Our Post Matrics worked closely with the John Wesley School. We are the ones who gain most from such ac tivities. I firmly helieve that such interaction is the sur est way to develop tolerance and mutual understanding. I have just hegun to appreciate the incredible work be ing done by the Valley Trust - this through our joint association with the Valley Principals in projects and workshops.I am particularly excited about ajoint ven ture with Durban Girls College which could result in a new campus near the University of Zululand. Colin Silcock and Graeme Shuker-that tried and tested team -will soon he doing a feasibility study. There is so much more I could tell you were time to permit-our Post Matrics with its unique emphasis on tutoring and developmentofself-discipline and self-con fidence, our Leadership Week which adds to that all round education we offer. What of the future? Education in South Africa is in turmoil. The politicians make and refute statements daily. The problem with the new South Africa is that its transparency is a smokescreen.In the confusion,certain facts present obvious pointers. The National Council of Education Minister,DrBhengu,faces an enormous task when asfrom 1 January his9Provincial Ministers tackle the task of educating 9 million students with 350 000 teachers and insufficient finance to meet the promise of free compulsory education for 10 years. There are 76 000 classrooms needed if a pupil teacher ratio of 1:35 were to he implemented. The privateschools haveakey role to playin help ing maintain standards.We must be prepared to take calculated risks,to try new ideas,and to de velop a relevantcurriculum,then we must prolif erate our uniqueness by sharing it and playing a leading role in our community. The synopsis of activities and achievements which you have,give a far more detailed picture than I am able in this briefreport.However,I would like to highlightsome ofthem. Despite all the disruptions to the school calendar every effort wasmadeto maintain a healthylearn ing environment. In the end the responsibility for success in learning rests squarely on the shoulders of the learner. We as educa tors can but offer guidance, challenges and opportuni ties. In the 1993 matriculation examinations,92boys passed, 66 of them with exemption. There were 5 'A' aggre gates, 15 'B' aggregates, 27 subject distinctions and 3 failures. During the course of the year a new subject. Business Economics, was introduced as an alternative to Mathematics to a small group ofhoys in Form 5.This was done to improve their chances ofobtaining a senior certificate. Once again Kearsney has fared very well in Na tional and Provincial academic competitions. We had the greatest number ofentries,namely 51,in the Expo for Young Scientists. They received a total of34 prizes for their efforts, and nine boys have been invited to attend the National Expo in Secunda.In addition, V. Geldenhuys received the award for the best water re lated entry and the University ofNatal Engineering prize, which includes a bursary to study Engineering,when he leaves school. G. Hunter was placed in the top 100 of the Science Olympiad. In the Mathematics Olympiad, 16Kearsney hoys received certificates for their outstand ing achievements in the first round. G. Hunter and A. Buchanan were placed in the top 20 in Natal, after the second round. G.Hunter has been chosen for the Natal Mathematics team which will take part in an inter-provincial competition. G.Parry was placed in the top 30 of the Computer Science Olympiad. A. Buchanan has reached the final of the Alan Paton Speech Competi tion. As a Christian School, our first aim is to intro duce pupils to a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are grateful that there are so many boys and staffin our School who have discovered the spiritual reality of this relationship. This faith,ofcourse,has to he worked outin our everyday lives by living according to the val ues taught by Jesus Christ. In order to encourage our pupils in their Christian faith,there is a strong Students' Christian Association of about 90 members,as well as fellowship groups in the houses. There is a short daily chapel service and a regular Sunday evening service. We are being confronted by such complex issues in our country today. Itis ofthe utmostimportance thatour young peo ple have the very bestspiritualfoundations upon which to build their lives.We believe the bestfoun dation is Christ. With Him in their lives they will be able to use their skills and knowledge to make a really worthwhile con tribution in the new Society we are creating. Whilsttalk ing ofreligion,Ithought you mightenjoy this9year old hoy's essay explaining God: "One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes these to put in place of the ones that die. He doesn't make grownups,just babies, and I think it works out pretty good. God's second mostimportantjob is listening to prayers -lots ofthis goes on.Some people,like preachers,pray at other times besides bedtime.God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere. Which keeps Him pretty busy,so you shouldn't go wasting His time.Jesus is God's son.He used to do all the hard work like walk ing on water and doing miracles and trying to teach peo ple about God.They got tired ofHis preaching and cru cified Him. But He was good and kind like his father and He told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K. His Dad(God)appreciated everything He had done on earth, so He told Him He didn't have to go out on the road anymore, he could stay in heaven. Now He helps HisDad outby listening to prayers and seeing which IJe can take care ofHimself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important. You can pray anytime you want,one ofthem is on duty all the time. ...Boys Town News 14 Kearsney Chronicle 1994
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