Race night
The Horse's Mouth
Thomas More College
News from the Horse's Mouth
 09 November 2015
Newsletter 37

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 - announces the launch of our new website, and chats about the negative side of social media.

  • Allan Chandler - shares a chuckle with parents and teachers.

  • Barbara Taljard - congratulates all involved in the JP Concert last week, and wishes our Grade 7s all the best for exams which start on 16 November.

 

Stock Shop

The diary is now open for appointments for new school uniforms. If it is just a few items it is not necessary to make an appointment, but for pupils going into Grade 1 or High School please call as soon as possible .

We will be open up until Friday 11th December. We will be closed from the 12th Dec and will re-open on Thursday 14th January 2016 until tues 19th Jan from 9am – 2pm. This is a very busy time and difficult for us to do full uniform fittings as it is on a first- come-first-served basis. Please call us during trading times on 031 7648640, or email us at stockshop@thomasmore.co.za

 

Have a great week,
Kim Hooper
Marketing Manager

Hay Hoe BP Service Station

Hay Hoe BP Service station situated at 6 Underwood Road Pinetown is supporting our fundraising efforts for the 2016 overseas tour. Each parent should have received their card in the last week of last term. Your card number will be recorded everytime you fill up. 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.  

Achievements   Extra-mural Calendars   Academic Calendars
   
Week Ahead  Quick Links
Monday 09 November SP Cricket vs Crawford LL - Home & Away
  Parents' Council Meeting - School of Music
Tuesday 10 November Thom Tots Christmas Ring - Ken Mackenzie Centre
Wednesday 11 November Grade 8 - 11 Exams begin
  Grade 2 Pirate Day
  U9 Cricket vs St Henry's - St Henry's
Thursday 12 November SAHISA Meeting - Hilton
  Grade 3 Netball Tournament - St Mary's DSG
  U9 Cricket vs Highbury - tbc
  Grade 7 end of year function - Ken Mackenzie Centre
  PPA Meeting
Friday 13 November Grade 0 "Come Watch Me Swim" - Edoo Barker Pool
  Grade 7 Exam setup - Ken Mackenzie Centre
  SP Water Polo matches - tbc
Saturday 14 November Grade 1 Mini Cricket Matches - Curro HCA
  Grade 2 Mini Cricket Matches - Highbury
  SP Cricket vs Crawford LL - Home & Away







 

Scripture for the week

ScriptureNow the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:33 With exams fast approaching for the Grades 7-11 my prayers are with all who are writing and for the families who have to deal with stressed out youngsters!!! The Bible is full of God’s promises of peace and comfort during stressful times. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:27 “Can any of you add a single hour to your span of life by worrying? “ That is one of the most difficult things of all in life to achieve. But we need to trust in our God that He will provide for us. Because anxiousness and fear robs us of our joy and peace. Therefore the only one who can truly supply us with true peace is God, as Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33-34” But seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for tomorrow: for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.” 

 

Shalom (peace)

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

Whole School News

The Thomas More College website has been largely unchanged for the past four years, and is now looking rather tired. Over the last few months, largely through the efforts of Shelley Dawe and Kim Hooper, it has been completely revamped. The exciting new website will be launched before the end of the week. This will be a living website with weekly updates and posting and I am sure that it will add greatly to our channels of communication.

As from January next year, we will no longer be outsourcing the Coffee Shoppe. We have wonderful kitchen facilities with a large complement of staff and the Board of Trustees need to know that our facilities are put to maximum use. We are certainly well placed to take care of all the baking etc. that will be needed to support the Coffee Shoppe. Pippa and Joyce have done an outstanding job over the years and theirs will be a tough act to follow. Joyce will be taking up a contract to join our own catering team.

Last week my Horse’s Mouth article was focused on the distractions of smartphones and social media on pupils during study time. This week I would like to refer to some slightly more sinister comments made by therapist and addiction expert Paul Hokemeyer, Ph.D

Hokemeyer says that the reason that smartphones are so addictive is because they trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine—the "feel good chemicals" in our brains. This provides instant gratification just like addictive substances do.

He says that this particular type of addiction can be a sign of deeper problems. "Obsessive and compulsive smartphone use is a symptom of underlying behavioural health and personality issues," he explains.

"What happens is that people who are suffering from issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, and socially-challenging personalities self-medicate by reaching for things outside of themselves to manage their internal discomfort. Because technology plays such an integral part of our lives, smartphones easily become their object of choice."

