Country FairCountry FairCountry FairCountry Fair
The Horse's Mouth
Thomas More College
News from the Horse's Mouth
 03 August 2015
Newsletter 24

Letter from the Editor

Please find the Scripture for the week here.

 

 

    Some points of particular interest in the expanded sections below include:
  • Shane Cuthbertson - congratulates the committee on a well organised Country Fair, yet again!

  • Allan Chandler - congratulates all involved in organising a superb Country Fair.

  • Barbara Taljard - congratulates everyone involved in putting together a wonderful Country Fair, and reminds SP parents of this week's Interhouse Athletics.

 

Stock Shop

Primary School Hockey bags in stock now! 

 

OldSchoolCupboardIt’s time to clean out your cupboards, Old School Cupboard is giving parents the opportunity to sell their excess, unwanted sports equipment and give other parents the choice of purchasing second hand equipment for their kids instead of buying new.

 

We will negotiate a sale price and once sold you will receive cash for your goods. Kids are not cheap and a new sports season means the need for new equipment. This is a good opportunity to keep your costs down.

 

If you have items that are not suitable for resale I will organise for them to be donated to under privileged schools in the area on your behalf. This is an online business for further information please contact: Alison 0845724600

oldschoolcupboard@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/oldschoolcupboard

http://oldschoolcupboard.blogspot.com/

 

 

Country Fair - many thanks for the contributions made during the course of the last two terms as well as your continued support on the day to ensure yet another successful Country Fair.

 

Have a great week,
Kim Hooper
Marketing Manager

Fundraising Initiative

Hay Hoe BP Service station situated at 6 Underwood Road Pinetown is making a donation to TMC for every litre of petrol sold to a TMC parent. Each parent should a received their card in the last week of last term. Your card number will be recorded with the number of litres purchased by the card holder. In addition TMC parents who use this petrol station will be entered into a monthly draw for a food/goodie hamper to the value of R250-00 and 2 free car washes. Simply by filling up at Hay Hoe Service Station you are supporting the fundraising initiative for our 2016 Overseas Tours. Thereafter, the funds raised by the Hay Hoe Service Station initiative will go towards Parents' Council Fundraising.

 

Comedy Night

 

School of Music

We have a new vocal coach Marijke de Bruin who has joined the School of Music. She will be running small groups of music appreciation from Gr R to Gr 7 in the afternoons.  She will also be teaching private vocal lessons. If you would like to find out more about the small groups, please contact The School of Music on 083 990 5011 or Marijke on 082 802 4399 as these will be starting ASAP. We continue to have piano drums guitar and violin as instruments on offer too.  

Little Big Voices

Achievements   Extra-mural Calendars   Academic Calendars
   
Week Ahead  Quick Links
Monday 03 August Grade 0 Tour de More begins
Tuesday 04 August Waterkloof Prep Choir - Peter Habberton Hall
  Grade 12 Zulu Production @ Kearsney
  SP Interhouse Athletics - Field events
  School of Music Recital
Wednesday 05 August SP Interhouse Athletics - Track events
  SP Boys' Hockey vs Crawford LL - Home/Away
Thursday 06 August SP Girls' Hockey vs Crawford LL - Home/Away
  South African Heads of Independent Schools Meeting - Ashton College
Friday 07 August Grade 0 Tour de More ends
  Grade 9 Geography Excursion
Saturday 08 August  
Sunday 09 August Public Holiday - Women's Day
Monday 10 August Public Holiday







 

Scripture for the week

 

I am leaving peace with you. I am giving you my own peace. I am not giving it to you as the world gives. So do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. John 14:27

The term peace described in scripture is seen as a gift from God and compatible with His character (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Galatians 6:16; 1 Peter 1:2; Hebrews 13:20). It is the peace that comes from having our consciences cleansed as we get to know God better (Hebrews 10:22). 1 Peter 1:2 says, “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord”. When we grow in understanding of the riches of God’s love toward us (Ephesians 3:18–19; Romans 8:38–39), our minds and spirits begin to rest in His power and wisdom. However, certain attitudes can destroy the peace of God. When we compare trust with the theory that God will give us whatever we want, we set ourselves up for disappointment. Trust means we have set our hearts to believe God, whatever may happen. When we try and insist on being in control, we disrupt God’s desire to let us live in peace. When we choose worry rather than faith, we cannot live in peace. Jesus warned us often about fear and worry (Matthew 6:34; Luke 12:29; Philippians 4:6). Worry is the enemy of peace. God invites us to cast our cares upon Him and then let go of them (1 Peter 5:7). This is often the most difficult thing to do but God demands that we do it. Cast your cares upon Him and don’t try and fish them back!

