The Mitre Michaelmas Term 2017

Michaelmas Term 2017

HEADMASTER’S MESSAGE

As we reflect on some wonderful memories this term, I am reminded of the fact Watching our 1st Cricket side tie to St
that there is so much to be thankful for. We should remember, at this time, to say David’s.
thank you to those we love and hold dear. It is a wonderful fact of life that one can Our final Matric Assembly which was
take away almost everything, but our memories remain no matter what. filled with emotion and brotherly love.
Our Soccer side beating PBHS twice in
I made mention of Jurgen Slabber who would have matriculated this year were it one season.
not for a tragic accident in his Form 3 year. Tom Hamilton had this to say about him: Our Matric Art Exhibition.
‘People who knew Jurgen well were in complete awe of his essence and presence Watching the Ethnodrama which
and those to whom he was an acquaintance held him in the highest regard. Quite highlighted unconscious bias.
simply, he was a class act. Listening to chapel talks by Keroshan
Pillay, David Mukhari and Matthew Field.
Throughout his young and far too short life, Jurgen was hungry for new knowledge, Watching our 1st Basketball side playing
new relationships, new experiences. He compiled a truly remarkable list of with passion and dedication.
achievements and events in his three years at St Alban’s, and was so very prominent
in the Prize-givings of 2013, 2014 and 2015. But it wasn’t just what he did or what he There is so much to celebrate here, so
achieved that made him special, it was who he was, and how he lived his life. He many memories which I will hold dear
lit up the world.’ and I invite you to share these memories
with us as you peruse this edition of the
It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the memories we have of Jurgen and it is Mitre.
also important to remind ourselves how transient life can be. I am reminded of this
quote from J R Miller: ’There have been meetings of only a moment which have Lastly, it is my wish that you enjoy your
left impressions for life, for eternity. No-one can understand that mysterious thing Christmas break with your family. To
called influence… yet every one of us continually exerts influence, either to heal, to those who are traveling, we pray for safe
bless, to leave marks of beauty, or to wound, to hurt, to poison, to stain other lives’. passage and to those who are meeting
up with family and friends to celebrate
This is a reminder to us that we have a greater responsibility as we deal with the Christ’s birth, we wish you every blessing
young men of St Alban’s College. It is my hope that their memories from this term at this time. Enjoy the rest, spend time
and year, will be of beauty, hope and blessing. My hope is that they have stood with your sons, listen to their stories and,
up for what is right, as this emboldens others to find their moral compass and my most importantly, remember to make
hope is that we will define the St Alban’s Brotherhood as something which speaks memories which will enrich your and their
for truth, for courage, for empathy, for brotherly love, for protection and care at a lives.
deeper level.
God Bless,
It is a real privilege to be able to attend St Alban’s College and I was reminded Shane
of this by a gentleman who matriculated here in the late eighties and is now on
the Board of Telkom, Old Mutual, Consol and others to name a few. He recently SHANE KIDWELL 1
wrote a letter to his bursary benefactor who made it possible for him to attend St
Alban’s. His memories of his time here are positive and significant and he is grateful
for all the College did to set him up for his future life. Those of us who are currently
attending the College should appreciate the privilege and remind ourselves that
we have a responsibility to make a difference for good, now and once we leave
here.

I have some fond memories of the term:

My interaction with all those who attended Achievers’ Tea. We have so many young
men who excel here in so many different ways and their enthusiasm motivates me.
Watching the 1st Rowing Quad win the Gauteng Championships by a country
mile.

ACADEMICS

ACADEMIC DINNER

St. Alban’s motto, roughly translated, is
‘Guardians of the Truth.’ This, in the literal
sense, means cherishing knowledge
and wisdom, imparting new skills and
embracing lifelong learning. This literal
translation is precisely what the academic
dinner celebrates.
On the 27 September 2017, the College’s
academic achievers, with staff, gathered
to celebrate their performance, reflect on
the year past, and ready themselves for
the intellectual challenges to come.
The Academic Dinner has a reputation for
being overly statistical and boring. While
stats were prevalent, the main focus was
on reflection. Mr. Pather’s analysis of the
ever-changing global economy and
careers market highlighted the forward
thinking nature of the occasion, while the
guest speaker, Mrs. van den Berg, also
provided some much needed reflection
in her address.
The addresses, combined with several
awards, and two excellent MCs, Yangeni
Saidi and Keroshan Pillay, made 2017’s
Academic Dinner one of the most
memorable in recent memory.

Matthew Field

2 ACADEMICS

ART: MATRIC FINAL EXHIBITION

The final exhibition of the Art class of 2017 took was inspiring. The works were captivatingly
place on 7 October. It was another successful displayed, and each student introduced his
event, showcasing the artworks and journals own work, explaining his thoughts and the
of the four Matric Art students. The exhibition creative processes behind them.
was open to parents, staff and students giving
them the opportunity to admire a variety of After a few words from Mr Kidwell and Ma’am
works that encompassed the overall theme of Zelda Cloete, the visitors enjoyed snacks and
“Creation from Destruction”. drinks as they studied the art and chatted to
the artists.
The works could be submitted in any medium;
this clearly gave the artists a wide scope Altogether, the evening was a fitting conclusion
for creativity as their final work deviated to the efforts and hours that the Matric Art class
noticeably from the normal mediums and of 2017 had put into their work.
techniques. The exhibition was opened by
an Old Allbanian, Lawrence Marshall (Class Sebastian Papavarnovos
of 2013), who is currently studying Fine Arts at
the University of the Witwatersrand. His speech

ART 3

CAROL SERVICE

4 CAROL SERVICE

CONFIRMING OUR
FAITH

St Alban’s College has a proud Anglican
tradition. The Christian faith has always been
an integral part of College and the lives of
Albanians. Both have proudly and consistently
guarded the truth of the Gospel. Perhaps even
more proud has been the School’s practice
of never forcing faith upon its students.
The decision to undertake the sacrament
of Confirmation has always been a boy’s
personal decision.

One publically expresses one’s faith by being
confirmed. This is exactly what Mohammad
Ali Alizadeh, Travis Arthur, Alex Beckett, Thabo
Chesane, Ben Cox, Gabriel Dos Santos,
Matthew Field, Josh Harty, Refiloe Mamabolo,
Connor Matthews, Oratile Madisa, Stuart
Moore, Kachusi Sakala and William Woodrow
committed to do when they signed up for
Confirmation classes in late 2016 and early
2017.
The classes were humble affairs; small meetings
on Monday evenings when theological issues
would be debated with fervour. Many an
insight was revealed during these meetings,
and the boys are all the better for them.

A week before the actual Confirmation
service, the candidates went on the
traditional Confirmation Retreat. During this
retreat, silence was observed. The candidates
were forbidden to speak with one another so
that they could focus on hearing God. The
tranquillity of the Retreat Centre, the silence
and the daily prayers all contributed to the
spiritual and peaceful nature of the retreat.

The final Confirmation Service was a grand
celebration of faith. The beauty of St Albans
Cathedral, the service and the energy of
the Choir all added to the beauty of the
sacrament itself, making it an event that will
be remembered for the rest of the candidates’
lives.

Special thanks must be given to Father
Fredericks and Ma’am Moore for their help
and guidance. Ma’am Mtshali did beautiful
flower arrangements, and all the Cathedral
staff made the wonderful Confirmation
experience possible.

Matthew Field

FAITH 5

CULTURAL

CULTURAL DINNER

September and October are known to be
extremely busy months at the College. One of
the reasons for this is the many different dinners
taking place.

