THE ALBANIAN EDITION 4

EDITION 4
DECEMBER 2016/

JANUARY 2017

TheAlbanian
COMMUNITY CONSISTENCY COMMUNICATION

Chairman’s Chat

in the news… Dear Old Albanians
PAGE 3
In my previous report I highlighted how time
Sue’s News seems to pass by so quickly. We barely blinked
PAGE 4 and we are already at the end of 2016.

Share with us... While we are on the topic of endings, many 2016 however will go down as one of the
PAGE 6 of you will be aware that the Headmaster more successful years for the OAC. The
Tom Hamilton will be ending his tenure committee decided to focus on big ticket
Reunions as Headmaster at the College after 15 items for 2016 and rather do those events
PAGE 12 years at the helm. Under Tom Hamilton’s well and this strategy seems to have paid
guidance the College has grown from off. We started the year with the usual
Leadership Team strength to strength and now punches Summer Sports day which was a very good
PAGE 21 comfortably above its weight, it would be day. The Winter Sports Day, which is always
the equivalent of Sugar Ray Leonard out well supported, once again went off very
Dates to Diarise boxing Sonny Liston. I remember when well and finished with the Old Boys Rugby
PAGE 23 I matriculated in 1995 and went out into team playing against their Pretoria Boys’
the Wide World I used to have to explain High counterparts. However, without
Tribute to Tom to inquisitive people where St Alban’s was; doubt, the most successful event of the year
PAGE 25 that is definitely no longer the case. The was the Old Boys’ Golf Day held at Wingate
OAC would like to thank Tom Hamilton for Country Club. We had well over 100 Old
Chapel News his support and guidance throughout the Boys taking part and meeting up with
years and wish him success in his future fellow Old Boys whom they had not seen
endeavours, even though I suspect he will in many years and enjoying a wonderful
not be completely lost to the College. day together. The Golf Day was followed by
a very successful prize giving and auction
where funds were raised for the OAC.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 1

COMMUNITY The OAC intends on making the Golf Day com who helped out with sponsorship for
CONSISTENCY the major event of the calendar for years entry to the tournament and the stylish
COMMUNICATION to come and we would like to implore Old Boys’ rugby kit. We will definitely be
you to come out in greater numbers for there again next year!
the 2017 occasion which will be held on Although not organised by the OAC, the
29 September 2017. I would like to thank first 50 year Reunion was a Grand Event
the OAC for the hard work they put in and very well supported. It was moving and
into making this event so successful and a heart-warming to see the Founders of the
special thank you to all the sponsors who College all in one room. A major thank you
contributed to the day. to all those involved in the organisation of
This year we also entered a team into the that event.
Old Boys’ 10’s rugby tournament held So with that another year passes… We
at Pirates Rugby Club. This was our first look forward to 2017 and have faith that
participation in the tournament which is it will be an even more successful year
now in its 3rd year. On the first day I think as we have some good plans in place
the Old Boys were a bit surprised by the already. The OAC is always on the lookout
pace and intensity of the rugby. However for new members who are willing to make
they adjusted well on Day 2 and ended a difference and take the committee
up losing in the Plate Final. Many, many forward. If you feel you are that person
thanks to Tyrone Carroll and Three6five. then please let us know.

