THE ALBANIAN EDITION 5

EDITION 5
JANUARY 2017/

MAY 2017

TheAlbanian
Community Consistency Communication

Chairman’s Chat

in the news… Dear Old Albanians
PAGE 2
I have taken over as Chairman of the Old Albanian
Sue’s News Club and while a new broom sweeps clean, there
PAGE 3 is no change of direction for the OAC.

Reunions I have taken over as Chairman of the Old We would also like to involve Old Parents
PAGE 6 Albanian Club and while a new broom as they were an integral part of our
sweeps clean, there is no change of community for the years that their boys
Letter from the direction for the OAC. attended SAC.
Headmaster We are still an association that strives to Besides the Database, our 2 main ‘projects’
create fellowship amongst Old Albanians this year are Old Boys’ Day (10 June) and
PAGE 11 while raising funds. The funds raised will the Old Boys’ Golf Day (29 Sept). Both
Dates to Diarise go towards financial assistance for Old functions seek to create fellowship, with
Boys who may require it in order to offer the Golf Day looking to raise funds as we
PAGE 22 their boys a St Alban’s education. did last year.
Tribute to Ross Barrett The College has appointed a Liaison Please make contact with us if you wish to
officer who will assist immensely with get involved and we encourage all Old Boys
the administration of a Database upkeep to be in touch to update contact details.
while communicating with the Old Boys
community. Regards
Garth Ridgway Class of ’86

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 1

Community Sue’s News
Consistency
Communication Sue Daffon – Old Albanian Relations Manager

Term 1 ended, Term 2 has started, so time for an
update! I am back in my own home and after being
very unsettled for quite a while I have now been
back for longer than I was away and life goes on!

In January, Shane Kidwell was inaugurated as the sixth
Headmaster of College and a new era has begun! Pictured
in the photo from L-R: Grant Nupen, Bishop Kannemeyer,
Shane Kidwell, Warwick van Breda (Chair of Council) and
Tom Hamilton.

Mike Davis, Class of ’11, who
worked so tirelessly on the
database has moved to the
UK to start his Law career.
It was Mike who helped me
develop my idea of an Old
Albanian publication and
I will miss his support and
willing assistance.
Thank you Mike!

Mandy Sutcliffe, whom many of you know, has replaced PAGE 2
me as the Old Albanian Liaison Officer. You can contact
Mandy on [email protected] I hope Mandy
enjoys working with you as much as I have. I am not going
away altogether, like the proverbial bad penny I will keep
popping up! I will be continuing with this publication, as
well as doing some project work for the College. So please
send me news for The Albanian along with your year group
via [email protected]

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017

Reunions

Class of ’85 Get-together

Community Steve sent the following to me – enjoy! A good time was had by all and Warren
Consistency Sue – thought after our correspondence was genuinely surprised. Craig Fulford
Communication was unfortunately unable to make it at
and attempts at an ‘85 reunion last year the last moment due to some broken
A good this photo of a recent gathering may ribs which was probably lucky given the
time was interest you.  enthusiasm of Rob Wasas’s greetings!  
had by Warren Scott who now lives in Oz
all and turned 50 and so on a recent visit out Richard wants to remind everyone that
Warren here with his family we ambushed him he played flank in the 1st XV just in case
was with a surprise birthday party.  the picture left any doubt in anyone’s
genuinely It involved some intense, last minute mind!
surprised. planning across three countries so
unfortunately it was not possible to The lunch extended until late and then
contact all of our MacRobert and ‘85 to a brunch the next day and plans are in
classmates in time. Hopefully this place to meet up again soon -hopefully
can be a catalyst for a bigger reunion with more classmates if possible.
sometime in the future.  Richard’s boys (one a current and one a
Present were from left Steve Siebert, recent pupil at the College) commented
Robert Wasas, Warren Scott, Richard that they hope they still have such
Davis (all MacRobert Class of ’85) and lasting friendships in 30 years’ time! 
Craig Urquhart (I think Class of ’83) as
well as our families. Kind Regards
Steve Siebert

