St Johns Preparatory School

St Johns Preparatory School Houghton Tel: 011 645 3100/ 087 550473 23 September 2011 Newsletter Number 9

From the Headmaster

Welcome back! I trust you all had a wonderful August break and have returned feeling refreshed and able to enjoy this wonderful Spring weather. Last week, Roger Cameron, Helen Popplewell and I attended the Anglican Schools and then the SAHISA Conferences in Cape Town. This is always a fantastic opportunity for Heads of Independent Schools to get together and learn, exchanging ideas and experiences. It was also a particularly special time for Helen Popplewell, as it will be her last one before retiring next year. Helen was honoured by SAHISA for all the wonderful work, dedication and love that she has given, both as a fellow head and teacher.

Reminders from the Diary

27/09 Housemasters Assembly Hair & Uniform Inspection D.A.R.E (UIII) Chatterbox 29/09 Sports Quiz 30/09 Assessments in Maths LII - UIII Public Speaking: Finalists Selected 04/10 Parent Information Evening: Sex Education 07/10 T20 Cricket Festival Assessments in isiZulu LII - UIII

Dads & Lads Camp Departs At both conferences, we were privileged to have listened to many worthwhile addresses, some of Swimming Gala which I mention below, to share the important 11/10 Housemasters Assembly messages that I have taken home. Hair & Uniform Inspection Inter-Schools Quiz

Max Price - the Vice-Chancellor of UCT - for the 13/10 SACS U13 Polo Tournament first time admitted in public that for students ABRSM Practical Music Exams who write the IEB examination, it was more 14/10 DigiAct.Com Day UIII difficult to get into university. If they had to Assessments in History LIII & UIII write the government NSC exam, they would Assessments in English LII - UII achieve on average 7% better results. However, he was very supportive of the IEB and said that Swimming Gala IEB students pass rate once at university was far higher than those who wrote the NSC. He also talked about classroom design and collaborate learning (or Westley Field this Australian visitor talked blended learning as he calls it) about the future of schooling and whether our where space plays such a key role in schools are reliable and up to date. Technology educating children. I feel that we today obviously plays a big part and he need to take note of this and questioned whether we, as teachers and implement some of his ideas in all parents, were literate enough to cope with the future building plans at St Johns. youth of today who are literally born literate

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John Hunt - the creative founding partner of TBWA/Hunt/Lascaris - spoke about his book The Art of the Idea. He asked the question as to whether we are teaching our children just to learn or whether we are teaching them to think. He talked about how people give off energy, about people who are good listeners and about how logic can so often stunt ideas. He feels we need to be wary of people who bring too much information, rather than insight, and that we need to learn to trust our instincts otherwise they will go away. However, ideas are useless unless they happen, so the way they travel is so important. But with everything we do, there has to be humour, and often humour is seen as a punishable offence, but a room without humour will go nowhere. We have to be childlike, not childish! James Anderson - the Managing Director of Mindful by Design - explained the 16 Habits of Mind by Art Costa. These were extremely interesting and thought provoking, for example:

As teachers and parents, we often make judgments before we even know or teach the children. We must measure what children have got and then improve it. Fixed mindset people say I can or I cannot; growth mindset people say I cant yet! If you want to teach talented students, you must teach them to be talented you are not born with talent, but you grow talent. Basically, he is saying that it is not so much about the car that you drive, but how you drive it!

Mark Molenaar and Sarah Britten gave a presentation on mobile teens and produced some incredible statistics, such as in the last 4 weeks, 82% of teens between the ages of 12 and 19 in South Africa used the internet on their mobile phones, whereas only 31% of them did so globally. They also talked about the use of social networking and the effects BBM (Blackberry Messaging) had on the London Riots. Professor Tim Noakes the renowned sports scientist - gave an entertaining talk on the importance of sport in the lives of our youth and Pieter Dirk Uys wrapped up the conference with a hilarious talk with a very humbling message. We were then given the theme for next years conference in Durban Moving from Success to Significance and it made me think about St Johns and where we are now in this equation. I have no doubt in my mind that St Johns is a successful school. We achieve outstanding results and produce fine young men. However, how are we as a school and community taking this success and making it significant in the lives of others and in our country? Maybe this is something we really need to think about. I hope our Muslim parents had a wonderful Eid recently and wish our Jewish parents a Happy Rosh Hashanah next week. Happy Belated Arbor and Spring(bok) day and have a good week. Patrick Lees Headmaster