Shalom (peace)

God bless
Rev. Martin Easson
Chaplain
measson@thomasmore.co.za

Whole School News

Country FairCongratulations and thank you to all those who were involved with the Country Fair. Once again it was a hugely successful day blessed by magnificent weather. This event really demonstrated the wonderful spirit and camaraderie that pervades at Thomas More College. The crowd stayed late into the afternoon and many vendors continued to operate beyond the 4pm finishing time.

The Country Fair committee is a very experienced team. Chairman Dean Swift ran his sixth event this year and was always calm and in control. Secretary Rae Griesel has boundless energy and magnificent organising abilities and together they compliment one another perfectly. The main committee consisted of Dean Swift, Rae Griesel, Antony Kerdachi, Craig Mackie, Kerry-Leigh White, Chris Holton, Gareth Curtis, Nischen Govender, Kathryn Steenkamp, Wayne Jaggard, Stephen Ireland, Kim Hooper, Claire Alderdice, Taryn Venton, Philippe Renard, Marco Fuini and Mark Moolman.  Meetings began last year and with excellent planning, the event went off like clockwork. Thank you also to the huge number of parents, staff and pupils who helped on the day. Thanks also to Malcolm Wight and the estate team for their magnificent contribution.

 
Shane Cuthbertson
Executive Principal
scuthbertson@thomasmore.co.za

High School News

Country FairMy sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dean Swift and his team, and all staff, parents and pupils, who combined to make the Country Fair a stunning, splendid, and successful event. The weather gods were certainly in our corner! The Fair is about raising funds, but also engenders esprit de corps, and is a major marketing tool. Well done to all concerned!

 

 

Allan Chandler
High School Headmaster
achandler@thomasmore.co.za

Primary School News

Well done to all those who received academic merit, progress and effort certificates at Wednesday’s award ceremony as well as to those who did well in their spelling, general knowledge and Mathletics. I was also very proud of the progress made in recorders by our Grade 4 pupils. To those who did not receive acknowledgement, set yourself goals, persevere, remain focused and work hard. Thanks to those parents who attended- it is appreciated.Country Fair

Thank you for the excellent support with grocery items for the Country Fair. We value each and every contribution both to this and to the tombola stall. We were also truly blessed and thank God for the fine weather we experienced at this year’s Country Fair on Saturday- for me personally the best one to date! As usual, there was much enthusiasm among the children, and it was great to see them have fun and enjoy themselves. Well done to Country Fair convener, Dean Swift, Parents’ Council chairman, Wayne Jaggard, Rae Griesel, the Parents’ Council members and their teams for all the hard work over an extended period of time. A huge thank you to all staff, parents and pupils in all phases who gave so willingly of their time and put in many hours of “duty” working on Saturday. Your loyalty, commitment and support for our school is valued, and once again exemplifies our ethos. I felt very proud to be a part of Thomas More. All in all it was a delightful day!

Best wishes to our Grade 0 classes for the annual Tour de More, which always engenders great excitement and fun as our little cyclists learn to cycle without fairy wheels! At this opposite end of our spectrum, it is always great to see similar support and encouragement.

Tomorrow at Assembly our Senior Primary pupils will be entertained by the Waterkloof choir who are on tour. It is a privilege to be able to share cultural experiences with others and to celebrate what we have to offer. This will be followed at about 08:30 by the rained out field events of last week. Parents welcome to support. There will still be sport on both Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon, after the track events the following day. Wednesday’s proceedings will only start at about 09:00.

We hope you also refuel your energy over the coming long weekend (next Monday is a public holiday- Women’s Day). To all the women in our community, we salute you for the multiple roles you play and the glue you are in keeping society together, for your warmth, courage, conviction and determination in molding young lives positively and/or making a difference. Women’s month (not just day) is a reminder to fill your cup so that you can continue to fill the cups of others in your life because, when your cup is empty, you have nothing to give. Have a fabulous Women's Day on 9 August!

Wishing you all the best for the busy week ahead.

