AWSUM JHB South November Edition 2024

PLAYFUL DADS, HAPPY KIDS Building connections through fun.

Engaging in play is one of the most impactful ways fathers can enhance their children’s well-being. Play is essential to a child’s development, nurturing cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth. Recognising this, Takalani Sesame launched its Bond Through Play Campaign in August, encouraging father figures to embrace the power of play.

“Fathers bring unique perspectives and strengths to play, complementing the care mothers provide,” says Mari Payne, Deputy Managing Director at Sesame Workshop South Africa. Playtime not only strengthens the parent-child bond but also challenges harmful gender stereotypes, promoting caregiving as a shared responsibility.

Takalani Sesame offers practical advice for fathers at every stage of a child’s development:

• Infants: Engage in gentle rocking or massage to provide comfort and build trust.

• Toddlers: Participate in active games like chasing or throwing a ball to develop motor skills and coordination.

• Preschoolers: Encourage imaginative play, such as storytelling or dress-up, to foster creativity and language development.

Fun, Family-Friendly Games

Make playtime enjoyable with these South African classics and creative ideas:

• Hide and Seek: Play indoors or outdoors to promote problem-solving and physical activity.

• Round-robin storytelling: Add hand shadows for a magical twist, enhancing imagination and narrative skills.

• Laundry: Sort clothes by color or type to teach categorization and make chores fun.

• Cooking: Turn meal prep into a scavenger hunt, encouraging participation and learning about food.

• Traveling: Count cars by color or play “I spy” to keep children engaged and attentive.

More Fun Activities for

Bonding:

• Scavenger Hunt: Create a treasure map for your home or garden and hide small treats or toys for children to find.

• Obstacle Course: Use household items like chairs, cushions, and broomsticks to create a fun indoor or outdoor course.

• Musical Chairs: An old favorite that combines movement, music, and laughter.

• Paper Plane Contest: Make paper planes and see who can fly theirs the furthest.

• Nature Walk Bingo: Create a simple bingo sheet with items to spot during a walk, such as leaves, birds, and flowers.

• Puppet Shows: Create puppets from socks or paper bags and put on a family performance.

• Dress-Up Adventures: Use old clothes and accessories for imaginative play as pirates, superheroes, or explorers.

• Ball Games: Play soccer, basketball, or catch in the yard or at a local park.

• Simon Says: A classic game that improves listening and following instructions.

• Dancing Games: Have a mini family disco with favorite songs.

Quiet and Calming Activities:

• Puzzle Time: Work on age-appropriate puzzles together to build problemsolving skills.

• Story Time: Take turns reading or inventing stories to enhance language and imagination

“Playing with your children means spending quality time with them,” says Payne. “It’s an investment in their social, emotional, and academic growth, as well as their readiness for school.

As the December holidays approach, it’s the perfect time for families to embrace the joys of play and create lasting memories together. Whether through traditional games, imaginative adventures, or simply spending quality moments with your children.

Special Awards 2024

LAERSKOOL BIRCHLEIGH

Prefects of 2025

Chauke, Vukona Chauke, Nolwazi Chirwa, Henro Dercksen, Koketso Diphoko, Alwande Dlamini, Chima Dyke, Mbali Gumede, Shivali Hiraman, Omogolo Keagile, Moagi Lediga, Michaella Madibana, Lethabo Mahase, Sibusiso Makete, Olerato Makgamatha, Oratile Maris, Thato Maseema, Lebogang Mashabela, Amukelani Mohlabine, Khayaelihle Mphafudi, Kholofelo Mthombeni, Ofentse Mukwena, Israel Mundjo, Kelsey Munyoro, Norah Mwa, Gift Ndlovu, Qhawekazi Ngcobo, Nonhle Ngubane, Thapelo Nkoatse, Lesedi Nkosi, Ofentse Nonyana, Godman Nzenwa,

Ringball Team

HOËRSKOOL KEMPTONPARK

Graad 12 Meriete Aand

CURRO SERENGETI

Valediction Ceremony

On Friday, 11 October, we celebrated our amazing Grade 12 learners at the Valediction Ceremony. Congratulations to all the learners who received accolades for their outstanding achievements! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we wish you all the best with your upcoming final exams. Keep pushing forward—your future is bright!

Westhuizen.

Novice Winners of Resolute Roboticon

Congratulations to the Novice category champions of Curro Serengeti, who excelled in the exciting, hands-on Resolute Roboticon 2024! This interactive competition was designed to develop practical skills for real-world challenges—and these teams truly rose to the occasion! Using recyclable materials, they designed, built, and programmed bots to collect water and put out fires.