The Cultural Dinner celebrates the cultural it. The Head of Culture, 2017, David Osae, in his
events and the role of the Clubs in the past dulcet tones and with his dry sense of humour,
year. The Club Chairmen, as well as staff, presented the yearly Cultural Report which
and cultural award winners enjoyed a great brought laughter and memories.
evening celebrating 2017 cultural highlights.
It was a wonderful evening: the décor was “A nation’s culture resides in the heart and
fittingly magnificent and the food was on in the soul of its people” is what the great
another level! The ambiance was smooth Mahatma Gandhi said. To all boys and staff who
and relaxed, punctuated with occasional live participated in things cultural this year thank you
music from the some of the boys. for your commitment and well done!

Easily one of the most memorable aspects was Jannik von Schlichting
the address by the guest speaker, Michelle
Mosalakae, who is a rising star in the South
African acting business. She currently has a role
in the local TV series ‘Isibaya’. Her speech was
brilliant and the boys most definitely enjoyed

6 CULTURAL

DRAMA

ADAMS CLUB ETHNODRAMA operate. Racial patterns that were quite strongly evident
in our school were enacted and it was performed for the
2017’s Adam’s Drama Club kicked off with a bang this year boys, staff members and those in the school environment
as we had a new and different focus right from the start of in order to reflect on their behavioural patterns and to see
the year. This year, Ma’am Moore and Mr Kidwell decided what’s hidden beneath the surface.
to task us with the writing, directing and enacting of an
Ethnodrama which explored issues of race and diversity During the performance, lead actors Dean Momberg
within the school. (portraying Harry) and Hloni Matseba (who played Kabelo)
learnt to overcome their stage fright and to embrace
The group as a whole workshopped elements to do with race their inner “stars” to lead the play successfully. The play,
and diversity. Thati, Sayola and Ma’am Moore proceeded including: the cast, Ma’am Moore and Ma’am Mackenzie
to gather information about general and over-exaggerated (who assisted Ma’am Moore) received a generous and
stereotypes surrounding race and background to include in warm reaction from the audiences including staff members
the ethnodrama. Further information was gathered about and the boys. The play was interesting and really helped
general behaviour in different cultural homesteads. Racial the boys to become familiar with one another and even
and cultural views around school were also displayed. gave the boys a special opportunity to learn more and
Students, Thati Tladinyane and Sayola Makohliso, took up to understand each other better. It generated interesting
the role of writing and directing much of the play, under discussions in tutor groups after the performances. Because
the guidance of Ma’am Moore (of course). Kiyan Kassam of the Ethnodrama, the 2017 Adams year was “dope” and
and Jordan Segal assisted with the writing of the play with more vibrant culture can be expected in 2018.
further input and ideas from Somila Sigenu and Semiyea
Tassaw. Ultimately, the scripting of the play was completed Thati Tladinyane
after a long task of researching and getting the boys to co-

FRENCH: INTERNATIONAL DELF • Jordan Fichardt (Form 4)
EXAMINATIONS • Adrian Marais (Form 3)
• Cris Mircea-Marsay (Form 4)
The International DELF examinations are set by • Wilbert Munda (Form 4)
the French Ministry of Education and open only to • Rona Toise (Form 4)
foreign learners of French. There are several levels
and learners may choose to enter at any level. The Bravo et Félicitations!
standard is set and approved by the European
Council of Languages so a DELF achievement is Marianne Scholtz, French Department
indeed wonderful!

I am very proud of these boys for their willingness to
try and their co-operation as we prepared. They went
the extra mile, and can be justifiably proud of their
achievements!
DELF B1 (the equivalent of an early First Year French
result at a South African University.)

• Lefika Segobye (Form 5). Lefika did his preparation
unaided.

DELF A1 (can be equated to end Form 3 and into
Form 4.)

DRAMA 7

CHRISTOPHER KATRANAS ACHIEVES

THIRD PLACE IN THE NATIONAL
GEOGRAPHY ONLINE OLYMPIAD

The 2017 South African National Geography Olympiad (SANGO)
pilot, held on the 14th September 2017 was a huge success. Sixty
schools from across South Africa participated, with 946 learners
successfully completing the online Olympiad. St Alban’s College
entered six pupils.

Christopher was awarded Third Place in the Top 8 learners in the Olympiad.
Angela Phocas, the SANGO Steering Committee representative, presented
Christopher with a certificate and a book prize, donated by Oxford Publishers.

We are proud of all our learners who entered, and especially proud of Christopher’s fine achievement!

Patti Bossenger, Head of Geography

REFLECTIONS FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL 2017

ORATENG KOIKANYANG WITH lang syne?’ (Robert Burns, 1788)
ZACHARY ZIEGELMEIER
2012 – 2017
‘Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to Five years. Five short, busy, determined years. Five years
mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of old of some of the best memories in our outgoing Head
of School, Orateng Koikanyang’s life. I sat with Ora,
reminiscing about the experiences, the life-changing
moments, the memories made over the past five years
at St Alban’s College, the last as the Head of School.
Ora made these years count. They took him from being
a boy, to less of a boy to what he would like to think
of himself now – almost a man, still a bit of a boy, but
mostly a young man ready to take on the challenges
that await in the near future.

For the past few weeks Orateng has been obsessed with
learning how to solve a Rubik’s cube. As he turned the
Cube, he saw an analogy between Rubik’s cube and life
at St Alban’s. He arrived at St Alban’s a little lost, in some
ways, a scrambled Rubik’s cube. As the years went by,
as with the twisting of the Cube, the colours began to
come together … with the other sides still scrambled but
ready to be sorted and twisted into the correct pattern.

Form 1 was a year of great excitement. Many new
friendships were forged next to the sport field, in class,
the Houses and around the lunch table. It was the year
of the shirtless selfies! Gym was a priority and trying to
look good for the girls was perhaps more of a priority
than it should have been, but we settled and soon Form
1 was history.

There were more sides of the cube that we still needed
to face as Form 2 started. Senior juniors, but juniors
nonetheless. But now we could shout, ‘Form 1s –
clean up!’ Our matric mentors had left and leeway
was a thing of the past. We were expected to know
how things worked. Form 2 seems to be the peak of a

8 OLYMPIAD/HEADBOY

College boy’s trouble-making capabilities. The day pupils two days ago was a sad yet exciting experience; knowing
boy area was notorious in our Form 2 year and many that our time here is coming to an end made me reminisce
avoided it as criminal offences such as disrespect, about the good times and the bad times.
insubordination and cockiness loomed large. As we Being Head of School has been an absolute honour and
closed that year off we completed yet another step privilege, an experience that I will truly cherish until the end
of the high school cube and the mental and physical of my days. Through the course of this amazing journey I have
preparation for what was to come began. Ultimately learnt a lot about myself and my capabilities. Executing the
Form 2 was a year that we will always look back on as final step of the cube belongs solely to the Form 5s as how we
we took valuable lessons from it so that hopefully we finish will determine the legacy we will leave behind.
had improved ourselves.
To the boys of St Alban’s College: There’s a saying that ‘there
Possibly one of the most vital years of the College is is no leadership without a team’. You gentlemen were most
Form 3. Prior to the start of the Journey, it is often a definitely amazing to work with, and I would like to thank you
rather daunting time for the Form 3s as many have for the good and bad times this year; we will all have learnt
heard stories of how much weight is to be lost (or from, and grown through them. Goodbyes are not forever.
weight you will lose)as well as the freakishly large Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you until
spiders that Jouneymen bump into in Spider Valley or we meet again. Thank you and stay classy, St Alban’s!
the excessive amounts of beans that you will eat.
‘And there’s a hand, my trusty friend! And give me a hand o’
On Journey we learnt that it’s the friends that we meet thine! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang
along the way who help us appreciate the Journey. syne.’
Sometimes our perceptions of people are not correct.
In my group, there were guys that I didn’t often speak Come and fetch me, my St Alban’s brother: Brooklyn Brothers
to, guys I didn’t really know, there were some of my best is just around the corner. We can catch up … and remember
mates and even some I wasn’t too fond of. However, those days which bind us.
over the course of the Journey I got the chance to
understand what kind of people they actually were. Orateng Koikanyang with Zachary Ziegelmeier

It is said that Journey is that time in your schooling
career when you find yourself and learn who you really
are. For me this was not as true as I thought. I don’t
really think you find yourself fully on Journey because
there are so many more experiences and challenges
that you will still have to face in the future. Instead, it
is a time when you discover that your perceived limits
of yourself are actually not what you think they are.
23 days later, 10 kilograms lighter and three shades
darker I came back to my family in a clearer state of
mind as a great deal of reflection had taken place.

