circumstances. They also took it upon themselves, amid the initial strict lockdown, to raise funds and collect food for struggling families at a neighbouring township school. The co-operation with staff and positive attitude of this class displayed throughout the year has been evident and appreciated by all at Kearsney. I speak on behalf of the entire Kearsney community in thanking you and wishing you well in your futures. The support, loyalty and tenacity of four other groups deserve special mention: 1. Kearsney parents who themselves have faced massive challenges and who have been faithful in fee payment and generous in their moral support of the College; 2. The employees, admin and teaching staff who quickly understood the scope of the challenges and immediately accepted the need to change how they do things and enthusiastically made a success of a radically changed environment. 3. Kearsney Old Boys from the USA, Canada and Australia who set up and supported a fund to assist families whose financial situations were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining in the spirit, local Old Boys and their wives helped families with sons and grandsons at the College in all kinds of ways. Old Boys have also been a pillar of support, assisting us in our Transformation and Diversity journey which received added impetus this year, a year during which we declared that racism has no place at Kearsney; 4. The Kearsney Board: I cannot speak highly enough of the level of support, the wealth of experience and expertise provided pro Deo. The time given - sometimes at short notice - and the collegiality provided to the management team and me by this group of selfless colleagues. Leading this group is Chairman Andrew Parsons – he is pure gold. On a personal note, I wish to thank my wife, Tracey, who I am fortunate to have as my mixed doubles partner in this challenging time. HEADMASTER’S SPEECH From Speech Day 2020 Headmaster's Report
3 Headmaster's Report It is opportune on an occasion such as this to pay tribute to and thank departing members of staff members. Mr Hendan Wienand helped us out in the Geography Department in John Drew’s place. John had served the College for 25 wonderful years before taking leave of us in February. Our thanks go to Mr Wienand for seamlessly and professionally taking over. Mr Mike Albers, an Old Boy, joined us in 2002 to head up the Accounting Department. He was also a great coach of a variety of sports. Mike holds the record, I believe, for the least blows on a whistle by any soccer referee in history. I don’t know how accurate the story is, but I was informed that Mike once refereed a match on Silcock Field and blew his whistle only four times, the first to signal the kick-off, the second at the end of the first half, then at the start of the second half and the fourth at full time. Asked how he got this right, he answered simply, “The boys must just play.” We thank Mike for his loyal service and wish him and his wife Michelle a long and happy retirement. Mr Ronnie Pillay, maintenance manager, completes 37 years of service on our campus. A man with a heart for helping others and a can-do attitude, we wish Ronnie and his wife Kavitha, who will remain working at Kearsney until she retires, a very happy and welldeserved retirement. Returning to the storm up at Hilton, to this day, I don’t know who those Kearsney boys were who spontaneously helped to clear the road in that thunderstorm in February. They will likely remain unnamed, yet their true colours shone through that summer’s evening. Like them, we have had many boys, parents and employees this year who have weathered the storms of 2020 and who, despite remaining unknown, are the foundation on which this school is built, and it is to them that I dedicate this speech: • To the boys who accepted the disappointments of lost opportunities and resolved to make the most of a difficult situation; • To those boys who were aware of the struggles their parents were experiencing due to the effects of lockdown and who remained resilient; • To the boys who had a daily battle to remain connected on the internet to keep pace with their classmates or who simply didn’t have the means to purchase data; • To the boys whose homes couldn’t provide a private or quiet place to participate in online lessons and yet continued with the programme; • To those who made a point of looking out for their family, friends, and those in need in the community; • To those in foreign countries who could not return to Kearsney and whose families went through weeks of anxiety not knowing if or when they could return and under what circumstances; • To the parent whose crops failed season after season and then was faced with the effects of the pandemic and who persevered to pay their sons school fees; • To those whose father, mother, grandparent or cousin was struck down by the coronavirus and who had to witness a person they love suffer, and in some cases, slip slowly away all alone. To those who experienced the anguish of not being able to stand at the bedside to say goodbye or to hold a hand for the last time; • To the retired Old Boys in the USA who decided, “We who have need to help those Kearsney families who are suffering, because of the pandemic”, and this fund has assisted fourteen families. Matshona Dhliwayo is a Zimbabwean-born and Canadian-based philosopher, entrepreneur and author of the book: “50 Lessons Every Wise Mother Teaches Her Son”. He says, “It is only during a storm that a tree knows how strong it is. The storm never lasts, but the sun never stops shining”. To the departing Grade 12s, take this experience as a foundation for your lives. Those Kearsney Old Boys who stood up to assist the College and families in need were almost, to a man, people who have suffered setbacks, tragedy, disaster or failure in life. Somehow, once we have gone through the storm, having been tested in the crucible of life, when that heat has become unbearable and one survives, one emerges a better person, more sensitive to the needs of fellow human beings, more ready to assist others who are going through hardship, pain and torment. Through adversity, you boys are sure to be stronger and better human beings. You have seized the day, and we honour you for that. Now go out and look after others. Thank you and God bless you. Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg
44 Mr E van den Aardweg Headmaster Mr P Kirsten Senior Deputy Headmaster / Mathematics Mr A Willows Deputy Headmaster (Discipline) / Head of Houses /Mathematics Mr F Q Zungu Deputy Headmaster (Student Affairs) / isiZulu Mr M Albers Accounting Mr B Alborough HOD Music (subject) Mr W Amos Geography Mr M Ancillotti HOD Mathematics Ms N Arndt Dayboy Co-ordinator / English Mr M Badenhorst Housemaster, Haley / Mathematics / Afrikaans Mr J Beaumont MIC Discipline / Housemaster, Finningley / English / History Mr C M Botha Mathematics / IT Rev K Bishop Chaplain Mrs S Cairns HOD Afrikaans Ms K-J Coleman School Counsellor / Life Orientation Mrs J Curtiss HOD English Mr M Delport EGD Mr K Deponselle Life Sciences Ms X Dai Mandarin Mr J Drew Geography Mrs R du Plessis Grade Head Grade 8 / HOD Mandarin / Mathematics Mr S Edwards HOD Life Orientation Mrs C Elliott HOD Information Technology / International Exchange Programme Mr T Els Afrikaans Mr K Eysele Life Sciences / Life Orientation / IT Ms A Fripp Director of Clubs and Culture / Business Studies Mrs V Govender Director of Academics / Mathematics Mr S Green Housemaster, Pembroke / Mathematics Mrs J Hicks HOD Visual Arts Mr E Grundling Grade Head Grade 10 / Mathematics Mrs S Hotz Mathematics (part time) Ms L Langa Drama / Visual Art / Design and Technology Mr M Lombard Director of Music Mr D Macdonald HOD Life Sciences Mr S Main Physical Sciences Mr W Marsden HOD Business Studies Ms P Meyer Inclusion Programme/Academic Support Mr G Moerdyk Housemaster, Sheffield / Physical Sciences Mr S Mofokeng English Mr D Moodley EGD Mr A Morgan Grade Head Grade 11 / English Mrs S Murray HOD Physical Sciences Mr B Ndaba HOD isiZulu Ms G Owen Mathematics (part time) Mr N Peacock HOD History Mrs N Pearman English (part time) Mr A Prinsloo Housemaster, Gillingham / Mathematics Mr J Robinson HOD Geography Mr A Ryan English Mr B Savage-Reid Mathematics Staff ACADEMIC STAFF 6
Mr M Saville English Ms U Singh Dramatic Arts Mr B Steyn Director of Rugby / Accounting Mrs E Stockil-Smith Dramatic Arts / English Mr B Thompson Grade Head Grade 9 /Physical Sciences Mr G Thomson English Mrs T van den Aardweg Geography Mr H van Ellewee Afrikaans Mr N van Heerden Afrikaans Mr A van Zyl Grade Head Grade 12 / Afrikaans Mr J Waldburger History Mrs B Ziegelmeier Piano Studies / Accompanist ACADEMIC STAFF 5 Back row: K Eysele, M Delport, D Moodley, A Morgan, E Grundling, A Ryan, N van Heerden, B Steyn, N Peacock Fifth row: H van Ellewee, T Els, E Stockil-Smith, J Waldburger, D Macdonald, M Saville, B Savage-Reid, B Thompson, S Mofokeng Fourth row: J Robinson, W Marsden, C McEwen, A van Zyl, M Botha, K Deponselle, D Langley, S Edwards, B Alborough, G Thomson. S Main, M Ancillotti Third row: S Cairns, G Owen, S Mtshali, M Lombard, T van den Aardweg, J Drew, W Amos, M Boote, A Fripp, N Arndt, B Ndaba Second row: U Singh, S Murray, C Elliott, R du Plessis, S Hotz, K-J Coleman, V Govender, J Hicks, L Langa, J Curtiss, X Dai Front row: M Albers, A Prinsloo, J Beaumont, M Zungu, P Kirsten, E van den Aardweg, A Willows, S Green, G Moerdyk, M Badenhorst, K Bishop
6 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Back row: Val Dixon, Taryn Gowdy, Cindi Polzi, Vumo Kunene, Paula Seymour-Brown, Tyrone Mynhardt, Mfundo Tembe Third row: Giselle Thompson, Pearl McCluskey, Sharon Rogers, Bronwyn Barnard, Thaloshney Pelzer, Thuthuka Khanyile, Zinhle Msomi Second row: Tilly Kistensamy, Michele May, Jesmica Lankesar, Ravitha Pillay, Brigette Oakes, Europa Ngubane, Kathryn Andrews Front row: Karen Southwell, Jagger Virasamy, Ghislaine Riceman, Robert Carpenter, Catherine Mowat, Keith Thompson, Cheryl Gaughran Mrs Kathy Andrews San Sister Mrs Bronwyn Barnard Knowledge Centre Manager Mr Clinton Brayley ICT Manager Mrs Shannon Burgess Admissions Officer Mr Robert Carpenter Marketing Director Mrs Val Dixon Resource Manager Mrs Cheryl Gaughran Shop Manager Mrs Jo-Ann George San Sister Mrs Taryn Gowdy Accountant Mr Thuthuka Khanyile Photocopy Clerk Mrs Tilly Kistensamy Science Lab Assistant Mr Vuma Kunene IT Assistant Mrs Jesmica Lankesar Financial Assistant Ms Michele May KCOB Secretary Mrs Pearl McCluskey Executive Secretary Mrs Catherine Mowat Commercial Director Mrs Zinhle Msomi Assistant Librarian Mr Tyrone Mynhardt Sports Administrator Ms Europa Ngubane Receptionist Ms Brigette Oakes Music Department Secretary Mrs Heather Pearse Communications Manager Mrs Thaloshney Pelzer Life Sciences Laboratory Assistant Mrs Ravitha Pillay Shop Assistant Mrs Cindi Polzi Marketing Assistant Mr Atish Raghubir IT Technician Mrs Ghislaine Riceman Foundation Director Mrs Sharon Rogers Shop Assistant Ms Giselle Serfontein Foundation Co-ordinator Mrs Karen Southwell Assistant Bursar Mrs Annette Thompson Debtors Control Mr Keith Thompson Director of Sport Mrs Joanne van Musschenbroek San Sister Ms Nhlahla Vikwa Sports Administrator / Estates Office Administrator ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