But what appears to be a solution at first actually amplifies their problems in the long run. "They choose reaching for their phones over healing connections with important people," Hokemeyer explains.

Doing so, though, can hurt your career and personal life, not to mention cause you to miss out on all the fun things happening in real life.

 Shane

Shane Cuthbertson
Executive Principal
scuthbertson@thomasmore.co.za

High School News

Brave Teachers

 

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

 

Primary School News

Congratulations to our Junior Primary on a truly delightful- and ambitious- production of Aladdin, which showcased our Grade 3s speaking ability and confidence and allowed every child in the Junior Primary an opportunity to perform. I thoroughly enjoyed the show- as did everyone to whom I spoke. Well done to the teachers involved and to all the boys and girls!

The final end-of-year performance of our school community orchestra in the Music School on Wednesday evening was also most entertaining and enjoyable. Well done and thanks to Mr O’ Loughlin, Mrs Chiles and all those staff, pupils and parents involved!

We trust you enjoyed the Primary School mid-term break and are all relaxed after your concerts and reinvigorated for the last lap of 2015! Every year at this time, we become aware of the general escalation of stress levels in our society, community, staff and pupils. Everyone has deadlines to meet and the holidays are looming not too far away. Let’s try where possible not to “sweat the small stuff” and to try to remember that each and every one of us is trying to do his or her best, while endeavouring to complete all that is required before the closure of the year, and to plan for the start of the new year.

All the best to our Grade 7 pupils for their special year-end function in the MacKenzie Centre this Thursday evening from 17:30 to 20:30. I am sure they will add the memories of this special evening to their year book, and will thus be able to enjoy it for years to come. (Grade 7s are NOT permitted to write messages or anything on school shirts at year end- the booklet they receive replaces this).

We also wish our Grade 7s well as they prepare for their last exams of Grade 7, which start on Monday 16 November. 

“Don’t Quit”

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and debts are high,

And you want to smile but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but do not quit!

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out.

Don’t give up though the pace seems slow,

You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit

It’s when things seem worse that you must not quit.

Source unknown

We wish our Pre-Primary girls and boys lots of fun for the Thom Tots Christmas ring in the Mackenzie Centre tomorrow afternoon at 16:30 and our Grade 0s an enjoyable time at their “Come Watch me Swim” on Friday 13 November starting at 10:30 at the Edoo Barker Pool. We also trust our Grade 2s will have an awesome Pirate Day on Wednesday, with many fun-filled memories to treasure.

Wishing you all the best for the full week ahead. 

 

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

Academic Achievements

Weekly Achievers  - Sponsored by Debonairs & Steers – Kloof

 

None awarded in the FP last week due to commitments to concert rehearsals.

 

1B

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1J

-

1P

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2D

-

2J

-

2R

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3B

-

3P

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3R

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4dP Ezra Haug - for his diligence, good work ethic and lovely task presentation.
4M Grace Carson - for her positive attitude and more focussed approach towards her school day.
4F Jason Staples - for his excellent task presentation.
5vL Keren Singh - for her kind, gentle nature and for always having a positive approach to her schoolwork.
5P Luke Riddle - for perseverance, independence and maintaining his high standard of work when both wrists were injured.
5L Alexia van de Sande - for her excellent Maths test results and mature attitude.
6B Tyla Christie - for her excellent play at Water Polo on Friday and for being a true team player.
6M Ilé Bothma - for her positive attitude and excellent play in Friday's Water Polo match.
6H Rebecca de Klerk - for her continuous hard work and positive attitude.
7M Emily Wood - for her kind, friendly manner and her diligent approach to her school work.
7C Isabella Dilles - for her continuous hard work and mature attitude towards her academics.
7S James Pooley - for his outstanding manners and kindness.

 

 

Cultural Achievements

RSPA Theatre School - Award Winners

Congratulations to the following pupils:

Anna Ahlschlager - Most Improved Student

Amahle Phakathi - Most Improved Student

Naomi Smith - Diligence & Perseverance, Studio Performer of the Year

Zabathembu Mthembu - Diligence & Perseverance

Sarah Clarke - Diligence & Perseverance

Khwezi Magewu - Commitment

Emily Masson - Commitment, Studio Performer of the Year

Amadahy Schults - Studio Performer of the Year

Erin Simpkins - Most Improved Student

Michaela Hardstone - Senior Performer of 2015

 

Modern Dancing

Congratulations to Makayla Harland on completing her Final Grade Modern Exam where she achieved Honours with Distinction.  Well done Makayla.

