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News from the Horse's Mouth
Newsletter 30
| Letter from the Editor | |
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Please find the Scripture for the week here.
Lift Clubs If you would like to join or create a Lift Club email the TMC Lift Club to become a member. Please note the school does not manage these lift clubs, but rather puts you in touch with other families who are looking to join or create lift clubs.
Waterfall/Hillcrest Bus Limted seats are available on our Waterfall/Hillcrest Buses (mornings only). Contact Kim Hooper for further info or click on the link for an application form.
Westville Bus Contact Mrs Morgan for further info on our Westville bus (mornings and afternoons) or click on the link for an application form.
Condolences It is with much sadness that we were informed of the passing of one of our Garden staff, Khethi Mtolo. Khethi passed away last week Tuesday after complications from an operation. She was a dedicated staff member who had worked for Thomas More College for 18 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Stock Shop - New Uniform purchases All pupils needing new uniforms for 2017, especially those going in to Grade 1 and Grade 8 please contact the Stock Shop as soon as possible to secure an appointment to kit out your child.
The diary is open and appointments will be available from 1st November. The Stock Shop will be closed from 10th December up until 12th January. The shop is open in January for top ups and last minute purchases only, and as this is a very busy time we ask that you do not leave full uniform purchases until January as we cannot guarantee stock availability.
Please call the Stock Shop on 031 764 8640 during Stock Shop trading times or email us on stockshop@thomasmore.co.za, and we will get back to you.
Have a great week, |
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.
Association Day Despite the inclement weather, the Thomas More College campus was abuzz on Saturday 10th September for the celebration of the annual Association Day. The morning commenced with breakfast for all attendees hosted in the newly revamped Café de More. This was followed by the Association’s AGM during which we were honoured to induct Dunstan Farrell as an Honorary Life Member of The Past Pupils’ Association. The AGM was well attended by past pupils from the 1960’s all the way through to the class of 2015 as well as past Headmasters and staff. The jumping castle outside Café de More was enjoyed by the visiting tots. The Past Pupils then took to the playing fields against TMC 1st teams in Hockey, Water Polo, Soccer, Netball and Cricket where our past pupils did us proud (#proudpastpupil). We were extremely pleased to see current and past parents also attend to spectate in true TMC family style. A reunion luncheon was hosted in the Great House for the Class of 1966, celebrating their 50th Reunion, whilst in another of the campus’s beautiful venues, a braai was hosted for the Class of 2006, celebrating their 10th Reunion. Much fun was had by all, whether it was catching up or working as a team on the sports field. Thank you to all those that were able to attend and especially some that we know travelled from Gauteng and the Cape to be here. Melanie Küster PPA Chair |
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Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Jesus Sermon on the Mount teaches us what is important in this life which God has given us. What sort of people should we be? The first part of Jesus teaching is ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit’ which means that we have to realise how far short we fall in comparison to God’s spiritual standards. It means as the tax collector says in Luke 18:13 ‘God have mercy on me a sinner’ It means we have all messed up and we desperately need the mercy of God. It’s to cry out to God 'I’m spiritually blind, naked and poor' and to those who cry out Jesus answers: 'theirs is the kingdom of heaven'. That’s God’s amazing grace in action. Shalom (peace) |
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Over the years I have seen some wonderful musical productions at Thomas More College. On Stage (2004), the Sound of Music (2006), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (2009), Alison (2011), Peter Pan (2012), Bonnie and Clyde (2015) and now last week's spellbinding production of "Cats", which was possibly the best of all. These big productions are enormously challenging to put on but they certainly bring huge educational value. It is very rewarding to see that very large numbers of pupils audition for the parts and the big musicals provide so many opportunities for involvement. If one counts backstage, sound, band, makeup, choir and acting etc. there were over 80 pupils and 20 adults involved in "Cats". I would like to congratulate the Directors Mrs. Conradie and Mrs. Moerdyk and the whole team on a magnificent production. The drama policy is as far as possible to alternate musicals with plays in order to give opportunities for those who are actors and not singers or dancers. We do also have the house plays and "Supper and Song" every year. The Senior Primary production of Frostbite just a few weeks back was also absolutely outstanding. In addition to the drama, the popularity of the various school choirs, the music school concerts and the four marimba bands are proof that cultural activities are flourishing at Thomas More College.  Shane Cuthbertson |
