89 88 The Chronicle 2021 Centenary Edition Coding Club When boys could return to inperson teaching, the Coding Club was able to start up again. The goal of the club is to expose boys to various technologies, equipment and software that are not part of the mainstream syllabus. The club allows those boys who have a passion for technology to thrive in project-based activities that are for learning, creating, exploring and inventing and not accompanied by any formal assessment. It is my dream that this club will inspire boys to become the next generation of responsible and creative technology inventors. We started off the year on a fun note, using the Lego Mindstorms Robotics kits and playing robot soccer. With the help of Kearsney’s Software Manager, Mr Mayuwe, we also explored programming using Arduinos and undertook projectbased activities. By the end of the year, the boys came up with their own software project which will take them into 2022. The topic of the project is secret for now, so watch this space! All I can say, is that the project is for the boys, made by the boys. I am looking forward to 2022 and seeing what our boys might create. Mrs Charlene Elliot Teacher in Charge Dale Carnegie During the eight sessions, the boys were exposed to different tools that allowed them to discover their true character, not just the personality that they interact with daily. During our journey of transformation we covered the five drivers of success (People skills development – Leadership process – Effective communication – Self-confidence – Reduce stress and improve attitude). The boys displayed genuine and authentic approaches to these drivers of success. Their progress was consistent and effective. Their vision presentations demonstrated decisiveness for success and what they are willing to establish towards the foundation of their future. One of the biggest lessons they grasped was to listen to understand, rather than listening to respond! Their final reports talked about their breakthroughs and were full of integrity, grit and passion. Mr Kyle Eysele Teacher in Charge Hloni Penane was voted by his peers to be the Dale Carnegie champion Dance Club The Dance Club met up on an ad hoc basis throughout the year to work on various dance pieces. With the cancellation of so many cultural events this year, it was decided that a creative outlet for boys (and their teacher) was required to facilitate the creation of dance pieces – ranging from contemporary to hip hop- even if they were never performed to an audience. With the fluctuating levels of lock down we had to manage our meetings and at times cancel them. We were able to perform a mashup of Irish and Gumboot Dancing at the Open Weekend this year and look forward to many more performance opportunities next year. Mrs Emily Stockil-Smith Teacher in Charge International Exchange With lockdown levels, travel restrictions and international schools not opening for exchanges, no Kearsney boy could participate as an outgoing student in our International Exchange programme. Fortunately, a young German boy had his heart set on experiencing the College. In 2020, Tillmann Kurze, applied to come to Kearsney on a short-term cultural experience. Unfortunately, owing to strict COVID restrictions, he was unable to come. This, for him, was a minor setback. In Term 1 of 2021, when travel restrictions had eased, he was determined and made his way to Kearsney as a boarder in Gillingham. Tillmann Kurze came from the Ludwigs Gymnasium in Münich. His goal was to broaden his cultural horizons and to learn about the different people and the education system in South Africa. From the moment Tillmann arrived he pursued opportunities that were presented to him. He threw himself into his academics and participated fully in all academic activities. Culturally, he participated in piano and singing lessons and performed in the inter-house plays. He also took some scuba diving courses. Tillmann was at Kearsney for Terms 1 and 2. His strength of character stood out. Even when he did not feel like participating, he chose to participate anyway. We were proud to award him his Old Boy tie on the day he left the College. Carpe Diem, Tillmann, we learnt so much from you! Mrs Charlene Elliott Teacher in Charge Boys of the Coding Club doing a robotics demonstration Mountain Bike Club The Mountain Bike club has continued to function despite a difficult COVID-affected year. We were active in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd terms this year and had a strong core group of boys who rode regularly. We had numerous outings to Giba Gorge on Friday afternoons this year, where we had some great fun. We had a group of staff members who regularly joined in with these outings; Mr Kirsten, Mr Robinson, Mr Badenhorst and Mr Els. There were no races to compete in this year, so things were very quiet in that regard. Hopefully the popular Spur Series will start again in 2022. Mountain biking is a healthy and exciting sport and we will continue to remain as active as possible. I would like to thank Mr Robinson, who helps me with the club, for his support and enthusiasm. Mr Anthony Willows Teacher in Charge (Choir continued): There was light at the end of the tunnel, when Term 4 arrived. Our music department was given the green light to start preparing for the annual Carol Services. The boys rehearsed with vigour and positive energy. The choir that has been all but decimated over the previous 18 months, finally had an opportunity to soar amongst the beautiful music of the Christmas season. The Chapel was filled on both nights on which the Carol Services were held and the congregation of boys and parents joined heartily in the singing of well-known carols, led by the fantastic musicians from the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra and our own music department. A further burst of positivity was given to the choir when the Kearsney Board of Governors approved a choir tour to South Korea in 2022, when the choir can once again compete in the World Choir Games. This is all the motivation that our young choir needs at this stage. A massive ‘thank you’ must go to the incredible team of colleagues in our music department, who have each added to the success of all the music ensembles in our College and in the smooth operation and running of our musical calendar. May 2022 bring with it a return to live performances and a renewed appreciation for the Arts. Mr Bernard Kruger Director of Music Tillmann Kurze from Germany raising the German flag in front of the Admin building, as is tradition for exchange students. With him is Deputy Headmaster, Mr Manzini Zungu and Deputy Headboy, Mhleli Khuzwayo
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