St Alban’s College by Alan Fitzhenry PAGE 2

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017

Sue’s News

Sue Daffon – Old Albanian Relations Manager

COMMUNITY Aka Portugal Ponderings…I could not have
CONSISTENCY changed my lifestyle more if I had tried to! From
COMMUNICATION living, speaking, driving, shopping, banking,
working – everything is different! An adventure it
I have was going to be, a challenge it has been and I would
changed not be being honest if I said that I am loving it!
some
of my Portugal is beautiful, the waves constantly road with ease now, I can sort of recognise
approach kissing the shoreline, the seagulls what products I am buying, I use my fiscal
to screeching overhead, the humility of the number all the time (otherwise school
discipline older people, the vivacity of the younger does not re-imburse me!). I can meet, greet
– a new people, the fascinating history – yes, and use basic Portuguese. I have changed
culture there’s a BUT coming… some of my approach to discipline – a new
needs new Generation Inactive, Generation Social culture needs new ways to be effective.
ways to be Media, (in other words the boarders!) Since I wrote the above, I have returned
effective. are uncommunicative except in their home to SA. Getting a medical insurance,
home language, be that Russian, at my age (!) and as a high risk client was
Angolan, Portuguese, French, Spanish, nigh on impossible and when finally a plan
Moldovian, Chinese (and there are only came through, my Discovery plan had
16 of them!) Frankly, the small number finished and I was going to have to wait
is more difficult than a bigger number 60 days for the insurance to kick in. It was
to handle, particularly when it comes to a risk I couldn’t take, neither for me nor
socialisation. I have 3 staff members all my family. So here I am, still trying to re-
of whom are Portuguese first language, orientate, but not regretting my decision to
so meetings/instructions take twice as go at all. I had my adventure, not as much
long and much sign language is used! travel as I had thought I would do, but
There were no structures/protocols who knows what’s round the next corner?
in existence and what there was, was Please forgive the lack of news in some
simply ignored by previous young staff areas of College – trying to co-late this
members. Courtesy has been a main from overseas was a bit difficult, especially
priority for me; basic manners. Followed as I decided on 30 November to return
closely by discipline! European teenagers and flew out on 2 December – watched
can be slothful, unmotivated and totally wide-eyed as my connection from Lisbon
egocentric! That’s a sweeping statement taxi-ed down the runway without me, re-
I know, but it does apply to a number of routed myself via Maputo and finally got
students in the boarding house with me. home 30 hours later and then the luggage
Anyway, be that as it may, I am here and was missing! All part of the adventure!
sometimes I feel I am making a difference Please accept my apologies for the delay
and sometimes I feel as if I am out of my in publication of this issue – I was nomadic
depth. It has certainly been a learning for 6 weeks and have only just started my
curve and if I am not learning I will be unpackingandofcoursetheChristmas/New
dying – and that is not on my agenda! I Year break brought things to a standstill.
have certainly learnt a lot about myself –
I can drive on the right hand side of the

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 3

COMMUNITY Share with us...
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION People love to talk so let’s have fun talking…

It is appropriate in this final edition that Tom Hamilton should share his story with us…

the Message to Old Albanians
College
and the (Tom’s last letter to the Old Albanian Community)
people
in it over
these past
thirty
years will
never
leave my
heart.

I first set foot on this campus in the winter in the preceding year and Peter convinced
of 1986. I was coaching the Under 15A me to stay for an extra hour or two. He also
team at CBC Pretoria; the St Alban’s Under suggested to me that St Alban’s College
15s were coached by an Englishman who was a school that might suit my talents.
would in time become a firm friend, Paul Some two months later I was offered
Daffon. It was a humdinger of a match a lift to a Mathematics conference in
and I recall that it ended up 15-all. There Broederstroom by the late Paul Haylett-
was something about the place that I liked Petty (a Founder Boy of the College and the
from the moment I alighted from the bus first Old Albanian to serve on the staff) and
that morning. That feeling is with me still. who was then about to emigrate to New
As was usual in those days, the staff from Zealand. There, and back in that ancient
both schools retired to The Weatherston VW Kombi that he drove, he also sang the
for refreshments after the 1st XV match praises of the College to me. He convinced
had ended. I had come to know Peter me that I should come over one afternoon
Eedes through Mathematics conferences and meet the Headmaster, Paul Marsh.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 4