#Straight2Camera Monologue Festival

Congratulations to Theto Moholola and Othandwayo Mgawuli on earning their Theatre Wings for their Top 10 placements in the #Straight2Camera Monologue Festival.

Cycle Lab

A shoutout to Bella Grobler for her incredible performance at the Cycle Lab Schools Series Nationals! Despite a tough start on Saturday, 20 September, with a snapped chain, she showed true grit, overtaking 28 riders to finish 16th! On Sunday, 21 September, Bella powered through against top athletes from all over the country and Namibia, finishing in an amazing 2nd place, just seconds behind the leader!

WATERSTONE COLLEGE

The 2024 season has been an exceptional year for our school’s football teams, with a total of 5 major trophies won across the Primary and High School divisions. Our players demonstrated skill, determination, and the spirit of teamwork, making this a truly unforgettable season.

In Primary School, the Under 13 Boys secured victory at the Marist Brothers Linmeyer Tournament, showing remarkable skill and dedication. Not to be outdone, the Under 13 Girls brought home the trophy at the Waterstone College Soccer Super Cup, making the Primary School proud with their teamwork and sportsmanship.

The High School added 3 trophies to the season’s achievements. The Under 16 Girls clinched the title at the JVW Discovery Diamond League Finals, marking a milestone win for the team. The Under 14 Boys emerged victorious in the JBLF Discovery Knock-out Cup, proving their talent on the field. The First Team Boys capped off the season with a triumph in the Waterstone College Soccer Super Cup, a well-deserved win after a hard-fought competition.

In addition to these victories, our teams also achieved 3 second-place finishes. At the Waterstone College Soccer Super Cup, the Primary School Under 14 Boys and High School First Team Girls earned runner-up positions. The High School First Team Girls further showcased their abilities by taking second place at the prestigious St Peters Tournament.

Congratulations to all our players and coaches on these outstanding accomplishments. The football section’s success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing what they achieve next season!

Eastern Cricket

is also included in their respective Eastern Teams:

ASA Punte

Atlete bo 850 ASA Punte:

• Cristiaan de Welzim

900 - 110mh

• Tayla Vorster 894 - 90mh

Atlete bo 800 ASA Punte:

• Danika Reynders 849 - 90mh

• Ariana Grobbelaar 801 - 100m

• Angel Nnabuagha 818 - 200m

• Kaylee vd Berg 820 - spiesgooi

• Dian Becker

801 - 3000m

LAERSKOOL ORION

Cantare Kinderkoor

Atlete bo 750 ASA Punte

• Luc van Wyk

762 - 100mh

• Diamond Nnabuagha

774 - 200m

• Kendra Basson

750 - 90mh

• Zandri Feuth

755 - 100mh

• Qvandré Delarey

793 - 110mh

Atlete bo 700 ASA Punte

• Zander Vorster

731 - 100m

• Gucci Sithole

748 - 100m

• Kate Oberholster

Die Ories spog met ons leerders wat deel is van die Cantare Kinderkoor. Hierdie koor word tydens die Talent Africa kompetisie se Nasionale rondte aangewys as die Beste Junior Vokale Groep. Die leerders ontvang ook dus hul Gauteng-kleure.

726 - 800m

• Thando Tshabalala

744 - 400m

• MJ Jacobs

728 - 800m

• Livhuwani Mutavhatsindi

773 - Gewigstoot

• Ofentse Tsimane

706 - 3000m

Atlete bo 600 ASA Punte

• Evan van Schalkwyk

663 - 400m

• Dané Becker

695 - 800m

• Carli Feuth

600 - 800m

• Ellené Anderson

692 - Gewigstoot

Oos-Gauteng Hokkiespanne

Die volgende leerders het deurgedring na die tweede rondte proewe vir die onderskeie Oos-Gauteng Hokkiespanne:

HOËRSKOOL DR. MALAN

LAERSKOOL RANDHART

Hoofleiers vir 2025

HOËRSKOOL MARAIS VILJOEN

Prysuitdeling 2024

2025 Hoofleiers

TRINITYHOUSE

GLENVISTA

MARIST BROTHERS LINMEYER

Marist Brothers Linmeyer announces their 2025 Leadership Team

We are excited to introduce and congratulate the newly appointed Leadership Team for 2025! In the past three years we have moved from the traditional title of Prefect to Leadership Team, to align with the values and ethos of Marist Brothers Linmeyer. This change reflects our commitment to fostering servant leadership; our student leaders are not just figures of authority but individuals who lead by serving others with humility, compassion and integrity.