Form 3 completed another side of the high school
cube as it was a key and integral part of my schooling
career at St Alban’s College.

With only the alignment of the top layer to the
completion of the cube and a lot less time left in our
schooling careers, the step up into Form 4 had to be
made. Many say that Form 4 is the most important
year of school as it is those end of year results that one
uses to apply for university. It is also the time when the
boys begin to step into the various leadership positions
that have to be filled at the end of the year and to
becoming complete seniors in the school. This will be a
year that will bring memories of Cornel Korff, Howard
Lamb and Tawana Makombe as we were selected
as the Top Four for 2017 to lead the school alongside
our fellow matric pupils. As another year of school was
completed, so another completed part of the high
school cube followed, with the final and daunting
challenge of Matric.

Matric has been a year of focus, fun and even more
memories. Looking back at photos of us when we were
in Form one is almost unbelievable; I can’t believe
how everyone has grown in spirit and in stature! I wish I
could say the same about the growth of my calves but
that would be lying.

Ringing the bell for the last time as St Alban’s College

HEADBOY 9

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY 2017

September is recognized as literacy month and 8 Enhancement Commons hosted a Book Tasting event
September is celebrated worldwide as International so as to showcase available literature and encourage
Literacy Day. This year’s theme was promoting literacy the boys to read. The boys were treated to snacks
in a digital world. This emphasized the baseline role and an exciting book display. While the treats were an
that literacy plays in the new possibilities created by obvious attraction, the event seemed to have been
the digital world, among them, access to information, genuinely received by boys. There is a notable interest
knowledge management, networking, social services. and increase in circulation figures by the day. While
Those who lack access to digital technologies and this was a commemorative event, there is a need to
the knowledge, skills and competencies required to remain creative in order to encourage reading and
navigate them, risk marginalization and exclusion general inquiry among boys as we prepare them for life.
from interfacing with the world. While the world has Reading and exposure to information and knowledge
made strides in improving literacy there remains a are certain to create possibilities for anything!
sizable number of about 123 million youths who are
functionally illiterate. To motivate reading, a crucial Moira Gundu, Learning Enhancement Commons
activity to the sustenance of literacy, the Learning

COMMUNICATION
IN SOUTH AFRICA:

the possible key to breaking down
barriers and bringing healing …

isiZulu is the most widely spoken language in
Southern Africa. Learning to speak it is a fast
track way to broaden your communication
skills with the majority of the population.

St Alban’s College has opened the door to
those who are keen for an introduction to
isiZulu with hour-long classes which cater for
everyone wishing to learn the Nguni language.
Classes are on Tuesdays and Wednesday.

For more information contact Ma Thembekile
Mtshali on [email protected]

10 LITERACY

LICENSING OF NEW LAY communities and the impact of building relationships.
MINISTERS We congratulate our new lay ministers and pray that they will
indeed continue to serve St Alban’s College with love, care and
It was with great excitement and joy that four of our compassion. God bless you.
teaching staff members, Dr Moore, Ms Modise, Mr
Campbell-Atkins and Mr Schwartz, were licensed as Father Gradwell Fredericks
Lay Ministers by the Archdeacon, the Venerable Dr.
Mariri on Thursday 26 October 2017.

The four new lay ministers are licensed to assist with
chalice duty at the Eucharist, to lead worship at
chapel services and to preach occasionally. It is
wonderful that they have availed themselves to serve
the church and the community of St Alban’s in this
capacity.

The chapel talk at this service was done by the
Community Outreach Club, led by Matthew Field and
Jarryd Clark. They challenged us as a school to stop
thinking that community outreach is something ‘out
there’ and not part and parcel of who we are. The
message was very fitting as we had to look at our own
approach and understanding of service, serving our

RECYCLING

St Alban’s started recycling successfully on the campus at the
beginning of this term. Our intention and purpose is the reduction of
our waste as we start doing something for the planet.

We contracted The Waste Group who will come and collect our
recycling. We phone them when we have collected enough. They
are also going to provide a cage which will be placed at Facilities
once a concrete floor and adequate covering have been provided.
This cage will then house all the school’s recycling from plastics and
cans to white paper. The Waste Group is also going to supply a sorter
for us who will organise the waste.

In the meantime, we have started collecting white paper only in
order to establish a recycling culture before we move on with our
more ambitious plans. Bins have been purchased for each office and
classroom and these are cleared each day by staff from Facilities.

We have also started collecting plastic bottle tops which are passed
on to the kitchen. They are invested in the Wheelchair Foundation; for
a certain number of kilograms of plastic bottle tops, the Foundation
donates a wheelchair to communities in need of them.

There are still minor issues which are being dealt with, but all new
projects come with issues. The aim is that at the beginning of 2018,
Facilities will be available to introduce plastic and tin recycling.

A big thank you to all those who helped to get this project started,
as well as to those who have bought in.

Brad Johnston

LITERACY/RECYCLING 11

OUTREACH

BREAKFAST PACKS EERSTERUST

Ashton Frodsham (Form 3 MacRobert) and the children with The other photo is of some St Alban’s volunteers in Eersterust.
the breakfast packs inspired and driven by Ashton. Over They clearly had a really good time doing good work!
15000 breakfast packs were handed over at St Alban’s
Cathedral in the CBD. These were shared with the homeless Desmond Turton
and with children through the Good Sheppard Feeding
scheme in the Eersterust community.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CLUB

Despite the usual business of Michaelmas Term – leadership donated much needed supplies.
transitions, upcoming exams, endless dinners and the
euphoria of the Matrics’ last academic days, the Community All of these projects helped the Form 4s to engage with
Service Club members managed to keep their heads above their community and make a real difference in the lives of
water and make a sizeable impact in the community. ordinary, but needy, South Africans. Moreover, the Club
planned some festive fun as well. For the first time, we joined
Perhaps the most impact in community service this term was in the Santa’s Box campaign which will surely grow from
made by the Form 4 tutor groups. Each house went on a strength to strength in future festive seasons.
different service outing for Platinum Day. This was a major
success on all fronts and has done wonders in building Community Service is not about filling hours or making
momentum for service in 2018. yourself look good. It is about doing unto others as you would
have done unto yourself, and being a guardian of the truth.
Students went to crèches, sorted stock at the Sungardens The Community Service Club has certainly lived up to that
Hospice shop, assisted with renovations at Tumelong, standard this term, and this year.
volunteered at Wetnose and constructed a library for the
Viva Village Independent School in the informal settlement Matthew Field
of Alaska in Mamelodi.
Pupils in Form 1 also had a spectacular day with the Leap
School in GaRankuwa. The boys assisted in the crèche and

12 OUTREACH

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Eersterust Feeding Scheme

It has been revealed that three out of four children
go hungry every day because 30% of our population
lives in poverty with food insecurity. At school these
hungry children are unable to concentrate; with
hunger gnawing at them, they are unable to think
about anything else… Or, they simply don’t attend
school at all. Hunger can lead to unacceptable
consequences, and is a matter deserving attention
from of all of us.