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 3

Class of ’86 30th Reunion

Community The Class of 1986 held their
Consistency 30th reunion on 16, 17 and
Communication 18  September. Many of
our original classmates are
...we did overseas, but a few did
manage to manage to travel to join us.
each ring Kelvin James came from
the bell – Auckland, Rob Duff came
a tradition from NY and Graeme Hornby
that was even travelled from KZN!
not part of We played golf together on
our legacy the Friday with a few drinks
in 1986. afterwards. On the Saturday,
we met up in the Pavilion at
College and after a few drinks Andrew,
with George Weetman, we Class of ’04
were taken on a tour of the and Chris
school. Many of the guys Nicholson,
have not seen the changes Class of ’02
that have taken place over enjoying
the last 15 – 20 years and the the Lions v
tour was a good eye opener the Sharks
and also brought back many at Ellis Park,
memories. with Paul
We adjourned to the Pavilion Shearer,
once more, where we Class of ’02.
enjoyed a braai, a couple of
drinks and loads of catching PAGE 4
up. It was great that Rob
Campbell-Atkins, John and
Elizabeth Boje, George
Weetman and Tom Hamilton
joined us.
En route to the car park to
get Uber, we did manage
to each ring the bell – a
tradition that was not part
of our legacy in 1986. Tom
Hamilton did hear the bell
and initially wondered why,
until he recalled the reunion!
The Sunday was spent at my
house for breakfast where
partners joined us.
A great couple of days and
only wish we could have had
more guys join us.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017

Community
Consistency
Communication

...there CLASS OF 1996 REUNION
was much
swapping It was remiss of me to omit the Class of ’96 The Class of 1996 held their 20 year Reunion
of stories Reunion in the last edition – I do apologise, in June. Brendan Sinclair had done the
of College especially as I was there and my son-in law organising and could be well pleased with
days and Craig Boshard was not! He and Kelly and the turnout of thirty. Paul Holtzhausen
catching their family are in Poland! had travelled from Los Angeles and Rubert
up on Russell from Texas. Few of them had been
each back to College in the intervening years,
other’s although Roy Groenendyk is a current
lives parent of a Form 2 boy!
today. The guys were really impressed with
the physical developments of the school
– particularly the Ochse fellows! The
Journey had them enthralled and many
commented that they wished they had
had the opportunity of such a venture. The
Auditorium was a hit, whilst the squash
courts were missed!
After cheering the Boks on in their game
against Ireland, a spit roast was enjoyed
and there was much swapping of stories
of College days and catching up on each
other’s lives today.
Another happy, laughter-filled Reunion
was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 5

Community Gordon Williams,
Consistency Michael Rebelo, and
Communication Nick Gundersen, all of
Class of ’08 had a mini
get-together in South
Kensington in March.

Letter from the Headmaster

There Dear Old Boys and it would be
are It has been wonderful to reconnect with many wonderful to
many of you in the last month and I particularly meet up with
exciting appreciate the warm welcome I have received you on this day.
projects from those of you whom I have taught, Please diarise
on the coached or interacted with over the years. it and join us in
go at the Your alma mater is in a wonderfully happy and supporting our
College strong space after the tenure of one of our sportsmen as
at the longest serving Headmasters, Tom Hamilton, they battle it out,
present and it has been a privilege and an honour on the hockey
time... to step in to take over the reins from him. and rugby field.
As always the year has started with lots of Your Old Boys’ Committee has also recently
positive energy and enthusiasm and we have elected a new Chairman and it is an honour
finally arrived at the half-way mark of the term to congratulate Garth Ridgway, Class of ’86,
so as to rejuvenate and reflect on the start of on his appointment. I look forward to working
the year. along-side him to ensure that we gain some
There are many exciting projects on the go at traction in future relationship-building and
the College at the present time and my thanks events organized by his committee.
go to Mrs Sue Daffon who mentions many of The College has also recently, after a rigorous
these in the last edition of The Albanian. I am interview process, decided to appoint a
also pleased to announce that we have recently Director of Marketing, who will be coordinating
appointed Mrs Mandy Sutcliffe as the Alumni our advancement office and future fund-
Relationship Officer and she will be working raising initiatives. It is a pleasure to be able to
alongside our newly appointed Marketing announce that Mr Craig Hoyer will be taking
Director to ensure better communication and up this position at the start of Term 2, 2017.
relationship building amongst alumni. Please Craig is currently the Director of Sport and has
feel free to contact Mandy at sutcliffem@ been at the College for a number of years and
stalbanscollege.com should you want to I have no doubt will step into this role with
discuss the organization of a reunion or any confidence and renewed enthusiasm.
other matter relating to alumni. If you would Once again, thank you for your good wishes
like to get regular updates about what is going and I look forward to interacting with you in
on at the College, I would encourage you to the near future.
‘like’ the St Alban’s Facebook page.
I would like to invite all Old Boys to the Yours sincerely
Winter Sports Day which will take place on Shane Kidwell
Saturday 10 June this year. The College has Headmaster
a fixture against our traditional rivals, PBHS,

