02 The year in review Including message from the Headmaster and Col lege staff news 14 The Class of 2018 A tr ibute to the Matr ic group, including a message from the Headboy, academic awards, IEB results, school prefects and the Kear sney Col lege Counci l 22 Looking back at the year in the Houses Repor ts from Housemaster s and prefect Heads of House 40 Academic reports Including academic tour s and repor ts from each depar tment 62 Spirituality Reverend James Headbush repor ts on spir itual ity and fel lowship 65 Outreach Repor t on the boys’ involvement in ser ving the community 68 Cultural activities and clubs The Culture@Kear sney programme, cultural enr ichment and clubs offered 88 Sport Reflecting on the spor ting activities and achievements of the year 189 Kearsney Foundation News and initiatives from the Foundation Office 197 Kearsney College Old Boys Updates on the activities of the Old Boys around the wor ld 200 In Memoriam Remember ing the Old Boys who have passed away in 2018 CONTENTS Kearsney Chronicle 2018
2 Guest of Honour, Dr Venter, Trustee Chairman, Mr Lloyd, Chairman of Board, Mr Parsons, distinguished guests, parents, staff, sixth form boys and boys of the College: Welcome also to my colleagues, the Heads and representatives of schools who are in attendance and also Mr Lebogang Montjane, Executive Director of ISASA. This ceremony is being live-streamed on the internet and therefore we welcome not only our guests seated in the Henderson Hall today but also viewers in South Africa and all around the world. Thank you for making the effort to join with us today. Its about 11am here on Botha’s Hill and it is a warm spring day. Last year I met with an Old Boy of the 1980s in Johannesburg. He spoke, at my request, of his and others’ experiences as boys of the College in those heady days of the 1980s in South Africa’s recent history. He related how his mother, a librarian in Umtata Eastern Cape had read of a bursary opportunity for a boy to attend a boarding school outside Durban known as Kearsney College. He remembers writing an entrance examination, passing it and being offered an opportunity of a life time at Kearsney. He related how awe struck he was upon entering the gates on Old Main Road and driving down the tree-lined Founders Avenue and past The Stott. He remembers the names of teachers who nurtured and mentored him, providing him with encouragement and perspective in an environment that differed remarkably from his rural primary school. In answer to my question, “Where do you think Kearsney should be heading as we approach the dawn of our second century?” he lent back in his chair, looked over my shoulder and, as if he was back in his third form English class, commenced reciting a quote which I have grown to appreciate since then. It is an excerpt from the speech "Citizenship In A Republic" originally delivered in 1910 by the US president Theodore Roosevelt. Almost inaudibly he commenced, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat”. And then he added, “Mr Headmaster, go forward boldly; you, your staff and your boys are the men in the arena”. In reflecting on 2018, I would therefore like to give credit where it belongs, to the men and women who are actually in the arena, to the employees, the staff of Kearsney. They include professional teachers and members of Management, the three deputy headmasters Messers Kirsten, Willows and de Villiers. They are also the ones who prepare this venue for functions like this, those who spend hours, days and weeks working in the gardens and grounds so that coaches and boys can make use of those facilities. They are the ones who keep the finances and administration running correctly and smoothly. The caterers, the IT staff, the Marketing and Foundation staff, the Sanatorium staff and the workshop staff, security and cleaning, the leaf-blowers and the laundry staff. Staying with those in the arena, this year the Students’ Council and the Imbizo have added value and relevance to the life of the College. The Kearsney College Council (KCC), under Aidan Bossert, amongst other worthy causes, arranged another annual choir performance and meal for all those support staff including Estates, cleaning, grounds and garden and security and admin staff just to say thank you on behalf of all the boys for their hard work and dedication to the needs of the boys and the school as a whole. The Imbizo, in their regular meetings discussed matters of concern and also focussed their efforts on organising dignified commemorations of public holidays such as Youth Day and Heritage Day held earlier this week. Chairman Yaaseen Mohamed is thanked for his leadership of the Imbizo. HEADMASTER’S SPEECH From Speech Day Headmaster's Report
3 In addition to the leadership provided by both the KCC and the Imbizo is that provided by the body of prefects, Heads of Houses and Head and Deputy Head of school and all sports captains and leaders in various cultural activities. In an increasingly difficult environment where the expectations of some Old Boys, many parents and in fact society have little tolerance for perceived lowering of standards, they are provided with fewer and fewer tools to produce what is accepted as a “Kearsney Boy”. And yet, year after year, these cohorts of well-mannered, respectful and well-rounded boys are produced. This year, the sixth form class of 2018 has been superbly led by Headboy Phoka Mchunu and Deputy Guy Morgan and their prefects. These boys have been reliable, co-operative and good fun. The Haley House prefects under Tim Bean deserve a special thank you. The staff and prefects of the senior Houses also deserve a special mention as the overall number of boarders in the College remains at record levels. As in recent years, those statistics reveal a boarding environment that boys find desirable, wholesome, secure and enjoyable. Boarding at Kearsney remains at an all time high and looks set to increase again next year. Can we put our hands together for all these men and women in the Kearsney arena. A number of teachers have left or will be leaving us this year. Head of Life Orientation, Mr Jason Rottcher left us in June, emigrating with his family to the United Kingdom. Jason became the favourite of many schoolboys who would challenge him on his various quirky and sometimes irreverent theories. He professed multiple interests from playing the stock market to religion, steroids and in fact any controversial topic you could imagine. As an all-round schoolmaster, Mr Rottcher coached sport every term, usually taking a lower side where he enjoyed the banter and repartee. His eight years’ service to Kearsney is appreciated and we thank him in his absence. Mr Bruce McClure, Life Sciences teacher, sports coach and Duty Master in Haley House will leave us at the