At present, on Thursday afternoons, in Eersterust, St
Alban’s College continues to devote time and effort
to feed a group of about 600 hungry youngsters,
ranging in age from three months to 17 years old.
Relying on boys and volunteers from our community
to help serve the prepared hot meal, we usually see
the following numbers:

300 – Nantes
120 – Highlands Park
50 – Ivy
50 – Kersies

If you would like to participate in any way in this very
important outreach effort, please contact me.

Connie Kannemeyer, Outreach
Mobile: 072 842 4618

SANTA CLAUSE VISITS KALAFONG HOSPITAL

More young couples and single moms are finding it difficult
to afford private healthcare. So, if you are giving birth in a
government hospital, where more than 80 babies are born
a day, what can you expect? Everyday women with high-
risk pregnancies (including hypertension, high blood pressure,
diabetes, multiple pregnancy, more than three miscarriages
and congenital abnormalities) come to Kalafong Hospital from
all over to give birth.

“People just don’t understand the hospital – especially when it
comes to the maternity unit,” says Sr Malatjie. “The maternity unit has
to cope with women who arrive in advanced labour and who have
not had any antenatal care. They come with nothing - no clothes for
the baby nor toiletries for themselves. We simply have to do take what we
have (our own clothes etc) and do the best with what we have.”

On Friday, 3 November 2017, Knapp Fisher House boys, parents and teachers visited the
maternity unit at Kalafong Hospital. Boys took to the wards and gave each mommy a gift bag with goodies such as a
blanket, baby clothes, diapers and toiletries. Then they surprised the nurses by giving each one hand lotion – because their
hands are the “tool of tools”.
Thank you to everyone in Knapp Fisher who made an effort to contribute to this worthy cause.

Connie Kannemeyer, Community Outreach

OUTREACH 13

SPORT

SOCCER CLUB

Although this has been a short season our soccer players
turned up in their numbers for practices and games.

In total the College fielded nine teams: four teams in the Open
Category, Under 15 A and B teams and Under 14 A, B and C
teams.

A record number of Matrics joined the Club for the last season of
their sporting career at St Alban’s. The camp at the beginning of
the season proved fruitful as we got to know our senior boys.

The passion in the Club was remarkable; we are extremely proud of our
boys who gave it their all.

Jack Sachane

INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS

As the final term of the year began, the houses immediately
began preparing for Interhouse Athletics 2017. Already on
Wednesday 6 September, only a day after the term began,
the pre- events were run, but the main events took place on
Saturday 8 September.

On Saturday you could truly feel the spirit of competition as wrapped up with war cries from the various houses and the
the houses competed against each other on the Murray announcement that Knoll House had won the Interhouse
fields. From the beginning of the morning we could see Athletics 2017. Well done to Knoll House, as well as all the
that it was going to be an interesting day by how energetic houses for excellent participation.
everyone was. Such energy hadn’t been seen since Cultural
week or even the Interhouse gala.

After a long day of track and field events the morning was

Tlogang Mosupye

14 RECYCLING/SPORT

BASKETBALL CLUB

It can be said that this year has been, without of hard wins against St Davids and St Benedicts. At the St
a doubt, one of the best years at the College Johns tournament, probably the toughest tournament both
from a basketball perspective. Some of the mentally and physically, this side managed to finish 3rd with
top performances by individuals, as well as by a loss to Michael Mount in the semi-final, and a win against
the teams where displayed. Several boys won Phoenix in the 3rd and 4th playoff. There were exceptional
awards for being the top player in their age performances by Jean Tognia and Nale Mulaudzi. The
group. team also managed to do very well in the Pretoria league
as they finished runners up to Pretoria Boys High in a closely
Under14 contested game.

It’s never easy having to learn a new sport, Nale Mulaudzi, Captain
especially if you’ve never played the game or
had a feel for it before. Nonetheless, our Under SPORT 15
14 side did reasonably well as they managed
to come up with more wins than losses this year.
Earlier in the year they were able to do what
most sides in their age group cannot do, and
that was record a famous win over the Boys High
Under 14 side! They were unable to continue
this exceptional performance into the Pretoria
League, but still showed brilliant determination
and heart as they fought for the badge on their
chest.

Under 15

This group of young men had a brilliant season.
They managed to continue their success from
their Under 14 days as they recorded wins against
some of the best basketball schools during the
summer league, and also managed to win the
Pretoria League. There is a lot of potential in
this team; we hope they will carry over their top
performances in the years to come.

Under 16

An exceptional group of talented young men,
they were able to come up with the best record
the school has ever had at Under 16 level. The
group remained undefeated during the summer
league as they showed great resilience and a
steely determination to win. As a team they know
how to find each other easily, as well as each
other’s strengths, a winning combination. They
were unstoppable at the St John’s tournament
which they won. The fact that they also won the
Pretoria League makes them, without doubt,
the best team in their category in the country.
Special mention must go to Olothando Masiza
for winning the MVP award at the St Johns
tournament. In the Pretoria league Reinhard
Venter was announced as the All-star and
Thendo Magugumela as the MVP.

Opens

Probably one of the most gifted group of young
men to have ever played at the College, this
side has managed to do very well, starting at the
Kearsney Stayers tournament where they finished
runners-up to Kearsney. In the final, they lost the
game by a narrow margin. During the summer
season they managed to also pull off a couple

CRICKET CLUB

Cricket at St Alban’s College this term meant a short wickets. Our second game was against Michaelhouse
but busy programme with all the “A” teams traveling where we only managed 126 all out and lost by 8
away on tours, as well as St Alban’s hosting a number wickets. We then played Maritzburg College in a T20
of schools in Pretoria. match in our last game, chasing 144 to win but we
ended up 25 runs short scoring 119 for 8 in our 20 overs.
The 1st XI started the season off with a fixture against
Rondebosch Boys High from Cape Town. In chasing The 2nd Team travelled to Michaelhouse to play in a
273 St Alban’s were bowled out for 200 losing by 73 festival where they had a great time and some good
runs. Next up were fixtures against Paul Roos, which cricket:
included matches for the u14A, u15A and 2nd teams, Match 1 vs Pretoria Boys High (T20) lost by 48 runs.
who came to Pretoria on a pre- season cricket tour. It Match 2 vs St Andrews College (50 overs) lost by 8
was a wonderful opportunity to play against schools wickets.
from the Cape as well as to get in some valuable Match 3 vs Hilton (T20) won by 2 wickets.
match practice for the season ahead. After some Match 4 vs Michaelhouse (T20) lost off last ball by 4
tough games all the A teams prepared to travel to wickets.
various cricket festivals around the country.
The u15A Team played in Pretoria in the AFFIES u15
The 1st XI attended the Michaelmas Cricket Week at Festival
Maritzburg College, a fantastic event with many of the Match 1 vs Wynberg lost by 3 wickets (Barwick 136)
top schools from all over South Africa competing. Match 2 vs Grey High School lost by 78 runs (Barwick
117)
St Alban’s played Northwood in their first game and Match 3 vs Pearson lost by 25 runs (Barwick 101)
after losing the toss and being put into bat soon found Match 4 vs St Andrews College (T20) lost by 8 wickets
themselves in trouble and unable to recover being (Barwick 53; Proudfoot 57)
bowled out for 97. Northwood scored the runs with 3 Special mention must be made of Jonathan Barwick
wickets down to win by 7 wickets. The next day we who scored 407 runs including three centuries during
played DHS and bowled them out for 188 with Max the Festival. He was not out twice and had an
Berry taking three wickets. St Alban’s scored the runs, average of 203.
and with six wickets down went on to win by four