7 ESTATES STAFF Back row: Johnson Ndlovu, Sydney Ngcobo, Christopher Nzimande, Simon Madondo, Zeblon Zondi Middle row: Alfred Magidla, Ntobeko Mxabo, Sharon Mahon, Doctor Zikhali, Israel Bengu, Josheph Mzulweni Front row: Nhlahla Vikwa, Karen Seals, Ayanda Peter, Sandile Khumalo, Wiseman Ngwane, Sandy Dunnett Mr Israel Bhengu Maintenance Team Mrs Sandy Dunnett Transport Manager Mr MalcolmWight/Mr Cliff Hunter Facilities Manager Mr Sandile Khumalo Assistant Facilities Manager Mr Simon Madondo Maintenance Team Mr Alfred Magidla Maintenance Team Mrs Sharon Mohan Functions Co-ordinator Mr Ntobeko Mxabo Maintenance Team Mr Joseph Mzulweni Maintenance Team Mr Johnson Ndlovu Maintenance Team Mr Aaron Ngcobo Maintenance Team Mr Sydney Ngcobo Driver Mr Wiseman Ngwane Driver Mr Christopher Nzimande Maintenance Team Mr Ayanda Peter Grounds and Gardens Supervisor Mr Ronnie Pillay Assistant Maintenance Supervisor Mrs Karen Seals Campus Co-ordinator Mr Sibonela Shozi Maintenance Team Mr Albert Sibisi Maintenance Team Ms Nhlahla Vikwa Estates Office Administrator Mr Doctor Zikhali Driver Mr Zeblon Zondi Maintenance Team ESTATES STAFF
8 Mr Ronnie Pillay 37 years’ service What can we say about “Uncle” Ronnie? Ronnie Pillay is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. And he certainly knows how to make a mean curry! Nothing is ever too much trouble for Ronnie. He can always make a “MacGyver” plan to fix almost anything and readily puts up his hand to assist with a problem or to take charge and get things working again. It is in his nature to protect the underdog and is polite and friendly to everyone he meets. Ronnie is a man who loves his family, friends and work colleagues. Ronnie has three children and his son attended Kearsney. His wife, Ravitha, works in the Kit & Clothing shop on campus. From his early morning arrivals at the Estates offices, his isiZulu banter over the hand-held radios to his patient and calm demeanour, Ronnie is highly respected by all staff members at Kearsney and leaves behind a giant-sized pair of boots to fill. Ronnie has given a remarkable 37 years’ service to the College and as such has an intimate knowledge of the workings of the campus buildings and grounds. His hard work, dedication and determination can be seen by all around our beautiful campus. Ronnie, we are happy to say that, although you are retiring at the end of the year, this is not goodbye. We look forward to seeing you up here on the hill and please answer our phone calls when we are unable to find where “that water pipe goes, or where is that electricity cable connected, or that KEY?” Know that you are going to be missed more than you can imagine, Ronnie… but we wish you everything of the best in your well-deserved retirement. By the Estates Department Mr John Drew 25 years’ service On Monday 24 February the College had the honour of paying tribute and saying farewell to long-serving member of staff, Mr John Drew. Mr Drew gave 25 years of his life to Kearsney College as a teacher, coach and House duty master. On the Geography front, Mr Drew will be remembered for his Grade 8 elective ‘A study of Hillcrest’, which included a brief historical background of the Hillcrest area and a study of the urban development in the area. During his three years as Head of Geography Mr Drew demonstrated careful planning and meticulous organisation. He kept up to date with extensive reading. As Grade Head of Grade 8, he showed compassion and understanding of the boys, their anxieties and their responsibilities to become true Kearsney boys. When at high school, Mr Drew represented DHS’s 1st teams at cricket and hockey and was also selected for the respective provincial teams. His love of sport and coaching carried through into his years of coaching various cricket and hockey teams during his teaching career. He was also supportive of the development of soccer, being prepared to look after the lower under 14 teams with much enthusiasm. Amongst his colleagues Mr Drew was known to be loyal, kind and trustworthy. He was also usually first in the staff room in the mornings. We thank Mr Drew for the tremendous impact he had on 25 years of Kearsney boys and we wish him and his family all the best for the future. STAFF FAREWELLS Farewells
9 Mike Albers Eighteen and a half years’ service Mike joined the Kearsney staff in mid-2002 as the HOD Accounting, but he already had strong ties with the College as an Old Boy. He enrolled at Kearsney in 1970 and his strong leadership qualities led to his serving as the Deputy Head prefect and Head of Gillingham House. At that time boys were able to hold both positions concurrently. Mike excelled at rugby and played two years for the first team, serving as vice captain and earning Colours in his final year. He also enjoyed the outdoors and played a leading role in the Adventure Club by helping to arrange exciting trips all over the country and in Mozambique. After his Military conscription he completed his B Comm degree and HDE at UKZN in Pietermaritzburg (then the University of Natal). During his eighteen years of teaching at Maritzburg College Mike served as Grade Head and First Fifteen coach. He decided to broaden his horizons with a two-year teaching stint in Abu Dhabi before returning to South Africa in 2002. Mike retires at the end of 2002 having served the College for eighteen and a half years. Over this period