end of the year, emigrating to Australia. Whilst we wish him and his wife Godspeed, it is always a body-blow to see talent such as his leaving the teaching profession and the country. He is the consummate schoolmaster. Mrs Claire Hornby, who was an outstanding junior grade English teacher, has indicated that she will be leaving us after two years of outstanding service to the College. She has been part of the reason for the success of the academic programme with those who struggle with English language skills at the junior level. We will miss her contribution but wish her well in her future. Our Chaplain, Rev. James Headbush (who is unable to be with us today due to family commitments in the Cape) leaves us to take up a position in the Springs Methodist Church on the East Rand. We will miss the multi-lingual component he brought to Chapel services, his inclusive approach to all matters and of course his customary opening sentence every service, “Let me start by telling you a story”. He has been employed at Kearsney as Chaplain for five years. After 31 outstanding years of service to the College, Deputy Headmaster Mr Rod de Villiers retires in December. He and his wife Debbie have built their retirement home inside a conservancy, surrounded by acacia trees and veld grass amongst roaming giraffe, antelope and Sacred Ibises. Rod held many positions in his Kearsney career – too many to mention here. Head of Middle School in the middle 2000s, teacher of Biology, Assistant Housemaster in Finningley and Gillingham and initiator of the Leadership Week. He survived five years as Haley Housemaster in the precell phone, pre-internet days, where the only form of communication with the outside world for the second formers was a dysfunctional tickey box. No wonder he still looks so young and has an unquenchable energy for adventure. It is this sense of adventure that took him and groups of Kearsney boys, parents and teachers to a myriad destinations. Orange River rafting, many trips to the Drakensberg, the Serengeti, the Himalayas, summiting Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya and reaching Everest Base Camp on two occasions. He was also responsible for initiating and leading various (shall we call them) ‘staff retreats’ where what goes on tour stays on tour. These included fishing trips to the Wild Coast, ten annual Mountain Biking trips, day outings to White Mountain and an outrageous staff development river rafting day on the Umkomaas River which was, co-incidentally bursting its banks and in full flood at the time. Billed by Rod to sceptics before the event as: “It will be something like floating down the Rhine in a barge to the sounds of an Oompah band dressed in lederhosen”. That experience ensured it was the last time anyone in the staff room took his description of an impending adventure seriously. To you Rod, the Bald Ibis, thanks for the good times from all of us. We salute you and wish you well. We draw on the support and expertise of the governance structures of the College. I therefore acknowledge the Board under Mr Andrew Parsons and the Trustees, under Old Boy Mr Rob Lloyd, who have been pillars of support. I thank them for their interest in the College, their unwavering loyalty and for guiding us through such a challenging and rewarding period of our history. ...those statistics reveal a boarding environment that boys find desirable, wholesome, secure and enjoyable. Headmaster's Report
4 Old Boy Mr Peter Morgan has expertly chaired the Endowment Fund Trust, which assists with bursary and scholarship funding. The Parents’ Society, under Chairman Dr Doug Beere, is thanked for its generosity of time and energy in support of the activities of the College. We also have a proactive and supportive Old Boys Club who, under the Chairmanship of Mr Lawrence Polkinghorne, ably assisted by Mr Wray Radford, have been incredibly positive and willing to assist the College in numerous ways. We also pay tribute to all our donors who make it possible for Kearsney to host and facilitate functions and events and also for Kearsney to offer bursaries to boys who would otherwise be unable to attend the College. We thank you donors, many of whom are present with us in this Hall today. Thank you most sincerely for your generosity, love and support. A final thank you goes to my wife Tracey for her unwavering support and the joy she derives from involvement in Kearsney activities and working for and being associated with our school. During the recent Grade 12 Trial examinations, the peaceful examination conditions were disturbed by the thudding sounds of a compressor and the whine of an angle grinder. The contractors were alerted and later suspended their work on campus to allow the boys to complete their examinations undisturbed. One would however have thought that by now the Kearsney boys would be used to the sounds of construction, such has been the programme over their five years to meet our deadlines for the Centenary in 2021. These preparations are well on track and this year we have seen the conclusion of an eight-year programme where the three older Houses (Pembroke, Finningley and Gillingham) as well as Haley House have been totally renovated. The capacity of all the Houses has increased. The South Wing phase of the Centenary Centre, which includes the construction of eleven large classrooms, commenced in July and should be completed sometime next year. These large classrooms will house all language departments including English, isiZulu, Afrikaans and Mandarin. The classroom dimensions will enable the implementation of contemporary teaching styles like group-work, individualised learning, discussion groups and collaborative learning. Special attention has been given to acoustics in these language classrooms. The ten-year project to upgrade staff housing is also nearing completion. All employee accommodation, from those in the Estates Department residing on the campus through to teacher accommodation, was inspected and prioritised for renovation. Once the Centenary arrives, we should have completed major renovation of over 25 housing units and minor projects in the balance of the staff accommodation. Sports facilities are also receiving attention. The Stott precinct is currently being expanded eastwards to cater for increased crowds attending the Easter Rugby Festival and at winter sports rugby days. The aesthetics of that area are also been attended to with the backdrop on the Chapel Road boundary planted last year with a row of over twenty White Stinkwood trees and which have shown tremendous growth over this period. A row of Cape Chestnuts was planted a month ago, on World Environment Day, also in Chapel Road, as a backdrop to the AH Smith Cricket Oval. The quote by Nelson Henderson that, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” will certainly apply to most of us who have had the privilege of planting these indigenous trees recently. The Estates Department and Facilities Management staff have worked hard this year to maintain and develop our beautiful campus and infrastructure. On the academic front, a ten-year long dream is becoming reality with Kearsney’s first Grade 12 Mandarin class due to write the first NSC IEB Mandarin examination at the end of this year. This cohort of courageous boys and their even more risk-taking parents chose to take Mandarin as one of their seven subjects. We are proud of these boys, their enthusiasm in getting to grips with all the challenges that the Mandarin language provides and their achievements thus far. This hunger for academic excellence and willingness to face up to academic rigour is not only confined to the boys taking Mandarin. Later in the ceremony we will make academic awards to a record number of boys. The motivation to achieve academically is healthy and strong in this school. I wish to pay tribute, however, to This hunger for academic excellence and willingness to face up to academic rigour is not only confined to the boys taking Mandarin. Headmaster's Report
5 those boys who arrived at Kearsney with barriers to learning - some with significant barriers. The Inclusion Department under Mrs Penny Meyer and all staff as well as these boys themselves and their parents – you know who you are – you are thanked and honoured for your tenacity, courage and determination to succeed. It is frequently these boys and their efforts against obstacles who make teaching worthwhile. Well done chaps. In his book Boys Adrift Dr Leonard Sax highlights five factors driving the growing epidemic of unmotivated boys and underachieving young men. The fifth factor driving the epidemic of unmotivated boys, he terms is, “The revenge of the forsaken gods”. He refers to the dying practises of meaningful traditions in many societies where older members mentored and guided the younger boys into adulthood. Whilst not condoning or agreeing with all the ancient practices, he highlights that these societies, tribes or groups committed to a mentorship of growing boys into the tribe, providing them with a purpose and pride in something greater than themselves. He laments the damage caused to young men in societies where commitment from adults to this mentoring responsibility is lacking and where young men, in particular, feel excluded and worthless, directionless and irrelevant. Unfamiliar to the world of boys’ schools as he is, Dr Sax reveals through his research many positive aspects of boys’ schools around the world and the many motivated and successful boys these schools produce. This book is provocative but well-worth a read. It speaks to us about our role in mentoring adolescent boys. The Kearsney 2018 sixth form class has been one of good humour, clever banter and fun. Added to these aspects has been a significant number of Grade 12 boys who have gone out of their way to encourage, nurture and advise boys in lower forms. This happens within the formal structures created for this purpose as well as the informal opportunities that these boys have seized. I refer to senior boys assisting in coaching juniors outside of formal sessions, guiding them in the context of cell groups, offering support and empathy in difficult times and being positive role models. It is this mentorship that is a growing part of our culture and DNA at Kearsney. Many of our senior boys have embraced and owned their role in mentorship and we are deeply grateful to them. The numbers speak for themselves with a significant drop in boys leaving the College for reasons associated with well-being or unhappiness; record numbers of boarders in the enlarged Houses, many of whom literally live down the road and who could be dayboys if they chose to and high levels of participation and support in the vast array of activities we offer. These and others are indicators of well-being at the College. At the end of the day, the sixth form class of 2018, each one of you was “the man in the arena, who strove valiantly; who erred, who came short again and again, who at the best knew in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he failed, at least failed while daring greatly”. You have seized the day. To the departing Class of 2018 we say “thank you” and we wish you well in the forthcoming examinations and in your lives ahead. Carpe Diem and God bless you. Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg BOARD MEMBERS Chairman of the Board: Mr Andrew Parsons Mr Ian Bamber Mr Lucien D'Avice Mr Manuel Gouveia Dr Glen Hagemann Mr Michael Jackson Mr Andrew Kenny Rev. Roger Scholtz EX-OFFICIO The Presiding Bishop: Rev. Ziphozihle D Siwa Ms Ingrid van der Walt (Natal Coastal District) Bishop Rev. Linda Mandindi Mr Grant Coppin (Old Boys Representative) Mr Lawrence Polkinghorne (President, Old Boys) Dr Douglas Beere (Chairman, Parents' Society) TRUSTEES Chairman of the Trustees: Mr Rob Lloyd Rev. Peter Crundwell Mr David Pearse Mr David Polkinghorne Mrs Karen Tocknell-Brown EX-OFFICIO The Presiding Bishop: Rev. Ziphozihle D Siwa Mr Peter Morgan (Development Fund Chair) HONORARY LIFE TRUSTEES Mr Ted Garner Mr Neil Gerber Dr Graeme Shuker Rev. Cyril Wilkins Headmaster's Report
6 Mr E van den Aardweg Headmaster Mr P Kirsten Senior Deputy Headmaster / Mathematics Mr R de Villiers Deputy Headmaster / Head of Houses / Life Sciences Mr A Willows Deputy Headmaster / Housemaster, Pembroke /Mathematics Mr M Albers HOD Accounting Mr B Alborough HOD Music (subject) Mr W Amos Geography Mr M Ancillotti HOD Mathematics Ms N Arndt English Mr M Badenhorst Housemaster, Haley / Mathematics / Afrikaans Mr J Beaumont Housemaster, Finningley / English Mr C M Botha Head of Pastoral Care / Mathematics Mrs S Cairns HOD Afrikaans Mrs K-J Coleman School Counsellor / Life Orientation Mrs J Curtiss HOD English Mr M Delport Housemaster, Gillingham / EGD Ms X Dai Mandarin Mr J Drew Geography Mrs R du Plessis Grade Head Grade 8 / HOD Mandarin / Mathematics Mrs C Elliot HOD Information Technology Mr T Els Afrikaans Mr K Eysele Life Sciences / Life Orientation Ms A Fripp Director of Clubs and Culture / Business Studies Mrs V Govender Director of Academics / Mathematics Mr S Green Grade Head Grade 12 / Mathematics Rev J Headbush Chaplain Mrs J Hicks HOD Visual Arts Mr E Grundling Mathematics Mrs C Hornby English (part time) Mrs S Hotz Mathematics (part time) Ms L Langa Visual Art / Design and Technology (part time) Mr M Lombard Director of Music Mr D Macdonald HOD Life Sciences Mr S Main Science Mr W Marsden HOD Business Studies Mr S Mbhele Design and Technology (part time) Mr B McClure Life Sciences Mrs P Meyer Inclusion Programme/Academic Support Mr G Moerdyk Housemaster, Sheffield / Science Mr D Moodley HOD EGD Mr A Morgan Grade Head Grade 11 / English Mrs S Murray HOD Science Mr B Ndaba HOD isiZulu Ms G Owen Mathematics (part time) Mr N Peacock HOD History Staff ACADEMIC STAFF 6