By embracing the term Leadership Team, we believe this title better represents the collaborative and service-oriented spirit we aim to cultivate. These students are leaders who will work alongside their peers to make a positive impact on our school community.

Leaders:

• Joyce Batubenga

• Caiden Buys

• Micaela De Moura

• Muhammad Khan

• Amy Lloyd

• Mutali Luvhengo

• Lintle Mabathoana

• Mkhokheli Maomela

• Mulalo Mavhungu

• Lilo Mdingi

• Mfundo Mkhize

• Khyla Neves

• Julian Schwark

• Rory Souter

• Liyah Tavaria

• Claire Viljoen

• Dolly Yombo

• Joy Okonkwo - Family Spirit

• Catarina Abreu - Love of work

• Nicholas Cardoso - In the way of Mary

• Tia Nirghin - Presence

• Dario Gouveia - Simplicity

• Nomhle Moyo - Deputy Chairperson

• Mokgethwa Masenya - Deputy Chairperson

• Gisele De Abreu - Chairperson

• Keano Carrajola - Chairperson

CURRO HELDERWYK

Congratulations to the Newly Elected Prefects of 2025!

These outstanding learners have demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and a passion for serving our school community.

Mahlangu, Orifha Malofha, Khwezi Ntshingila, Deinaira Kistensamy, Shanello Tabe, Adaya Perumal, Thandolwethu Mahlangu, Mthokozisi Buthelezi.

Reabetswe Molokomme, Nhlamulo Makhubela,

Back: Tshimega Bada, Lesego Maphoso, Refiloe Mokoena, Miyelani Mdhluli, Kiran Balgobind (Head Boy), Boikarabelo

Kgatontle Ditshego and Bhunga Sidaki.

Meet Our Head Prefects

We are confident that this exceptional group of learners will continue to lead with excellence, inspire

and contribute positively to our school. Let’s cheer them on as they take on their new roles and responsibilities!

2024 WROSA

Our learners participated in the 2024 WROSA Future Innovators competition, tackling the theme “Earth Allies” with incredible robotic solutions to combat climate change and environmental issues. Green Guardian claimed 1st place in the Junior category, making them the National winners for 2024! This team was also chosen to represent South-Africa and Curro at the International World Robot Olympiad in Türkiye on 30 November 2024.

HOËRSKOOL VOORTREKKER HIGH

Congratulations to the learners who were rewarded with the highest achievements for 2024. Prize-Giving

LAERSKOOL BAANBREKER

2025 Leerlingraad

LAERSKOOL WESTWOOD

Die Wessies se prefekte vir 2025

Everything School is your ultimate partner, just like our name suggests. Each transaction not only fulfils everything and anything your school needs, but also earns you valuable School Bucks. Our products include, but are not limited to:

TRINITY HOUSE RANDPARK RIDGE

Lions u.13A Rugby Team

Lorenzo Jardim, one of our talented rugby players from the Preparatory School, was chosen to join the Lions 7’s u.13A Rugby Team.

The team recently competed in a tournament held in Worcester, Cape Town, where Lorenzo took on the role of captain.

The Lions finished in 3rd place overall, just behind the Blue Bulls and SWD.

Here are the tournament results:

• Game 1: Lions 37-7 Namibia

• Game 2: Lions 26-24 WP

• Game 3: Lions 21-12 Border

• Game 4: Lions 22-17 Pumas

• Game 5: Lions 17-12 Cheetahs

• Semi-final: Lions 17-24 SWD

• 3rd place play-off: Lions 31-19 WP

National Olympiad

Congratulations to Caleb and Ashar Johnson for their exceptional performance at the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO)! This year, the event saw a staggering 86,000 students from high schools across South Africa participating in the 1st round.

From this large pool, only those who scored over 50% were invited to compete in the 2nd Round. The competition narrowed down even further, with only the top 100 juniors and seniors moving on to the prestigious 3rd round.

We are proud to announce that both Caleb and Ashar qualified for this elite round, a feat accomplished by just 0.2% of participants nationwide.

Moreover, Ashar distinguished himself by winning a silver medal and a cash prize for his impressive 9th place finish in the Junior (Grade 8 – 9) category.