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Our production of CATS was no small feat. From the moment I walked into the foyer to be greeted by feline thespians, to the dying applause after the curtain call, I was rapt and enthralled by the many moving parts of this production. Giffy’s backdrop was superb. The chorus’ ability to be entirely engaged and remain in character throughout was professional. The band was outstanding, even more so given that Debra Moerdyk led an ensemble of our children! Our sound and lighting teams were excellent. The stage hands were subtle and accurate. The make-up artistry was exquisite. The singing, dancing and acting were of the highest calibre any school could hope to offer. Mrs Conradie’s directing was detailed, subtle, nuanced and revealed a breadth of consideration which brought to life on our stage what is a highly complex piece of theatre. I was astounded and entranced throughout. I want to thank most sincerely the entire cast and crew for an exceptional production. I was a proud dad and headmaster on Friday night. Thank you all for the hours of commitment you afforded this production. A final word of thanks must go to Mrs Tanya Conradie for her vision, conviction, patience, passion, love and incredible creativity in producing and directing this production. Take a bow, Tanya, and another! Last week I attended the annual SAHISA conference in Cape Town with Mr Cuthbertson, Mrs Taljard and Mrs Hornsey. It was a compelling conference for all the heads of independent schools in attendance. With prophetic relevance, the theme was “Conversations…let’s talk”. We were exposed to dynamic keynote speakers daily, whilst enjoying sufficient time to network, reflect and share with the other heads. I look forward to engaging in some new conversations with you in this forum in the coming weeks, months and years. They are distinctly South African, educational and future-focused.  David Wiggett |
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It was a privilege to be able to attend the ISASA SAHISA Heads’ conference in Cape Town last week, to be a part of the thought provoking theme “Conversations- let’s talk!” We live in a dynamic country at a challenging point in its history and it was good to share with other Heads and be affirmed and stimulated through the creative exchange of ideas, discussions and talks, provoking us to examine ourselves in the ever evolving scenario of education to enable us to lead our schools, which make up the most vibrant education sector of our country. In an increasingly atomised world in which the marketplace of ideas has been reduced to #tags of uncensored thoughtless opinions, the conference succeeded in being a preserve for mutual learning. Our sincere congratulations to Tanya Conradie and all those involved in the HS with the superb production of Cats. It was inspiring to see how our young people have flourished and excelled! Very well done! Our Thanksgiving Service this morning re-affirmed for me the many things we have to be grateful for at our wonderful school and the prayer that we are indeed there for each and every precious child! We also renewed our school friendships with the Ridge (now headed by Richard Stanley, previous Highbury Headmaster) and St Katherines School (joined by their Headmistress, Mrs Mitchley) whilst we enjoyed their musical presentation to us in the Hall this morning. Our Grade 7 Science Expo is eagerly awaited this Wednesday, the culmination of many hours of hard work and testing by our Grade 7 pupils ably supported by Mark Moolman. Please do avail yourself of the opportunity to see this- situated at the back of the hall until Friday this week. Parents of Grade 6 pupils in particular, please do get inspired, with your child for your turn next year. After assembly on Wednesday our Grade 4 and 5 pupils leave with their teachers on their eagerly awaited Outdoor Grade trip, to Roselands and Twinstreams respectively. We wish them every success! On SP assembly days, namely a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, cars will not be permitted to enter the reduced space outside the Grade 7 classroom block, as the wall safeguarding the new construction extends into the drop-off zone next to it and our pupils need to walk in the single lane left to get safely to the hall. This will thus be “closed off” from 07:20/25 to 07:35 and again from 07:55 to 08:05. We value your support for this and ask you to bear with us in the best interests of your children’s safety. Wishing you all the very best for the week ahead. Please remember SP parent teacher interviews take place next Tuesday from 3:30pm to 6:30 pm in the Hall.  Barbara Taljard |
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Weekly Achievers
Mathletics
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None to report this week.
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Cycling Congratulations to Emily de Klerk, Dylan Tozer and Ashtyn Cason (3rd place) on participating in the Spur MTB race which took place at Thomas More.
Hillcrest United Football Club Congratulations to the following boys on their recent club soccer achievements: Tristan White - Trophy for participation James Nisbet - Trophy for scoring more goals than the club lost Liam Oets - U10B Sportsman of the Year Brunton Bigalke - U10A Sportsman of the Year
Swimming Congratulations to Björn Bekker who took part in the KZN Beavers Gala held at Kings Park. Björn broke 4 records; 50m and 100m breastroke; 2nd in 50m fly; freestyle and 100m freestyle and backstroke; 1st in 50m and 100m breastroke. Well done Björn!
