Cross CountryCross Country
Well done to all Primary School children who took part in the Cross Country on Friday afternoon.
The Horse's Mouth
Thomas More College
News from the Horse's Mouth
 16 May 2016
Newsletter 16
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 - shares info on roadworks, and a list on developments at TMC.
  • Dave Wiggett - commends coaches and players for commitment to their sport.
  • Barbara Taljard - bids farewell to Mrs Vairy.
  • Deni Hornsey - thanks those involved in preparation of the Christian Arts Festival this week, bids adeiu to Mrs Nicholas (taking up SP post) and Mrs Vairy and a warm welcome to Mrs Alberts.

Editor Picture

Have a great week,
Kim Hooper
Marketing Manager

MySchool 

The Thomas More Education Trust

The Thomas More Education Trust is an initiative of Thomas More College and works in partnership with the College. The Trust is registered separately as a non-profit (NPO) and public benefit organisation (PBO) and runs independently of Thomas More College. The Thomas More Education Trust has already seen a number of pupils through Thomas More College and on to tertiary education, as well as a number of teacher interns and assistants.

 

The objectives of the trust are: 

  • Funding of primary, secondary and/or tertiary education of previously disadvantaged South Africans;

  • Funding of South African teacher internships;

  • Creating a financial conduit through which current pupils of Thomas More College may demonstrate their social responsibility and participate in the general educational upliftment of previously disadvantaged South African communities;

  • Providing short-term financial assistance to deserving pupils of Thomas More College.

 

The Thomas More Education Trust offers donors an opportunity to become involved in the upliftment of previously disadvantaged individuals and communities. Donations primarily provide education to previously disadvantaged South African children, but also support Black teacher interns and, in certain selected cases, provide short term financial assistance to existing pupils. The trust is a well-managed, controlled and audited conduit for investment in the future of South Africa through the education of our children.

 

An investment, made by donors to the Trust, entitles businesses to:

  • A tax deduction;

  • BBBEE points in the Socio-Economic Development category.

 

Should you wish to support pupils or teacher interns in need, please contact Claudia Levarelli, the Thomas More Education Trust secretary, on (031) 764 8646 or clevarelli@thomasmore.co.za who will furnish you with all necessary info.

 

Achievements   Extra-mural Calendars   Academic Calendars
 
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Upcoming Events  Quick Links


Whole School Events Calendar
 

Scripture for the week

ScriptureWhen the day of Pentecost came, all of them were together in one place. Suddenly, a sound like the roaring of a mighty windstorm came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated, and one rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them that ability. Acts 2:1-4

 

What is amazing about this week is that we are having our Christian Arts Festival with our theme for this year being "The Potter and the clay” from Isaiah 64:8.  It also coincides with Pentecost Sunday which was on the 15th in which we celebrate the birthday, so to speak, of the church. When God the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the early church and continues to this day. So I just wanted this week to thank God for the privilege of working here at this wonderful place in which we can share the good news of Jesus so freely and that God the Holy Spirit would continue to grow and strengthen us as a school.

Shalom (peace)
God bless
Rev. Martin Easson
Chaplain
measson@thomasmore.co.za

Whole School News

Pioneer Roadworks

After a recent call to ESOR construction, I have established that the next phase of the Pioneer Road pipeline project will begin in the next week or two. This will involve the section from the current barrier to the Shell Garage and will mean digging up of the tar surface to lay the pipeline. There will obviously be disruptions to the traffic flow. I do not yet have details of road closures and alternative routes as this still has to be approved by Ethekwini Council. I will communicate this information as soon as it is available.

 

Building Projects

This is going to be a year of much campus development. Some projects have already commenced, but we are awaiting plan approval before we can begin others.

Already completed this year:

  • Netball court resurface and paving of surrounding area

  •  New Shade Awning for Creche sandpit

  • Coffee Shoppe upgrade

Currently underway:

  • Expansion to the Music School

About to commence:

  • Tea shelter at pool area

  • Music School courtyard roof

Later in the year:

  • Improvements to HS toilets

  • Pre-Primary cycle track

  • New roof on the villa

  • New display boards

  • Additional seating at the pool

  • 4 new HS classrooms (to replace prefabs)

  • 3 additional SP classrooms

 

 Shane

Shane Cuthbertson
Executive Principal
scuthbertson@thomasmore.co.za

High School News

What a wonderful weekend Thomas More College enjoyed!

Retrobeats had a training session with the Durban Philharmonic Orchestra this weekend and then performed with our very own Chloe Clark, and Arno Carstens. Our UN Model Debating team had their debriefing session this weekend and will now apply their minds to their topic for the debate in August.