he coached rugby and cricket at various levels but will likely best remembered for the many successful U15A rugby teams he turned out, with many of his teams been awarded the Old Boys’ Trophy for the most successful rugby team of the season. He had an uncanny eye for spotting talent, which he nurtured into fine players into their senior years. Mike can be proud of the constant outstanding results of the Accounting students, which year after year surpassed the national and local competitor schools’ averages by substantial margins. While serving Kearsney with distinction, in many areas, Mike has always been humble and unassuming. Colleagues and his students describe him as a gentleman, a man of steadfast principles and a strict but fair teacher. Teaching runs deep in the Albers family. Mike’s wife, Michelle, is currently the HOD English at Thomas More College; his son Craig and his wife are teaching English in Vietnam and his daughter Shannon has a teaching post at St Catherine’s in Empangeni. Being a committed family man his passion for the profession must have contributed to his children’s career choice. Mike is looking forward to his retirement and he is planning to apply his newly acquired online teaching skills to provide extra accounting lessons to school pupils and he will volunteer for child welfare. We wish Mike an enjoyable and healthy retirement and all the best for his future endeavours. Glynnis Owen Thirteen years’ service In 2006 Kearsney embarked on a Mathematics and Science excellence programme with the objective of becoming the top Mathematics and Science school in the country. Ms Glynnis Owen was employed as a part-time teacher from April 2008 to teach two senior classes. The College was familiar with Glynnis’s teaching techniques and skills and she was definitely the right person for our programme. Glynnis became our Grade 11 and Grade 12 “second set” specialist. Kearsney’s Mathematics results over the Farewells
past 13 years have been outstanding and the number of As and Bs produced by the Matric boys in the second set have. (Continued overleaf ). (Continued from page 9) been largely due to Glynnis’s superior and creative teaching skills. She has a talent for engaging the boys and for making even the most disinterested pupils look forward to her classes. She can quickly identify how each boy learned best and worked with those who were struggling in the manner that best suited their learning style. Glynnis also spent a great deal of time creating worksheets and revision examination booklets for all the senior boys and was instrumental in establishing NBT booklets to help our boys prepare for the NBTs which they write in Grade 12 for university applications. Glynnis’s commitment and empathy are valued not just by the Mathematics department, but also by the boys and their parents. She has always made herself available to the boys after school for extra help and was always quick to respond to concerned parents via phone or email. We would also like to thank her partner, Peter, (who is a passionate Kearsney supporter) for his support of Glynnis’s commitment to Kearsney. (Pictured together). Glynnis will certainly be missed and we wish her well in her future endeavours. Farewells
Trustees and Board 11 BOARD MEMBERS Chairman: Mr Andrew Parsons Mr Ian Bamber Mr Lucien d’Avice Mr Manuel Gouveia Mr Michael Jackson Mr Andrew Kenny Dr Mike Marshall Mr Napo Ramodibedi Prof. Catherine Sutherland Ex-officio members Bishop Natal Coastal Synod of the Methodist Church: Rev. Linda Mandindi Methodist Church: Rev. Dr Purity Malinga Representative of Natal Coastal Synod of the Methodist Church: Ms Ingrid van der Walt President of Kearsney College Old Boys: Mr Wray Radford KC Old Boys Representative: Mr Lawrence Polkinghorne Chairman of Kearsney Parents’ Society: Mrs Michele Shiller TRUSTEES Chairman: Mr David Polkinghorne Rev Peter Crundwell Mr David Pearse Mrs Karen Tocknell-Brown Ex-officio members Chairman of the Board: Mr A Parsons Chairman of KDF: Mr Peter Morgan Mr Rob Lloyd Commercial Director: Mrs C Mowat (Trust Secretary) HONORARY LIFE TRUSTEES Mr Ted Garner Mr Neil Gerber Dr Graeme Shuker TRANSFORMATION AND DIVERSITY (T&D) Numerous meetings of the Management and Board T&D sub-committees were held this year as the College continues its transformation journey. Through these meetings, several areas were identified for further development and advancement, including T&D training and education. Informal discussion groups, called “Conversations in Race, Identity and Belonging”, were arranged among academic staff members in term four to identify employees’ primary needs or challenges and how Kearsney can use these insights to design a relevant and meaningful staff development programme. Following the informal discussions, workshops were led and facilitated by Board member Professor Cathy Sutherland and Kearsney Old Boy Mr Nick Nzama. The intention is for Kearsney to design and adopt a meaningful, practical, and sustainable T&D staff development programme. Professor Cathy Sutherland gave similar presentations to the Board of Governors, T&D sub-committee of the Board, Old Boy Executives and the Grade 11 group. The final Transformation and Diversity workshop of the year was a full day Board T&D subcommittee meeting comprising Board, staff and Old Boy representation, chaired by Board chairman, Mr Andrew Parsons. This meeting led to clarifying objectives and priorities for the new year. A distinguishing feature of all these meetings has been the positive and constructive approach adopted by all participants.