 

Barbara Taljard
Primary School Headmistress
btaljard@thomasmore.co.za

Academic Achievements

Weekly Achievers  - Sponsored by Debonairs & Steers – Kloof

 

1B

Merrick Beetge - for writing the most interesting phonics sentences this week.  What a super star.

1J

Isabella Nadauld - for her cheerful, positive approach to all aspects of the school day.  Keep it up.

1P

Connor du Plessis - for listening well and for being so brave in his first week at Thomas More College.

2D

Sloane Seaton - for his positive start to the term, good listening skills and concentration.

2J

Dylan Bell - for giving of his very best and for his wonderful caring ways.  You are a pleasure to have in the classroom.

2R

Elisabeth du Buisson - for sharing her holiday news in such an enjoyable manner.

3B

Jake du Buisson - for his willingness to work hard and for his conscientious approach to his work.

3P

Deanco Oberholzer - for settling in with such ease and grace and for blessing us with his beautiful manners.

3R

Kiara Ganesh - for her quiet, diligent approach to her classroom tasks.
4dP Uminathi Maphumulo - for her bubbly, friendly nature and for her willingness to help.
4M Jasmine Curtis - for her positive and enthusiastic start to the term.
4F Thomas Hallam - for his cheerful spirit, the joy that he spreads and for his beautiful speech.
5vL Suvay Naidoo - for his quiet, gentle nature and for always giving of his best in the classroom.
5P Chloe Buchanan - for her friendly, helpful nature and adopting a more positive approach.
5L Jason Brien - for his commitment to his school work and sport.
6B Zaba Mthembu - for her kind and helpful nature and positive attitude towards her school day.
6M Luke Leppan - for his polite manner and consistent hard work.
6H Caitlin Simon - for her hard work and determination.
7M Christopher Kiggen - for his mature, positive approach to the new school term.
7C Sumanth Maharaj - for his consistent hard work and good manners.
7S Ross Savage - for his bravery having to get around with a broken foot.

 

Mathletics

Congratulations to Grace Brien who has achieved a gold medal for Mathletics.  Well done Grace.

 

Cultural Achievements

Ballet

Congratulations to Keziah Haug for passing her Grade 1 exam in Classical Ballet with a silver merit.  Well done Keziah.

 

Congratulations to Qhawekazi Madlala and Dayna Deeble who have both achieved distinctions in Classical Ballet.  Well done girls.

 

Congratulations to Isabella Velleman who received a Merit for her Test 4 Cecchetti Ballet examination.  Well done Isabella.

 

Congratulations to Demi-Lee Penny for passing her Grade 3 Classical Ballet exam and attained a distinction.

 

Trinity School of Music

Congratulations to Kartik Pillai who was awarded 92% with a distinction in his Grade 2 Music Theory exam.  Well done Kartik.

 

Queensburgh Festival of Arts

Congratulations to Samuel Renard who partcipated in the event where he achieved an 'A++' for Piano-Modern, an 'A++' for Piano Romantic and an 'A' for Piano Classic.  Well done Samuel.

 

Sporting Achievements

Badminton

Congratulations to Simeï Bekker who participated in the U13 SA Badminton Champs.  Simeï placed 3rd in the mixed doubles and the doubles and singles she placed 4th.  Well done Simeï.

 

MTB

Congratulations to Keagan Brand who participated in the SA Mountain Bike Championships in Cape Town in the holidays.  He came 1st in the downhill race and 5th in the Cross Country event.  Well done Keagan.

 

Sasolburg Nationals - Swimming

Congratulations to Simeï Bekker who swam in the Sasolburg National Champs, she achieved the following placings:

2nd - 50m Breastroke

2nd - 100m Breastroke

3rd - 200m Breastroke

4th - 50m Freestyle

4th - 100m Freestyle

4th - 50m Backstroke

4th - 100m Backstroke

4th - 50m Butterfly

Well done Simeï.

 

SP Girls' Hockey vs Curro HCA

U10A won 6 - 1

U10B won 2 - 0

U11A drew 2 - 2

2nd XI lost 2 - 0

2nd XI drew 0 - 0

 

SP Boys' Hockey vs Curro HCA

U10A won 7 - 1

U10B lost 3 - 2

U11A won 4 - 0

U11B drew 0 - 0

2nd XI won 2 - 0

1st XI won 2 - 1

 

IPT U13A KZN Hockey Championship

Congratulations to Lola Lee and the U13A KZN Coastals Hockey team who won the Gold at the recent Inter Provincial Hockey Tournament.