We hosted an outstanding U15 Netball tournament on Saturday morning in which our girls were placed third out of 8 schools. Mrs Wolmarans and Mrs Brehany are thanked for hosting this successful morning. So too, I must thank Mr Garrett for all the logistics behind our 2-day Founders Weekend celebration with Treverton College. Our netballers, hockey players and rugby lads acquitted themselves with distinction in what were hard-fought matches. It was an exciting privilege for us to be part of Treverton's celebrations and we look forward to building upon this competitive relationship with them in the future.

Our sincere thanks is also extended to Mrs Steenkamp for her outstanding organisation and hosting of the U18 Spar Hockey Tournament on Sunday. She was most ably assisted by Miss Venter. Our girls also had an outstanding day on the field, narrowly losing 0-1 to St Mary's in a result which cost us a place in the final. We are so proud of the girls and Coach Drew's sterling efforts.

As a closing thought, I have been singularly inspired by so many of our coaches and their charges of late. Our teams are carrying a number of injuries, as well as a number of players being sidelined with bouts of flu. Yet, when teams could so easily fall into "excuse mentality" or lament the absence of key players, I have seen our teams rise to the challenge, encourage one another, and give due kudos to victorious opposition. Sport should be a celebration of the spirit - this happens at Thomas More College, and it makes me proud.

 

David Wiggett
High School Headmaster
dwiggett@thomasmore.co.za

Primary School News

Thank you for accommodating our earlier closure on Friday and to all those who supported our inter-schools cross country. We appreciated the support, and once again, thank all our staff and coaches who assisted in any way- much appreciated!

We trust our children will benefit from the Christian Arts Festival this week and thank the Reverend Martin Easson and all those involved in planning it and for the work and effort that has gone into making it special for our children.

At the end of this week we sadly say farewell to Mrs Jean Vairy, our SP computer and small group Grade 6 English teacher, who has been teaching at Thomas More for the last twenty two and a half years! The children paid tribute to her last Thursday in Assembly and also wrote personalised messages to her. Jean is a very special lady who has served Thomas More with loyalty and dedication, having started as a Pre-School teacher. It is her versatility and empathy with children however, which have made her extra special. Just speak to any child who was taught by Mrs Vairy in her support group English and it will testify to the compassion and patience of this child focused lady. In her position as SP IT teacher, she has done much to improve our technological advances in reporting, recording pupil assessments and preparing lessons. She is approachable, intuitive and flexible – and multi-talented! Her photographs of school activities over the years are of a high standard and reflect her interest in photography, where she has won many awards. Nonetheless our loss is tinged with joy for her in being able to go to the States and to be with her only child, David and his new wife, and family. We trust she will enrich her life and get to enjoy her passion for photography and travel and wish her well in all her future pursuits. Friday is her last day with us.

May you all have a fulfilled and blessed week.

 

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

Foundation Phase News

We are very blessed this week with the activities and input so willingly given by volunteers for our week of the Christian Arts Festival. Thanks also to Mrs Phipson, Mrs King and Mrs Jagles for co-ordinating our Foundation Phase week. I am sure you will have seen the theme that runs through which comes  from Isaiah 64:8, is one that has much meaning no matter how old or young we are.

We also welcome Ninette Alberts as our FP Computer Specialist, who takes the place of our very committed and hardworking Kim Nicholas. Kim takes up the challenge and adventure of the Senior Primary Computer post, as Jean Vairy leaves us after long service. Ninette has a little girl, Julia in Grade 00 and has taught Computers in her previous schools. Not only do we wish Jean well on her new journey, but we trust that Ninette will enjoy her stay at Thomas More and experience our wonderful family relationship.

Robert Browning: “Love is the energy of life.” Wishing you all an energy filled week.

 

 

Deni Hornsey
Foundation Phase:  Headmistress
dhornsey@thomasmore.co.za

Academic Achievements

Weekly Achievers

 

1B

Yuemika Naidoo - for writing such an interesting and well punctuated sentence.  I am so proud of you.

1K

Tyron Hancock - for his kind heart, gentle manner and giving of his best in the classroom.

1P

Roxane Storm - for working quietly at her desk and for her excellent manners.  Well done.

2D

Lyla Friis - for her improved confidence and determination in the classroom.

2J

Demi-Lee Clarkson - for her cheerful outlook and the wonderful results she achieves.

2R

Tatum Harris - for the positive attitude she is showing towards her school work and for developing greater determination.

3B

Jamey Sack - for her interesting show and tell and the confident way in which she presented her information.  Well done.