12 CLASS OF 2020 Mr Anthony Wi llows Deputy Headmaster, Mathematics teacher Back row: Reece Roberts (F), Nicholas Taylor (P), James Hurley (G), Christopher Kiggen (S), Derick Marshall (S), Tim Patton (G), Tyson Andrews (G), Clayton Yeatman (F), Sihle Manonyane (F), Matthew Roache (F) 7th row: Connor Tierney (S), Cameron van Eck (F), Carl von Wissell (P), Matthew Murray (F), Kegan Cockcroft (P), Tariq Vally (P), Matthew D’Eramo (S), Oliver Bamber (S), Max Immelman (G), Siyabonga Mpontshane (G), Brett van Noordwyk (P), Oluhle Mathebula (F), Matthew Human (S) 6th row: Grant Craze (F), Jack Lund (F), Dylan Thompson (S), Daniel van Tonder (G), Brett Palmer (G), Massimo Fierro (G), Connor De Bruyn (S), James Maguire (F), Thomas Mungle (G), James Lamprecht (G), Cole Buckle (G), Timothy van Tonder (G), Jaden Frey (S), Zaheer Young (F) 5th row: Lefa Motshele (F), Zenande Sokhela (F), William Doherty (P), Ross Savage (F), Luke Dungan (S), Michael Manley (P), Cade Brooks (P), Joshua Stocks (P), Nathan Comrie (P), Luke Dudley (G), Xander Kapsimalis (P), William Young (F), Wesley Marshall (P), Michael Delport (G), Gomolemo Maswabi (F) 4th row: Mandiza Zama (F), Svenn Kidger (P), Wesley Uys (G), Saint John Thompson (F), Joshua Steytler (F), Gregory Whitehouse (P), Declan Wood (G), Keaton Jones (S), Zachary Correia (G), Mhlo Zulu (G), Nicholas Weyer (G), Thomas Constable (S), Shem Adjes (G), Luke Roseveare (F), Matthew Goldie (F), Luke Shiller (P) 3rd row: Gabe Smith (S), Conna Reynolds (P), Jean-Luc Talbot (F), Jared Uys (G), Brayden Dahl (G), Jack Doherty (P), Callen Fisher (P), Daniel de Beer (F), Ntsika Ndaba (F), Luke Weare (S), Jonathon Saad (G), Ulrich Botha (S), Basia Motsoahae (P), Luke Dos Santos Niz (S), Keethin Naidu (S) 2nd row: Kenan David (G), Warren Miller (P), Christopher Duncan (S), Dominic Lincoln (P), Malusi Ngomane (P), Janko Roets (P), Nicholas Bergset (F), Joshua Mathews (F), Blake Stuart (G), Christopher Howard-Browne (S), Diko Manci (S), Matthew Benporath (G), Khai Ballard (G), Craig Phillips (F), Amnene Mthiyane (F), Ayanda Makhathini (F) Front row: Lael Savrimuthu (P), Ryan Meaker (G), Cade Carmichael (P), Matthew Strauss (S), Wilco Roets (P), Matthew Hind (P), Mr André van Zyl (Grade Head), Aaron Smith (G) (Headboy), Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg (Headmaster), Qiniso Xulu (S) (Deputy Headboy), Noah Laurénz (F), Samkelo Jiyane (G), Dominik Stawicki (S), Matthew Bolton (F), Craig Horton (P) (House indicated in brackets: F–Finningley; G–Gillingham; P–Pembroke; S–Sheffield)
13 Good morning, afternoon or evening to Headmaster, special guests, parents, staff and boys of the College. I believe I should start by saying, “What a year!” Never, in my wildest dreams, would I have thought I would be standing facing a camera, surrounded by empty chairs in a hall that is usually bustling with anticipation as we all wait for the results for the year to be revealed. I never expected that the most important speech in my life would not be to people physically sitting in front of me. But before I begin speaking about this year, let me give you some background information on the journey the class of 2020 has encountered in our time here at the College. We began our journey in 2016. We were small boys with the remnants of primary school egos the size of our humongous blazers, not realising how much we still had to learn. That year taught us that we had to bond together, that we had to become a brotherhood, to make a success of our time here at the College. It was not long before 120 Grade 8 boys realised that we were indeed privileged to be incorporated into this band of brothers, not only the 650 boys here at the College but into the brotherhood of the thousands of Kearsney men who had come here before us. We continued our journey through our Grade 9, 10 and 11 years. Each year that humongous blazer looked a bit smaller as we grew. Each year the blazer fitted a little better, not yet quite a perfect fit, though. We had our shortcomings, but I believe we stood up, and we dusted ourselves off after each of these. We made sure that we did not lose sight of our own values and the school’s values, which had begun to be ingrained in us. And then our Matric year, 2020, arrived. The year that we can finally say our blazer fits snug and comfy, but unlike the comfortable blazers we wear, the year has not been everything we have envisioned since 2016. At some point this year we all asked: “Why did this happen at the pinnacle of our high school career?” Why couldn’t this all have happened later in our life, or maybe never? I am sometimes filled with anger and sadness that in our year, the 99th year of the College, the world was plagued with this virus. But then I realise that there is no point in dwelling on this. We must accept this fate and appreciate all the privileges we have, privileges that many others do not possess. As the Class of 2020, we tried to make the most of the year and the opportunities we have been fortunate to have been given. Never in the history of the College has Kearsney had to close its doors for a term. World Wars did not disrupt the teaching. Historical political turmoil did not disrupt teaching, and a global pandemic has not disrupted education. As Albert Einstein said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” The Coronavirus pandemic presented the opportunity of offering a different type of teaching, and the College remains open in a time when other schools have had to shut their doors due to viral outbreaks. The school made sure the regulations and protocols were in place and the boys adhered to these protocols. I thank both the school and the boys for doing so. Kearsney and its boys have shown resilience and adaptability. I extend appreciation and gratitude to the teachers who could quite easily have just written off the year and blamed potentially more inferior results on the Coronavirus pandemic. This, however, was not the case. The teachers worked tirelessly and introduced an entirely new teaching method. They spent their entire 1st term holiday preparing lessons for us. The results attained by the Matrics today can be attributed to their hard work and determination, and we thank you again profusely. And the final thanks I would like to extend is to the Matrics of the College. This year has not been easy, but you have shown the pure will and determination to succeed. You have never given up, and the strength of character shown by each one of you has been commendable. Thank you for working with the prefects to ensure that the Kearsney name continues to invoke a sense of pride. What I have witnessed in my time here at the College is that the primary purpose of this speech is to define whether the year has been a success, and I have no doubt that many people may well have written off this year altogether: “The lost year” as some would say. This year has been one that many people want to scratch out of the memory book as it has been a year of hardship and loss. Many have lost their jobs and loved ones, and we have seen leaders worldwide crumble under the pressure of balancing the cost to national economies with the cost of human life. Although we have experienced a terrible pandemic, people have had time to notice the other present injustices in our world. People have shown solidarity in their support for many movements which have been marginalised in the past. I believe this has bettered the world. There is still a lot of work to be done, but because Class of 2020 Headboy’s speech at Speech Day (virtual presentation)