16 SPORT

The u14 Team played at the Hilton College Festival Congratulations to Musa Twala who was selected for
Match 1 vs Hilton match drawn owing to bad weather the Northerns u19 team to play at the Kaya Majola
(Hilton 196 all out; St Albans 74 for 4) Cricket Week. Musa has had a fantastic year scoring
Match 2 vs Michaelhouse match because of bad 943 runs. Musa has also scored three hundreds. He
weather (Michaelhouse 273 for 6; St Alban’s 240 for 4) scored 101 vs St David’s in the St David’s two day
(Mansfield 119) festival, 103 vs St David’s and 138 vs Parktown.
Match 3 vs Westville won by 96 runs (Burn 6 for 35)
Match 4 vs Kingswood (T20) won by 8 wickets Greg Smith, Director of Cricket
Match 5 vs Maritzburg College (T20) lost by 76 runs

The regular third term fixtures continued after half-
term with fixtures for the whole Cricket Club against St
David’s, Gauteng Development/Queens High School
and Parktown. The 1st XI recorded a tie with St David’s, a
loss to Queens High School and a win against Parktown.
The 1st XI also played in the preliminary rounds of the
National Schools T20 competition, recording good wins
against Shoshanguve and Prestige College.

There were also mid-week matches for some of the
lower teams against Cornwall Hill and Hatfield Christian
School and junior teams played against WHPS.

SPORT 17

GOLF CLUB CHALLENGE

Team Sheard, consisting of players Lance van Rensburg,
Warwick Purchase, Matthew Christie, Brad Brown, Dylan Blom
and Owen Sheard were overall winners of the challenge -
congratulations on some fine golf, Gents!

Thank you to the Sheard and Newton families for hosting us
at Leopard Creek.

Mandy Sutcliffe, Alumni Relations Manager

CAPE TOWN STAYERS SQUASH FESTIVAL

The First Squash Team, consisting of Reece McLachlan, Simon KwaZulu-Natal. We have a lot of preparation to do, but we all
Miller, JP Bleeker, Josh Strydom, Rivoni Mathebula and TJ know what is needed to achieve our goal.
Gare, embarked on its annual Cape Town squash tour during
the Michaelmas mid-term break. JP Bleeker, Captain

Accompanied by Mr Justin Cook the boys had an outstanding
time, not only playing squash but doing some valuable team
bonding ahead of the 2018 season. The bonding was achieved
through hours of deep chats whilst touring the Western Cape.
Besides playing some great squash, other experiences were
night walks on the beach, driving along Chapmans Peak,
doing some whale spotting, meeting penguins, eating fresh
‘feesh ‘n cheeps’ and enjoying a cold swim in the icy Atlantic
waters at a very interesting and beautiful beach.

The squash side has grown tremendously in strength. We were
first invited to this prestigious festival three years ago. We are
proud to announce that St Alban’s College was seeded with
the top schools in the country, in other words we played the
schools that take Squash serious. This was a brilliant opportunity
because the Club has a goal to qualify for Top Schools in
2018 so we were able to measure ourselves against the best.
We played Wynburg, Michealhouse, Bishops, Kearnsey, and
one of our Gauteng rivals, St Johns College. We gave it our
all, winning two, drawing one and losing two. Although these
were not quite the results we were hoping for, we can definitely
be proud of our efforts as well as the fact that we took a lot of
positive learning experiences from the tour.
The losses against St Johns and Michaelhouse were humbling,
and the team learned a lot about their capabilities on and
off the court. The team is currently preparing for next year; we
are striving to qualify for the Top Schools tournament hosted in

18 SPORT

HOCKEY TOUR TO MALAYSIA

On 6 August 2017, the First
Hockey Team departed from
O R Tambo Airport to start our
tour of Singapore and Malaysia.
We arrived in Singapore and
immediately started visiting the
local tourist attractions. The first
two days in Singapore included
visits to Chinatown, the gardens
at the bay, Mount Faber and
Universal Studios. We played our
first match against the Singapore
Hockey Federation Rising Stars
and unfortunately we went
down 3-1 in a well-contested
game. We then proceeded to
Malaysia where we would find
better form, winning the next
four games in a row, with our
most convincing result being a
13-0 win over SMK Sultan School.

Malaysia is where we would
be spending the remainder
of our time on the tour visiting
Malacca, Kuala Lumpur and
Penang Island. Malacca was
our first stop in Malaysia where
we spent the night and following
day touring the city and learning
about the culture. We then went
on to the capital city, Kuala
Lumpur, where we visited caves,
local restaurants, temples,
mosques and many other
interesting places. However, our
next games weren’t as exciting;
we lost the next three games
narrowly but ended the tour
with four wins and four losses.
The tour concluded in Penang
where we spent the last two
nights next to the beach before
heading home.

Overall, the tour was extremely
successful and enjoyable. On
behalf of the First Team Hockey
players we would like to thank
Mr Kidwell for granting us the
opportunity to go overseas,
as well as Mr Moodley and Mr
Holliday for organizing the tour
and taking time in their holidays
to accompany us.

Matthew Monk, Captain

SPORT 19

ROWING

Rowing has just begun in the third term! We look forward to our Under 19 1st Quad
new 2017/2018 season, which runs from the end of August until Our 2nd Quad qualified for the 1st Quad race placing 4th with
early March. Brad Johnston, Ruben Grobler, Dillan Laubscher, Hannes Kruger,
and Kagiso Motaung as cox.
2017/2018
Captain: Brad Johnston Josh Harty, Liam Smit, Daniel Philipps, Nicholas Botoulas, and
Vice-captain: Nicholas Botoulas and Daniel Philipps Josh Brink as cox claimed the gold medal.

Our August Camp held at Roodeplaat ran smoothly, with 18 St Alban’s College Rowing Club placed 3rd in the overall points
new Under 14 boys from various schools, 8 Under 15s, 8 Under trophy.
16s, and 14 Opens. One could say we are growing in size since
2000. Gauteng Champs most certainly produced record-breaking
performances all round from the Rowing Club and one for the
Compared to other schools we are small in comparison, books!
though we don’t need a large number of boys to perform.
That is something special about this Club. Each boy is a valued Boat Race 2018 Crew:
team member and makes up a part of this Rowing Family. Dillan Laubscher
Liam Smit
Our first few regattas have been great, with a few gold, silver, Daniel Phiipps
and bronze medals being won. I have no doubt that we are in Nicholas Botoulas
for a fantastic season! Brad Johnston
Hannes Kruger
Our Old Boys’ Day saw our First Quad narrowingly being beaten Ruben Grobler
by Old Boys’ Quad comprising Chris Mittendorf (2014), Charles Ehros Smith
Brittain (2015), Robin De Villiers (2013), and Katlego Sotsaka Cox: Josh Brink
(2012). Coach: Tiago Loureiro and Devon Miller

Our first quad was announced for the first half of the season: We wish the Boat Race Crew and coaches all the best!
Joshua Harty, Liam Smit, Nicholas Botoulas, Daniel Philipps and Leighann Norton
Josh Brink as cox.