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 6

Community
Consistency
Communication

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 7

Old Boys’ Sporting News

Community RUGBY BREAKING NEWS!
Consistency Jason Jenkins, Class of ’13 has signed a
Communication contract with Japanese club, Toyota Verblitz Bongi Mbonambi Class of ’09
for the duration of the Currie Cup season. The has been named in the Springbok
team will be coached by World Cup winning squad, whilst Jason Jenkins Class
coach Jake White. Good Luck Jason! of ’13 has been named in the
Springbok A squad!! How proud is
College and all Albanians.

Abongile Nonkontwana Jade Stiglingh
Class of ’13 Class of ’11

Jade Stiglingh, Class of ’11 was called up for Michael Kumbirai Class of ‘14
his first Super Rugby start for the Blue Bulls in Bongi Mbonambi
May and played alongside our Jason Jenkins.
Michael Kumbirai, Class of ’14, had his first
senior start for Western Province in April.
The Super Rugby in mid May was special –
3 Old Albanians in the Blue Bulls side in the
match against the Stormers! Irrespective of
the score, I was just so proud when Jason
Jenkins Class of ’13 was spoken about as
“being in good form”. Towards the end of
the game, the commentator said, ‘’as one St
Alban’s player comes off, another goes on!’’
Abongile Nonkwantana Class of ’13 took over
from Jason Jenkins. Meanwhile, Jade Stiglingh,
Class of ’11 in his second appearance for
the Bulls had “little opportunity as the Bulls
wing’’ so said the commentator. Add to all 3
of our guys being mentioned, the fact that
Xola Ntshinga, Class of ’01 is a Super Sport
commentator I was just so very, very proud!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 8

F1 racing

Community Ewan Taylor, Class of ’16 got his driving Ewan put in the fastest lap of all entries,
Consistency licence 2 weeks before going to Belgium! thus finishing on the podium in his first
Communication Wait for it… Ewan has been acknowledged in ever car race – and an international
the South African Hall of Fame as a rising star one at that!
in F1 racing. He is the only SA driver not to Ewan is presently in Europe with the
have driven any kind of race car in SA prior to team who want him to drive the GT3
embarking internationally for a GT4 race car Porsche Super Cup car which runs on
event in Belgium. Here he qualified 6th out of the same day as F1.
18 entries, with 8 professional drivers in the
field! In heat 1 he finished 4th and in heat 2
he was placed 3rd.

So proud that Ewan wears his College
badge on his helmet!
Congratulations and Good Luck for the
future Ewan!

Cricket
Matthew Arnold, Class of
’06 is set to leave Sporting
Superman as he has agreed
trems with the new LPL
franchise. Good Luck
Matthew!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 9

Community Old Boys’ Summer Sports Results
Consistency
Communication Cricket 1st team
Old Boys 280 for 6 (David Bunn 70, Mpho Selowa 64); (Matthew Monk 3 for 45)
St Alban’s 235 all out (Musa Twala 70) Old Boys won by 45 runs

Cricket 2nd team
Old Boys 164 for 7 (Campbell Blane 4 for 30)

St Alban’s 2nd team
165 for 7 (Greg Kirkaldy 34 not out) St Alban’s 2nd team won by 3 wickets.

Waterpolo
Match drawn 7-7 St Alban’s 1st team won
on a penalty shoot out.

