This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm118:24

This is one of my favourite scriptures as it reminds me it’s a brand new day yesterday has gone and tomorrow is in God’s hands not ours, we tend to forget that. I was reading a daily devotions book by Angus Buchan in which he states that a good farmer knows the worst thing a man could do when ploughing is look behind him, as he will not plough a straight furrow. If there is any reason to look back it should only be the need to forgive, to reconcile even to say sorry to someone as Angus says” make sure you do whatever you can from your side to rectify any undone situation and then press on”. As Hebrews 12:1 states “…and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us”. We need to press on it’s a brand new year with opportunities lets seize the day as God goes before us.  

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The year has got off to a good start and things are running smoothly. The new pupils seem to have settled in very quickly and even ion the Crèche things seem relatively calm.

As members of ISASA (The Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa), the school will be up for appraisal this year. ISASA expects high standards from its member schools and quality control takes place every 6 years. Our last assessment took place in 2011. Prior to the site visit in the week of 5 – 9 June, on-line surveys of the parents, teachers and older pupils are carried out. These carefully structure questionnaires probe the levels of satisfaction in our different areas of operation. We then meet in focus groups to seek solutions to areas of weakness. Throughout the process we are mentored by a team of three retired heads. The whole exercise is intended as an opportunity for a school to examine itself and propose solutions of its own. I look forward to this process as we are always striving to make this a better school. 

 

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Beginnings are, more often than not, characterised by excitement and exuberance; however, they also usher in new responsibility.

The Grade 8s enjoyed a productive Orientation Programme last week (my thanks to Mrs Cowie, Mr Oberholzer and their Orientation team of staff and Grade 12s). Fun and excitement were the order of the day. And yet, the excitement of joining high school is underpinned by the responsibility that comes with being accountable for one’s own work and progress. Of course, our staff facilitates learning experiences and opportunities for our children; but, ultimately, the children must take ownership of how they maximise those experiences and opportunities to their full value.

Similarly, the Grade 12s had a superb leadership programme (with much thanks to Mrs Selley, Mr Conradie, Mrs Steenkamp and the Grade 12 registration teachers) this past weekend as they now accept responsibility as the student stewards of that which is good at Thomas More College. It is a grave, real and prolonged responsibility, as it continues even after they complete their Grade 12 year as they engage a new vein of their stewardship of TMC as members of the Past Pupils’ Association. Thus, in beginning their Grade 12 year, they shoulder the responsibility of stewardship.

May the Grade 8s and 12s of 2017 embrace these responsibilities with integrity, love and empathy.

I draw your attention to some housekeeping notes:

• Please ensure that your child has loaded Google classroom onto his/her device – most of the staff have created their Google classrooms and these are now operational;
• Please assist us in managing your child’s appearance, particularly when they leave for school in the morning – our Code of Conduct is clear on these matters and while children will naturally push boundaries, it does help if parents and staff are working together to ensure that our children represent Thomas More College with pride when engaged with school activities;
• I have given Mr Ireland, our Deputy Head, a directive to deal with appearance infringements swiftly so that they do not become bad habit later in the year.

I want to thank all our staff, pupils and parents for a smooth, productive first week of school last week, and I wish you all a wonderful week ahead.

 

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Please remember: our parent information evening on Tuesday 24 January from 17:30 to about 19:30 and the Parents’ Council AGM for Wednesday 8 February at 17:30.

Our Outreach Days start again this Wednesday. Please pop an extra wrapped sandwich, or some fruit into your child’s lunch box or anything else that you would like to donate. In addition old clothes and fresh veggies are welcome. A volunteer worker collects them and delivers to the 1000 Hills Community where they are gratefully received and eagerly looked forward to each week. With our having been on holiday, we really appeal to you to send something this week in particular-thanks.

We are once again making every effort to start this year by laying down firm boundaries and to encourage self-discipline and being responsible, and we do ask your support in this. We also continue our drive to ensure that our children do not use any swear words. Furthermore, we would value your support in ensuring your child’s school and sport uniform is correct. The road works have improved, so please do strive to get your child to school by 07:20, so that they do not feel flustered before the day starts promptly at 07:30. We also start leading classes to the Hall on a Wednesday just after 07:20, so we can also start our assemblies promptly at 07:30. Another initiative (if not done already) is ensuring they have checked their school satchels the day before so that things are orderly and organized as this also helps your child to feel on top of everything. This includes ensuring your child has all the necessary stationery/ sports and Phys. ed. clothing and equipment, so that they do not need to scramble to borrow things. Please, however, encourage your child only to take those books home which he/ she needs, each day, as heavy bags are not good for their backs or posture.

It is also important that your child has breakfast and a healthy lunch and water and juice packed to see them through the day. You are not being kind to your child if you pack biscuits or sweets in their lunchbox, as too much sugar makes it hard for him/ her to concentrate in class. Our tuckshop will also be selling healthier food options. (A good night’s sleep is obviously also essential, so please encourage realistic ‘Lights out’ time and actual sleep – not sms-ing under the covers!) Please also ensure sunscreen and a hat as the weather has been very hot and can be unpredictable.

Wishing you all the best for the week ahead. May we maintain a positive start to the year.

 

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Weekly Achievers 

Will resume next week.

None to announce at present.

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KZN Road Champs

Congratulations to the following pupils who took part in the KZN Road Champs over the weekend:

Mitchel Potgieter Grade 9, 5th in road race U17, 7th in Time trial U17

Travis Stedman Grade 9, 1st in road race U17, 1st in time trial U17

Tiffany Keep Grade 11, 1st lady overall in road race, 1st in road race U19, 1st in time trial U19

Cian Leveridge Grade 11, 1st in road race in U19, 1st in time trial U19

Well done to our talented riders! 

Congratulations to the following pupils who achieved sporting excellence in various sporting codes during the December/January holidays.

Softball

Alexa Vicent (U15B), Carmen Vicent (U15A – Captain), Jarryd Schoeman (U15A) and Caitlin Redelinghuys (U17A) participated in the Inter-Provincial Schools Softball Tournament in Pretoria in December 2016.

Carmen and Jarryd were both selected for the U15 South African All Stars Team at the end of the tournament.

Indoor Hockey

Carmen Vicent and Keagan Olivier participated in the PSI National Indoor Hockey Tournament in Cape Town. They were both selected for the South African All Stars U16 Team. Keagan was also selected as the goal keeper of the tournament.

Cricket

Lola Lee attended the CSA Girls U/19 National Cricket Week in Pretoria from 9 December to 13 December 2016. Games were 50 and 20 overs. Out of the 7 games KZN played they won 4. Most memorable was KZN beating Gauteng who until that stage had remained unbeaten throughout the Tournament. Lola was awarded Player of the Match for the game against Western Province.

Water Polo

During December holidays Jenna Sykes and Caitlin Torry represented KZN Schools (U19A) at the SA Schools Water Polo tournament held in Durban.

At the end of the tournament, SA Schools Teams for both Girls and Boys were selected, and Jenna was fortunate enough to be selected for the SA Schools A Team.

Equestrian

Tatum Olivier is 1 of 4 riders from South Africa invited by the USA Individual and Team Olympic gold medallist George Morris, to compete at the World Equestrian Festival in Florida, USA in March to have personal coaching with members of the USA Olympic team.