3P

James Evans - for his smart rugby skills and pure determination in all his academic tasks.

3R

Anna Springett - for having such a positive attitude and for being focused and completing tasks.

4dP

Zoë Bratos - for her kind and caring nature and good work in all her books.

4M

Bethany Steenkamp - for her good worth ethic and for her high standard of work.

4F

Kelly Watkins - for giving of her best throughout her school day.

5vL

Courtney Cadle - for her quiet, gentle nature and for always trying to give of her best in the classroom.

5P

Stephanie de Moor - for being a polite, responsible pupil and producing good, accurate work.

5L

Rebecca Ronald - for her kindness to others and always trying her best.

6B

Jack Bamber - for his positive attitude and constant hard work.

6M

Tyrelle Reddy - for working diligently on his geography project and good manners.

6H

Taija Olivier - for her kind, caring nature and excellent work ethic.

7M

Michaela Kapnias - for her warm kind nature and positive approach to her school work.

7S

Liam Krautz - for his friendliness, and his kind nature.

7C

Rachel Boulle - for her consistent hard work and positive attitude.

 

Cultural/Outreach

HS Debatingdancers

TMC 1 lost narrowly to Pinetown Boys’ High. Best Speaker went to Jordan Pieters

TMC 2 won their debate against WGHS and Cameron Roberts was awarded Best Speaker

 

Dancing

Congratulations to Sienna Raath, Tara Saint, Sarah Clark and Emihle Nonxuba (pictured right) who attended the SASAD Dance Congress 2016 and had classes in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap and Hip Hop which were conducted by International and South African guest teachers.

 

Irish Dancing

Well done to Naomi Easson who received 2 gold ribbons and 2 silver ribbons for her Irish Dancing competition.

 

Sporting Achievements

CyclingCycling

KZN Primary Schools Eliminator was held at Highbury on the 7th May.  There were riders from 12 different schools competing in this fun format of racing.  Thomas More riders did very well with Dean Gregson (Gr 8) managing to stay away from being eliminated and took top honors in the Boys' Sub Junior (U14) category.  Keagan Brand (Gr 5) also won the Sprog Boys (U12) category.   The next race will be at Umhlanga College on 4 June 2016. For more information https://www.facebook.com/KZNschoolsMTB/ 

 

SA XCO Cup mountain bike series race 4 in Port Elizabeth saw Cian Leveridge manage a 12th place after being caught up in a first lap crash, which damaged his bike and his hand. Well done.

 

U9 Rugby vs Northdene

U9A won 15-5

U9B won 25-0

 

Grade 1 Soccer tournament - Boys

TMC 1 vs Forest View lost 0-1

TMC 1 vs Kloof won 2-0

TMC 2 vs Curro HCA won 1-0

TMC 2 vs Kloof won 1-0

TMC 3 vs Curro HCA lost 0-2

TMC 3 vs Curro HCA won 1-0

 

Grade 2 soccer tournament - Boys

TMC 1 vs Curro HCA won 1-0

TMC 1 vs Winston Park won 2-0

TMC 1 vs Winston Park drew 0-0

TMC 1 vs Curro HCA won 1-0

TMC 2 vs Winston Park lost 0-3

TMC 2 vs Highbury won 1-0

TMC 2 vs Kloof won 1-0

TMC 2 vs Winston Park won 1-0

TMC 3 vs Highbury drew 0-0

TMC 3 vs Hillcrest lost 1-2

TMC 3 vs Curro HCA lost 0-1

TMC 3 vs Highbury drew 0-0

 

Grade 2 soccer tournament - Girls

TMC vs Kloof won 1-0

TMC vs Curro HCA drew 0-0

TMC vs Hillcrest drew 0-0

 

Grade 3 Soccer tournament - Boys

TMC 1 vs Winston Park drew 0-0

TMC 1 vs Curro HCA won 2-0

TMC 1 vs Hillcrest lost 0-1

TMC 1 vs Forest View drew 1-1

TMC 2 vs Winston Park won 2-0

TMC 2 vs Forest View won 1-0

TMC 2 vs Curro HCA drew 0-0

TMC 2 vs Kloof drew 0-0

 

Grade 3 Soccer tournament - Girls

TMC 1 vs Kloof won 2-1

TMC 1 vs Curro HCA drew 0-0

TMC 1 vs Winston Park drew 0-0

TMC 2 vs St. Mary’s drew 1-1

TMC 2 vs Curro HCA drew 0-0

TMC 2 vs Atholl Heights drew 0-0

TMC 2 vs Forest View drew 0-0

 

