News from the Horse's Mouth
Newsletter 17
| Letter from the Editor | |
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Please find the Scripture for the week here.
Have a great week,
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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:
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:
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.
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Firstly, I would like thank all those involved in last week’s Christian Arts Festival “the Potter and the clay” From Pastors to youth leaders, parents, staff and students many thanks in making the week a blessing to us all here in TMC. Trevor Downham the lead Pastor at the Norwegian Settlers Church told us a story of a little boy who found the remains of a broken clay pot and with much care glued it back together again. He wanted to enter it into an art competition and found most people laughed at him “How can you enter an art competition with a broken pot?” When the night of the awards came around the little boy asked for the gallery lights to be switched off. Revealing, to everyone’s amazement, through the cracks in the pot, light shone through. The little boy had rigged up a light to shine through the cracks. He won the main prize. I don’t know if this story is true but I believe it reveals a truth about God. That He can reveal Himself through us in our brokenness, He values us, cracks and all and His light can shine in the darkness. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians we: “have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us”. We are all broken in some way either through our own fault or by circumstances in life and Jesus came not only to restore us but also to restore our relationship with Him. Shalom (peace) |
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The Supper & Song evening which is this Thursday (5:30 for 6pm) is one of those special events that truly defines Thomas More College. The fact that 74 acts auditioned shows how comfortable our pupils feel about performing in front of others. Unfortunately it is simply not possible to accommodate everyone and there will be 34 acts on the night. Although I have not seen any of the performances yet, I am sure that they will, as always, be of an exceptionally high standard. This is also an evening that will be appropriate for primary school pupils. With the Olympic Games almost upon us, it is exciting to know that there is an ex Thomas More College boy in the running for a spot. Past Head Boy Jonty Smith (brother of Andy in Grade 11) takes part in the final Olympic qualifying trials in the next few days in Lucerne in Switzerland. Jonty is in the SA fours team. I am not sure that we have had an Olympic athlete before so let’s hold thumbs. In the previous games the South African light weight fours team brought home the gold medal.
 Shane Cuthbertson |
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The tide of busy-ness rolls forth relentlessly at Thomas More College. Last week’s Christian Arts Festival was a tremendous success, thanks to incredible planning from Mrs Selley and Reverend Easson. It was a celebration of energy and faith which, as I perceive it, allowed for interesting conversations for our children. The theme of “The Potter and the Clay” was well-received by staff and pupils alike. I want to thank Mr Steve Garrett and Miss Wanri Venter for all the organising and logistical planning that went into a wonderful school visit to the Shark Tank on Saturday. It was exciting to hear Thomas More in full voice from the stands and enjoying the electric atmosphere as a school. I know our players enjoyed the opportunity to play in the stadium and experience the enormity of what the franchised players deal with weekly. What an incredible opportunity.
We cast our attention to Supper & Song this coming Thursday evening. I am told (along with the Long Walk!) that this is one of the parents’ highlights on the TMC calendar. I certainly know that Mrs Logan, Mrs Conradie and Mr Dove have been working hard with their charges in preparation for this event. I am certainly looking forward to this artistic celebration of our talented children. In closing, I received Miss Jade Joubert’s resignation last week. We have accommodated this with immediate effect and wish Miss Joubert every success in her future endeavours. We are also grateful for the value Miss Joubert added in a variety of spheres at TMC during her time with us. Fortunately, we have secured the services of a familiar face in Mrs Heather Patmore. Mrs Patmore was the previous Subject Head of Business Studies and, as such, brings incredible experience and insight into the Business Studies department. Mrs Patmore is also available to remain on until we have appointed a permanent replacement. I wish you all an opportunity-filled week ahead.  David Wiggett |