Gauteng Champs Results:
Under 14 Scull – Bronze – Matthew Ward
Under 14 Double – Silver – Neil Botha and Stephan Botoulas
Under 14 Quad – Neil Botha, Stephan Botoulas, Matthew
Ward, Neil Olivier and cox: Ian Altona-de Klerk place 4th (by
.04 of a second)

Under 15 Double
Roelof Smit and Ryan Thomaz claimed bronze.

Under 15 Quad - Roelof Smit, Stuart Mackay, Eugene Cloete,
Ryan Thomaz, and Tlangelani Khosa as cox claimed bronze.

Under 16 Single Scull
Sebastian Ringrose placed 5th and Ehros Smith claimed the
silver medal.

Under 16 Double
Ross Munn and Ronan Rodo placed 8th.
Kyle Jericevich and Guillaume De Villiers placed 4th.
Sebastian Ringrose and Ehros Smith claimed silver.

Under 16 Quad
Sebastian Ringrose, Ehros Smith, Kyle Jericevich, Guillaume De
Villiers and Ross Munn as cox claimed gold.

Under 19 1st Sculls
Josh Harty placed 8th.
Daniel Philipps placed 7th.
Liam Smit claimed gold.

Under 19 1st Double (we had four of our St Alban’s doubles
qualify)
Daniel De Villiers and Rickus van Staden placed 7th.
Brad Johnston and Ruben Grobler placed 4th.
Daniel Philipps and Nicholas Botoulas claimed bronze.
Josh Harty and Liam Smit claimed gold.

20 SPORT

STAFF NEWS

ANGELA ROCHÉ

she is always practical about logistical Arguably one of the most experienced
organization, and she always keeps teachers at our school, this term we
in mind what would be best for the unfortunately have to bid farewell
students. It has led to her making to Mrs Angela Roché. An excellent
very good decisions over the years science teacher with a caring heart for
regarding her teaching practice all her students, Ma’am Roché will be
which is rock solid. sorely missed by many of her students
and colleagues. I haven’t known Mrs
Angela has been a great mentor Roché for very long (in fact, only one
to me. She helped me so much in It is a loss for the Science Department to year), but in this time, she has shown me
the beginning when I first came to St see a person of Angela’s professional her passion for science and her caring
Alban’s. She didn’t dictate the way and personal integrity go. I know I will personality towards her students. She
I should do things, but helped me to miss her. always encouraged hard work and I
speak from experience when I say that
find my own way whilst at the same Samuel Chowles you felt appreciated whenever you
time gently checking that I would be achieved a good mark in her class.

doing it right. She has never held back On behalf of the community of St
in sharing her teaching knowledge Angela is a soft-hearted lady who is Alban’s College, I wish Ma’am Roché
as she cares deeply about the next passionate about teaching in general a pleasant, well-deserved retirement;
generation of teachers and what and and science in particular. Her care we hope you will enjoy what else your
how they will be ‘doing Science’. This and concern for the staff and boys will journey of life has in store for you,
is evident in the example she sets by be missed. Ma’am!

doing work beyond the College to Tiago Teixeira
help disadvantaged learners get to She was always looking for ways to
grips with, and actually enjoy, the make her subject more accessible
to the boys and was a leader in
subject!
innovative educational practices.

A striking fact about Angela is that Claire Weerepas

JADE HOMVELD

family friends were (and some still are) Mrs Homveld leaves us to become the
members of the College student body, Head of Department at Cornwall Hill
so it soon felt that she had been part College. Mr Keith Viljoen knows he is
of the community for quite a while. gaining a real asset and we wish her
every blessing as she moves into this
There are several qualities that made exciting chapter of her career.

Mrs Homveld stand out as a colleague Than you, Jade, for your support and
hard work. We wish you well.
Mrs Jade Homveld began her three and a teacher. She is a caring tutor
Rob Campbell-Atkins
and a bit years at St Alban’s in January and quickly won the trust of her tutor

2015. However, she did not arrive groups. She is also very dedicated and

here as an unknown quantity. Mrs pours both energy and love into her

Homveld had taught at the Glen and work at the College. In her spare time

Hatfield Christian School and was also she thinks nothing of swimming across

prominent in swimming and English Table Bay to Robben Island or chatting

teaching circles in Pretoria. to College boys as she parts swathes

of water hyacinth on a swim across a

Mrs Homveld’s nephews and other local dam.

STAFF NEWS 21

CLAIRE WEEREPAS

boys, caring enough not to let each the Head of Life Sciences, she is most
boy settle for second best. qualified in her field with vast amounts
of subject knowledge. However, it is
A tribute from a friend and colleague Moreover, Claire is authentic. She her ability to connect with her students
lives her values and is an example to and present them with these concepts
I have had the distinct privilege of everyone she meets. As a colleague, in ways which are entertaining which
teaching alongside Claire at two she has been reliable, encouraging, make her stand out. Anyone who
schools: Willowridge High School and kind, innovative and adaptable. has ever been taught by Ma’am
St Alban’s College. In both these Nothing is too much for Claire. Weerepas will know of her insane
institutions, I have been in awe of Her willingness to give of herself - concept maps or her witty sarcasm!
Claire’s commitment and talent as an sacrificially at times - is admirable. Just
educator. like she’s done with the boys, she has She has integrated herself throughout
Claire is a subject specialist who touched the lives of those privileged College life taking on the position of
has been locally and internationally enough to have worked with her. Deputy Head of De Beer House this
recognised as a leader in her field. She year and she has also been involved
is dedicated to getting the most out of St Alban’s College will be poorer with many exchanges throughout the
every boy she teaches and will often without you, Claire, but definitely years. She will undoubtingly be missed
be seen spending extra hours making richer because of the amazing legacy but we wish her all the best at Dainfern
sure that “her boys” are equipped to you will leave as you step into a new and we thank her for all she has done
do their best. I’ve often heard boys season. We wish you God’s richest for us.
talk of what an incredible teacher she blessing for your new position at
is. Dainfern College. Kian de Gray Birch
Claire is not only characterised by her
excellence in Life Science, but also Bruce Collins
by her deep desire for boys to grow
into men who make a difference A learner’s tribute
in society. Her resolve to challenge
colleagues and boys alike on thorny Ma’am Weerepas joined the College
issues is an inspiration. Very often, she in 2005 and during the time she has
chooses courage over comfort, and spent with us she has not only been
- in the process - has helped shape an extraordinary teacher but has
a St Alban’s College that is better for also imposed ideas of equality and
all. As a tutor, she has taught many challenged our views on society.
life lessons to generations of St Alban’s She was the first female teacher to
complete the Journey. Her love of
nature and animals is clearly visible
within and outside the classroom, and
she stimulates the interest of anyone
lucky enough to be taught by her. As