Basketball
St Alban’s 1st team won 60-51

Headmaster Shane Kidwell chatting PAGE 10
to Phetogo Monaisa at the Old Boys’
Summer Sports

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017

Community TERM 2 Events
Consistency
Communication • 10 June – Old Boys’ Day The opposition for the College will
be our neighbouring PBHS, and after last year’s rugby result with
College as the victors, I have no doubt that the competition will
be keen!

Class of ’07 it’s your 10 year Reunion that day too.

TERM 3 Events

• Friday 6 October
40th Reunion for Class of ’77

• Saturday 7 October
30th Reunion for Class of ’87

• Friday 13 October
50th Reunion for Classes ’67, ’68, ’69,’70 and ’71

• Saturday 14 October
20th Reunion for Class of ’97

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 Old
Boys’
Sporting
News

Maurice van Heerden,
with his coach and
mentor, Donovan Stoop,
both Class of ’01 having
completed Ironman SA
2017. Congratulations!

PAGE 11

Community College Sport
Consistency
Communication Rowing
For the 14th consecutive year the 1st Quad
won in the SA Rowing Championships.
What an outstanding achievement! They
were obviously motivated by the following
message which includes the Olympic Gold
Medallist John Smith.
Rowing – SA Champs:
Good Luck to the 2017 1st Quad from the
2008 1st Quad – John Smith, Armand
Gerbert, Jon Dixon, Gordon Williams and
Bruno Rech.

Josh Harty, won the Gold at Nationals
shattering a 10 year record by 17 seconds!

Josh Harty, with Coach Tiago.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 12

Community Rugby Hockey
Consistency The April holidays saw the annual Hockey results thus far are a bit mixed
Communication St Stithians Rugby Festival. The College with a 0-2 loss against St Stithians, a 0-0
1st XV played only two games prior to their draw against St Andrews, a 1-3 loss against
departure for Italy. Against DHS they had Northwood, a 4-3 win against Affies and
a close victory of 24-22. An equally close earlier in May a 5-0 win against Midstream.
encounter versus Westville resulted in Basketball
them going down 11-17. Recent victories of 54-17 against and 56-39
In Italy they were triumphant in 4 matches against Star College bode well for the next
resulting in victories of 37-0, 69-7, 59-10, matches after a disappointing DHS Festival
85-7 all against Club teams. where the team finished 4th out of 14.
Since then recent results have been: Golf
v St Stithians The Golf team did well at
23-27 loss in a very close game. the Sun City Tournament
v St Andrews finishing 4th overall with
53-5 victory. Warren purchase (son
of Allen Class of ’73)
finished 6th in the individual
rankings.

... the Chapel NEWS
College
Council The Headmaster is pleased to be able
have to inform you that the College Council
approved have approved the completion of Phase
the 1 and 2 of the new Chapel as well as the
completion completion of the Zone project. We are
of Phase certainly looking forward to these projects
1 and 2 of being completed in the next 18 months.
the new For further information about both of the
Chapel... above projects check out the St Alban’s
College web page under Quick Links and
you will find more details.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 13

Community General Old Albanian News
Consistency
Communication Brandon Hinton, Class of ’11 has been
invited to represent South Africa in
the 25-29 age group at the 2017 ITU
Cross-Triathlon World Championships
in Canada! Great stuff Brandon!
Ryan Cartwright, Class of ’10 is
furthering his cricket career on a
contract in Ireland!
Frayne Marupen, Class of ’88 sent this
photo of himself with Lucian Magardie’s,
Class of ’85, daughters.

Dylan Krause, Class of ’12 sent this photo
on his departure for the USA in March.

Nicholas Cherry Class of ’10 who was a
chef at the PotLuck Club in Cape Town has
now moved on in his career and is living in
Palma De Mallorca-Espanha and has taken
to the high seas on a yacht!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 14

Community
Consistency
Communication

Sibusiso Molimi, Class of ’11 who is making
waves in the motivational speaking world
pictured here on his visit to College with
Lindy, Betty and Christina – true servants
of the College as so many Old Boys
commented after Sibs posted this picture.