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Last week was a wonderfully exciting spiritual week with our Christian Arts Festival. All of our Assemblies, whether combined as a whole school or in our separate phases, were meaningful and supportive of our ethos and what we stand for as a school. We were also privileged to enable our staff to listen to and be inspired by the Rev. Trevor Downham. Thank you to Rev. Martin Easson and the Christian Arts Festival committee, and the Moms who Pray group. Our Grade 7 pupils (and High School) are preparing for their examinations, which commence for the SP next Thursday, 2 June. The examinations in reality are no more than intensified class/cycle tests, to help prepare them for High School. We are not trying to emulate the volume they may have in High School, as we wish to build confidence, and faith in the process, not break a child down. Although much of this is known to many of you, I would like to share with you tips on how to help your child cope with the pressure of taking exams. 1. Be his/her study buddy: Look out for signs of exam stress such as irritability, not sleeping well, losing interest in food, worrying a lot and appearing depressed or negative. Headaches and stomach pains can also be stress-related. Having someone to talk to about his/her work can help. Support from a parent can help a child air his/her worries and keep things in perspective. 2. Ensure your child eats well. What your child eats and drinks in the run-up to exams can influence how clearly he/she thinks and how he/she feels. A balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables, fish and complex carbohydrates will help them concentrate and think clearly. Too much high-fat, high- sugar and high-caffeine food can make studying harder. Obviously ensure that your child eats a good breakfast. Also ensure that the evening meal is at least one hour before he/she goes to sleep. 3. Encourage sufficient sleep. Sleeping well and for long enough to feel rested, around six to eight hours for most people, will help thinking and concentration. Allow half an hour or so for them to wind down before going to bed, between studying, watching TV or using a computer as this will help them get a good night’s sleep. Cramming all night before an exam is a bad idea. Sleep will benefit your child far more than hours of panicky, last-minute study. 4. Be flexible. Be flexible and do not worry about household jobs that are left undone, or untidy bedrooms. 5. Help them study. In most cases, find a comfortable, well-lit place without distractions for them to study. If you need a night light, apparently a blue light bulb allows someone to concentrate for longer than a normal bulb. Also provide notepaper and coloured pencils to make notes and draw mindmaps. Remember, however, that some children learn in an auditory manner and will prefer to tape record their learning, or sing their notes, while other children are kinesthetic learners and need to jump or skip their learning or learn best while on the move. 6. Remember that feeling nervous is normal. This is a natural reaction all students feel, to a lesser or greater degree. Redirect this positively by reminding them of what they know and the time they have put into their studies. This can help them to feel more confident so that they can reach their potential. 7. Encourage exercise. Being active helps to boost energy levels, clears the mind and relieves stress e.g. walking, cycling, dancing and playing sport/ attending practice. (Despite this, attendance at practices during exam time is not compulsory for Gr.7’s.) 8. Don’t add to the pressure. Some children feel that the greatest pressure comes from the family. Keep things in perspective, listen to them, give support and avoid criticism. Before they go to an exam be reassuring and positive. Make sure they know that failing isn’t the end of the world and if things don’t go well, you will still love them. After each exam encourage your child to talk it through with you, then move on and focus on the next exam. 9. Make sure your child has all stationery requirements. Please assist your child by ensuring he/she has his/her own pencil, pen, eraser, ruler, glue, compass, protractor, Maths equipment etc. for the exams, as lending of equipment and borrowing is not permitted. 10. Illness. A medical certificate is required should your child miss even a day’s school during the examinations. 11. Make time for treats. When the exams are over, help to celebrate with a treat as rewards can be a real encouragement for the next time they have tests. We warmly welcome Mrs Kim Nicholas as our “new” Senior Primary IT teacher and trust she will continue to bring great value to the school in this new challenge. Wishing you all the best for the week ahead. Encourage your child to remember; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
 Barbara Taljard |
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Weekly Achievers
Will resume next week.
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none to announce this week.
