no. 11 june 2013 · one of these i believe is a must-read for every parent and educator. the book...

HORiZONSNo. 11 JUNE 2013

HAPPY 1st BiRTHDAY, HORiZONS!

This edition is a special one for the HORiZONS team as it marks a year since our move to this new communi-cation format, and indeed a new whole-school approach to communicating with our families and Old Boys.

Back in early 2012, our school community was faced with a frankly daunting range of communication options. From emails sent by staff, to the unchartered territories of Facebook and Twitter, the then new D6 School Communicator, the old weekly newsletter, the Old Boys’ Newsletter, the Term Calendar, the diary… it became challenging to manage these multiple platforms efficiently but, more importantly, to manage them so that we reduced the possibility of distributing conflicting or inaccurate information; a hard task indeed given the size of the school and plethora of extra-mural activities on offer!

After much discussion, we felt it was important to reduce the amount of “static” information being shared; information that cannot be easily changed (such as on the Term Calendar, for example), with the aim being that the whole school community could enjoy up-to-date, relevant and clear communication. HORiZONS forms a unique part of this general strategy, highlighting student achievements, profiling staff, and generally capturing a sense of the rich, exciting and varied experience that is The Ridge School, without the need to dwell on every-day logistics. We have reached out to our Old Boy community and it is wonderful to have them as an integral part of this monthly publication – we hope that as they read it, they look back fondly on their time with us. We always enjoy hearing news from them and we enjoy sharing their successes whenever we can.

While we’re celebrating turning one, I would like to thank the editorial team of Kole Montano, Urvasi Naidoo and Susie Thompson who do the most amazing job of planning an edition, sourcing articles, keeping people to deadlines and making sure that it all comes together and makes sense!

Here’s to one year of capturing the essence of The Ridge!

Nick PraulinsHead of Marketing

HORiZONS Private Bag X10 Parkview, 212 2

26 Woolston Road, Westcliff, Johannesburg

Telephone (011) 481 580 0

Fax 086 299 1964

Website www.ridgeschool.co. za

Email [email protected]

Happy 1st Birthday...

FROM THE HEADMASTER

One of the joys for me of the holidays is catching up on reading; at one stage, I was going between 3 books at the same time. I was fortunate enough to have been lent a couple of books by a parent, and one of these I believe is a must-read for every parent and educator. The book is entitled “How Chil-dren Succeed” by Paul Tough. The sub-title “Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character” gives a sense of what the author wants to emphasise. He looks at the challenges faced by pupils from a poor community going to an inner-city-type school AND he looks at the challenges for those from a more middle-class background attending an affluent independent school in the States. In terms of the latter, he highlights “[the] children were so overly protected from adversity that they weren’t developing the ability to overcome failure and learn from it.” (p.183) He contends that there are fewer entrepreneurs these days, “fewer iconoclasts; fewer artists; fewer everything, in fact, except investment bankers and management consultants”. He ascribes this to the reluctance to take risks; we just don’t want to fail, so we play safe. This sentiment resonated deeply with me and I discussed it with the staff at our first staff meeting this term. Indeed, our theme this term is “high expectations” and I used a high jump stand on the stage to emphasise to the boys the need to “raise the bar” by being prepared to fail. I referred to Winston Churchill’s wonderful line: “Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.”

After the staff meeting, one of the staff emailed me a link to a blog, ebook slider-.99blog, with the title: “Three Huge Mistakes We Make Leading Kids...and How to correct Them”. The writer highlights the fol-lowing:

1. We risk too little2. We rescue too quickly3. We rave too easily.

In terms of this last point, it is something that I have often mentioned: we should praise the effort and not the results. In the article he quotes Dr Carol Dweck from her book “Mindset” (which, incidentally, was the second book the thoughtful parent lent me!) where she mentions the adverse effects of praise. The blog writer continues “When we rave too easily, kids learn to cheat, to exaggerate and lie and to avoid difficult reality. They have not been condi-tioned to face it...our kids must be inoculated with doses of hardship, delay, challenges and inconven-ience to build the strength to stand in (sic) them.”