Mrs N Pearman English (part time) Mr A Prinsloo i/c Dayboys / Mathematics Mr J Robinson HOD Geography Mr J Rottcher HOD Life Orientation Mr A Ryan English Mr M Saville English Ms U Singh HOD Dramatic Arts Mr B Steyn Director of Rugby / Accounting Mrs E Stockil-Smith Dramatic Arts Mr B Thompson Grade Head Gr 9 / Science Mr G Thomson English Mrs T van den Aardweg Geography / History Mr H van Ellewee Afrikaans Mr N van Heerden Afrikaans Mr A van Zyl Grade Head Gr 10 / Afrikaans Mr J Waldburger History Mrs B Ziegelmeier Piano Studies / Accompanist Mr F Q Zungu i/c Outreach/ isiZulu ACADEMIC STAFF Back row: T Green, A Prinsloo, B Steyn, D Moodley, N van Heerden, A Ryan, E Grundling, A Morgan, N Peacock, M Albers 5th row: B McClure, J Deighton, E Stockil-Smith, M Saville, J Waldburger, T Els, J Rottcher, D Macdonald, K Eysele, H van Ellewee, B Thompson 4th row: M Ancillotti, J Robinson, W Marsden, P Meyer, C Hornby, M Botha, D Perrett, A van Zyl, B Alborough, J Drew, M Zungu, W Amos 3rd row: S (X) Dai, S Main, S Hotz, S Mtshali, M Lombard, B Ziegelmeier, G Thomson, S Mbhele, N Pearman, G Owen, A Fripp, T van den Aardweg, J Hicks 2nd row: U Singh, R du Plessis, L Langa, V Govender, N Arndt, S Cairns, S Murray, B Ndaba, M Simpson, K Coleman, J Curtiss, C Elliott Front row: Rev. J Headbush, M Badenhorst, A Willows, R de Villiers, E van den Aardweg, P Kirsten, M Delport, J Beaumont, G Moerdyk 7
8 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Back row: S Rogers, T Khanyile, T Gowdy, M Zwane, K Southwell Third row: K McMaster, A Fisher, B Barnard, A Raghubir, T Pelzer, V Dixon, P McCluskey Second row: B Oakes, J George, J Lankesar, A Thompson, E Ngubane, J van Musschenbroek, R Pillay, T Kistensamy Front row: C Gaughran, S Burgess, R Carpenter, C Mowat, K Thompson, C Brayley, H Pearse, C Polzi Sister Kathy Andrews San Sister Mrs B 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 Athena Fisher Foundation Co-ordinator Mrs Cheryl Gaughran Shop Manager Sister Joanne George San Sister Mrs Taryn Gowdy Accountant Mr Thuthuka Khanyile Photocopy Clerk Mrs Tilly Kistensamy Science Laboratory Assistant Mrs Jesmica Lankesar Financial Assistant Mrs Pearl McCluskey Executive Secretary Ms Kerry McMaster KCOB Secretary Mrs Catherine Mowat Commercial Director Ms Zinhle Msomi Assistant Librarian Ms Europa Ngubane Receptionist Mr Sihle Ntuli Sports Administrator Ms Brigette Oakes Music Dept Secretary Mrs Heather Pearse Communications Manager Mrs Thaloshney Pelzer Life Sciences Lab. 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 Mrs Karen Southwell Assistant Bursar Mrs Annette Thompson Debtors Control Mr Keith Thompson Director of Sport Sr Joanne van Musschenbroek San Sister Mr Musa Zwane IT Assistant ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
9 ESTATES STAFF Back row: Z Zondi, D Zikhali, P Majola, C Nzimande, S Madondo, S Shozi Middle row: J Mzulweni, N Mxabo, I Bhengu, S Mohan, S Ngcobo, J Ndlovu, A Magidla, A Sibisi Front row: A Swanepoel, S Dunnett, P Lamb, R Pillay, K Seals, W Ngwane, A Peter Mr Israel Bhengu Maintenance Team Mrs Sandy Dunnett Transport Manager Mr Pedro Lamb Assistant Facilities Manager Mr Simon Madondo Maintenance Team Mr Alfred Magidla Maintenance Team Mr Patrick Majola Maintenance Team Mrs Sharon Mohan Functions Coordinator Mr Ntobeko Mzabo 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 & Gardens Supervisor Mr Ronnie Pillay Assist. Maintenance Supervisor Mrs Karen Seals Campus Co-ordinator Mr Sibonela Shozi Maintenance Team Mr Albert Sibisi Maintenance Team Mrs André Swanepoel Housekeeper Mr Malcolm Wight Facilities Manager Mr Doctor Zikhali Driver Mr Zeblon Zondi Maintenance Team ESTATES STAFF
10 FAREWELLS During his 31 years at Kearsney College, Rod was involved in many different ways in the lives of generations of school boys, teachers, parents and the broader Kearsney Community. He played a variety of roles during this time…teacher of Biology, sports’ coach, Housemaster of Haley, Deputy Headmaster, intrepid adventurer, to name but a few. Many activities which we associate with Kearsney today were initiated by Rod. He started The Kearsney Riders and The Kearsney Striders Running Club. We have Rod to thank for initiating the annual Leadership Week and the opportunities it presents for staff and boys to get off campus and learn more about themselves and one another. Rod was also responsible for heading up the Grade 8 and 9 Middle School during the years of the GETC. A competent sportsman himself, Rod has coached rugby, cricket, soccer and hockey and was Master in Charge of Squash for eight years and of Cross Country for ten years. Rod was also in charge of a variety of clubs, all of which reflected his love of the outdoors and the environment. The one constant underpinning and serving as motivation for all that Rod does is his love of people of all ages and from all walks of life. Rod forged strong bonds with many pupils and was empathetic to their circumstances. Rod is a great encourager. He challenges and motivates others to step out of their comfort zones and do things they never thought possible. He is also a visionary who sees his dreams become reality and takes others with him. He inspired many a hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing trip with staff, boys and parents. He has exceptional organisational skills and attention to detail ensured the completion of hikes to the most amazing destinations, including Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Botswana, the Fish River Canyon, Everest Base Camp and Annapurna in the Himalayas. Closer to home, he led hikes along the Wild Coast and in his beloved Drakensberg. The experiences and opportunities afforded to boys and parents who were lucky enough to accompany him are priceless. Rod has a great sense of humour…that infamous twinkle in his eye is a sure sign that he is about to engage in some good-natured banter. In conclusion, Rod genuinely seeks and finds the good in others. He is a humble, sincere, kind-hearted, inspiring man who loves people and none more than his family. Sam, Benji and Iris were all born at whilst the family lived at Kearsney and Rod is incredibly proud of them and all they have achieved in the intervening years. The past 31 years at Kearsney is a journey that Rod and his wife Debbie happily shared together. Albert Schweitzer said: The true worth of a man is not to be found in the man himself, but in the colours and textures that he makes come alive in others. Rod has brought out the best in generations of schoolboys and inspired so many to conquer their fears and achieve beyond their wildest dreams. He is a much loved friend and remarkable schoolmaster and shall be truly missed. Mrs Sue Murray HOD Physical Sciences Rod de Villiers (far right) led an expedition to Everest Base Camp in 2011 Rod de Villiers Farewells