Grade 1 Hockey Tournament Boys TMC 1 vs Winston Park won 2-1 TMC 1 vs Kloof drew 1-1 TMC 1 vs Curro HCA won 1-0 TMC 2 vs Winston Park lost 0-2 TMC 2 vs Hillcrest drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Kloof won 1-0 TMC 3 vs Hillcrest drew 0-0 TMC 3 vs Winston Park lost 0-2 TMC 3 vs Hillcrest won 1-0 Girls TMC 1 vs Winston Park drew 0-0 TMC 1 vs Kloof drew 0-0 TMC 1 vs Curro HCA lost 0-1 TMC 2 vs Winston Park drew 1-1 TMC 2 vs Hillcrest drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Kloof lost 0-2 TMC 3 vs Hillcrest won 2-0 TMC 3 vs Winston Park won 1-0 TMC 3 vs Hillcrest won 1-0
Grade 2 Hockey Tournament Girls TMC 1 vs Curro HCA drew 0-0 TMC 1 vs Kloof won 5-0 TMC 1 vs Winston Park lost 1-2 TMC 2 vs St. Mary’s won 1-0 TMC 2 vs Winston Park won 3-0 TMC 2 vs Kloof won 1-0 Boys TMC 1 vs Hillcrest won 2-0 TMC 1 vs Kloof lost 0-3 TMC 1 vs Hillcrest drew 0-0 TMC 2 vs Kloof won 2-0 TMC 2 vs Winston Park won 2-0 TMC 2 vs Hillcrest won 2-1 TMC 2 vs Highbury lost 0-1 TMC 3 vs Forest View drew 1-1 TMC 3 vs Kloof won 5-0 TMC 3 vs Atholl Heights won 3-1
Grade 3 Hockey Tournament Girls TMC 1 vs St. Mary’s won 1-0 TMC 1 vs Hillcrest won 1-0 TMC 1 vs Forest View won 4-0 TMC 2 vs Atholl Heights lost 0-1 TMC 2 vs Curro HCA won 1-0 TMC 2 vs St. Mary’s won 1-0 TMC 3 vs Curro HCA lost 0-1 TMC 3 vs Winston Park won 2-0 TMC 3 vs Kloof drew 0-0 TMC 3 vs St. Mary’s won 1-0 Boys TMC 1 vs Highbury lost 0-4 TMC 1 vs Hillcrest lost 2-1 TMC 1 vs Curro HCA won 2-0 TMC 2 vs Kloof lost 0-1 TMC 2 vs Roseway won 1-0 TMC 2 vs Northdene won 1-0 TMC 3 vs Atholl Heights drew 2-2 TMC 3 vs Forest View drew 0-0 TMC 3 vs Highbury lost 0-5
Karate Congratulations to Victoria Neff on her recent achievements in Karate. Victoria won gold medals for Kata and Kumite and received her KZN Development Colours. Well done VIctoria.
SP Boys' Hockey vs Northdene U10A 3 - 1 won U10B 5 - 3 won U10C 1 - 3 loss (Northdene U10B) U11A 2 - 0 won U11B 0 - 0 drew 2nd 5 - 0 won 1st 3 - 0 won
SP Girls' Hockey vs DGC U10A won 3 - 1 U10c vs U10B Won 2 - 0 U11B Drew 1 - 1 U10B Won 2 - 0 U11A Drew 0 - 0 3rd Team Won 1 - 0 2nd Team Drew 0 - 0 1st Team - Drew 0 - 0
SP Boys' Soccer vs Hillcrest U10B won 2 - 1 U11B lost 0 - 4 5th lost 1 - 0 loss (Westville 7th) 4th lost 1 - 0 3rd won 2 - 0 2nd drew 0 - 0 1st drew 1 - 1
SP Boys' Soccer vs Northdene U10A won 8 - 1 U10B won 3 - 2 U11A won 1 - 0 U11B lost 2 - 0 2nd won 7 - 0 1st won 7 - 2
SP Girls' U11 Soccer Tournament Team 1 vs Northdene drew 0 – 0 vs Hillcrest drew 0 – 0 vs Pinetown won 3 – 0 won vs Kainon drew 0 – 0 Team 2 vs St Marys drew 0 – 0 vs Pinetown drew 0 – 0 vs Kloof drew 0 – 0 vs Ashley won 1 – 0
SP Girls' U12/U13 Soccer vs Northdene U12A won 8 - 0 U13B won 3 - 1 U13A won 8 - 0
SP Water Polo Congratulations to the following girls who have made the Highway Regional Water Polo team: Ilé Bothma Chelsea Layden Tyla Christie Ashleigh Heenan Mini DLamini Jordyn Cheary Amy Ahlschlager
HS Water Polo The following girls’ have been selected for their respective Highway District Teams: U14 Dale Harper Emily Wood Christine Heyns U15 Charmone Roberts Jenna Blofield Claire Vosters U16 Kimberly Lerwick Kaitlin Woods Estrelita Kotze U19 Ashley Harper Hannah Banfield Caitlin-Rose Torry Jenna Sykes
Congratulations to Joshua Courtney who has been selected for the Highway U16A Water Polo team.
HS Softball The following girls have been selected for the U15A & B and U17A KZN Softball teams: U15A Carmen Vicent Kayleigh du Toit U15B Alexa Vicent Jessica-Leigh Nozaic U17A Caitlin Redelinghuys
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With
great sadness we have heard of the passing of one of our garden staff members Khethi Mtolo. She passed away after complications from her operation on Tuesday. Please keep her family in your prays during this time of great sorrow.
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