Michael Davis Class of ’11 has moved
to London to start his Law Career.

Chipiwa Mashiatshidi, Class of ’14 posted PAGE 15
this photo of himself at the New York Stock
Exchange – exciting times for Chips!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017

Hatch, Match & Despatch

Community ENGAGEMENTS
Consistency Drew Gaskell Class of ’07
Communication proposed in March and she
said “YES!”
Evan Daniels Class of ’05
also joins the merry band of
“about-to-be-married”!
The Class of ’07 are on a
romantic roll with Bryce
Gillespie announcing his
engagement.

WEDDINGS
March saw 3 weddings
– those of Chriestoff
Jansen, Class of ’05,
Monty Kerslake, Class of
’06 and Bradley Godrich
Class of ’06 (pictured
with his brother Matthew
Class of ’12 by his side.)

Bradley Godrich Class of ’06

Monty Kerslake, Class of ’06 Chriestoff Jansen, Class of ’05

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 16

Alex Hooghuis Class of ’10
married his partner Caspar
in April.

Community Stuart Williams, Class of ’05
Consistency was married in May with his
Communication brothers, Gordon, Class of
’08 and Bruce Class of ’04
May your in support!
life together
be filled Craig Fulford, Class of ’85
with un- was also a May bridegroom!
forgettable
moments As was Russell Venter Class
and endless of ’06.
tenderness!
In-Sung Lee, Class of ’07 Russell Venter Class of ’06.
was married earlier this
year.

Stuart Williams, Class of ’05 PAGE 17

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017

Community
Consistency
Communication

In-Sung Lee, Class of ’07

Craig Fulford, Class of ’85

Alex Hooghuis Class of ’10 We send our condolences and prayers to the family of Clive Sacke,
Condolences Class of ’74. Clive matriculated at PBHS and many of his friends
there, as well as Old Albanians, sent messages of sympathy.
May your We heard from Brad Goldblatt about the sudden death of Colin
memories Deacon, Class of ’66. Our sympathy and prayers are extended to
give you his family.
peace The tragic news of Nathan Moja, Class of ‘88 being killed in a road
and accident reached us via John Boje. Nathan’s son is in Form 1 this
comfort. year in De Beer House. RIP Nathan.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 18

Community Deputy Head’s Academic Report on the 2016 IEB Matric Results
Consistency
Communication Updated after Re-Mark and Re-Check results

The Class Overview:
of 2016
achieved The Class of 2016 have produced excellent results. They have achieved a 98.33%
189 pass rate with 113 out of the 120 candidates (94.17%) achieving a Bachelor
distinctions Degree Pass and 5 candidates (4.17 %) achieving a Diploma Pass. The 2
in total. remaining candidates will have to write examinations that they had been absent
for in order to meet the required criteria. It is also important to note that 4 of the
5 Diploma candidates have qualified for supplementary examinations. All 4 of
these candidates have an opportunity to obtain a Bachelor Degree pass.

The Class of 2016 achieved 189 distinctions in total. This is in line with their
achievements in their Form 5 preliminary examinations where they achieved 171
distinctions. This translates into 1.58 distinctions per candidate which makes the
Class of 2016 one of the best in recent times.

  2016 % 2015 % 2014 % 2013 % 2012 %

CANDIDATES 120 107   109   108   117  
107 100 109 100 108 100 116 99,1
PASSES 118 98.33 102 95.33 104 95.41 91 84,3 97 82,9
94.17 13 12,0 15 12,8
BD PASSES 113 4.17 4 3.74 5 4,59
1 0.93 00 4 3,7 4 3,4
D PASSES 5 0 00 00 0 0 1 0,9
1.67 188   170   121   163  
HC PASSES 0 1.76   1.56   1,12   1,39  

DNQ 2

DISTINCTIONS 189

RATIO 1.58

Further analysis of the marks achieved by the Class of 2016 reveals that the
number of 79%s are 21 and the number of 78%s are 28. On the other end of the
scale there are 28 marks that are below 40%.

The 10 candidates who wrote both Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy
benefitted significantly. All of these candidates achieved Bachelor Degree passes
and in 9 of these  cases, the candidates’ Mathematics Literacy marks were used
to ensure a better quality of pass.