11 It is my privilege to pay tribute to Rev. James Headbush. I have known him and his family since they came to Kearsney five years ago. He has been faithful in his service to God, to the children of God and the community. Reverend Headbush has been a rock for the Christian faith in our school. He has always been easy to talk to, understanding and helpful or offered a hand where there was a need. He had a way of making difficult burdens easier to bear. He is a faithful man of God, unselfish with his time as he routinely fellowshipped with the sick, even those who weren’t members of the Methodist denomination. l admired his dignity in handling challenging and difficult situations. Rev. it is our prayer and hope that God will be with you and your family and guide you. May God continue to bless you. Your spiritual leadership will truly be missed. Mr Manzini Zungu i/c Outreach / Teacher isiZulu Reverend James Headbush Mr Musa Zwane, the College’s Audio Visual technician, departed from Kearsney College after five years at the school. Musa proved to be an exceptionally dedicated and loyal member of staff. He played a pivotal role in ensuring that all the College’s events, from small gatherings to major events, were run efficiently and with creative flair. Musa will be missed by his colleagues and we wish him well in pursuing his lifelong ambition of working in the Audio Visual industry in Johannesburg. Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg Headmaster Musawenkosi Zwane Farewells Bruce McClure Bruce McClure was a Life Sciences teacher, sports coach and duty master in Haley who started in January 2017 and will leave us at the end of 2018 as he is emigrating to Australia. Whilst we wish him and his wife Godspeed, it is always a body-blow to see talent such leaving the teaching profession and the country. He is the consummate schoolmaster. Claire Hornby Claire will be leaving after two years outstanding service to the College. She has been part of the reason for the success of the academic programme with those who struggle with English language skills at the junior level. As an outstanding junior grade English teacher we will miss her contribution but wish her well in her future. Jason Rottcher Head of Life Orientation, Mr Jason Rottcher left us in June, emigrating with his family to the United Kingdom. Jason became the favourite of many schoolboys who would challenge him on his various quirky and sometimes irreverent theories. He professed multiple interests from playing the stock market to religion, steroids and in fact any controversial topic you could imagine. As an all-round schoolmaster, Mr Rottcher coached sport every term, usually taking a lower side where he enjoyed the banter and repartee. His eight years’ service to Kearsney is appreciated.
13 NEW APPOINTMENT The highly respected and popular Mr Manzini Zungu, affectionately known as ‘Mnumz’ to the boys, has been appointed Deputy Headmaster in charge of Student Affairs from 2019, becoming the College’s first black deputy head. Mr Zungu joined Kearsney College in 2001 as an isiZulu teacher and has since held the roles of Haley House Duty Master, Learning Area Head of isiZulu and, for the past decade, Master in Charge of Outreach. He has also served on the school’s Management Committee since 2007 and chaired the Cultural Diversity Imbizo since its inception in 2016. Ever positive and cheerful, gracious and warm, Mr Zungu brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this new position, a key position for the College as it pursues its strategic objectives. The retirement of Deputy Headmaster, Mr Rod de Villiers, provided an opportunity for the College to re-examine the senior management structure. In the newly-defined Student Affairs portfolio, Mr Zungu’s role will include managing and driving key operational and strategic areas, including transformation, mentorship, tutorship, community service, pastoral care, international exchange and student forums. Born and educated at primary schools in Mariannhill, Mr Zungu’s mother was offered support by a German Catholic priest to educate one of her seven children. Manzini was the son who was chosen, and he went on to matriculate from St Francis College in Mariannhill. “I still do not know why my mother chose me, as I am the fifth child in the family. God works in His mysterious ways,” he says. From there Mr Zungu went to the then University of Natal, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree and an Honours degree, focusing on teaching isiZulu as a Second Language. His teaching career started in 1994 at Dick Ndlovu High school near KwaNdengezi Township, followed by a stint at Siyathuthuka High School in Durban. During that time Mr Zungu served as president of Catholic students at KZN universities for six years; started the University of Natal teaching programme to assist Grade 12 learners with Maths and English and was voted the “Community Builder of the Year” in 1999. Mr Zungu was voted the national STAR teacher of the year in 2013 due to his involvement in community service work; he is a trustee of the Hillcrest Bursary Scheme; is a mentor and advisor for the ISASA Maths and English Scholarship Programme; and currently mentors for the Transnet Orphan Bursary Scheme, which supports orphans throughout the country. Despite this busy schedule, Mr Zungu has found time to write two isiZulu books and edit 21 others. He was also part of the team tasked in 1997 by the Zulu Department within the University of Natal to translate into English all isiZulu books written between 19211981. The epitome of a family man, Manzini is married to Savy, a fellow educator, and is a father to two children, 17 year old daughter, Amahle, and son Bongumenzi, who started Grade 8 at Kearsney in 2018. Mr Zungu also supports 11 other children from his extended family. Manzini’s genuine love of life, compassion, warmth and contagious enthusiasm, supported by his rich life experiences and expertise, are an invaluable asset to the College. The College looks forward to Mr Zungu taking up the new role, enhancing Kearsney’s nurturing environment and guiding the College towards the fulfilment of its strategic objectives. Manzini Zungu: Deputy Headmaster New Appointment