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Boys and their emotions

Boys are happier when they have solid emotional resources and access to all of the varied and intricate parts of themselves. How can parents teach boys to have a rich emotional life, deep connections to others, and still be full members in the society of men? To build emotional literacy in your son, he needs to begin learning emotional vocabulary. From the time your son is an infant, speak to him with a rich and varied emotional vocabulary. Babies are not born with words for their feelings; they must be taught. You can say, "You look sad" or "You must feel disappointed" without rescuing or coddling your son. You can also talk about your own feelings without making your son responsible for them. When you can say, "I felt scared; did you?" to your boy, you give him permission to feel and to express his own emotions. Be sure to listen to your son. Then listen some more. This is a point I cannot stress enough, and something I, as a parent, need to do more with my children. One of the best ways to encourage expression is simply to listen without judgment. Show empathy; don't rush to offer solutions. Give your son time to explore his emotions. Remember, you don't have to agree with your son's feelings to listen, nor do you have to accept inappropriate behaviour. Listening well is the first step to creating connection and solving problems together. You must be sure to model connection and empathy for your son. Mothers and fathers can demonstrate by their own actions what real love and connection look like. When your son lives with respect, love, and empathy, he will find it easier to practise those skills himself. In addition to listening and teaching your son an emotional vocabulary, make room for your son to be himself. Avoid telling your son what he should or should not feel; give him room to explore his strengths and weaknesses in a safe environment. When your son doesn't need to fear shame or rejection, he can express his emotions, needs, and dreams openly. Because boys are sometimes prone to anger and aggression, it is wise to model being calm and respectful when dealing with problems. This may be somewhat difficult for us at times! Take a cool-off if you must, but avoid yelling and anger, and remember that emotions are not mysterious forces that threaten to overwhelm us; they are part of what makes us most human. When you can teach your boy to understand and express his feelings respectfully and clearly, you are helping him take a giant step toward true manhood.

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It is usually very hard, even for most adults, to understand, for example, the difference between frustration and anger, deception and hate. We have to help our children, especially our boys, to be reflective: stop, think, understand, measure the different alternatives and their consequence and then act. Just imagine how many hours of painful and pointless arguments between future husbands and wives could be avoided if we could help them now - when they are still children - to become emotionally literate and to master their communication skills with their parents, friends and siblings. I set this challenge to myself first and foremost. I think it is important that we do challenge ourselves as parents, as we strive to leave our legacy in, and through, our children. http://life.familyeducation.com Kind regards

Craig Verdal-Austin 2nd Master 0116453116 verdal@stjohnscollege.co.za

Welcome Home!
This coming Sunday, 25 September, is Back-toChurch Sunday around the world (well, except USA who did it last week). The idea is to invite everyone who used to attend church to reconnect. Some may have been away for a number of weeks with situations tying them up; others may have been away for years, or even decades. No matter how long all are invited back. If you are one of the people who havent been to church for a while, and have been meaning to go back, or if you know someone like that, then use this Sunday to go. So, if you have an old, or interesting looking, or conveniently situated, or popular, or whatever church go and return/visit this Sunday. I am sure every church would welcome you. If theres no church seeming to call you, then consider yourself invited to join us at the St Johns Parish; in the Crypt Chapel, 09h00.

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Making a difference
Over the course of the last term, a significant amount of money was collected in our chapel collections and other charity appeals. We are delighted to announce that we have a total of R10 000 to donate to TLC (The Love of Christ) Babies Home, south of Johannesburg. In consultation with Pippa Jarvis at TLC, we have decided that the money would be best used to contribute towards the schooling of these two TLC children next year.