 

IPT U12B KZN Hockey Championship

Congratulations to Michael Sim and the U12B KZN Coastals Hockey team who won the Gold at the recent Inter Provincial Hockey Tournament.

 

HS Girls' Soccer at Hillcrest

1st TMC 0 1st Hillcrest 0

2nd TMC 1 2nd Hillcrest 4

16A TMC 0 16A Hillcrest 2

16B TMC 2 16B Hillcrest 0

14A TMC 4 14A Hillcrest 1

 

HS Girls' Soccer at TMC

1st TMC 2 1st Westville 0

16A TMC 4 16A Westville 0

16B TMC 0 16A Westville 2

14A TMC 3 14A Westville 0

14B TMC 6 14B Westville 0

 

HS Girls' Tennis at Westville Girls

16A TMC 6 16A Westville 21

 

HS Boys' Soccer at Hillcrest

1st TMC 2 1st Hillcrest 2

2nd TMC 2 1st Hillcrest 3

TMC U16A 0 Hillcrest2

TMC U15A 5 Hillcrest 0

TMC U15B 3 Hillcrest 1

TMC U14A 3 Hillcrest 3

TMC U14B 1 Hillcrest 2

 

HS Boys' Soccer at Kearsney

1st TMC 0 1st Kearsney 5

2nd TMC 2 1st Kearsney 2

TMC U16A 0 Kearsney 5

TMC U16B 3 Kearsney 2

TMC U15A 1 Kearsney 5

TMC U15B 6 Kearsney 0

TMC U14A 0 Kearsney 5

TMC U14B 4 Kearsney 0

 

HS Boys' Indoor Hockey

2nd TMC 6 1st Toti 7

TMC U16A 1 Clifton 2

TMC U14A 2 Kearsney 7

TMC U14A 1 Clifton 5

TMC U14A 4 DHS 0

 

Equestrian

Rachel Kerdachi and her pony Shutterfly jumped in the 1.20m FEI International Childrens Gold Tour Classic over the weekend. She was placed 3rd in her classes. She had the lowest penalties over the 2 days which means she won the tour. This gives her the opportunity to represent South Africa in the final round which will be held overseas in January 2016. Well done Rachel.

 

Congratulations to Thomas Gourley who came 3rd at the SA Pony Champs 70cm Competition in Showjumping during the holidays.  Well done Thomas.

 

Action Netball

Congratulations to Ava Terblanche, Christine Heyns and Hanna Alexander who took part in the Action Netball Super League Trials on Sunday 2 August.  They have been selected to represent U14 Highway Hawks in the upcoming Action Netball Junior Super League. Well done girls.

 

Google Calendars for parents

All of these calendars start out with basic information and then details are added as we find them out. E.g. at the start of a term, a subject test will be booked for a later date. As the time draws closer, the teacher is able to determine more fully what syllabus the class has managed to cover thus far, and will fill in details of what will be in the test at that stage.

It is important to note that this information is “live” and needs to be checked regularly. We have links to the different calendars available inside our website, found under the different Phase sections. We also have links to the same calendars inside the Parent Portal. The calendars that apply can be found under each of your child’s subheadings.

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The Horse’s Mouth Newsletter has all calendar links available to be able to easily find whichever calendars you need to.

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How to use the Google Calendar:

After you have clicked on the relevant calendar link, it will show you the default monthly view of the calendar:

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There are navigation buttons at the top left to change dates easily to look back or to future events:

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You are able to change the view of the calendar using the buttons at the top right to show only a week at a time, the default monthly view, or if you click on “Agenda” then you will see a list of events scheduled:

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Please note – it is not a good idea to print the calendar out, as the information might get updated and you will not realize this if you are referring to a print out of a calendar at a certain point in time.

To see more details about a heading in the calendar, you need to click on that heading – it will pop-up a small window giving you what details have been filled in already. This is where we have information such as which teams are playing and times, and also what material will be covered in a test/examination:

It is important to note here that it is also not a good idea to click on the bottom option “Copy to my calendar” here, for the same reason as printing, you will not receive updated information if anything changes in the live calendar.