CLASS OF 2018 Back row: Ben Proctor (G), Rory Bloy (F), Ruben Darby (F), Joe Houghting (P), David Scott (S), Joshua Groom (G), Daniel Phillips (P), Thobani Xhakaza (F), Marc Butler (F), Liam Turner (P), Levi Donjeany (S), Aidan van der Merwe (P), Juan Pretorius (P), Caleb Morse (G), Jordan Morum (S), James Rosewarne (P), Robbie Koenig (F), Luke Jordan (G), Stanley Friedrich (S) Sixth row: Bryce Ras (P), Andrew Farrant (G), Evan Hulett (G), Dylan Hanson (G), James Macdougall (P), David McCleave (G), Carl Combrinck (P), Warren Saxby (F), Cameron Trichardt (G), David Hodgson (G), Gavin Shelly (F), Alex Calliontzis (G), Ross Mackay (S), Tom Doherty (P), Joshua Kalil (F), Marco Gouveia (S), Matteo Buccimazza (G), Sibu Sangweni (F), Michael Lee (F), Keagan Stevenson (F), Jared Rochat (F) Fifth row: Josh Olive (F), Edward Yeo (P), Kyle Sewbaran (G), Luke Cronjé (S), Nicholas Beere (G), Jethro Strydom (S), Michael Brokensha (G), Cameron Dudley (G), Reece Taylor (F), Siviwe Klaas (F), Ayoola Morakinyo (S), Mark Pretorius (G), Lloyd Gowdy (P), Calym Lishman (P), Quellon Naicker (P), Jayden Hutchinson (S), Sibu Sithole (G), Calvin Crookes (F) Fourth row: Bayanda Sithole (G), Matthew Cameron (F), Kieran Hughes (F), Aidan Rall (F), Joshua Polkinghorne (G), Cameron McLean (P), Mnotho Mkhwanazi (S), Sisa Mkhize (G), Matthew Crockett (S), Ché Mooney (S), Ross Gibbings (S), Steven Conway (P), Preston Barr (P), Brandon Palmer (G), Marco Mattioda (G), Joshua Reid (S), Tim Maddock (P), Jonathan Ayliffe (P), Carl Heunis (P), Tyler Roake (F), Cameron Whittaker (F), William Patton (G) Third row: Mvelo Duma (P), Matthew Camp (P), Sqalisu Ngcobo (P), Zolile Shange (F), Taine Buys (G), Jaryd Templar (S), Cuan Loader (S), Bradley Beaumont (G), Aidan Bossert (F), Robert Whitehouse (F), Scott Bentley (S), Charlie Dell (S), Gcina Gumede (G), Taine Muirhead (G), Connor Stevens (S), Akhile Ntshingila (G), Callam Davis (P), Thimna Mqedlana (P) Second row: Anele Ndlovu (F), Ayush Singh (F), Hlumela Mngomezulu (F), Mzu Phike (G), Nicholas Parker (S), Orion Hughes (F), Liam Maguire (F), Matthew Hayden (G), Wandile Nyamela (S), Baso Mazwai (F), Scott Couzens (G), Elias Mechanicos (S), Solomzi Zungu (S), Tim Wright (S), Kai Otto (S), Lwazi Gwebu (P), Yaaseen Mahomed (P) Front row: Tom Lunde (P), Kabelo Makhanya (P), Rabasotho Lenkoe (P), Tim Bean (P), Andrew Harding (G), Nic Baines (S), Mr Stafford Green, Guy Morgan (F), Phoka Mchunu (S), Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg, Dylan Bissett (F), Jordan Kellaway (P), Patrick Duncan (S), Taine Polzi (F), Dane Mertsch (S), Jacques Odendaal (G), Rob Pringle (F) (House indicated in brackets: F - Finningley; G - Gillingham; P - Pembroke; S - Sheffield)
15 No matter our past, our future, our racial or cultural differences, our talents and opinions - we will always find beauty and power in unity. We must be united in heart and mind. One school, one people all tied together … by one symbol Good morning Headmaster, Mr Venter, special guests, staff and boys of the College; The words that I choose to begin this speech with were taken from my first address to the school as its new headboy. I choose to open with these words today to remind us all of the beauty and power of being united, the beauty and power of being connected as one people. A power, of passion and loyalty that neither dies nor withers, a beauty found in solid friendships and relationships which will forever be retained in our hearts. Therefore, we must always remember that it is the symbol of Kearsney that ties us all together and affords us the opportunity to enjoy these experiences - a common thread which binds us all. The Kearsney I speak of is a single flame which was carried by one man 97 years ago. And 97 years later we see that single flame that was carried by our Kearsney ancestor now burns brightly in all of us here today. 97 years later, thousands of candles have been lit by a single flame which was shared. Shared, not only amongst the 600 boys here but by a dynasty of Old Boys and staff members. This common flame has lasted the test of time and continues to burn and bring light to the world. But you may ask yourself “What is it, that this Kearsney I speak of truly symbolises? What are in these walls that bound the hearts of men? What does this flame we all carry within us reflect in the shadows of those who doubt us”? Kearsney is that fine place on top of the hill where a common fire of perseverance and grit burns in our hearts. Kearsney is that place where every person from guard to headmaster prides themselves when the roar of Shosholoza floods the Valley. Kearsney is a place where no boy is left uncounted. Kearsney is the place that, no matter who or what that stands in front of us, we will never give up the fight. From the first day to our last, we constantly exhibit the flourishing of these ideals, what it means to have grit, to persevere and to be rewarded for our efforts. We learn to sacrifice things for a bigger picture - such as our grass for a new classroom block. We see this pattern continue in 2018 as our Choir sacrificed hours of their time to produce performance that earned two golds at this year’s World Choir Games adding to the previous tally of 13 gold medals. Boys who stayed up late into the night when others slept to produce the schools’ highest number of academic Honours Cum Laude and Honours by a matric class with one in five boys achieving this in the 6th form. Boys who put the extra hours on the fields when others had left - this has led to 14 South African selections and 70 KZN reps. This passion and perseverance is what binds the hearts of men. This is the common flame we all share. This flame shared by us all, symbolises that we accept all men and women, it symbolises no discrimination based on race, gender, religion or history. This flame that burns within us embraces all disparity. This is seen by the ground staff who sit behind the rugby poles on Stott, ecstatically crying out for the One-Stripe to win. This is also seen by the cleaning staff who walk down Founder’s Avenue in the early dawn hours wearing their Kearsney hoodies with pride. This is seen by the teachers who sacrifice their personal time to come back in the evenings to teach. You see, this flame does not only belong to the boys, but it belongs to everyone who embodies Kearsney. This is what symbolises Kearsney. We do not take all these efforts lightly and we truly appreciate all we have because of the staff. I strongly believe that the staff, are like the candles, as they continue to provide the taper by which our flames are ignited. It is because of you, and your light, that these boys receive prizes today. But the ultimate prize that we all leave with today, is the unity amongst us all. I thank you boys for having faith in and respect for the Matrics as we have led you throughout the year. Most Class of 2018 THE CLASS OF 2018 Valedictory speech by Headboy, Phoka Mchunu, Speech Day, September 2018 ...we constantly exhibit the flourishing of these ideals, what it means to have grit, to persevere and to be rewarded for our efforts.