It is also important to note that of the 11 candidates that wrote the Advanced
Programme Mathematics Examinations, 7 achieved marks greater than 90% for
Mathematics, and 2 more achieved a Mathematics   mark of 88%. One of the
many reasons why more boys should be attempting  to complete the Advanced
Programme Mathematics course at the College.

At the College, the Academic Committee has been emphasising the importance
of providing each candidate with the skills and knowledge required to ensure that
each candidate produces his best academic results in his Final examinations. One
way of promoting this is to use academic tracking to predict possible results and
to use these predictions to positively motivate the boys at the College. Analysis of
individual results reveal that  there are at least 30 instances of boys achieving their
best marks for a subject in these final examinations.

National Achievement:

Congratulations to Bjorn Ter Haar for earning a well deserved place on the IEB’s
list of Outstanding and Commendable Achievements. The criteria for making this
list is to achieve within the top 5% of candidates for 6 subjects and to achieve a
mark of over 80% for Life Orientation. Only 62 candidates from the 11022 full time
candidates who wrote the IEB examinations are on this list. A brilliant effort by the
College’s 2016 DUX scholar!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 19

Community Congratulations also to the following boys that achieved marks that were in the
Consistency Top 1% of candidates in that subject in the IEB:
Communication
• Marno Van Der Westhuizen for Afrikaans ( Top 80 out of 8030 Candidates)
• Antonio Rossouw and Matthew McDonald for Business Studies (Top 40 out

of 3921 Candidates)
• Matthew Van Coeverden De Groot for  English (Top 101 out of 10179

Candidates)
• Matthew Van Coeverden De Groot for  Life Sciences (Top 57 out of 5664

Candidates)
• Leonard Debeil for Geography ( Top 41 out of 4061 Candidates)
• Darren Allingham for Life Orientation (Top 110 out of 11020 Candidates)

The Top Achievers at the College:
• Bjorn Ter Haar and Sunghyun Park with 8 distinctions
• Romario Ferrâo, Marcello Leita and and Matthew Van Coeverden De
Groot with 7 distinctions
• Darren Allingham, Brandan Booysen, Kieran Clancy, Gabriel Da Silva,
Alec Hugo and Chris Stevenson with 6 distinctions
• Leonard Debeil, Conrad Lamprecht, Gabe Smith, Paul Teitge, Bradley Van
Der Merwe and Joshua Van Heerden with 5 distinctions.

Summary of Distinctions:
• 2 candidates achieved 8 distinctions
• 3 candidates achieved 7 distinctions
• 6 candidates achieved 6 distinctions
• 7 candidates achieved 5 distinctions
• 3 candidates achieved 4 distinctions
• 7 candidates achieved 3 distinctions
• 9 candidates achieved 2 distinctions
• 29 candidates achieved 1 distinction
• 66 out of the 120 candidates will take home a certificate that has at least
one distinction. Incredible!

Scholarship Honours:

Scholarship Honours will be awarded to a further 4 candidates bringing the total
to 15 from the Class of 2016. The new Honours recipients are Brandan Booysen,
Marcello Leita, Paul Teitge and Shaun Crewe-Brown.

An excellent set of results. Congratulations and well done, Class of 2016!

Magalan Pather
Deputy Head: Academics

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 20

Past & Present Staff News

Kennedy Tsimba, current Director of Rugby is Arlene Heuer, a Maths teacher,
pictured here with John Smit and Breyton Paulse HOD, and subsequently Director
at the SA Legends game in England. of Academics, who arrived in
2010, departed to join the staff
Community at Cornwall Hill College.
Consistency
Communication Andrew van Zyl, who took over
the Library from Gill Alexander
has moved to Pinelands in the
Cape with his family.

Danel Gravett, is pursuing her
own artistic talent and left the
Art department in 2016.

Ryan Anderson-Ogle, I’m sure I
told you at some point last year,
has transferred his allegiance
to our local opposition Pretoria
Boys’ High! Needless to say, Ryan
and his teams are flying high!