Thabang

Murphy

Pippa has this to say about these two special children: Thabang works hard at school. He has had a difficult life (he only came to TLC at 4 years old) and so he doesn't always get the best marks but he tries hard. He loves sports and plays soccer really well. He will be doing Grade 6 next year. Murphy is going to Grade 4 next year. She is a quiet little girl who loves to share in a joke. She works very hard and we are very proud of her as she has overcome many challenges to get where she is. She was born very early (24 weeks) and the doctors all said she would probably never be able to learn the things kids learn in school, but she works extra hard on her homework every day and is doing very well. If you would like more information about TLC, you can visit their website at this link: http://www.tlc.org.za/TLC-DW/index.html Thank you to all of you who continue to contribute towards this worthy cause! Special thanks also to Patrick Lees, Karen Maitland, Sandy Peters and Brigitte Taylor for their enthusiasm and ongoing support. Margot Long longma@stjohnscollege.co.za

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From the Eagles study... Study tip #1

This is the time of year when parents (and hopefully their sons) thoughts start turning to exams. As adults, we have the wisdom of hindsight that tells us it is best to start getting organised early, and to start planning how we are going to study. However, 12to 14-year-old boys have no such desire! There are just TOO many other more exciting things to do sport, reading, visiting friends, TV, computer games... the list goes on. Basically, ANYthing is better than sitting down to study. As a result, this time of year is also one of conflict. To try and avoid that, this column will suggest tips to parents and to boys on how best to manage exam time. All of the tips will also apply to assessment and test writing, and to project management. Obviously each boy will have his own unique way of learning, but the tips on organisation and steps to thinking will apply to all. Take what you encourage your wont, than try habits are skills need from the tips be it everything or just one strategy and son to try it. Rather try now and figure out what will work and what closer to the time and become confused. Good thinking and study that can be used throughout life.

The first tip is geared towards getting your son to start thinking about his thinking. Knowing how he learns is possibly 80% of the task. Understanding how he thinks saves a great deal of time when deciding how he is going to tackle studying anything. The following tip asks the boy to ask himself certain questions at each stage of a task. If he can answer each one truthfully, he will learn a great deal. Use the poster on the next page to print out and stick up. Thinking about your Thinking: What is it? Is it English, Geography, Maths...? Each subject requires different ways of learning.

What must I do? Read the instructions! Know what the question words mean describe is different to explain. Perhaps you need to break the task down into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, the question may have two parts. How can I do it? This is where the individual differences come in. Each of you will have a unique approach of doing what is needed. Know how you think! Did it work? Refection is a very important tool for learning. We often make mistakes, but if we can say why we made them, and how we can make them right, we will learn so much more. How can I improve on it? This is a really wonderful thinking strategy! This step is often skipped because once something is done, it is generally forgotten about! Encourage this step as often as you can.

We would greatly appreciate any feedback or suggestions from you, the parents. Education is a journey, and it is far better (and more fun) to travel in a team than on your own. Caroline Rimmer rimmer@stjohnscollege.co.za

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Thinking about my Thinking

What is it?

What must I do?

How can I do it?

Did it work?

How can I improve on it?

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From the Eagles study... Study tip #2

Getting organised is probably the biggest hurdle many of us face when starting a project, task (no matter how big or small) or when getting down to study. Even as adults, this is the step that makes us procrastinate to the point of panic. However, once the first step has been taken, the task just seems to flow! And so it is with your sons... Study Tip #2 shows you how to use a calendar to get started. And there are certain rules that need to be followed until such time as your son can set up his own calendar, giving an accurate display of the bigger picture.

Three months of the year must be displayed at any one time. This gives a keen sense of what is to come, and what needs to be tackled first. All public holidays / school holidays must be coloured in. ALL academic requirements must be written in RED. This makes them stand out. For example, fill in due dates for projects and speeches; assessment dates; exam dates. All sport and extra mural commitments must be added a different colour for each sport / extra mural activity. Birthdays can be added (and decorated if he wants to!) as well as any other dates you and the family are involved in. It is a work in progress activities and deadlines can be added at any stage.