COMMUNITY I arrived expecting an interview, even Dave Jordan, with whom I could just
CONSISTENCY going so far as to investing a month’s generally argue; and I had a Chairman of
COMMUNICATION salary in purchasing my very first suit for Council, Don MacRobert, who was exactly
the occasion! Within seconds of sitting the kind of maverick and innovative thinker
These past down in that corner office that one day that I liked. I couldn’t have been happier.
sixteen would become my own, the Headmaster When Rentia and I left Pretoria to go down
years as had offered me a job as a Mathematics and to St Andrew’s in Grahamstown twenty
headmaster Science teacher. He then asked me what years ago, I never imagined that I would
have been salary I would expect, so I took a chance return one day. Those four years at St
the most and multiplied my then salary by seven. He Andrew’s were some of the happiest of
fulfilling nonchalantly agreed and I have wondered our lives, but when David Butcher gave me
of my life. for better part of the past thirty years how the call to take up the headmastership, I
much wealthier I might have been if I had didn’t have any hesitation. St Alban’s was
used a factor of 17 and not 7! I soon realized already a home back then.
that people worked hard here and I also
recognised the spirit and commitment These past sixteen years as Headmaster
of St Alban’s Boys. There was something have been the most fulfilling of my life.
then – as there still is to this day – that I can’t imagine more happiness. The
allowed us to ‘punch above our weight’. relationships that we have made here
I had powerful mentors, too: Mike Fletcher, have been affirming and true – boys,
Terence Ashton, Jurie du Toit, Charles parents, staff, and Diocesan personnel. It
Anderson, Carol Ashton, Peter Eedes and has been my singular honour to have led
John Hogg. The Senior Master, John Boje, this remarkable school, and for so long.
wrote me a shortnote some three weeks I have gained far more from the College
after my arrival which concluded with: than I have ever given.
“Tom, I think that you will have a fine
career here.” Maybe John wrote notes Back on that winter’s afternoon in 1986, I
like that to all new teachers, but it meant had found a home away from home and
something to me and I retain that letter to at the end of this year, I will take my leave.
this day. However, the College and the people in
I had Paul Daffon with whom I could it over these past thirty years will never
endlessly debate educational ideas; I had leave my heart. To each and every Old
a Headmaster, Ronnie Todd, who gave me Albanian or Friend of the College reading
audacious challenges every year of that this, I wish to thank you most sincerely for
first decade here; I had fellow Irishman, your kindness, hospitality and care.

Tom Hamilton

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 5

Reunions

This was the year of the SIX – especially Sixty Six – the founding pupils
celebrating 50 years since leaving College. Check out the celebratory
photos – as Mona says in his letter, it was a truly fabulous evening!

COMMUNITY AND FRANCIS THACKERAY HAD THIS TO SAY:
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION I want to thank you profoundly for PS. I was particularly pleased to talk to Tim
making the reunion event on Friday Bavin again, as some-one with whom I have
St Alban’s October 14 2016 at St Alban’s College been in regular contact in the years since I left
College is so successful and enjoyable. It was St Alban’s. The one-to-one quality meeting
a special extraordinary and awesome to meet that I had with him, for 20 minutes in the
school, again members of the pioneering Class shade of a tree in your garden after lunch,
among of 1966, together with our colleagues was significant because I am grappling with
the best whom we knew in the Classes of 1967- issues which I cannot talk about openly at
of its kind 1970, as well as some of the staff of the moment, but which will be revealed in
in the those years. an autobiography that I am working on. It
world. St Alban’s College is a special school, is not yet ready for publication - all I can
among the best of its kind in the tell you at the moment is that it is called
world. You and your staff and your Fleeting Moments. The title is taken from
scholars can be proud of what has been a poem that I wrote on the balcony of the
accomplished. And I agree with you Einstein rooms some years ago, when I
entirely that Anton Murray would be was accommodated in the Einstein Suite at
proud of accomplishments within half Caltech for a short period of time:
a century. His vision has been achieved.
The reunion event was awesome. Life is filled with Fleeting Moments.
Among many others, it was a pleasure We are part of a spectrum
to meet Pete Bower and his wife in space and time.
Vanessa; Nick John; Peter Jordi and his We are, each one of us,
partner, Russell Loftus and Alan Brooke, one in a million
as members of the Class of 1970. It was to the power of a billion,
good to catch up on many things, and to part of the universe
recollect some of the memories of our in space and time.
schooling at St Alban’s.
Shakespeare is famous for inventing The poem has been published. The
words. I too would like to make a autobiography (still to be published) deals
contribution to the English vocabulary. with the past, it is being written in the
It is the word “Anecdotage”. present (updated each year), and it will
Friday 14 October 2016 at St Alban’s come out at some time in the future (with
College will be remembered for its a sense of history). I will give a copy of the
“Anecdotage of Old Boys” ! (Oh, and by book to St Alban’s College for its library,
the way, I am a first cousin of William a place where I spent quality time when I
Shakespeare, albeit 9 times removed!) was a scholar there. As a matriculant in the
Thanks so much to you, your staff, and Class of 1970, I was privileged to have my
the scholars. Please relay my thanks to own room in the library, where I studied for
them, especially to Bev Gould and Grant matric which laid the foundations for my
Nupen. I will be writing to Sue Daffon. career. By giving a copy of my autobiography
All strength to you for the years ahead. to St Alban’s I hope to express a small token
Francis of my gratitude to the College for what it
gave me in the late 1960’s, leading up to
matric in 1970.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 6

