4 May 2018

NEWSLETTER No. 13

Dear Parents

INTRODUCTION I trust that you have enjoyed a rewarding long weekend with your sons. At Assembly last week our boys were encouraged to reflect on the historical context of Freedom Day and, in so doing, appreciate the enormous significance that it has for our country. It must never be taken for granted and we must actively work toward the goal of a more equitable and just society for all South Africans. Today we focused on this weekend’s traditional derby fixture. In the first term, I wrote to our community about my expectations around sport and how we present ourselves, both on and off the field of play. I expect the high standards that we set ourselves to be upheld at all times. A derby fixture against a traditional rival is part of the very fabric of what our school is all about. I look forward to sharing it with you.

MAGNIFICENT MUSIC

The Music Department’s Hat-trick: Entering three, and winning three, categories in the Facets Eisteddfod at Sans Souci confirmed the hard work and excellence in the Music Department. The classes of ‘Choir’, ‘Marimba Ensembles’ and ‘Bands and Orchestras’ were all won by SACS in a week of intensive music-making.

The 70-strong, choir conducted by Mr Patientia, brought home the first trophy, scoring 88%. High praise from the adjudicator was accepted with great pride by the boys.

The next win came from the Senior Marimba ensemble, led by Kiara Ramklass, which achieved 90%, tying for first place with Wynberg Girls. Their energetic and uplifting performance drew great appreciation and support from the audience.

The Concert Band under Mr Alexander had the crowning victory with a mark of 94%. A hat-trick indeed with the bonus of SACS also taking the second place in the ‘Bands and Orchestras’ with the Big Band gaining 91%!

Our Junior Jazz Band, directed by Mrs Mdloyi, excelled among the veterans and was awarded 83%. Hearty congratulations to the Music Department and to the boys and directors of all the ensembles.

THE SAC IS THE COLLEGE

FOR ME

During the long weekend, there was a need for some teams to have practices, and on the Monday there were both junior school and senior school rugby players hard at work.

Afterwards they posed for a joint photo, showing the continuing bond between the two schools.

ROWING REWARDS

The SACS contingent for Western Cape Rowing, at Roodeplaat Dam this weekend, came home with phenomenal results.

U16 Pairs - 1st, 2nd and 3rd place U18 Pair - Gold U18 Coxless Four - Silver U16 Fours - Gold and Silver U16 VIII – Gold

A huge congratulations to our oarsmen and their coaches for the tremendous amount of hard work and outstanding results representing Western Province! Further results just in show that our successes did not stop there: The WP U18 coxless four won a silver medal, with three rowers being from SACS (Andrew Affleck, Daniel Human and Matt Nordoff. Kalu Varney of Bishops was the fourth rower).

Lastly, the WP U18 double won gold, with SACS’ Brad Marais and Bishops’ Nic McAdam rowing. This shows that SACS rowing is still dominant in Cape Town and also very competitive at national level. It has been a long season for these young men, with many an early morning wake-up, but these results must taste all the sweeter for it all. Lastly, a big thank you to the parents who have sacrificed so much for their children and for SACS rowing.

CROSS-COUNTRY

The recent rains added a different dimension to the cross-

country races held recently at Rondebosch. Despite the

conditions, our runners enjoyed themselves and had a very

successful afternoon.

In the u19 race, Ryan Ball (above centre) was first with

Nick De Nobrega coming in a worthy third. In the u15 race, Simon Bean (above left) was first, closely followed by Nick Anema in second. In the u14 race, Oliver Findley (above right) came first, thus giving SACS a hat-trick of wins! Well done to all the runners who ran, but especially to our podium achievers listed above.

TWELFTH NIGHT The annual S.A.C.S. drama production this year is William Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night. The story contains drama, a ship wreck, mistaken identity, cross-dressing (well, a female character pretending to be a male character), teasing, revenge and true love. Better than any TV soapie! All the parts, including those of the women, are played by S.A.C.S. boys, so it is a production very true to what would have happened in Shakespeare's time. The production runs on Friday 11th May and Saturday 12th May in the Hofmeyr Hall. Start time is 7.30p.m. Tickets cost just R40.00 each and bookings are open. Seats may be bought from the stall in the School foyer during all breaks next week, or by contacting Mr Storr Lister at listers@sacollege.org.za from whom further information may also be obtained.

FIRST CLASS! Many of you will know of the Maitland Cottage Home

orthopaedic hospital just across the way in Kildare Road. It

is a state hospital for children and you may remember our

own Gift Nkulu having an operation there last year.

The children at the hospital had a surprise visit from our

First Team Rugby players and it was a delight for all

involved.

Our boys said it was humbling to realise how fit and healthy

they were, when compared with the children they were

interacting with.

It was heart-warming to see the team reaching out to

others in need and bouquets need to be given to Mr

Maurer, Craig Bylin and the team for this wonderful

initiative.

Gift, meanwhile, will return in July to have the second and

final operation on his right leg.

SAILING During the past long weekend, Matt Ashwell (below left) and Bryan Carstens (below right) took part in the Optimist selections and KZN provincial regatta in Richards Bay. Matt Ashwell won the KZN provincial regatta and, not only that, but both were selected for the Optimist Worlds’ Team and African Team. Well done to these boys on their exceptional achievements!

Matt Ashwell leaves for Bermuda tomorrow for a week of sailing in the Junior Gold Renaissance Regatta. He is one of 16 sailors chosen from all over the world to compete. Congratulations to Matt, and we wish him all the best.

THIS WEEKEND This weekend we take on traditional rivals, Bishops.

Our First Rugby Team plays at Bishops on the Piley Rees

field at Bishops and kick-off is at 12.30pm.

Our First Hockey Team takes on Bishops at the SACS

astro, starting at 7.15pm.

This Friday night we will also be officially opening the new

astro-turf here at SACS.

It would be remiss of me if I did not express particular

gratitude to Mr James Peverley, Mr Stephan Brand and

Mrs Lil Copeland for the huge amount of work that they

have done on this project. The turf, the surrounding paving

and the gardens are a true feather in the cap for this great

school!

There will a brief ceremony as well as a wonderful and

festive atmosphere tonight. Food and drink will be

available, so do come along and support our boys. There

will be a large contingent of SACS boys leading the way

and we look forward to memorable matches.

The First Hockey Team’s match will be just after the

ceremony which starts at 7pm.

Yours sincerely

B. J. Grant

HEADMASTER