The writer doesn’t mince his words and ends the article with these words: “Bottom line? Your child does not have to love you every minute. He’ll get over the disappointment of failure but he won’t get over the effects of being spoiled. So let them fail, let them fall, and let them fight for what they re-ally value. If we treat our kids as fragile, they will surely grow up to be fragile adults. We must prepare them for the world that awaits them. Our world needs resilient adults not fragile ones.”

Paul ChannonHeadmaster



Telephone (011) 481 580 0

Fax 086 299 1964



MOTHER’S DAY LUNCH

Not only is this May the first anniversary edition of Horizons, but May is also the month during which we celebrate mothers.

The Mother’s Day Lunch at The Ridge is a bi-annual Parents Association event and this year it was organised by the Grade 1 PA Reps. There was such an over-whelming response that we could not accommodate everyone, so it was first come, first served. Luckily for me, I was one of the “firsts”. Not only was I wear-ing my “Staff Member” hat, but more importantly, I was wearing my “Mother” hat – and enjoyed every minute of being a mom.

So many mums, under the leadership of the Grade 1 class reps: Nikki Lewin; Carien Harvey; Paula Borner; Natasha Moolman; Samantha Denoon-Stevens; Naeema Surtee and Tessa Turvey, went far be-yond the call of duty to produce the most wonderful day – one which many will remember for a long time. The theme was, VINTAGE WITH LOVE and lunch was held in the Nicolson Hall. ‘Nicolson Hall’ in name only, for it was transformed into a garden filled with Ridge Roses and stunning flower pots, so carefully put together by Tracey Levell . Beautifully laid tables, flowers, decorations greeted the mums on their arrival. As if that were not enough, there were incredible giveaway spot prizes, lucky draws and raffle winners.

Many Grade 1 mums who gave up their time to chop, peel, set tables,etc in preparation for the event and they too, are to be recognised and thanked. The result was a delicious gourmet lunch. What made it all the more special, was that all the Grade 1 mums, not on the committee, whipped up delicious desserts which contributed to the decadent dessert table. To quote Nikki Lewin, “…. The dessert table looked so spectacular... like a patisserie table in the heart of a Parisian cafe and my only wish is that every mum could have seen the fruits of their efforts.” Taryn Hompes from Macaroon, helped to pull the whole event together, generously donating all the trimmings, the finishing touches that made the occasion so extra-special.

Amanda Fleming, our delightful MC was ably assisted by Oliver Whittle and Tiaan Giliomee as the DJs and light engineers and Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly was a most engaging guest speaker.

Well done to everyone who played a role and a huge THANK YOU once again.

Motherhood is an incredible gift and I pay tribute to all the amazing mums at The Ridge

Mandy Herold | Head of Junior Prep



Telephone (011) 481 580 0

Fax 086 299 1964



THE SMiLE FOUNDATiON

What is the Smile Foundation? Smile Foundation is a non-profit organisation that brings people together for the purpose of providing Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for children. All surgeries take place in government hospitals. We in turn, offer skills develop-ment for surgeons and nurses who support Smile Founda-tion with this much needed service and also provide fund-ing for equipment utilised by the hospitals’ Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Our main purpose is making a difference in the lives of children with facial defects and children who have suffered with severe burns.

The HospitalsThere are 11 Academic Hospitals in South Africa, and Smile Foundation is currently based in 7 of these hospitals with plans to expand into all hospitals. Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hos-pital – Gauteng, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital – Soweto, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital - Limpopo, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital – Western Cape, Tygerberg Aca-demic Hospital – Western Cape , Universitas Academic Hospital – Free State, Port Elizabeth Provincial Hospital – Eastern Cape

Get Involved…• Spread the word about Smile Foundation – the more people know about Smile, the more kids we

are able to help!• SMS “Smile” to 38413 to donate R10• Refer a patient • Logon to our website: www.smilefoundation.co.za

Contact us on:Tel: 011 325 6480 / 0861 ASMILE (Toll Free) / [email protected]

CHESS NEWS

At The Ridge, the game of chess, in my opinion, is the only intellectually challenging extra-curricular activity for boys. It is fun and challenging but is also very easy to grasp. Once the game has begun, it may considered to be a boring game, usually associated as a ‘Game for Nerds’ yet in no less than five minutes into the game, you will be lost in the advanced moves, witty banter, full-on competition and downright fun. So I implore anyone who hasn’t done it, to try at least play one game. I guarantee that you’ll be kept in ‘check’.