16 Class of 2018 importantly I thank you Matrics for everything we have shared this year and also for the incredible people you are. I am lucky and truly proud to call myself a Matric pupil of the Class of 2018 because of you all. It is from my Grandmother that I have learned the most valuable lessons about relationships with people. Relationships are fundamental when building respect and unity. Kearsney is built on relationships and people - people who have the ability to unite across all differences. Kearsney is its people. We are bound together by the walls of the College but we are tied together by the relationships we forge with one another. As a people in Kearsney we are only a reflection of our community and I believe we can all be proud to share and form part of the Kearsney community. May we continue to pass on the flame of what Kearsney means to those whose candles await the light? May it be when they look inside the chambers of our hearts that they see a candle burning in the dark? May we continue to fuel the flames with respect, love and loyalty for one another? Let us remain connected and continue to find the same beauty and power in unity, the achievements will only but follow. I trust we will continue to protect one another because we all burn with the same flame. May it never die but continue to burn bright as one school, one people all tied together … by one symbol. Thank you. May God bless you all. Phoka Mchunu ACADEMIC HONOURS Back row: David McCleave, Calym Lishman, Thomas Lunde, Jared Rochat, Matteo Buccimazza, Mark Pretorius Middle row: Kabelo Makhanya, Jordan Kellaway, Robert Whitehouse, Matthew Cameron, Taine Buys, Mnotho Mkhwanazi Front row: Ruben Darby, Phoka Mchunu, Mrs Vanessa Govender, Andrew Harding, Juan Pretorius Absent: Steven Conway, Ross Mackay, Ben Proctor and Liam Turner GRADE 12 PRIZES - SPEECH DAY The McKenzie Trophy for perseverance: Joshua Polkinghorne The S B Theunissen Memorial Trophy: Bryce Ras The Edwin Henwood Trophy: Sibusiso Sangweni The Margarette and Richard Best Trophy for musical competence: Wandile Nyamela The Dramatic Art Trophy for exceptional achievement in the practical discipline: Ross Gibbings The Grant Greenberg Trophy for achievement in the Creative Arts: Anele Ndlovu The Mathematical Literacy Prize: Keagan Stevenson Academic Colours: Taine Buys; Andrew Harding; Nic Baines; Mark Pretorius; Jaryd Templar; Jonathan Houghting ; James MacDougall; Callam Davis; Kieran Hughes; Jordan Morum; Tim Wright ; Marc Butler; Elias Mechanicos and David Hodgson Academic Colours, the Geography Prize (shared) and the Art Trophy for exceptional achievement in the practical discipline: Liam Maguire Academic Colours, the Geography Prize (shared) and the Headmaster’s Prize: Guy Morgan Academic Colours and the Music Prize: Orion Hughes Academic Colours and the isiZulu Prize: Mnotho Mkhwanazi
17 L - R: Michael Lee (Proxime Accessit to Dux), Headmaster, Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg and Dux of School for 2018, Carl Combrinck Academic Honours: David McCleave Matteo Buccimazza Jordan Kellaway Robert Whitehouse Kabelo Makhanya Calym Lishman Matthew Cameron Ruben Darby Liam Turner Jared Rochat Steven Conway Ben Proctor Ross Mackay Thomas Lunde and Brandon Palmer Academic Honours and the Ambassadors Trophy: Phoka Mchunu Academic Honours and the Business Studies Prize: Aidan Bossert Academic Honours and the Dramatic Arts Prize: David Scott Academic Honours and the Visual Arts Prize: Warren Saxby Academic Honours and the Jan Storm Prize for Afrikaans: Juan Pretorius Academic Honours Cum Laude: Kyle Sewbaran and Jethro Strydom Academic Honours Cum Laude and the Peter Metcalf Trophy for Resourcefulness and Initiative: Yaaseen Mahomed Academic Honours Cum Laude and the Gait Trophy for the Best All-rounder in the 6th Form: Tim Bean Academic Honours Cum Laude, the William and Susan Jones Prize for English (shared), the George McLeod English Essay Prize, the Hindson Memorial Prize for English Literature, the William Crawford Prize for History and the Max Oram History Essay Prize: Daniel Phillips Academic Honours Cum Laude, the Accounting Prize and the Engineering Graphics and Design Prize: Edward Yeo Academic Honours Cum Laude, the William and Susan Jones Prize for English (shared), the Life Orientation Prize, and the Parry Trophy for Proxime Accessit to Dux: Michael Lee Academic Honours Cum Laude, the Alletson-Smith Shield for Mathematics, the Advanced Programme Mathematics Prize, the Patrick Moore Shield and John the Kinloch Prize for Physical Science, the Ben Milner Prize for Biology, the Information Technology Prize, the J Solnick Poetry Prize, the Jack Reece Prize for Modern Languages, the Colin Silcock Prize and the Tim Browne Trophy for Dux of the School: Carl Combrinck Class of 2018
