“…but they that wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint”. Isaiah 40.31

I couldn’t resist using this scripture with the Long Walk having just happened! Here Isaiah tells us that we need to wait, but in an active way, like an eagle that catches the thermals on a hot day, it seems so effortless hardly any wing movement as it allows the thermals to take into the heavens. We too need to listen and trust God in all life’s stresses and worries. Jesus constantly reminded His disciples to “fear not” or “don’t be afraid”. That’s the part we need to play as we consciously ask God for help and trust God for it and when we do our fears and worries don’t seem so big anymore and are often replaced by His peace and joy.

The 54th consecutive Long Walk was once again a resounding success. The recruitment of 700 helpers for the day was a close thing, but by Thursday evening all places had been filled. Once again this incredible parent body came to the party. What a privilege it is to be part of this amazing community!

As usual the organisation was incredible. I must pay a massive compliment to Convenor Wayne Jaggard, Rae Griesel, the Long Walk committee and everyone who helped on the day. The committee have been meeting since the beginning of the fourth term and put many, many hours into planning the event. The logistics are huge. Permission from the landowners, commitment from the police and emergency services, 100 medical personnel, 700 officials, 3000m hazard tape, 12 4x4 vehicles, 8 bakkies, 9 large trailers, 2 fridge trucks, 2 four tonne trucks, 9000 polystyrene cups, 5000 bread rolls, 1900 kg ice, 13000 x 500ml bottled water, etc ...............

This event is far more than just a logistical exercise. It can have a remarkable impact on changing the self-belief and confidence levels of so many children. Thank you all for making this possible.

While there was a promise of cooler weather earlier in the week, by Tuesday the forecast had changed and on the day it was 32 ^oC by Friday. I felt really sorry for the walkers as heat is very energy sapping in an event like this. We certainly did not expect as many 80km finishers as usual. Over the years, the Long Walk has brought out an element of resilience in the Thomas More kids and they pulled out all the stops. Amazingly there was a record number of 237 finishers. Whoever said that the kids of today are not as tough as they used to be? That is definitely not the case at TMC.

On Thursday the much anticipated High School rugby and netball tour leaves for two wonderful weeks in Hong Kong. This has been another example of the teamwork prevailing at the school as the fund-raising and organisational efforts pulled everyone together. In addition to the matches and coaching clinics, they will be exposed to the vibrant lifestyle of this cosmopolitan city.

On 25th February, the newly elected Parents' Council had their first meeting. The object was to appoint the portfolios and begin planning. Congratulations are owed to the following who make up the new committee.

Chairman : T.C. Chetty

Vice Chair : Liesl Kriegisch

Treasurer: Chris Holton

Members: Gareth Curtis, Colin Heads, Pravina Coombs, Kerry White, Marco Fuini, Heather Ahlschlager, Nischen Govender, Phillippe Reinard, Kathryn Steenkamp, Byron Sack, Carl Frankenfeld, Warren Fenner. 

 

RESPECT AND HUMILITY came to me in a myriad of forms over the past week.

My daily quote in my John Maxwell diary states: “One of the secrets of maintaining a good attitude is valuing people.”

I saw a school family undertaking vast logistical preparations. Parents, past pupils, estate staff, educators and friends of the school morphed into a multi-faceted diamond of effort, purpose and focus as we drew near to the waking hour.

I witnessed volunteers cajoling and encouraging 1600 walkers in the early hours and in the searing heat. I witnessed volunteers shepherding water and supplies to the various stops throughout the day. I witnessed “uninvolved” community members supporting our efforts from their driveways. I witnessed how a common struggle can forge new friendships.

I witnessed inspired hands preparing food and sustenance along the way. I witnessed an Executive Headmaster who beamed like a proud father while he appreciated the sincere efforts of all involved. I witnessed my own world of pain (as of the 37km mark!!) that was managed superbly by my “Grumpy Old Men” partner, Greg Leighton.

The mind boggles at the enormity of the responsibility carried on the shoulders of the organisers. Rae Griesel, Wayne Jaggard, the Parents’ Council team, Phil Lanz, Mr Cuthbertson and their respective teams are worthy of our highest praise and admiration.

The pain I experienced wanes significantly when reflecting on all of the above.

 

It was most heartening to attend the entire school Outreach Assembly last week Wednesday and to hear from Philip Lanz how much money was raised for those less privileged – this despite the present economic situation and the fact that it was so very hot on our Sponsored Walk day, making it harder to walk laps. The money raised is put to such good use with our vast Outreach programme and certainly makes a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than we are. Thank you for your support!

Well done to all those who completed their targets for the Long Walk, whatever they may have been. This is always a very special day, when one is moved by the caring and encouragement shown to those participating- so typical of Thomas More- as well as the strength of the human soul, seeing young and old alike pit themselves against themselves and emerge triumphant. It is always good to know you can set yourself a goal, and that through sheer determination, you can achieve it! Many accomplished what they thought was unattainable- especially in the heat- and in so doing have built character and accomplished something that will shape their lives and stand them in good stead in life’s lessons. This epic event was once again a resounding success – many thanks to the organising committee on a mammoth task well done. It is humbling to be a part of this very special tradition- thanks to everyone for the role you played!

Being so inspired by our Long Walk made me think once again of the poem below, as it is often our own attitude, whether to a Long Walk, the busyness of our school programme or our academics, that determines how we perform.

If you think you are beaten, you are; if you think you dare not, you don’t.