COMMUNITY
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 7

COMMUNITY DAVID SWANEPOEL WROTE: NOEL SENOGLES HAD THIS TO SAY:
CONSISTENCY The dinner on Friday night was brilliant A heartfelt thank you for a wonderful
COMMUNICATION and left us, once again, very impressed by experience at my alma mater on Friday!
that first matric class all of whom seemed Words can’t really describe the emotions
My life to be good, sound, gentle people. I experienced throughout the day and into
has really the evening. All of the class of ’66 were
centred FROM GRANT NUPEN: not only acknowledged but made to feel
around My Good Friends, really valued by you, your staff and all the
St Alban’s It has taken me some days to brave fingers boys. I felt incredibly proud on Friday to be
from on the computer to express my thanks to one of only 37 privileged guys who arrived
those you all. I have started a few times but each on that first day not knowing that out of
early days time I have become a bit emotional, long- the Petri dish of those humble beginnings
at WHPS winded and repetitive. Not unusual for a a DNA would slowly manifest into the
exploring young chap like me! culture that is now St Alban’s. The guard of
the My life has really centred around St Alban’s honour walk which never seemed to end
farm... from those early days at WHPS exploring encapsulated the vibrant growth of the
the farm, the beating of the bounds with college that has taken place over the last
Tim, my father on the Council, Mum 50 years.
running the Pioneering Club, the rainy first
day, losing matches, stealing fruit from FINAL COMMENT FROM
the local farmer, Sunday Evensong’s with FATHER TIM BAVIN:
Tim and the pretty sisters, life long friends, It was a really splendid day and you will
surprising matriculation results, the pride no doubt hear about it from many people.
of being a parent when my son was at That School really is a special place...
the school, Old Boys’ Days, a member of
Staff, Headmaster and now the Legacy Garth Ridgway Class of ’86
challenge. And no doubt many more. organised a fabulous 30 year
It was an emotional weekend as many of reunion for his class mates.
you have described in your letters. Thank They were well pleased to
you for those. Special thanks to you Tom meet up and spend time
and Bev for going the extra mile on the together.
day. Special thanks too for the ageless
boys of the College who in fifty years’ time Unfortunately I have no photos at
will understand the importance of the day. the time of going to press, but I
I sobbed when I rung the bell. am sure that you shared your cell
However, it was also a very rewarding phone photos!
experience, as it was great to see a plan
come together. It was also another
pioneering step in the history of the school
– a new tradition for 50th Homecoming
Weekends.
So my special thanks to all of you for the
part you have played in making a dream
come true.
I will treasure it.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 8

COMMUNITY
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION

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COMMUNITY
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 10

COMMUNITY Old Boys’ Sporting News
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION 94.7 CYCLE RACE
The 94.7 Cycle Race was literally littered with Old Albanians! Those that I know of
include – Murray Beaumont, Andrew Nicholson, Paul Shearer, Chris Nicholson, Myles
Kritzinger, Kelly Kreuger, Stephen Bendal and Dad, Stuart. Matt Swart, Matthew Hoal,
Kieran Rogers, Warwick van Breda, Alban Atkinson (riding for Vuleka Charity). Monet
Wicks riding for the charity, Qhubeka and ex-staff member Fanie Notje. I am sure there
were others too – well done everyone who participated!

GOLF
Dylan Fritelli Class
of ´08 hits the news
again with a win at
the Kazakhstan Open
Congratulations
Dylan! AND Dylan
now has his card for
the European Open
in 2017.