HELPMEKAAR KOLLEGE

IPT u.13 Lions Tournament

In an exciting development for our Preparatory School sports, two of our talented young rugby players, Ethan O’Neil and Sebastian O’Donoghue, were recently selected to represent the IPT u.13 Lions rugby team. The tournament, which took place in Durban, showcased the skill and tenacity of these young athletes, who faced some of the country’s toughest u.13 teams, including the Bulls, Sharks, Falcons, and an Invitational team.

Throughout the tournament, the Lions fought hard and produced impressive results:

• Lions 19 vs Bulls 24

• Lions 17 vs Sharks 14

• Lions 0 vs Falcons 12

• Lions 34 vs Invitational Team 5

The Lions’ journey and the dedication of players like Ethan and Sebastian highlight the strength of youth rugby in our community and inspire their peers to aim high in the sport. We look forward to seeing more achievements from these talented young athletes.

RAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Matric Valediction

Rand Park High School’s Matric Class of 2024 spent most of their first year of high school in lockdown and have been fondly referred to as our Covid Babies ever since. Despite that rocky start to their high school journey, they have displayed perseverance and the ability to rise above obstacles to achieve the wonderful results that were celebrated at this year’s Valediction on 15 October.

The main awards presented to the Class of 2024 were:

• Nethra Yathavan: Dux Scholar and the Mayor’s Trophy

• Khanyisile Siluma and Nethra Yathavan: Maximo Cum Honore

• Tristan Smith: The Sharon Hale Trophy for Cultural Excellence

• Hannah Charles: Sports Person of the Year

• Megan Freese: The Frewin Trophy for Achievement Through Endeavour

• Tyler McKeown: The Eric Crawford Trophy for Good Citizenship

• Neyushan Govender and Raymond Ohanya: The Rand Park High School Trophy for Development in Qualities of Leadership

• Mmile Lehloenya and Nicholas Pitout: Esprit de Corps Award for Co-operation, Participation and Dedication to the interests of the school

• Cayla Willemse: The MacKenzie Trophy for Esprit de Corps

The Class of 2024 has proven that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow and that their futures are bright and their potential is limitless.

Wil jy graag die koerant met familie en vriende deel? Skandeer die QR kode en deel die digitale weergawe met hulle.

HOËRSKOOL RANDBURG

Hoofleiers 2025

Baie geluk aan ons Hoofleiers vir 2025! Ons sien uit om te sien hoe julle Randburg in die volgende jaar gaan lei!

Nea Eisteddfod Gala Prysuitdeling

Van ons leerders is genooi na die NEA Gala Prysuitdeling na afloop van die 28ste NEA Eisteddfod seisoen.

• Malea Avis (Graad 8) is aangewys as itemwenner in drie van die vier items waaraan sy deelgeneem het.

• Janique Kruger (Graad 9) ontvang ‘n Ambassadeurstoekenning vir haar Tap Straight solo. Sy word ook aangewys as Nommer 6 op die Algehele Senior Top 10.

• Keira Bester (Graad 9) is ‘n itemwenner in die Dramatiese Monoloog (Graad 9).

• Ethan Bester (Graad 11) is itemwenner in twee items. Hy ontvang ook ‘n ambassadeurstoekenning vir sy Afrikaans Liriese Poësie en word aangewys as Nommer 9 op die Algehele Senior Top 10.

Krieket

Liam Peek (Graad 9) is verkies vir die CGL Leeus o.15 krieketspan wat sy provinsie gaan verteenwoordig.

Krieket

Tennis

Baie geluk aan die volgende seuns wat in hul onderskeie Gauteng-Sentraal tennisspanne vir 2025 ingesluit is:

• Anrich Campher (o.15B)

• Christiaan Campher (o.19B)

• Franco Colin (o.19B)

HOËRSKOOL LINDEN

Sportprysuitdeling

Hoërskool Linden se sportsterre was vereer tydens hulle jaarlikse sportprysuitdeling.

Juniors’ Achievements:

LAERSKOOL FONTAINEBLEAU

Leiers 2025

Baie geluk aan die onderstaande leerders wat gekies is as Fonties se Leierraad vir 2025.

CRAWFORD INTERNATIONAL SANDTON

Debating Results

Our junior debating team, consisting of Kimiya Ghaheri, Isabelle Gazendam, Sienna Peters, and Lehakoe Hlalele competed against a remarkable field of 59 teams and 295 students at this year’s Athenium League. Our juniors achieved an unblemished record, winning all six rounds in the preliminary stages. This phenomenal feat placed them as the 2nd overall team, marking a historic moment as the first team ever to go unbeaten through the preliminary rounds of the tournament.