Khaya KingstonGrade 7



Telephone (011) 481 580 0

Fax 086 299 1964



STAFF NEWS

Mr Richard Coles and Mr Daniel McLachlan have been working with us for just over a term now, so we thought we’d take the opportunity to let you get to know them a little bit better.

Richard Coles Grade 5 Teacher & Head of Pastoral Affairs

After attending an all-boys preparatory and high school, I studied at the University of Witwatersrand towards a degree in education. After my obtaining my degree, I was employed on a full-time basis at De La Salle Holy Cross College where I taught for 6 years, in the senior primary phase. During this time, I also pioneered the implementation of pastoral care for the learners, a support structure which I remain passion-ate about. From 2006, I taught history and life orientation at Parktown Boys’ High School, where I also held the position of form tutor (grade head), house master and 1st XV rugby coach.

I am married and have been blessed with a vibrant and active son. After sustaining an injury a couple of years ago, I was precluded from participating in rugby (my passion!). This led to me becoming interested in ultra-distance running and I am currently training to complete my fourth Comrades Mara-thon.

Both my wife and I commenced with new career opportunities at the start of the New Year, so it has been an exciting few months. I am thrilled about teaching at the Ridge School and will embrace every opportunity afforded me. I am looking forward to the future.

Daniel McLachlan Grade 6 Teacher

I was born in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal and lived in Hilton until I was 10 years old before my family relocated to Johannesburg. I then completed my schooling in Gauteng be-fore heading to Cape Town for my university studies at UCT. Incidentally, I am still definitely a Shark’s supporter!

I taught at St Alban’s College in Pretoria for the last four years. I thoroughly enjoyed my teaching experience there and it really is a dynamic, ambitious and caring school com-munity. However, most of my family and friends are here in Johannesburg, so when the Maths and IT post at The Ridge popped up I jumped at the opportunity. The Ridge School has a fantastic reputation in South Africa and abroad. I feel blessed to join a preparatory school with such a nurturing approach to education, where every boy is important.



Telephone (011) 481 580 0

Fax 086 299 1964



My first degree at university was Business Science degree, majoring in Economics and my first proper job was as a business analyst for a few years. It was an exciting career. However for me, it did not have enough human interaction, and I was eventually drawn into teaching by being offered an internship at St Alban’s College.

I am currently teaching Maths and IT. I am very passionate about Maths, both from a practical and phil-osophical perspective. Bertrand Russell said, “Mathematics, rightly viewed, possesses not only truth, but supreme beauty.” I sincerely believe in the magnificence of Maths and really value its power in opening doors to many other areas of study.

I also teach IT which is a highly relevant subject in the 21st century and I am delighted to be able to share my knowledge and experience in this dynamic space. I truly feel like a lifelong learner in IT because the technology and ideas are always evolving. It is also a subject where the boys’ creative side comes to the fore, and I feel privileged to witness their incredible projects.

I thoroughly enjoy paddling the rivers of South Africa and beyond. I have participated in a number of canoe marathons all over the country; however, more than the racing I mostly enjoy how rivers give one the opportunity to explore some beautiful parts of the country that one otherwise would never get to see. Similarly, I also enjoy hiking, and have become somewhat addicted after doing four consecu-tive 23 day hikes with the Grade 10’s at St Alban’s College. Basically, any opportunity to recharge the batteries in the outdoors and I’ll be there!

GRADE 4 MONTECASiNO BiRD PARK OUTiNG

One of the themes for Grade 4 Natural Science in Term 1, was the study of “Living and Non-Living Things” and as a way of extending the boys understanding of this topic, the boys and teachers went on a much enjoyed excursion to the Montecasino Bird Park.

Being outside in the sunshine and enjoying the natural surroundings, made for a beautiful way to spend the morning. With its wide variety of reptiles, spiders and bird life and its host of knowledgeable and entertaining facilitators, it is a highly recommended destination for children of any age who are inter-ested in nature and the outdoors. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience and came away having learnt many new facts about living creatures.

5 MiNUTES WiTH AMANDA FLEMMiNG

As we celebrate our birthday edition of HORiZONS, we would like to welcome Mrs Amanda Fleming as our head of the Parent Association for The Ridge School 2013. We wish Amanda and her team a successful and memorable year of achieving amazing things for our very special school and the chari-ties we support.