RUGBY
Abongile Nkontwana
Class of ‘13 alias “Big
Daddy” received
Blue Bulls Player
Award – a Coaches’
recognition of
Abongile’s positional
play.

The Old Albanian Rugby
Team at the Old Boys’10s
Rugby Festival at Pirates.

COLLEGE SPORT
Apologies, but the latest update on the Sporting News of College you will find on the web
page under The Glave update. I don’t want to preface The Glave at this point.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 11

Leadership Team 2017

COMMUNITY
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION

COMMUNITY Hatch, Match & Despatch
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION A Baby is born…

Bruce Williams Class of ´04 became
the proud father of a 3.9kg son, Bryn, in
August. Now that Bruce is a BIG baby!

Paul Lee Class of ’96 has also welcomed a
son into the world.

You three better get
College application
forms now!

John Stathakis Class of ’04 has a son too.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 13

COMMUNITY Phetogo Monaisa Class
CONSISTENCY of ’95 needs to put
COMMUNICATION his son, Kabo, on the
College waiting list too!

Sending
love and
blessings
to the
newborn
babies.
Welcome
to the
world!

Jason Ioakim Class of ’00 welcomed Another January birth was a son to Alex
a daughter into the world early in Powell Class of ’00.
January.
Meanwhile, Lumardt Groeneveld
Class of ‘08 is excited about pending
fatherhood!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 14

“I WILL and I DO!”

Jonathan Swanepoel Class Khuliso Ramashia Class
of ´02 popped the question of ’10 married in mid
in August and Yasmin said December.
`´Yes!´´ Ultimately their plan
COMMUNITY is to return to SA.
CONSISTENCY Kyle Wood Class of ‘06 took
COMMUNICATION the plunge in Mozambique,
catching Anel by surprise,
but she too said an excited
“Yes!”
Aldo Panaino Class of ’08
was married in Cyprus in
September.

Married in mid December
was Bradley Godrich Class
of ’06.

Wishing Getting married on 4 December was Seungwook Jeon
you an Class of ‘04.
amazing
journey in
your new
road of life
as husband
and wife!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 15

Recently engaged is Ryan Grace Class of ‘09 to Kay-Lee, whilst Ludger Peters, Class of ‘08
married Melissa in November.

COMMUNITY
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION

Joining the newly wed
group is Gideon-Phil
Meyer Class of ’09.

Joining the pre-Christmas nuptials was Rick van Zyl Class of ‘07.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 16

COMMUNITY
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION

May Cornie Foord ’06 tied the knot, as did Clayton Kelly ’03.
your life
together
be filled
with un-
forgettable
moments
and endless
tenderness!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 17

COMMUNITY
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION

Wishing you William Taggart Class of ’06 married during the Christmas period whilst Robin van Aardt Class of
all the good ’11 was married last month.
things that
togetherness
brings into
life.

May your
marriage
be filled
with delight
and happy
moments!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 18

COMMUNITY Monty Kerslake, Class of ’06 got engaged in September, Jonathan Swires Class of ‘07
CONSISTENCY and brother Norman, Class of ‘07 married in December. announced his engagement
COMMUNICATION Percy Rudman, Class of ’05 got married recently. as did Garreth Cohen Class
of ‘02.
Adding to the list is Monet
Wicks Class of ‘08 and
Richard Atkinson Class of
’08.
Alex Hooghuis Class of ’11
is also engaged.
Stephen Bendall Class of
’03 joined the Christmas
proposals.
Craig Fulford Class of ‘85
has just announced his
engagement.
Congratulations all of you
and every good wish for
your future.
A special Congratulations
to Menno Klapwijk Class
of ’72 who re-married
recently.