Congratulations to Jessica Swanson on completing her Grade 3 Modern Dancing IDTA exam with commendation. Well done Jessica.

 

Trinity College Rock & Pop

Brendan Kuhner (Gr 8) recently took part in the Trinity College Rock & Pop Grade 3 Drum exam. He played really well and achieved a Merit, which is over 75%. Well done Brendan.

 

Ballet

Courtney Doyle (Gr 10) had a successful audition and has received a scholarship to the American Ballet Academy Summer School in New York for next year July. Well done Courtney.

Congratulations to Lucy Hofmann (Gr 5) for attaining a distinction in her Grade 2 Classical Ballet Cecchetti exam.  Well done Lucy.

 

Tap Dancing

Congratulations to Gregory Roets on completing his Red Star Tap exam with commendation. Well done Gregory.

 

Piano

Megan Canning (Gr 9) was awarded a Merit for her Grade 6 piano exam.  Well done Megan.

 

Acrobatics

Talia Ballack (Gr 10) received honours with distinction in the recent SA Acrobatics Championships. At SA National Champs in her age category, she also received the following:

2 x 1st places; 3 x 2nd places; 3 x 3rd places - Well done Talia.

 

Sporting Achievements

Karate

Congratulations to Connor Harris (Gr 5) who participated in Sensei Rob Ferriere's Tournament - an annual JKA karate tournament held in November every year. In his age division (10/11 year old Purple/Red belts) he came third in both kata and kumite (bronze medals).

He also competed in the Elite division against 12/13 year old Brown and Black belts and did exceptionally well to come third for kata (bronze medal) and then won the kumite altogether to get a gold medal. Winning the kumite (fighting) was quite an achievement - as some of the other boys were a head and shoulders taller than him! Well done Connor.

 

Congratulations to Jordan Jamieson currently graded Brown Betl 3. He took part in the Rob Ferriere JKA club karate champs recently with five different clubs competing from around the province. Being the only one in his division, Jordan was placed in the next division and age group up, that being Junior black beltage group 15 to 16 years old. Competition was challenging with the other contestants being much bigger than him. He won gold for both kata and kumite (free fighting). Jordan will be grading for his junior black belt in March/April next year.Well done Jordan

 

KZN Indoor Hockey

Congratulations to Gareth Davies (Gr 12) who has made the KZN PSI U18A Indoor Hockey Team. He will participate at Nationals in December. Well done Gareth.

 

KZN Schools Water Polo

Congratulations to Thomas Lütz (Gr 11) has made the KZN Schools U19B Water Polo Team. Well done Thomas.

 

SP Indoor Hockey

U12 Girls' vs Curro HCA - won 4-0

 

SP Cricket vs Kloof

TMPS 2nd vs Kloof

Kloof 39 All out

Kellen Coombs 2-5, Calhan Rhind 2 – 11, Lola Lee 4-6

TMPS 43 – 3

TMPS 2nd won by 7 wickets

 

TMPS 1st vs Kloof

TMPS 108 for 8, H Brimelow 40, M McMurray 26

Kloof 109 for 5

Kloof won by 5 wickets

 

TMPS 3rds vs Kloof

Kloof 91/7 from 20 overs Bowlers: Jared McArthur 4 overs, 10 runs, 4 wkts

Ben Dedekind 2 overs, 13 runs, 2 wkts

TMPS 92/4 Batsmen: Michael Maclean 24 runs ; Rex Wynne 24 runs not out

TMPS won by 6 wickets

 

HS Boys' Water Polo

TMC U14A 4 DHS U14A 5

TMC U15A 4 DHS U15A 18

2nd TMC 1 2nd DHS 15

1st TMC 3 1st DHS 20

 

HS Cricket at Northwood

Northwood U14A 184/5, TMC 70 all out.

Northwood won by 114 runs.

Northwood U15A 169/5, TMC u15A 157/9 (Murugan 37).

Northwood won by 12 runs.

TMC U15B 132/9, Northwood u15C 95 all out.

TMC won by 37 runs

1st Northwood 163 all out, 1st TMC 120 all out.

Northwood won by 43 runs.

 

HS Girls Water Polo at Kingsway

TMC Juniors 17 Kingsway Juniors 0 

 

KZN BMX/SA National Age Group Series

Congratulations to Levi Smith (Gr 00) who attended the KZN BMX Awards evening this weekend.  Levi was awarded 2nd place in KZN in the U5 Novice category, and 1st overall in the 6 & Under SA National Age Groups Series. Well done Levi. 

 

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.