To give you a little more insight into what makes our head of PA such a versatile and dynamic figure, we have provided a question and answer profile. Enjoy!

Where did you grow up?I grew up in Johannesburg.

What is your current occupation?I am part of the Board of Directors for Cricket South Africa.

What made you choose The Ridge as a school for your boys? The boys chose the school. Ross came to an open day at The Ridge and loved it.

What made you decide to join the PA?I have been involved in the PA since my eldest child, Ross, started Grade 0 and it’s a lovely way to be involved in the community that is The Ridge School. It’s nice for your children to know that you are an active member of the school and involved in what goes on. It’s easy to be the chair as you tell people what to do!

What is your role as head of the PA?Delegate! Delegate! Delegate! My team makes my job easy and it is good to know that I can leave tasks in the capable hands of these smart moms and dads.

What are the upcoming plans / events for the PA this year?We have just had the Mothers day lunch, which was held in The Ridge School Nicholson Hall on Sat-urday 18 May. We had an overwhelming response from our mums and sadly had to turn some people away. Founders Day, the Lumo Dance and the Cycle Day are all annual events and we expect amazing turnouts for all of them.

What are your goals for the PA this year?My goal is to spend the money we raise to update the school and bring it into the 21st century.

What did the Salvazone Movie Night entail?I had a great team of girls assisting me on this event. Sally Bass and her team of mums were brilliant! We managed to raise in excess of R100 000 and every penny raised went to Salvazone School. That money will be used for buying new books and stationery and for updating their security system.

Is Salvazone the only organization that the PA raises money for?Salvazone is our main charity but we also give a portion of the money we raise to the 500 club bur-sary fund.

Why would you recommend to parents that they join the PA?Joining the PA has many rewards and is a great way to involve yourself in the school. The boys enjoy knowing that their parents are active members of the school community and are interested in what goes on at school.

SUiKERBOSRAND

The Grade 7’s went on the annual Suikerbosrand character building weekend on Friday 10 May to the 12 of May. We arrived at Ouhout camp and were briefed by the manager on safety and the dynamics of the area. The boys were staying in tents and after the talk they pitched their tents. They were then put into groups of ten. Each group had an animal name and two masters in charge. The rest of Friday evening was spent creating a flag design, practicing war cries and producing a concert. The boys had their own braai and it turned out to be a very festive occasion. Unfortunately, the rain didn’t stay away and the boys had to be evacuated to the dining hall as a severe thunderstorm swept across the area. Saturday morning was chilly but pleasant and after breakfast the groups set off on a day hike on the fa-mous Bokmakierie trail. All returned safely just in time to prepare for the Potjie Kos competition that even-ing. The quality of the meals produced was outstand-ing and was enjoyed by all. After supper, we had a general knowledge quiz which was the last activity of the night. The boys were exhausted after their 17km hike and were ready for bed. This time the boys had an undisturbed night in their tents. On Sunday morning we cleaned up, broke camp and we were back at school at around 11 o’clock. This group of boys were very keen and co-operative throughout the trip and I cannot compliment them enough on being one of the best groups that I have been with. Mr Cobus SynmanDeputy Headmaster



Telephone (011) 481 580 0

Fax 086 299 1964



GRADE 2 MAKES AN APPLE PiE

The Grade 2’s had lots of fun making a Mother’s day apple pie. They learnt to follow a recipe and enjoyed tasting the ingredients.

SCHOLARSHiP WiNNERS

We are tremendously proud of all our scholarship winners this year. Well done to these Grade 7 boys!

Alexander Abraham Robert Asbury Joseph Baggott Michael BrownleeSt Andrew’s College

Blackburn RidgeSt John’s College

Ridge ClosedSt John’s CollegeFoundation Music

Scholarship

MichaelhouseAllrounder

Max Carter Jesse Elk Andrew Gilbert Thomas Grant

St John’s CollegeSport

St John’s CollegeMajor Open

St Andrew’s CollegeBlackburn Major & Boxer

Shortlist

St John’s CollegeMajor Music

MichaelhouseRidge Closed

Jules Hazard Fraser Jones Aaron Pieterse Joseph SidleySt John’s College

FoundationSt David’s

Champagnat Major Academic

MichaelhouseSport

St John’s CollegeCentenarySt David’s

College Scholarship

St John’s CollegeRidge Closed

Liam Thomas Robert Van Barkenhuizen

St John’s CollegeSport

St John’s CollegeFoundation

OLD BOY’S NEWS

Thank you to our Old Boys and Schools who send us news. Please remember to keep us updated with your contact details; we can only keep in touch if we know where you are. We also love to hear your news, as do your peers … no news is not always good news!