Andrew Nel, who left in 2015,
after 19 years as the College
Chaplain, now has a parish locally
and Aidan matriculated last year!

Craig Hoyer, Director of Sport has
now handed over that mantle to
Krinesan Moodley, from WHPS.
Craig has changed his portfolio to
Director of Marketing.

Elnette van Zyl and Glynnis
Moore have been appointed to
the College Executive.

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 21

Ross Barrett

St Alban’s College Teacher, Housemaster
and Deputy Headmaster 1997-2016.

Community Ross, his wife Tracy, daughter Simone and One would have thought that, when
Consistency son Kian arrived at the College in 1997. Ross moved on to become the Senior
Communication Although Ross had moved from a post in Housemaster in 2010, he would become
Johannesburg, both Ross and Tracy were more staid and serious but he managed to
Ross from Pretoria. In fact, Ross, Shane Kidwell know when to laugh or remonstrate with a
built up a and Kian Broom all attended Pretoria Boys’ boy, depending on the situation.
wonderful High at around the same time. In 2011 Ross was excluded from the
rapport Although Ross sported a beard when he prefect selection process so that he could
with the arrived, he was still a youthful-looking congratulate his son Kian on his election
boys and man. Peter Eedes, who was the Deputy to the post of Deputy Head of School.
often Headmaster when Ross arrived, once As one would have expected, Kian was
joined in mistook him for a boy walking on the grass scrupulously correct when it came to
when a on a day when Ross wore a blue jacket and dealing with Mr Barrett in meetings.
Frisbee or grey trousers. By 2013 Ross was appointed as Deputy
rugby ball Ross was an enthusiastic young member Headmaster (Administration) and could
was being of the Maths Department and an avid contribute only as a part-time hockey
thrown hockey coach. However, it was not long coach and Mathematics teacher. His
around on before he began to take on other roles patient and meticulous attention to detail
the field. in the College. He spoke powerfully in meant that we progressed smoothly
Chapel and was never afraid to declare his through the challenge of massive campus
faith. In 1997 he also took on the role of development while functions like Speech
manager of the computer centre (Old Boys Day went ahead as usual.
will remember it as Statech). Ross was an Ross was never afraid of a challenge.
expert on computers too. When it felt as if every year there was a
Ross built up a wonderful rapport with the new tweak to the calendar or a change in
boys and often joined in when a Frisbee venue, he embraced the opportunities to
or rugby ball was being thrown around improve or simply try something different.
on the field. This easy camaraderie was It was no real surprise, although somewhat
evident when he became the Housemaster of a shock to the College community,
of Murray House in 2000. He not only that Ross would seek new challenges. He
succeeded Andre Labuschagne in Murray succeeded Mike Farrer as the Headmaster
House but also as the hikes organiser on of Pecanwood College in mid-2016. It
the Housemasters’ Committee. Ross was was unfortunate that he could not wait
one of the early supporters of what was until the end of 2016 before he took up
to become the Journey and led Group 1 the post, as he was only one term short
every year until his final outing in 2016. of completing 20 years of distinguished
In 2003 Ross was christened ‘The Ranger’ service to the College.
when he moved to MacRobert House to In a typical Ross Barrett move, he led the
succeed Shane Kidwell as the Housemaster final assembly in August 2016 and used
there. Ross had that essential weapon in the opportunity to say goodbye to the
his arsenal: an almost supernatural sense boys when Tom Hamilton was unable to
of when mischief was going down. In fact, attend to pay Ross tribute. Ross bowed out
Ross was often behind any nonsense that to a well-deserved standing ovation.
happened to be brewing! Ross loved a
prank and many staff member and boy Rob Campbell-Atkins
would fall victim to his evil machinations
over the years!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 22

Community
Consistency
Communication

It takes
a school
with
vision to
prepare
a young
man for
life.

Final word

To all Old Albanians, please update your details via Mandy if/when you have any changes.
It’s important to College that we keep in touch with you all – so send news, views, stories,
photos to me if you are happy to share in this publication.
Meanwhile I look forward to seeing many of you on 10 June for Old Boys’ Day!

THE ALBANIAN : EDITION 5 : JANUARY 2017 - MAY 2017 PAGE 23