U9 Cross Country @ TMC

Congratulations to the following children who came in the top 10 in the U9 age group at the cross country race at TMC on Friday:

Mackenzy Layden – 4th place

Ella Randle – 5th place

Kai McCormick – 8th place

Liam Oets – 10th place

 

SP Cross Country @ Forest View - Boys

Ethan McCormick 2nd U11

Hlali Mhlanzi 4th U12

Brad Ballack 5th U13

(official TMC race results to be published next Monday)

 

SP Cross Country @ Forest View - Girls

Dayna Deeble 1st U10

Kaelah Balarin 3rd U11

Jessica Smith 5th U12

Dani Rockey 5th U13

Julia Butler 6th U13

Tyla Christie 9th U13

(official TMC race results to be puplished next Monday)

 

BMXBMX

Well done Levi Smith (Grade 0) who took part in the KZN BMX double header event which took place at Giba Gorge on Sunday.  Levi (wearing the Giba jersey pictured right) raced with the U7 & U8 boys in the Expert Class, placing 4th in 2 out of 8 races, and 1st overall in his class in all 8 races.  Levi received 2 gold medals. 

 

Rugby vs Winston Park

U10A 10 - 10 (draw)

U10B 0 - 10 (lost)

U11A 0 - 3 (lost)

2nd 7 - 50 (lost)

1st 0 - 47 (lost)

 

HS Girls' Hockey

The TMC Girls’ 1st Team hockey results for the Spar Tournament:

TMC 1st Team beat Gelofte 2-0

TMC 1st Team beat Westville GHS 1-0

TMC 1st Team beat Kloof HS 1-0

TMC 1st Team drew with Curro Hillcrest 0-0

TMC 1st Team beat Hillcrest High 2-0

TMC 1st Team lost to St. Mary’s 1-0

TMC 1st Team girls’ ended 3rd in the Tournament.

 

HS Rugby

TMC U14A 47 Howick 10

TMC U15A 31 Treverton 5

TMC 2nds 20 Treverton 7

TMC 1st 10 Treverton 11

 

HS Boys' Hockey

TMC U14B 0 Umhlanga College U15A 3

TMC U16B 1 Umhlanga College 0

TMC U14A 2 Treverton 2

TMC U16A 1 Treverton 5

TMC 1st 2 Treverton 0

 

HS Girls' Hockey

TMC U14A 0 Treverton 3

TMC U16B 2 Treverton 0

TMC U16A 3 Treverton 0

TMC 2nds 1 Treverton 2

TMC 1st 3 Treverton 3

TMC U14B 2 DGHS 0

TMC U14A 1 DGHS 2

TMC U16A 8 DGHS 0

TMC 1st 0 DGHS 0

 

Congratulations to Gemma Weeder who has made the KZN Coastal U14A hockey team.

 

KZN Hockey

KZN U14 Team: Lola Lee, Nicole Phipps

KZN U14 Non-travelling reserve: Gemma Weeder

KZN U16A Team: Cassy Balarin, Carmen Vicent, Courtney Sim

KZN U16B Team: Andani Mashige, Tatum Olivier

KZN U16 Non-travelling reserve: Kayleigh Du Toit

KZN U18B Team: Robyn Phipps, Amy Balarin

 

HS Netball

TMC U14B 12 Kloof 6

TMC U14A 15 Kloof 11

TMC U15B 7 Kloof 5

TMC U15A 7 Kloof 12

TMC U16B 6 Kloof 5

TMC U16A 12 Kloof 9

TMC 2nds 18 Kloof 11

TMC 1st 9 Kloof 12

TMC U14A 31 PGHS 2

TMC U15B 6 PGHS 6

TMC U15A 19 PGHS 8

TMC U16B 2 PGHS 25

TMC U16A 23 PGHS 9

TMC 2nds PGHS

TMC 1st 33 PGHS 9

TMC U15A 20 Treverton 9

TMC 2nds 17 Treverton 1

TMC 1st 22 Treverton 20

TMC U15A 10 Kingsway 5

TMC U15A 10 CLL 10

TMC U15A 11 Grosvenor 3

TMC U15A 11 Umhlanga College 8

TMC U15A 14 WGHS 5

 

HS Netball

The final standing for U15A Netball Tournament hosted by Thomas More:

1. Durban Girls' High School

2. Crawford La Lucia

3. Thomas More College

4. Westville Girls' High School

5. Umhlanga College

5. Kingsway High School

6. Inanda Seminary

6. Fatima

7. Crawford North Coast

7. St Mary’s

8. Grosvenor Girls' High