22 STAFF NEWS

ELAINE DAVIS

confident Albanian. He matriculated always have to say goodbye to a few
in 2011 as the Deputy Head of House members of staff.
in Murray House. He recently joined his
older brothers in the UK after obtaining This year, Sister Elaine Davies, the
a Law degree. expert in school nursing, will be leaving
her full-time position, but luckily we do
Tribute from a colleague and friend In 2015, Elaine was injured while on not have to say farewell yet as she will
duty and had to be hospitalised. This still be working 25 hours a week at the
Sister Elaine Davis joined us as the San incident proved to us, once again, San next year.
Sister in 2004. She and her son Michael that the smooth running of the medical
(then at WHPS) did not take very long side of the College is not something Since her passion for nursing resulted in
to become an essential part of the we should automatically expect. We her employment at St Alban’s College
College operation. really struggled to get full-time relief 14 years ago, Sister Davies has done
while she was away. Some parents a wonderful job, helping we boys
Sister Elaine (or ‘Sis’, as she is also helped out and commented on whenever we need it (and sometimes,
affectionately known) is a real tiger the demands of the job Elaine has also when we don’t). Sister Davies has
mother. If a boy is ill or injured, nothing done so well for so long. a compassionate heart and I’m sure
is too much trouble for Elaine as she that all the boys have experienced
works hard to get him back on his Elaine will remain on the staff in a part- her caring personality at least once
feet or back at school. However, the time capacity next year. She will help whilst here.
opposite is true too - as those who join the new San sister settle in and be I know that Sister will miss all the boys,
the long queue of ‘regular customers’ the relief sister when necessary. She and certainly their interesting excuses,
who try to get off running bounds will deserves the opportunity to go out to especially to miss bounds, just as much
testify. Sister does not allow those boys a movie some evenings and will, we as we will miss her.
to wriggle out of bounds or going to hope, relish the chance to feel that
lessons once she has determined she is not on duty ‘24/7’. We can all agree that Sister Davies has
that there is nothing wrong with the definitely left some big shoes to fill. We
disappointed would-be patient! Thank you, Elaine. You have done all really appreciate the hard work ,
sterling work and made many friends passion and sensible caring that she
Elaine is also known for her diagnostic in the College community because has put into making sure that all the
skills. Her ability to make a swift we all know how much you care. boys are the healthiest that they can
judgement has been commented on, be. Thank you, Sis!
even by doctors and specialists who Rob Campbell-Atkins
receive patients from her or whose Tiago Teixeira
own sons were seen by her. Tribute from a learner

Michael Davis soon grew into a This year has been a great one for
the College but unfortunately we

LORNA FERREIRA - THANK YOU

It was once again a real privilege to have Lorna Ferreira as but a few of the qualities that make Lorna the special and
part of the Afrikaans Department’s team for term 3. Lorna valued person that she is.
is an exceptional teacher and has a great passion for
teaching boys. She has a lifetime’s experience of teaching Ylmé Rappard, Head of Additional Languages
boys which always makes it so wonderful when she just
steps in and gets on with the job at hand. Her caring
nature and her vast subject knowledge, her attention to
detail and her meticulous administrative skills are to name

STAFF NEWS 23

WELCOME

Michael Schwartz University of Pretoria but has left his wife Kenneth Ndoda
St Alban’s College Social Science
The staff and boys of St Alban’s College in Pietermaritzburg as their daughter is Department is very excited to
welcome Mr Kenneth Ndoda as our
welcomed Mr Michael Schwartz when in in Form 4 at her school there. latest specialist teacher of History.
Mr Ndoda, who has a Bachelor of
he took up the appointment of Deputy Education from the University of the
Witwatersrand, joins us from Rand
Headmaster of School Administration We look forward to profiting from College, Johannesburg where he has
been teaching since 2013, A Sowetan
at the beginning of the term. Michael’s expertise as we work with local, Mr Ndoda’s passion for current
affairs and all things historical will
him. doubtless make him an invaluable
addition to the department and
Mr Schwarz has extensive experience. sought after mentor for our learners.

He has taught in the UK, was Head of Rob Campbell-Atkins Tom Blampied, History Department

Department at SACS in Cape Town

and at Rondebosch Boys before Moira Gundu

moving to Michaelhouse, where he Moira joined us in September and has

held several positions. He has been already made an incredible impact

in charge of sport, 1st team Sevens in our Learning Commons and other

rugby, assisted with the Academic spaces. She brings with her a wealth

programme (as the Senior Master) of knowledge and understanding of

and was a housemaster. He is also an curriculum design, critical thinking

experienced Science teacher. skills, research and cross-curricular

integration strategies. There is a buzz

Mr Schwartz says he has been very in our library space again, and boys

busy since he arrived but states that are clearly feeling supported in their

he is ‘grateful for the opportunity now learning, if the buzz around her desk

because I think it will be better for me is anything to go by. Welcome to the

in 2018 that I have spent a term here team, Moira; we’re so chuffed you’re

learning the systems.’ We have already here.

noted his energy and enthusiasm and

have benefited from his new ideas. Bruce Collins

Mr Schwartz has a son studying at the

NEW SPORTS STAFF

The St Alban’s community welcomed Julian Cowper and offer and look forward to seeing them grow in their new
Alastair Trafford who joined us at the start of Term 3 in roles. Alastair joins us from Oakhill in Knynsa, while Julian
the Sports Department. Julian will be the 1st Team Water has been the head of the TUKS Water Polo Club. We wish
Polo coach and will drive our coach education, while them well as they start their new careers at St Alban’s.
Alastair will be taking care of our Hockey and Water Polo
administration. We are excited about what both men will

24 STAFF NEWS

TOURS AND TRIPS

ARGENTINA – LIFE IN TECHNICOLOUR

Travel, see the world from another perspective. Dare to
explore the world to widen your knowledge and collect
memories that will last a life time.
I was given the great honour and wonderful opportunity
to take part in an exchange to Rio Tercero in Argentina
where I was able to experience raw Argentine culture
and see what the world only wishes it knew about this
vibrant country. Most people only ever speculate about
what the purpose of life is; the truth is that the answer
is whatever you want it to be. In my case, life is many
things but it is nothing if you are not happy. Travelling
to a foreign country meant completely isolating myself
from my family and friends, and moving completely
out of my comfort zone, in a country where I couldn’t
even speak the same language as the people around
me. Travel challenges your mind and makes you learn
things about yourself, for instance, I had to learn Spanish
otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to communicate
with anyone. But truly if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t
change you. That’s a bit of an understatement actually,
but nevertheless…
School was complicated but very enjoyable and filled
with fun activities, except that they had no sport during
school hours.
The traditions and culture I was able to immerse myself in
have changed the way I look at daily life. Not only am I
grateful for everything that I have here in South Africa but
I can proudly say that I have another family in Argentina
and that my heart will never forget this truly amazing
journey, it was truly life in Technicolour.

Albertus Booysen

TOURS AND TRIPS 25

TOURS AND TRIPS

AMBASSADOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME: BOSTON AND HARVARD

I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive before going
on this trip but I ended up loving every minute of it. We all
made new friends and had a lot of fun whilst learning many
skills such as being proactive, climbing out of your comfort
zone and accepting our diversity amongst others.
We participated in many activities and duties: we had to
initiate a project to alleviate a problem in our community,
we listened to guest speakers, we engaged with others from
different cultures and backgrounds, we toured the world-
famous Harvard campus, learning about the admissions
process and we hung out with our new friends whilst visiting
a food festival.
The whole experience was priceless as I really learnt a lot.
The programme helped me grow in confidence and ability
and I will cherish the memories forever. I will not forget the
great friends I made, the lessons learnt and the fact that I
now know I can overcome problems and how to do so.
I would like to thank Mr Kidwell for giving the programme his
approval, as well as Ma’am van Rensburg for accompanying
us on the trip which would not have been possible without
Ma’am Weerepas. On behalf of all of us who to Harvard,
please know, Ma’am, how much we appreciate all your
hard work in making this trip possible for us.
Travelling the world is truly a wonderful gift and all the
experiences definitely shape you as a person. No one says
it better than Mary Anne Radmacher, ‘I am not the same,
having seen the moon shine from the other side of the world.’