These months need to be displayed where you and your son can see them every day. If you do not have access to monthly planners, we can email you copies of September November 2011 (contact Grace Arthur for copies arthur@stjohnscollege.co.za). DONT AGONISE - ORGANISE! Caroline Rimmer

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iCare
iCare
In todays society we have all heard of the iPod, the iPad, and the iPhone. At St Johns Prep, we have just introduced what is known as the iCare box. The iCare box is situated in the Library Bag Room and serves as a means for the boys to make their concerns known. The Pastoral Care Team is hoping that the boys will make use of this initiative to highlight anything that they CARE about at St Johns Prep. The aim is to provide the boys with an alternative avenue to voice whatever may be on their minds and extends beyond the reporting of just peer difficulties (such as bullying). All notes placed in the box will be treated confidentially and action taken wherever possible. We ask that you encourage your son to make use of the iCare box so that we can make his day all that he hopes it can be. Hugo Meirim Clinical Psychologist Head of Pastoral Care meirim@stjohnscollege.co.za

Hooked on Books at Parktown Public

The money collected from the boys for Roald Dahl Day was used to pay for a performance of Hooked on Books which was put on at Parktown Public School last Thursday. The response from the Parktown Public children was overwhelming and we were thrilled that Exclusive Books donated five copies of each book that was featured in the show, to the school. Thank you all for your help in promoting reading!

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4CTea
16th September For hard work and good manners David Green Shaye Hutchings Fantastic attitude in rugby Phillip Mparutsa Rescued a pony in distress Daniel and Liam Fowlis Tian Badenhorst

Taking care of a visiting pupil Warwick Didloff Good Work Ben MacQueen Nicholas Moschides Matthew Wong Big Improvement in Overall Average Greg Basslian Caleb Buchel Gili Canca Matthew McLean Tiago Neto

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Cricket
JOHANNESBURG NORTH EAST CRICKET The following boys are to be congratulated on their selection to represent Johannesburg North East Cricket at the Area festival to be held from 30 September 2 October 2012 at St Benedicts / Bedfordview Country Club. U12: Nicholas Ives, Timothy McKernan. U13: Fayadh Haffefee, Lodewijk Volkersz, Calum Harding. Well done, boys!

Karate
Tariq Seedat received Red 1 belt in Karate this term. Well done, Tariq!

Swimming
Aiden Quinn swam in the Central Gauteng Aquatics championships on Sunday, 31st of July. He swam breaststroke and freestyle, winning both his races. Well done, Aiden!

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Tennis
The St Johns Prep 1st Tennis Team travelled to Sun city with the College Team during the August holidays. There we played five other schools. We enjoyed it so much. We won a few and lost a few games but all in all we played really well. Of course we didnt only play tennis - I mean, it was Sun City! We spent our spare time at the Valley of the Waves going on all the rides and bodysurfing the massive man made 3 - 4 metre high wave! I would like to thank Mr Emant and Mrs Thomas for all the time and effort they gave to make our tennis tour a memorable one. By Ross Bentley UIIIJ

Ross Bentley

Jason Batzofin

Kevin Frew

Luke Chilvers

Colin Kinghorn

Mr Emant and Mrs Thomas

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Hockey
On Saturday 8 September 2011, Harry Myburgh (UII) and Andrew de Lange (LII) played for the Wanderers U13 team in the Southern Gauteng Champion of Champions field hockey tournament at the Randburg Astro Hockey Stadium. The U13 boys hockey team finished second, with the team winning silver medals. Well done, boys!

Golf

Bradley Dunbar took part in the Glacier Junior Golf Series hosted by Thomas Aiken on 18 September. He was placed second. Well done, Bradley!

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Golf
Kian Rose, U1D, was selected to play at the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship held at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina. This is the largest and most prestigious event in the world for players 12 and under. This three-day tournament attracts over 1200 participants from across the United States and more than 30 countries abroad. Players, ages 6 to 12, qualify for the World Championship through World Championship Qualifiers, Local Tours, European and Regional Championships, and performance in previous World Championships. Kian was placed 15th in the World Championship out of 140 boys. Well done, Kian!

Kian Rose, Jaan Niehaus, Jack Montgomery and Jack Lees all took part in a league festival played at Leeukop Golf Course on 19th September. Well done, boys!

A league golf day held at Dainfern 13th September Bradley Dunbar, Ethan Roets, Cameron Roets and Ethan Peters. Well done, boys!