With warm
congratulations
to every special
pair. May you
always find in
each other the
love, laughter
and happiness
that only
partners in life
share!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 19

Condolences
The tragic news of Peter There were many tributes
Scott’s passing reached us to Peter from people who
in late October. Peter was knew him well. Here are
Class of ’72. some of them:

COMMUNITY Rupert Dorling says that Peter The loss of
CONSISTENCY was a good mate of his during Dean Goosen
COMMUNICATION his short time at College and Class of ’10
they shared the same birthday. was heart breaking –
May your a young man
memories Clive Poultney also paid tribute taken in the prime
give you to Peter.
peace of his life.
and Detlef Basel wrote that Peter RIP Dean.
comfort. was a boy whom he would never Tragic too was the
forget as he was a likeable rogue vehicle accident on
who used to pinch peaches late the annual boarding
at night from the tree in Detlef’s house outing that
garden. claimed the life of
one of ‘our little
Dear family and friends Another staff member of the brothers’ from
of the late Peter Scott, it time, David Swanepoel, has
is with great sadness that these memories… WHPS,
we heard of his tragic Thank you for letting me know Tsepang Letebele.
passing. We wish to this. Peter was one of the most We send our love
express our deepest and pleasant rogues I was privileged
heartfelt condolences to have to deal with as a teacher. and prayers to
to you as a family as Despite the “adventures”, there Tsepang’s family.
you mourn his passing. was never a trace of malignancy
It is our prayer that or nastiness. I cherish my January 2017
in the midst of all the memories of him (even having brought the sad
challenging questions to confine him to work of an
asked, we can echo St. evening in the foyer study of my news of
Paul, when he wrote to rooms in MacRobert when I was Peggy Musto’s
the church in Corinth, his New House Housemaster) passing at the
that what we see and and I always so enjoyed meeting
experience now is only him at reunions where that age of 92.
dimly, but what Peter marvellous smile of his played Peggy, Dave’s Mom,
is experiencing now is constantly about his lips. I played an integral
the fullness in meeting suspect he will be very sorely role back in the early
Christ face to face. It missed by his many friends.
is our prayer that we Peter Jennings, from the same days of College,
commit Peter and you all year remarked what a fun chap working at every
to the never failing love Peter was, who used to shout sports function
of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Bingo” from under the stairwell resulting in that
May he rest in peace and in New House on occasion. It group of mothers
rise in glory. was a boys’ world. calling themselves
Blessings “the Teabags”!
Gradwell Steve van der Merwe and David Peggy was an ardent
Nye also sent condolences. supporter of all
Rev. Gradwell Fredericks things Albanian
throughout her life.

RIP Peggy.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 20

COMMUNITY TERM 1 Events
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION • 15 JANUARY New Boys’ Day – any OB sons arriving this year?

• ** SUNDAY 22 JANUARY Old Boys’ Summer Sport & AGM
(Organisers- Cricket – Johnny Nkuna, Basketball- Victor Fouda &
Water Polo, Jesse Lodge.

** The AGM needs your involvement – this is the year that Phetogo
Monaisa steps down as Chairman – as a new dad he’s going to be
too busy to attend meetings! Stop Press! Garth Ridgway is the new
Chairman of Old Albanians. Thank you Garth!

** For your information the OB Committee Meeting dates for 2017
are: 16 Jan/ 27 Feb/ 8 May/ 12 June/ 18 July and 6 November.

• 25 MARCH 200 Club Draw and Prawn Braai. Contact Murray
Barnetson, Ian Cameron or Alex Powell.

• 10 JUNE OLD BOYS’ DAY –diarise it now! COLLEGE WILL BE
PLAYING PRETORIA BOYS’ HIGH IN THE LAST HOME FIXTURE OF
THE SEASON. We need you there!

** Class of ’07, Nicholas Kane-Berman wants to organise your
10 year Reunion on that day.

• 17 SEPTEMBER Class of ’86 30th Reunion

– contact Murray Barnetson.

• 29 SEPTEMBER Old Boys’ Golf Day at Wingate Park – 2016 was
a fabulous occasion and it has been decided that this will be an
annual event.