Tiago Teixeira

26 TOURS AND TRIPS

SCHLOSS NEUBEUERN, GERMANY

Our stay at Schloss Neubeuern was an amazing time time to cook and eat some delicious food and learn
to learn new things, meet new people and have fun more about Bavarian food culture. On days that we
along the way. didn’t have any extra activities we could always just
visit other people, go down to the village or relax
We had many interesting lessons, mainly in English. in our own rooms. The reason we enjoyed all these
We were welcomed into every new class, five minutes activities so much is because our school doesn’t offer
late, with many questions about ourselves and South them except for football, so all of them were new
Africa. We were pushed out of our comfort zones experiences for us.
and gave presentations about our school and how
it is different from Neubeuern. All of the presentations Our weekends were definitely one of the highlights of
didn’t go as planned, but this just gave everyone our trip. Our first weekend we stayed with our group
a chance to laugh. We were also way out of our and went to laser tag and go-cart. Our second
depth, as we were also asked to help the students weekend we went home with our host families and
which mostly led to us struggling to fix their work and had a great time with them. Our third weekend we
sometimes just having no idea what to do. We were had a lovely trip planned to Passau and Regensburg.
also shocked when we found out that there is school In Passau we saw the different colours of the
on Saturday. During our stay we were also tasked with different rivers go into one which was spectacular. In
learning a little bit of German. We can now proudly Regensburg we visited a castle and went shopping;
say that we know how to count to twenty and say a we liked Regensburg very much in particular as it is
few simple German sentences. a very nice place. On our last weekend which was a
long weekend, we went home with our host families
All the extra activities that we did made our trip all the and once again had an excellent time.
more fun. We especially liked playing football every
Monday night and doing kickboxing and volleyball on All in all, our exchange to Schloss Neubeuern was
Thursdays. Although we couldn’t speak the language amazing and we would definitely do it over again.
everyone else was speaking in the sports jargon, and We would just like to thank everyone who made this
it didn’t matter because we really communicated experience possible for us!
more with actions which was nice. We also took
part in cooking every Tuesday which was a great Ryan Crewe-Brown, Bradley Leonard and

TOURS AND TRIPS 27

2017 WORLD CHALLENGE EXPEDITION TO BORNEO

St Alban’s College took part in its first ever World Challenge up with something to present to them! We were made to feel
Expedition during the August holidays. The boys had been very welcome during the project phase which was a true
planning and preparing for the expedition since July 2016. cultural experience.
Part of the preparation included deciding on a community
service project they wanted to do, as well as the type of The second part of the trip was a three-day hike or trek
outdoor expedition to be undertaken. In a similar vein to our through the Crocker Range Jungle. We had two local guides
own Journey, the boys play a large part of planning and to show us where to go. The boys had to plan and shop for
running daily activities whilst on the Expedition. These include all the food for the trip. It interesting to see what they wanted
arranging accommodation, transport, food, the budget and to bring. Fortunately, many of the boys have extensive hiking
the activities to be done. On Sunday 6 August we met as a experience and knew what types of food to buy. The hikes
group and did the last bit of preparation and checking of were not too long, and generally we were in camp just
gear. after lunch which was good considering that it rained every
afternoon. We slept in hammocks, a different and comfortable
On Monday 7 August, 13 boys, two staff members and one experience although some of us did get wet! The humidity in
World Challenge Leader met bright and early at OR Tambo. the jungle was the hardest aspect with which to deal, and so
We flew via Dubai and Kuala Lampur on our way to Kota the afternoon showers were all the more welcome.
Kinabalu in Sabah Borneo, a 25-hour trip! We were a little
tired but very excited when we landed to a humid and wet After our three-day Crocker Range hike we moved onto the
climate. After making our way to our backpackers hostel for big challenge of the trip, Mount Kinabalu. A holy mountain
the first night we explored the area and had our first supper in in Borneo, it is over 4000m above sea level. It was a two-day
Borneo. The local food was superb and even the fussy eaters trek to the top with a stop at the base camp about 3200m
were able to find local food they really enjoyed! above sea level. At this height, some of us could already feel
the impact of the thinner air. We left base camp at 02:00
The expedition is divided into three parts with the first one being the following morning so we could summit for the sunrise.
community service. Our project was to go to a small town Unfortunately, two boys were overcome by altitude sickness
called Kampung Kiau about two hours from Kota Kinabalu. and had to turn back just before the summit. The rest of the
We were hosted at St Anthony’s Catholic Church which was group made it to the top where we took photos of the breath-
a small shell of a building on the side of a mountain. It has a taking views before heading back down.
dormitory where the boys stayed, as well as a patio where we
were served our meals made by some of the villagers. Our task And lastly, the final leg of our trip, the R & R leg which was
for the few days we were there was to build a concrete flight something everyone was looking forward to! We spent our last
of stairs as well as a wall and wire fence around an ablution few days in Kota Kinabalu. The boys explored and bought gifts
block. The boys got stuck in enthusiastically learning how at the local markets, noticing that many goods were cheaper
to mix cement, lay bricks and build wooden frames under than in South Africa. We also spent a day out snorkelling near
the guidance of the local handymen. The end results were some of the islands off the coast.
impressive considering it was the first time many of these boys
had done real manual labour! After two weeks in Borneo it was good to get back to a
cooler South Africa. The trip was a wonderful adventure and
The true beauty of this part of the expedition was that in the a huge success. The boys did themselves proud and learnt
afternoons the children from the village would come and a lot about the world and a different culture. Opportunities
play at the church. Even though they were considerably and experiences such as these don’t come along often. We
younger than our boys and could not speak any English, can definitely look forward towards the next World Challenge
communication was no problem. A football game, rain and Adventure in the future, wherever it might be.
mud easily solved any problems! The children also put on a
show and dance for us on the last night with members of the Sean Smith Challenge Leader
community coming to watch as well. It was very special to
watch and more entertaining to see our boys trying to come

28 TOURS AND TRIPS

EXCITING DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW CHAPEL

The Chapel has always been a significant space on The new Chapel remains a priority and we have
our campus. A space for quiet contemplation, deep recently raised 5 million rand toward this important
reflection and guidance, it is a symbol of our values project and The College has committed 5 million rand.
and our mission. Our new Bishop, the Very Reverend Allan Kannemeyer
has approved the new design which reflects our
Maintaining and developing the BUILT ENVIRONMENT humble beginnings, incorporates the old with the new
on our beautiful campus is important to accommodate and directs and encourages us to move forward into
increasing demand for places at College, as well as the future.
encouraging new learning methodologies, spiritual
development, recreational and extramural activities
and accommodation. It helps us to maintain,
upgrade and develop our built environment and to
grow outreach programs.

EXCITING DEVELOPMENT 29

UMUNTU NGUMUNTU NGABANTU

(YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE BECAUSE OF OTHERS)

There is not a moment when you are not greeted with a smile when you go to the kitchen. Even when you stand there,
there will be a staff member who will approach you, always with a positive attitude and offer to help. On Friday, 3
November, the Executive Committee returned the favour by serving the kitchen staff members with delectable food and
drinks.
We are who we are because of you! Thank you, Compass Group Kitchen Staff!

Thembi Mtshali

DEDICATION: JURGAN SLUBBER

DEDICATION

This issue of the Mitre is dedicated to the
memory of Jurgen Slabber (1January 1999
– 17 December 2015).
Those who knew Jurgen well were in awe
of his essence and presence, those for
whom he was an acquaintance held him
in the highest regard. He remains in our
hearts.
and to

THE CLASS of 2017

Our prayer and wish for you is that you
may be blessed and fulfilled as you move
towards the purpose for which you were
created.

30 UMUNTU / DEDICATION