14 As part of the Grade 12s' Leavers Day ceremony, the entire school and staff members lined Founders Avenue to provide a fit and memorable send-off for the Class of 2020. Class of 2020
15 of this virus, we have taken a step in the right direction towards implementing equality and trying to rectify the injustices of the past. Kearsney has also done its part in the fight for equality. The Imbizo is a continued success at the College, and from next year the Chairman of the Imbizo will be present during Honour Council hearings. The Honour Code has also been updated, with discrimination added to Honour Council offences. Serious consequences will be dealt to boys who challenge this code. As Kearsney continually strives for equality, more amendments will be made. This year, due to the lack of competitive sports fixtures, tournaments and festivals, Kearsney’s trophy cabinet will be a little emptier, but, the academic achievements have been outstanding. The number of Honours and Honours Cum Laude awards made today are a testament to the work ethic of the 2020 Matric boys, who have been determined to achieve despite the academic challenges they have faced this year. Although the sports accolades may not be as plentiful as usual, this is not the only measurement of success. Denzel Washington said, “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have, or even what you’ve accomplished… It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better, it’s about what you’ve given back.” Perhaps we should not base our judgment of this school on the number of trophies we win or whether we better previous results and make sure the record books never get dusty. The class of 2020 has been successful. We have stood up for what is right, even if it means we have had to break down seemingly insurmountable barriers. We might not have had the opportunity to amass the traditional accolades our predecessors could boast about, but we left our mark on Kearsney, and I believe we have implemented changes that will leave a better Kearsney for our having been here. In just a few more months, we will have outgrown the blazers that once fit comfortably. Perhaps the seams may be a little worn or frayed, but this signifies that it is time for a new generation of Kearsney boys to enter the gates of the College. They will be wide-eyed, in awe of the senior boys and look slightly uncomfortable in their oversized blazers. But, I believe due to this group of Matrics, the new generation will enter a Kearsney which is flourishing and full of pride. Thank you. Aaron Smi th Headboy Aaron Smith at prefects' induction ceremony Deputy Headboy Qiniso Xulu Class of 2020
16 Academic Honours At Kearsney, it is tradition, when awards of honours are being made, for the audience to be upstanding Ryan Meaker, Nathan Comrie, Matthew D’Eramo, Janko Roets, Daniel van Tonder, Ulrich Botha, Dominik Stawicki, Craig Horton, Declan Wood, James Lamprecht, Josh Steytler, Brayden Dahl, James Mackenzie, Joshua Stocks Cade Brooks, Michael Manley, Luke Dudley, Grant Craze, Matthew Hind Academic Honours and the Engineering Graphics and Design Prize (shared) Dylan Thompson Academic Honours and the Business Studies Prize Jared Uys Academic Honours; the isiZulu Prize; and the S B Theunissen Memorial Trophy (criteria below) Qiniso Xulu The SB Theunissen Memorial award is presented to a boy in the 6th Form who has not won an academic, sporting or other award, but who has nevertheless been dedicated, shown commitment and been tireless in his efforts whilst at Kearsney. Academic Honours and the Headmaster’s Award Jack Lund The McKenzie Trophy for Perseverance The recipient of this award should be in the 6th Form, a boy who has tried his best, in and out of the classroom, and is recognised as having achieved in his own right. Saint John Thomson The Mathematical Literacy Prize (shared) Nicholas Taylor and Luke Dungan The Margarette and Richard Best Trophy for Musical Competence Lefa Motshele The Visual Arts Prize and the Art Trophy for Exceptional Achievement in the Practical Discipline Mhlonishwa Zulu Academic Colours Lael Savrimuthu, Oliver Bamber, Malusi Ngomane, Noah Laurénz, Craig Phillips, Brett Palmer, Kegan Cockcroft, Jaden Frey, Zachary Correia, Wesley Uys Academic Colours and the Engineering Graphics and Design Prize (shared) Luke Roseveare Academic Colours; the Dramatic Arts Trophy for exceptional achievement in the practical discipline; the Grant Greenberg Trophy for Achievement in the Creative Arts; and the Peter Metcalf Trophy for Resourcefulness and Initiative. William Young GRADE 12 PRIZES - SPEECH DAY 2020 Class of 2020
17 Class of 2020 Academic Honours; the Gait Trophy for the Best All-rounder in the 6th Form; and the Ambassadors Trophy (criteria below) Aaron Smith The criteria to be considered in the selection of the Ambassadors Trophy recipient are: • His demeanour in public generally; • His dress, conduct and behaviour; • His ability to relate to adults His image and stature to encourage parents to want to send their sons to Kearsney Academic Honours Cum Laude Samkelo Jiyane Shem Adjes Academic Honours Cum Laude and the Ben Milner Prize for Biology (shared) Blake Stuart Academic Honours Cum Laude and the Advanced Programme Mathematics Prize Timothy van Tonder Academic Honours Cum Laude; the Information Technology Prize; and the Ben Milner Prize for Biology (shared) Christopher Duncan Academic Honours Cum Laude; the Hindson Memorial Prize for English Literature; and the Patrick Moore Shield and John the Kinloch Prize for Physical Science Luke Shiller Academic Honours Cum Laude; the Ben Milner Prize for Biology (shared); and the Accounting Prize Matthew Bolton Academic Honours Cum Laude; the Alletson-Smith Shield for Mathematics; and the Geography Prize. Ross Savage Academic Honours Cum Laude; the Edwin Henwood Trophy (citation below), the Jan Storm Prize for Afrikaans. the Jack Reece Prize for Modern Languages;the Dramatic Arts Prize; and the Parry Trophy for Proxime Accessit to Dux Wilco Roets When Mr Henwood donated the trophy for the Edwin Henwood Trophy in 1960 he suggested the following criteria apply: • Courage in overcoming difficulties • Upholding of Christian principles • Leadership, or setting a good example • Scholastic achievement • Success in sport • Improvement and diligence in work Academic Honours Cum Laude; the William and Susan Jones Prize for English; the George McLeod English Essay Prize; the Life Orientation Prize; the William Crawford Prize for History; the Max Oram History Essay Prize; the Music Prize; and the Colin Silcock Prize and the Tim Browne Trophy for Dux of the School Matthew Strauss