COUNCIL MEETING DATES
Tuesdays – 11 Feb, 30 May, 25 July, 25 September and end of year
function, 11 November.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 21

Community

COMMUNITY Connie Kannemeyer was born and CONNIE KANNEMEYER
CONSISTENCY grew up in a small town in the Southern COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR
COMMUNICATION Cape called Mossel Bay. She is married
to Bishop Allan Kannemeyer and has
A new (in her words, though we’d all agree!),
view on three beautiful boys (Fabian Class of ’07,
community Alban Class of ’11 and Kamogelo). Connie
service as loves the outdoor life and her family.
an under- Connie has recently joined the College in
pinning the most fulfilling career which, she says,
aspect of is far different from the usual work she has
leadership done. She worked for the Auditor General
and South Africa as an Executive where she
personal was responsible for the execution and
growth has coordination of all major work activities
emerged. / resource allocation within the offices of
the National Leader: Audit Services.
In Connie’s words:

Community Service as an underpinning aspect of leadership and
personal growth.

An ethos of concern is woven into the cultural fibre of St Alban’s College.
As expressed by the former Headmaster in his address in September 2016, “An
integral part of school life at St Alban’s College, community service helps shape
well-rounded individuals like nothing else can. It is the most important way in
which our boys learn to look beyond themselves, to develop the capacity for
empathy, acceptance and grace, and to take an active role in positively shaping
their community.” (Mr Tom Hamilton, Headmaster St Alban’s College 2000 – 2016).
A new view on community service as an underpinning aspect of leadership and
personal growth has emerged. This is coupled with the expectation that community
development is more than philanthropy. Community development must be centred
on bringing about sustainable change, partnering with communities to build self-
reliance, self-sufficiency, and human dignity. The community programme approach
will need to take account of, and align with, the priorities of our stakeholders.
I think that almost all of us are surprised how our joy is enhanced when we make
someone else happy. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was saying, and I quote “we are
wired to be compassionate, we are wired together to be caring for the other and
generous to one another”.
I also invite you to become a part of something very special!

You’ve heard this invite before -- get involved, join our school. We need your support in
many ways so that we can maximise the impact our school can make in our communities
and the wider Tshwane Metropolitan.

Please contact Connie Kannemeyer at 087 803 5772/072 842 4618.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 22

Tribute to Tom Hamilton

We finish this edition with a fitting tribute to Tom Hamilton, paid by the new
Chair of Council, Warwick van Breda, at the Speech Day.

COMMUNITY “History with its flickering Warwick van Breda
CONSISTENCY lamp stumbles along the
COMMUNICATION trail of the past, trying to Tom has led us in exemplary fashion and
reconstruct its scenes, to shared his wealth of experience and acute
Some of the revive its echoes, and kindle intellect with his colleagues through his
hallmarks with pale gleams the passion attendance at ISASA and various teaching
of great of former days. What is and leadership conferences. I want to
leadership the worth of all this? The specifically mention the decision to allow
are sacrifice, only guide to a man is his form three students out of these gates
determination conscience; the only shield to and on a journey of self-discovery that was
and courage. his memory is the rectitude bold and courageous and as a result of this
and sincerity of his actions. decision the Form 3 journey is something
It is very imprudent to walk that has become central to our DNA.
through life without this Tom’s sense of humanity which is
shield, because we are so encapsulated, in part, in his belief that
often mocked by the failure of people can recover from their mistakes
our hopes and the upsetting and his restorative justice adoption in
of our calculations; but with dealing with many of the challenges that
this shield, however the fates we have faced as a school .
may play, we march always in I would also like to highlight Tom’s support
the ranks of honor.” for innovation and creativity that has
allowed many teachers to bring creativity
(Sir Winston Churchill) and fun into the classroom or in the
extramural space.
I paid tribute, earlier this evening, to some
of the people that have contributed to the
successes that we have shared over the
past six years as a College and the Legacy
that we are in the process of creating.
We could not possibly conclude these
evening’s proceedings without paying
tribute to Tom Hamilton.