Graham Stuart Bunyard(1952) reminisced about The Ridge “The school where I spent many memo-rable and happy times.”

Grant Markgraaff(1984) sent us this note “Hi, I have vivid memories of my time at the Ridge, good and bad. I’m now reflecting on the good times. Not sure when I left either 83 or 4?”

Daniel Lewis Cohn (2010) wrote “The best school I ever attended wish I was still there ....... once a Ridge Boy always a Ridge Boy.”

News from High School

Mr Paul Guthrie, Director of Marketing, Hilton College sent us news of our old boys:

“It is always a pleasure to see how well boys from The Ridge School have done at Hilton College. It gives me great pleasure to inform you that:

Oliver Antonie was selected for the 1st Water Polo Team.

James Beart was selected for the U14A Cricket Team and awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Devan Chamberlain was awarded Colours for Academics.

Ryan Chamberlain was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Dan Dix was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term. He was awarded an Estate Tie which is awarded for exceptional service to the Hilton College Estate over a number of years.

Langa Dubazana was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Jordan Epstein was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Ryan Griesel was selected for the U14A Water Polo Team. He was awarded the McKenzie Hathorn Cup for the U14 100m Freestyle and also the Massey Trophy for the Top U14 swimmer at the Inter-house Gala. He was awarded a Certificate of Merit for Swimming and his KZN Midlands Colours for Swimming. He was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Alex Johannes was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Dominic Johnston was selected for the U15A Water Polo Team.

Matthew Mackenzie was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term and selected for the 1st Water Polo Team.

Nick Martin was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Bhavik Morar was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Rehan Mottiar was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Lex Pienaar was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Brian Pfaff was awarded Colours for Academics. He has been appointed as Captain of Cricket for 2013 and selected for the 1st Cricket Team.

Henry Pfaff was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Murray Short was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Buhle Solomon was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term and selected for the U14A Basketball Team.

Nicholas Tillim was selected for the U14A Water Polo Team. He was awarded his KZN Midlands Half Colours for Swimming.

Andrea Tonelli was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.

Ross Yammin was awarded a Commendation in the 1st Term.”

2008 OLD BOYS – Invitation to Assembly- Friday 27 September 2013

Paul Channon invites the 2008 Ridge Old Boys, the current Matric boys of 2013, to a special assembly at The Ridge School on Friday 27 September 2013 at 07:45. During their time with us they will have the opportunity to visit Gr 0 and meet the staff. They should wear their current school uniforms.

OBITUARY

Timothy James Harlow 6/12/1989 – 27/04/2013

At a memorial service held for Timothy, at St Columbas Church in Parkview, his family and very many friends celebrated his life. Excerpts from the eulogy written by his father, Gary, included the following:“Timothy James Harlow started life with a small handicap in that he was born without an ear. That didn’t hold Timmy back at all; he was always going to be a special child.”

Timothy was a pupil at The Ridge School from 1996 – 2002 and again to quote his father Gary “school, discipline and academics were an inconvenience for Tim”, but he was nevertheless an institu-tion at The Ridge and indeed in the suburb of Westcliff. “He saw everyone as an equal; no race, age or station in life impacted his willingness to make friends.” He went on to St Andrew’s Prep and College in Grahamstown and finally matriculated in Johannesburg. Amongst his many talents, Timothy could fix any appliance and cook a gourmet meal. He had incredible musical talents and most of all, a deep caring for his family and friends. Flying was his passion for the last years of his life and he had recently been awarded his pilot’s wings. Timothy was tragically killed in a motor bike accident in the early hours of Saturday 27 April. Our thoughts and condolences go to Gary, Mandy and Nick.



Telephone (011) 481 580 0

Fax 086 299 1964



no. 11 june 2013 · one of these i believe is a must-read for every parent and educator. the book...

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