18 At the onset of the year, the prefects of 2020 established goals to prepare our year to be one of the great years in Kearsney’s history. We wanted to achieve this by instilling passion and integrity into the boys and making them feel part of a brotherhood much more extensive than themselves. Each of us truly believed that we could lead Kearsney to heights that would rival some of the best years produced by the College with continuous effort and hard work. We started the year on track to achieve these ambitious goals, but just as we dipped our feet into the waters of success, COVID-19 swept in and robbed us of all our plans. The next few months became a blur. We heard rumours that we would possibly not finish the year at school, but Kearsney was determined to bring us back to campus, and as soon as this happened, we stepped back into the roles to which we had been appointed. My prefects displayed tremendous grit and perseverance while striving to perform their roles, even if it meant changing their approach. I am incredibly proud of my team of prefects, and I am sure, when the world has returned to a semblance of normality, we will look back on this period and be glad we never conceded defeat. As CS Lewis stated, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny”. I firmly believe that although COVID-19 may have taken much away from the Matrics and prefects of 2020, the boys carried themselves with pride and passion and, as a team, still managed to achieve our goal of being an unforgettable and extraordinary year. Thank you to all. Carpe diem! Aaron Smi th Headboy PREFECTS PREFECTS Back row: Greg van Noordwyk (H/P), Matthew Strauss (S), Tyson Andrews (G), Derek Marshall (S), Matthew Murray (F), Wilco Roets (Head of Haley/P) 3rd row: Wesley Uys (G), William Young (F), Grant Craze (F), Cade Brooks (P), Luke Dudley (G), Mandiza Zama (F), Greg Whitehouse (P), Shem Adjes (H/G) 2nd row: Craig Phillips (H/F), Chris Duncan (S), Jared Uys (G), Luke Shiller (P), Lefa Motshele (H/F), Thomas Constable(S), Ulrich Botha (S), Janko Roets (P), Amnene Mthiyane (H/F) Front row: Matthew Hind (P, Head of House), Samkelo Jiyane (G, Head of House), Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg, Aaron Smith (Headboy), Qiniso Xulu (Deputy Headboy), Mr Anthony Willows, Noah Laurénz (G Head of House), Dominik Stawicki (S, Head of House) Prefects
19 The Kearsney College Council of 2020 was to be the voice for boys of the College in all aspects, especially in sport, culture and academics. Its function was to foster the pupils of the College’s ideas, promote pupil welfare, act as the liaison between boys and the management of the College, lift the College performance to its highest level, and interact with other school councils where possible. Issues brought to the KCC must be taken seriously whilst keeping the boys and College’s best interests at heart. • The KCC explained the traditions of the College so boys could identify with and uphold the traditions willingly. • In the spirit of power-saving, the KCC proposed the light bulbs in all school toilets convert to operating on a shadow sensor to switch on and off automatically. The Council also motivated to bring the solar-powered cell phone chargers back to the library. • The KCC organised that boarders be given options to choose from for Sunday outings. • The KCC planned meaningful celebrations for Youth Day and Women’s Day. Mr Manzin i Zungu Deputy Headmaster: MIC Council members Chairman - Cade Carmichael Vice-chairman - Ryan Meaker Chairman of Imbizo - Lael Savrimuthu Vice-chairman of Imbizo - Andisiwe Dladla Head of Chapel - Craig Horton Academic Rep - Blake Stuart Boarders Rep - Malusi Ngomane Cultural Rep - Sihle Manonyane Dayboy Rep - Jaden Frey Environmental Rep - Timothy Patton Sport Rep - Max Immelman Grade 11 Reps - Rahul Paul, Mhleli Khuzwayo Grade 10 Reps - Josh Owen, Lethu Gwarube Grade 9 Reps - Sim Mkhize, Ryan Denekamp Ethan Groom Head of School - Aaron Smith Deputy Head of School - Qiniso Xulu KEARSNEY COLLEGE COUNCIL KEARSNEY COLLEGE COUNCIL Back row: Mhleli Khuzwayo, Sihle Manonyane, Timothy Patton, Max Immelman, Jayden Frey, Lethu Gwarube Middle row: Ethan Groom, Lael Savrimuthu, Simthembile Mkhize, Ryan Denekamp, Joshua Owen; Rahul Paul Front row: Malusi Ngomane, Ryan Meaker, Cade Carmichael, Mr Manzini Zungu, Aaron Smith, Qiniso Xulu, Craig Horton Kearsney College Council
20 At the beginning of 2020 we became aware of a deadly virus initially discovered in Wuhan, a traditional manufacturing hub and capital of China’s Hubei Province; wondering how far it would spread and whether it would ever reach South Africa. As it spread, gripping other countries, few realised the extent to which COVID-19 would impact the world, South Africa and Kearsney College. On Sunday 14 March, the night after Kearsney’s 2020 Open Weekend, President Cyril Ramaphosa held the first of his televised ‘family meetings’, when he addressed the nation and announced that schools would close within three days and that the country would go into an initial 21-day hard lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. In the national lockdown only essential services were permitted under sectors. Every person was confined to his or her place of residence, unless strictly for the purpose of performing an essential service, obtaining an essential good or service, collecting a social grant, pension, or seeking emergency, life-saving, or chronic medical attention. All schools were closed and no travel was allowed between provinces or municipal districts without relevant permists. The realisation of what this could – and did – mean was a monumental shock to most, likened to a tsunami wave. However, prior to its arrival, there would be a short time for us to prepare for the inevitable. The lockdown coincided with the Easter holidays, providing Kearsney’s academic staff with three weeks to learn new skills and prepare for online learning for the second term, in the event of the lockdown being extended. There was little information available to assist with this unexpected change in teaching methodology, but short-term goals were set, staff were motivated and obstacles collectively overcome. On 01 May 2020, South Africa moved into what is called the COVID-19 Risk-Adjusted