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Lower II
The Lower IIZ boys wrote their Autumn similies on dried oak leaves. An old leaf parachutes down like a relaxed paratroop A magnificent leaf flies down like a wonderful starling A stiff leaf sways like down like a baby cradle A dizzy leaf twirls down like a violent current A swaying leaf descends like a waltzing prince Kirby Golding Milan Prioreschi Evan Peters Jack Stewart Daniel Fowlis

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Lower II
Im Hungry There once was a fat man called Ben Who had not three meal but ten One day while eating mutton he burst his coat button and said I must go to the gym but then he went to the gym at half past four but he slipped on the treadmill and hit his head on the door when he awoke he forgot whom he was he though he was a fit Olympian which he would not love so he trained and he trained and got fit fit fit fit and after a while he was able to sit when his parents saw him they were so proud and as they danced he said to himself out loud Im hungry whens dinner?

By Max Milella LIIT

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UIII Solar Powered Boat Project

The boys had to design and make their own boats powered by solar panels mounted on the decks. There were 15 teams of boys who took part. Final Race Placings: 1. 2. 3. Hydromaniacs Golden Horizon Solar Fish

Best Portfolio: Monster Boats Extreme and Riptide Best Stand: Monster Boats Extreme Best Presentation: AHOD, Ripple Effect, Hydromaniacs and Golden Horizon Best Looking Boat: Slipstream Best Overall Project: Monster Boats Extreme and Ripple Effect Best Stand: Monster Boats Extreme

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Roald Dahl Day

On Friday, 16th of September, teachers and boys dressed up to celebrate Roald Dahls birthday. Boys dressed in yellow, his favourite colour, wore their clothes back to front and some even dressed as characters from their favourite books...

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Notices

The Extreme Explorers Team is organising a school hike on the Suikerboschfontein Trail, near Carolina, Mpumalanga. Dates: 21-23 October 2011 (half term)

This hike is open to Grade 5-7s, and there is space for a few Dads to join us. There are only 16 places available, on a first-come-first-served basis. The hike is moderate to difficult, so if you want to come, you must be fit and ready for a challenge! If you complete the hike, you will receive your 3-day hike award and you will be a step closer to qualifying for your Extreme Explorer colours. So collect the application form from Mrs Taylors office without delay, or download the form from Communicator.

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Notices

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Notices

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Notices

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Notices
Art club and extra classes
From the beginning of next term, Mr Poco is starting an Art Club (for LIII and UIII boys) and extra art classes for junior boys. Senior boys are encouraged to join the Art Club on Tuesdays from 14h00 -15h00 or Thursdays from 15h0016h00. Juniors may arrange extra art lessons with Mr Poco at alternative times and on alternative days. We hope to see the senior boys joining the Art Club to create various exciting art works with mediums they do not normally use in class, such as print making, photography, oil painting and many more. This will be a fantastic opportunity for any boy who wishes to develop his art skills. For further information e-mail Bruno Poco on poco@stjohnscollege.co.za

EXTRA ZULU LESSONS

Lower III and Upper III boys. Every Thursday 13h45 Upper III Mrs Mashele All Welcome

Extra Math Lessons

Individual tuition offered
Mrs M Hauptfleisch Call 011 442 1854 083 256 7714

Italian Language Lessons

Small age appropriate classes and individual tuition offered outside school hours at St Johns. Experienced mother-tongue graduate teacher using communicative method of conversation, maintaining cultural ties for solid IEB foundation. Contact Lisabetta on 082 682 2859 or Lisabetta@iafrica.com

Hair Dee-Lite
Salon is closed from 7th - 17th August

Open for your back to school cuts on 18th August

Call Dee on

082 462 6813 011 648 6367

7 Elm Street (Opposite Rice Field) Open Tuesday to Friday 08h00 - 17h00 Saturday 08h00 - 13h00

EXTRA MATHS LESSONS

Lower III & Upper III boys in Mrs Jean Clarences classroom Every Thursday 13h45 All Welcome

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Every day is Father's Day when you are here to hold. Once you were a baby, now you're nine years old. I saw you take your first few steps; I've watched you slip and fall. I saw your tears and all your hurts; you had me kiss them all. I taught you how to colour and how to tie your shoes. You'll always be my little boy and that's why I love you. I tucked you in your bed each night and read your books to you. I would say "just one tonight" then we would read two. When the book was over and I'd turn out the light, you would say "I love you daddy" each and every night. Now that you are bigger, you are so much like me. We laugh, we cry, we talk a lot; there is no place I'd rather be. We'll grow up together and I'll be there for you, because I will always love you and you'll love your daddy too.