18 IEB NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE RESULTS We are delighted to report the results of the 2018 IEB NSC Examinations. The Class of 2018 achieved a remarkable set of results and reinforced Kearsney’s reputation for academic excellence. Number of candidates: 133 Pass rate: 100% Bachelor Degree Pass: 100% (University Exemption) Still to complete: 1 Number of subject distinctions: 319 (2,4 distinctions per candidate) Some highlights: • 100% Bachelor Degree (Matric exemption) pass rate (Bachelor Degree pass rate for all IEB schools of 88,5%); • 49,1 % of Mathematics candidates achieved distinctions (IEB schools’ distinction rate: 26,1%); Three boys placed in the top 1% in the country; Average Maths mark for the Class was 78,3%; • 38,3% of Physical Sciences boys achieved distinctions (IEB schools’ distinction rate: 19,9%). Six boys in the top 1% (top 49 candidates) in SA. 70% of the Kearsney boys wrote Physical Sciences; • Eighth consecutive year Kearsney’s Maths and Science distinction rates have been approx. double those of the IEB; • 100% Pass rate and 67% distinction rate for Kearsney’s first Mandarin candidates. • 33,3% of Accounting candidates achieved distinctions (IEB schools’ distinction rate: 27%); • 49,1% of History candidates achieved distinctions (IEB schools’ distinction rate: 23,7%). • 61,5% of isiZulu candidates achieved distinctions (IEB schools’ distinction rate: 44,5%); • 62,5% of Engineering Graphics and Design boys achieved distinctions (IEB schools’ distinction rate: 28,4%). Five boys in the top 1% (top 11 candidates) in SA. Average mark of 82%; • More than a quarter of the boys achieved 4 or more distinctions. ACADEMIC HONOURS CUM LAUDE Back row: Kyle Sewbaran, Daniel Phillips and Tim Bean Front row: Yaaseen Mahomed, Mrs Vanessa Govender, Edward Yeo and Jethro Strydom Absent: Michael Lee and Carl Combrinck Class of 2018
19 Class of 2018 IEB National Senior Certificate 8 Distinctions Carl Combrinck Afrikaans FAL 89; English HL 90; IT 95; LO 93; Life Sciences 89; Mathematics 99; Phys Sciences 98; AP Maths 96 Kyle Sewbaran Accounting 91; Afrikaans FAL 80; English HL 85; LO 90; Life Sciences 84; Mathematics 92; Phys Sciences 94; AP Maths 81 7 Distinctions Michael Lee Afrikaans FAL 82; English HL 90; History 92; LO 94; Mandarin SAL 91; Mathematics 93; Phys Sciences 98 Tim Bean Afrikaans FAL 82; English HL 86; History 91; LO 88; Life Sciences 86; Mathematics 97; Phys Sciences 94 Matteo Buccimazza Afrikaans FAL 82; English HL 84; History 84; LO 87; Life Sciences 82; Mathematics 89; Phys Sciences 82 Kabelo Makhanya EGD 86; English HL 82; History 80; isiZulu FAL 80; LO 83; Mathematics 81; Phys Sciences 80 6 Distinctions Edward Yeo Accounting 95; EGD 100; LO 89; Mathematics 96; Phys Sciences 94; AP Maths 93 Daniel Phillips Accounting 91; English HL 92; History 94; LO 93; Mathematics 90; Phys Sciences 86 Jethro Strydom EGD 99; English HL 87; LO 89; Life Sciences 83; Mathematics 92; Phys Sciences 93 Yaaseen Mahomed Accounting 84; Dramatic Arts 87; English HL 86; LO 88; Mathematics 95; Phys Sciences 92 Warren Saxby EGD 97; English HL 85; LO 84; Mathematics 94; Phys Sciences 92; Visual Arts 87 Juan Pretorius Afrikaans FAL 88; Geography 86; LO 83; Life Sciences 80; Mathematics 90; Phys Sciences 88 Andrew Harding Accounting 84; English HL 88; History 84; LO 81; Mathematics 89; Phys Sciences 81 Jordan Kellaway EGD 96; English HL 81; Geography 80; LO 85; Mathematics 88; Phys Sciences 83 David McCleave English HL 83; IT 91; LO 88; Life Sciences 80; Mathematics 88; Phys Sciences 83 Taine Buys Dramatic Arts 83; English HL 82; History 82; LO 83; Mathematics 93; Phys Sciences 87 Liam Turner Accounting 87; English HL 80; History 85; LO 83; Mathematics 85; Phys Sciences 91 Thomas Lunde EGD 96; English HL 80; History 83; LO 84; Mathematics 86; Phys Sciences 82 Matthew Cameron EGD 95; English HL 81; LO 80; Mathematics 90; Phys Sciences 83; Visual Arts 80 5 Distinctions Robert Whitehouse EGD 93; English HL 82; LO 87; Mathematics 88; Phys Sciences 82 Calym Lishman EGD 89; English HL 90; History 91; LO 81; Mathematics 89 Steven Conway Accounting 84; History 80; LO 85; Mathematics 92; Phys Sciences 90 Ruben Darby English HL 83; Geography 80; LO 85; Mathematics 89; Phys Sciences 86 Phoka Mchunu Accounting 79; History 85; isiZulu FAL 83; LO 85; Mathematics 80; Phys Sciences 80 Callam Davis English HL 84; Geography 85; History 90; Mathematics 80; Phys Sciences 84 Orion Hughes Geography 81; LO 85; Mathematics 83; Music 85; Phys Sciences 82 4 Distinctions Mnotho Mkhwanazi isiZulu FAL 91; Life Sciences 80; Mathematics 88; Phys Sciences 86 David Scott Dramatic Arts 88; English HL 80; History 84; Mathematics 89 Aidan Bossert Afrikaans FAL 89; Business Studies 83; English HL 88; LO 91 Brandon Palmer Dramatic Arts 88; English HL 82; History 85; LO 81 Jared Rochat EGD 97; LO 81; Life Sciences 80; Mathematics 87 Jaryd Templar Accounting 81; Mandarin SAL 84; Mathematics 99; Phys Sciences 91 Jonathan Houghting Accounting 85; History 83; Mathematics 87; Phys Sciences 81 Ross Mackay EGD 91; Geography 81; LO 83; Mathematics 80 Jordan Morum English HL 85; History 83; Mathematics 94; Phys Sciences 85 Taine Muirhead EGD 83; LO 81; Mathematics 83; Phys Sciences 81 Four or more subject distinctions BOLD = Top 1% of IEB candidates per subject.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3MDU5Nw==