Strategy. This strategy was a system that distinguishes between five different levels of restrictions, from the highest being Alert Level 5 (which is the same as what we had under the national lockdown) to the lowest being Level 1. There was a myriad vicissitudes and challenges which had to be faced, more than purely the wide-ranging academic ones – financial implications, leave policy for staff, reassessment and reallocation of human resources. Some of the developments and protocols which Kearsney used tracked those of successful schools in New Zealand in that country’s response to the pandemic. The United Nations has stated that the COVID-19 pandemic affected nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 190 countries, on every continent, creating the largest disruption of education systems in history. Closures of schools and other learning spaces impacted 94 percent of the world’s student population, of which up to 99 percent are in low and lower-middle income countries. Online teaching at Kearsney had its challenges, one of which was that some boys did not have access to computers at home. The #BackAKearsneyBoy initiative was set up by the Foundation Office to enable these boys to receive laptops and data, as well as to assist some families to keep their sons at Kearsney. Driven largely by California-based Kearsney Old Boy, Michael Hall, and Old Boys from North America, over R362 000 was raised for this initiative, allowing hardware to be couriered to boys to ensure they were not negatively impacted by online learning. Through these difficult months, a great sense of solidarity and community support prevailed, between academic and non-academic staff, parents, boys and ADAPTING TO A WORLD WITH COVID-19 Boys working online at home during the lockdown
21 Old Boys. Some Matric parents and Old Boys delivered food hampers to boys in outlying and rural areas, a telephone tree was established for communication with staff, and teachers were contacted on a regular basis by senior Management to check on their morale and needs. Staff living on campus and their families were very fortunate to have a lot more freedom than most citizens during the hard lockdown, although no visitors were permitted on campus. The ‘Six Gates of Kearsney’ was established, whereby a 5km route for running, walking and cycling between Kearsney’s six gates provided a sense of community. A tennis tournament for campus staff members and their families assisted in maintaining a positive morale; and many staff established vegetable gardens, leaving excess produce in the staff room for those who could use it. The new online concept of teaching developed a productive rhythm, but the focus had to shift to looking ahead to when the boys would return to campus and how to deal with the requisite social distancing protocols and constraints, as well as to communicate this to parents and boys to allay any fears of what returning would entail. Over the lockdown period much time and effort was spent preparing the campus and adjusting operations to ensure compliance with the government regulations at all times, as set out in Government Gazette 479, Department of Employment and Labour, the Regulations to the Disaster Management Act, COVID-19 Occupational Health and Safety Measures in Workplaces COVID-19 (C19 OHS) 2020, the DBE Standard Operating Procedure and international best practice for the prevention of the spread of the virus. Fortuitously, many of the capital expenditure projects undertaken over the past 15 years enabled Kearsney to be largely compliant with new restrictions. The refurbished open, airy boarding houses lent themselves to good ventilation with fewer obstructive walls, and the SportZone offered an additional separate dining space. The Kearsney Board believed it was imperative to make it as easy as possible for teachers to maintain their excellent level of teaching, and did not want to platoon boys and split them into different days of learning. Only 14 classrooms were not an appropriate size, so physical interventions were required, such as renovating and enlarging classrooms, changing classroom layouts, installing sanitiser stations and establishing screening stations. All necessary measures and protocols were put in place to ensure that boys and staff followed the four basic imperatives: washing and sanitising hands frequently, maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask at all times and undergoing regular thermal testing and The Headmaster's office at home Aleterations being made to smaller classrooms to enlarge the teaching space Screening for staff members took place from 06h30 to 08h00. Sharon Mohan eas part of the staff screening team meade up of Estates staff members.
22 health screening. In addition to the physical interventions, adjustments were made to the systems and processes in all areas of operations to ensure compliance with the regulations, including classroom management, visitor and employee protocols, cleaning and sanitising programmes throughout the school, transport protocols, kitchen and dining hall management, as well as House and meal routines. As the boys’ return to campus became imminent, it seemed an appropriate time to launch the song ‘Coming Home’, initially written and composed by Old Boy, Seb Goldswain, for the College’s Centenary in 2021. This set an emotional tone, together with themed social media posts released each week highlighting different focuses – campus buildings, flora and fauna, and places of interest on campus which only Kearsney boys would know. Once the boys had returned to campus, an informative weekly report was disseminated to parents and guardians confirming the number of boys who had tested positive that week, including which grades and houses they were in, to prevent rumour-mongering, to ease concerns and have a calming influence. Those who tested positive were immediately removed from campus and primary contacts carefully tracked and recorded to find possible sources. There was great emphasis to ensure these measures were nondraconian, so that anxiety levels were lowered as much as possible. Not a single teacher tested positive for COVID-19 during the 2020 academic year. Transparent protection screens measuring two metres high by two metres wide were designed and developed for teachers with commorbities, to reduce their risk and lower their levels of anxiety. Mr Keith Thompson, Director of Sport, was in charge of screening for dayboys and traffic arrangements related to this Mr Sydney Ndlovo, one of our drivers who helped with directing the dayboy parents' traffic near the Medpost to keep vehicles moving Biokineticist, Ben van Zyl, provided sanitiser for dayboys arriving at school and completed a check of appearance at the same time
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