Some of the hallmarks of great leadership
are sacrifice, determination and courage.
In order to lead this College Tom had to
sacrifice his first calling as a teacher. He
was a mathematics teacher and I will tell
you, from experience, that he was superb
at it.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 23

In 2013, during the celebration of our 50th Jubilee we had the opportunity to honour
various benefactors of St Alban’s College. So great was his contribution that the Old
Albanian community chose to create an award in acknowledgement of his contribution
and I would like to read the citation:

THE GUARDSMAN

Tom Hamilton (Headmaster 2001 - 2016)

COMMUNITY Tom Hamilton was appointed Headmaster purposeful stride. Tom can be identified
CONSISTENCY in 2001 and over the past years he from across the sports fields or school
COMMUNICATION has steadily led the College through halls for both the literal and philosophical
a most exciting phase of its growth strides that he has made at its helm.
Tom has and development. Apart from a four- Tom has served the College for more than
served the year period at St Andrew’s College in half of the 50 years that we celebrate and
College for Grahamstown, where Tom was the Deputy has been a colleague, mentor and leader to
more than Headmaster, he has served St Alban’s three generations of Albanians and we will
half of the College since 1987. There is hardly a brick welcome the Guardsman for generations
50 years or a blade of grass at St Alban’s that Tom to come.
that we does not know well: so when he speaks On Monday evening we celebrated the
celebrate... of St Alban’s, he does so with insight and 2016 Matric Valedictory, On that evening
conviction. He has assembled a top rank we handed each leaver a prayer book and
professional team here and sees his role an Old Albanian tie, each symbols of what
as one of servant leadership where we are those leaving will take with them into the
“rigorous but not ruthless”. future. Father Fredericks was kind enough
It is a difficult task to fully define Tom’s to present Mr. Hamilton with a prayer book
contribution to St Alban’s College. In the on Monday and this evening I would like
nomination process for these Old Albanian to present him with an Old Albanian tie.
awards the discussions frequently covered I remarked to the Murray House Matric
his many accolades, anecdotes and a class when I addressed them that the tie
genuine high regard for both his prowess as was a symbol of family, of friendship and
a mathematician, a teacher and thinker as of a welcome into a greater community of
well as his outstanding stewardship of the Old Albanians, It goes without saying that
College. His passion for the College from Mr. Hamilton has been the anchor of this
foundation stone to field is reminiscent of symbol for 15 years and so it is fitting that
that of its founders. It was in looking back we share it, together with its message,
through the history penned by John Boje with him this evening.
that this special award was conceived. Please stand and join me in a round
“The Guardsman” was the name used to of applause in acknowledgment of his
describe the founding Headmaster and contribution to our community.
South African Cricketer Anton Murray:
for his erect, strait-backed posture and

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 24

COMMUNITY College NEWS
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION HOUSE DINNERS, ACADEMIC, CULTURAL AND SPORTS DINNERS, SPEECH DAY, VALEDICTORY
AND CAROL SERVICE were all celebrated as usual this final half term. Unfortunately, I have
no reports nor photos. I do know the following Old Boys were present at their House
Valedictory Services:

MacRobert – Alex Powell Class of ‘00, Knoll – Dave Mukhari Class of ’95, Ochse –
Sibusiso Sibulela HOS ‘95, De Beer – Ditiro Marishane Class of ‘03, Knapp-Fisher –
Brenian Labuschagne Class of ’13 and Murray Warwick van Breda Class of ’98 and new
Chair of Council stepped into the breach.

Chapel NEWS

The Chapel, after many years of dedicated service, welcoming new boys, saying Farewell
to Matrics, celebrating weddings and christenings and giving comfort at funerals has
finally succumbed to the wear and tear of old age and was condemned as being unsafe
at the end of 2016.
There are plans for a new Chapel on the same site incorporating the old and the new. I
will keep you updated with any developments.

Every new
beginning
comes from
some other
beginning’s
end.

Seneca

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 25

COMMUNITY
CONSISTENCY
COMMUNICATION

It takes Final word
a school
with To all Old Albanians I hope you travelled safely and had memory making times with your
vision to families at this very special time of year. Everything of the best for 2017 – may it be the
prepare year of the 7s – Reunion of 1977, your 40th,1987, your 30th, 1997 your 20th and 2007
a young your 10th – can you believe!?
man for Finally, Shane Kidwell, known to so many of us, we wish you well as you begin your new
life. journey at St Alban’s College.
As Tom Hamilton, an Irishman would say, “See you on the Irish boat!”
Bom Noite, Good Night, Goeie Nag, Spokoynoi Nochi, Bonne Nuit, Hamba Kahle,
Tsamaya sentle.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 4 : DECEMBER 2016 - JANUARY 2017 PAGE 26