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U9 Rugby vs Hillcrest U9A won 5-0 U9B won 30-15
Grade 1 Soccer tournament Boys: TMC 1 vs Forest View lost 0-1 TMC 1 vs Kloof won 2-1 TMC 2 vs Curro HCA won 1-0 TMC 2 vs Kloof won 3-0 TMC 3 vs Curro HCA won 1-0 TMC 3 vs Curro HCA won 2-0
Girls: TMC 1 vs Kloof 2 drew 0-0 TMC 1 vs Curro HCA 3drew 0-0 TMC 1 vs WP drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Kloof 1 won 1-0 TMC 2 vs Hillcrest 1 lost 0-1 TMC 2 vs Curro HCA drew 0-0
Grade 2 soccer tournament Boys: TMC 1 vs Curro HCA lost 0-1 TMC 1 vs Winston Park lost 0-1 TMC 1 vs Winston Park won 4-0 TMC 1 vs Curro HCA drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Winston Park drew 1-1 TMC 2 vs Highbury won 2-0 TMC 2 vs Kloof won 1-0 TMC 2 vs Winston Park drew 0-0 TMC 3 vs Highbury won 2-0 TMC 3 vs Hillcrest lost 0-1 TMC 3 vs Curro HCA won 2-0 TMC 3 vs Highbury drew 0-0
Girls: TMC 1 vs Curro HCA drew 0-0 TMC 1 vs Hillcrest won 1-0 TMC 1 vs Forest View drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Winston Park won 1-0 TMC 2 vs Hillcrest drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Curro HCA lost 0-1
Grade 3 soccer tournament Boys: TMC 1 vs Forest View won 1-0 TMC 1 vs Kloof won 3-0 TMC 1 vs Winston Park drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Hillcrest lost 0-1 TMC 2 vs Kloof drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Curro HCA drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Highbury won 1-0
Girls: TMC 1 vs Atholl Heights won 1-0 TMC 1 vs St. Mary’s lost 1-2 TMC 1 vs Curro HCA won 1-0 TMC 2 vs St. Mary’s won 1-0 TMC 2 vs Winston Park lost 0-1 TMC 2 vs Kloof lost 1-2
Karate Congratulations to Erin Alexander, Emma Simon & Victoria Neff who took part in the SA JKA National Karate competition and medalled as well as receiving their SA JKA Karate National Colours. Erin Alexander - Gold for Kata & Bronze for Kumite Emma Simon – Bronze for Kumite Victoria Neff – Gold for Kata & Gold for Kumite Well done girls, what a super achievement.
SP Rugby vs Atholl Heights U10A vs U10A - 5 - 20 lost U10B vs U10B - 10 - 10 draw U11 vs U11 - 7 - 10 lost 2nds vs 2nds - 0 - 21 lost 1st vs 1st - 0 - 34 lost
SP Netball vs Atholl Heights U10A lost U10B lost U11A lost U11B won U12A won U12B lost 1st team won 2nd team won
SP Netball vs Hillcrest U10A lost 8-4 U10B lost 5-0 U11A lost 7-0 U11B lost 3-2 U12A lost 3-9 U12B lost 1-6 U13A lost 15-4 U13B won 5-6
PS Cross Country @ TMC Boys: Ryan Browning 9th U10 Liam Theunissen 1st U11 Ezra Haug 7th U11 Hlali Mhlanzi 3rd U12 Brad Ballack 3rd U13 Nathan Mc Daniel 7th U13 Girls: Dayna Deeble 1st U10 Kaelah Balarin 5th U11 Megan Brimelow 10th U11 Jessica Smith 4th U12 Julia Butler 4th U13 Dani Rockey 7th U13 Tyla Christie 8th U13 Chelsea Layden 10th U13
KZN U16C Hockey Team Congratulations to the following boys who have been selected to represent KZN: Brandon Davies Ligudu Mashige Junior Zondi Keagan Olivier
KZN Hockey Congratulations to the following children who have been selected to represent one of the KZN Hockey teams in the June / July holidays: Stephanie Tshuma (U13A) Ilé Bothma (U13B) Buhlali Mhlanzi (U12A) Tré Imani Motsoahae (U12B)
Netball TMC U14A 18 Werda 2 TMC U16A 12 Werda 5 TMC U16A 6 Kingsway 7 TMC U16A 3 WGHS 7 TMC U16A 11 Danville 3 TMC U16A 8 CLL 11 TMC U16A 13 DGHS 10 TMC U16A 8 DNC 10
Boys' Hockey TMC U14A 3 CNC 0 TMC U16B 0 CNC U16A 4 TMC 1st 3 CNC 0 TMC U14B 0 Ashton U14A 1 TMC U16A 2 Ashton 2 TMC 1st 1 Ashton 0
Girls' Hockey TMC U16B 3 DGHS 0 TMC 2nds 0 DGHS 0 TMC U14B 2 DGC 0 TMC U14A 0 DGC 0 TMC U16B 0 DGC 0 TMC U16A 0 DGC 1
Rugby TMC 2nds 12 Gelofte 7 TMC U15A 33 Gelofte 10 TMC U14A 24 KZN Development 24 TMC U15A 50 Ashton 0 TMC U16A 17 Ashton 22
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For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in clay jars to show that its extraordinary power comes from God and not from us.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
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