If you like to win, but you think you can’t, it is almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost, for out in the world we find,

Success begins with a person’s will – It is all in the state of the mind.

If you think you’re outclassed, you are. You’ve got to think high to rise.

You’ve got to be sure of yourself, before you can ever win a prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger woman or man,

But sooner or later the one who wins, is the one who thinks, “I can!”

Life responds to our expectations – let us all rise to all its challenges- whatever they may be! In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Neither you nor the world knows what you can do until you have tried…”

Very well done to our SP swimmers who came first in the Highway B-zone gala last Wednesday and will now move to the A-zone for next year. I was thrilled at how well you had done and with how few disqualifications there were. Thank you to Mrs Meikle, Ms McDaniel and Mrs Murphy as well as to the other staff who assisted, and to parents for your support.

Our interhouse gala takes place next Monday morning from 08:00 to 13:00. Children will be dismissed from their classes and may go home after the gala ends at 13:00.

Our Grade 7 Zenith graduation is also Monday, at 18:00 in the Mackenzie Centre. Grade 7s speaking are meant to be there at 17:00. The evening should be over by 20:00.

All the best for the very busy penultimate week of the first term!

 

2016 IMAS Maths

Congratulations to the following pupils who have made it through to round 2 of IMAS. If they get through to the next round they will be selected to compete in Thailand.

Saien Moodley

Julia Leisegang

Rachel Boulle

Electra Balidis 

Weekly Achievers

None to report this week.

HS Co-Ed D&D Gala

1. Crawford LL 237 points

2. Ashton International 225 points

3. Thomas More College 164 points

4. St. Henry’s Marist Collehe 159 points

5. Curro Hillcrest 146 points

6. Hillcrest High 130 points

7. Grantleigh 110 points

8. Amanzimtoti High 102 points

9. Kingsway High 73 points

10. Kloof High 63 points

HS Cricket

TMC U14A 173/4 (Riddle 101 no.). Hillcrest U14A 159/7 (Seth 82 no.). TMC won by 14 runs.

Hillcrest U15A 86/5. TMC U15A 89/6 (Blythen 33). TMC won by 4 wickets.

TMC U16A 138/5 (Olivier 84 no.) Hillcrest 2^nds 84 all out (Mthethwa 3/5). TMC won by 54 runs.

TMC 1^st Team 201/5 (Wiborg 75, Murugan 38, Matthew 46 no.) Hillcrest 1^st Team 119/7. TMC won by 82 runs.

HS Girls’ Indoor Hockey

TMC U16A 4 Danville U16A 3

HS Girls’ Hockey

TMC 1^st Team 5 Creston 1^st Team 1

HS Girls’ Tennis

TMC U16A 19 New Forest U16A 10

Hong Kong - Rugby & Netball Teams

All the very best to the following pupils who leave for Hong Kong on Thursday (Rugby & Netball Tour).

Rugby

Jordan Bester

Joshua Courtney

Matthew de Bruijn

Conor Drimie

Sphesihle Dlamini

Mxolisi Dumakude

Kieran Foster

Joshua Gray

Jarrod Haynes

Keegan Haynes
Blake Kerdachi

Travis Kriegisch

Jordan Larkan

Rory Lütz

Thomas Lütz

Karabo Malahleha

Gareth Murray-Rawbone

Daniel Nathanson

Tayne Olivier

Bradley Olsen

Jason Selley

Andrew Smith

Clayton Wesley

Joshua Wiborg

Netball

Ashley Harper

Casey Houston

Dominique Main

Lerato Malahleha

Amy Ryan

Summer Robertson

Raelee Seymour-Brown

Lindiwe Sibisi

Ayla Smith

Anneke Steyn

Nicole van Heerden

Frances White

Mountain Biking

Dean Gregson recently achieved the following MTB results:

Illovo Wartburg MTB Classic 2^nd in category (Sub Junior)

Cedara MTB Classic 1st in category (Sub Junior)

Well done Dean.

SP Netball vs Kloof

U10 A team won 5 – 3

U10 B team lost 6 – 0

SP Cricket - 3rds vs Hillcrest

HPS got 103 / 5

TMPS got 59 / 6

Hillcrest won

Outstanding play: D. Thackray for bowling - 4 overs ; 2 runs ; 3 wickets

Bouldering/Climbing

KZN Inter-School Bouldering Series Final results and KZN Climbing Team members.

U15 Male

3rd Ziyanda Mchunu

4th Brendan Kuhnert

7th Faran Steenkamp

U15 Female

4th Jenna Bentley

U17 Males

1st Joshua Munsterman

3rd Keshav Gounden

Tied 5th Daniel Bentley

U19 Males

1st Zunaid Valodia

2nd Charles Young

3rd Kim Dawson

5th Che Coelho.

All the above climbers will be participating in the Inter-Provincial National Bouldering Series At UKZN from the 16- 17 April.

Well done do all our climbers who participated this season.

SP Equestrian

Congratulations to Alex Ric-Hansen on coming 1st at the Equestrian Sports Products Show in the 90cm Accumulator class on her pony 'Why Not'.

Congratulations to Alex Lütz who placed 2nd at Shongweni in the 70cm Accumulator on Oubass Kavalier and 3rd in the 80cm on Firefly.  Alex then went on to win the 80cm competition on Firefly.  Well done Alex.

SP Swimming

Congratulations to the swimming team who swam at Hillcrest High School on Tuesday and won the B-Zone Highways gala.  We are now in the A-Zone!