A special shoutout goes to Kimiya Ghaheri, who has been selected for the Gauteng Provincial Team and also ranked among the Top 30 speakers in Gauteng alongside Isabelle Gazendam. Their hard work was recognized during a prestigious awards ceremony held on the 15th of October at the Blueberry Hill Hotel - a testament to their dedication and skill.

Swem:

Ruben van Wijk

• Goud: 80mh

• Goud: 200mh

• 4de: 200m

• Goud: 1500m

• Goud: 800m

Milaaika Nel

• Goud: Gewigstood

Seniors’ Achievements:

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of senior debating team who also made us proud at the 2024 Gauteng Provincials Debating Championships Tournament. The team, simply named Crawford Sandton, participated with great spirit and determination. They secured three out of six wins in the preliminary rounds, culminating in a rank of 28th out of 54 participating teams. Congratulations to both our junior and senior teams for their impressive performances and for flying the Crawford flag high! Your dedication and achievements exemplify the spirit of excellence that we value at Crawford. We look forward to even greater success in the future!

Adri Breedt

• Brons: Kruipslag

Danielle Brink

• Silwer: Kruiplag

• Brons: Vlinderslag

Elle van Vuuren

• Brons: Vlinderslag

• Brons: Vlinderslag

Sebastian Botha

• Sliwer: Kruipslag

• Brons : Borsslag

LAERSKOOL BEKKER PRIMARY

VEREENIGING GIMNASIUM

Top 10 Leerders

HOËRSKOOL OVERVAAL

By LoveLocal Vaaldriehoek

VAALDRIEHOEK

HTS SASOLBURG

Prize-Giving 2024

The Highlights of the 2024 Prizegiving was Rualdo Fouche winning a number of Trophies and Serame Montoedi receiving the trophy for the Dux student.

And then Kayle Herbst and Maria Hlongwane sharing the trophy for service.

< ho ho ho >

A very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2025 from all of us at AWSUM News.

HOËRSKOOL TRANSVALIA

Prysuitdeling 2024

LAERSKOOL VRYHEIDSMONUMENT

Leerlingraad 2025

HOËRSKOOL DRIEHOEK

Hoogste Toekennings 2024

Baie geluk aan die volgende leerders vir hul harde werk.

Jani

Hoofleiers 2025

Baie geluk aan die volgende leerders wat gekies is om hul skool as hoofprefekte vir 2025 te verteenwoordig.

ST DOMINIC’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

St Dominic’s Honours Matric Achievers

St Dominic’s School hosted its highly anticipated Matric Awards Assembly on 9 October, recognizing the outstanding achievements of its Grade 12 students based on their Term II results.

The prestigious event, attended by students, teachers, parents, and guests, showcased the school’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

St Dominic’s School continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, nurturing well-rounded individuals who make a difference.

• Refiloe Chiane: 1st Life Orientation Trophy

• Chloe Pearson: 1st Consumers Studies Trophy

• Rearabilwe Setou: 1st English Trophy, Academic Scroll

• Lea-Ait Madi: 1st French Trophy, Academic Scroll

• Carmen Coleman: 1st Mathematical LiteracyTrophy, Academic Scroll

• Murango Ramagwede: 1st Geography Trophy

• Julia Smargiasso: 1st History – Trophy

• Talia Farinha: 1st Accounting – Trophy

• Kassandra Muller: 1st CAT - Trophy

• Kayleigh Grange: 1st Business Studies –Trophy

• Sandiselwe Zwane: 1st Life Sciences - Trophy

• Lianke Mcdonald: 1st Afrikaans – Trophy, 1st Visual Art – Voucher, 3rd In Grade 12

• Funi Tshikororo: 1st Mathematics -Trophy, 1st Physical Sciences – Voucher, 2nd In Grade 12

• Thandanani Mtshali: 1st FSM – Trophy, 1st Isizulu -Voucher, 1st In Grade 12

Debaters shine at Gauteng Provincials

St Dominic’s School’s debating team made a remarkable impression at the Gauteng Provincial Debating Championships, with the junior team securing an impressive 4th place finish. The tournament brought together over 60 schools from across the province, with St Dominic’s seniors competing in Phase 1 and the juniors advancing to the semi-finals.

Wasiva and Ruby, St Dominic’s junior debaters, excelled in the Atheneum Central Juniors earlier this year, placing top 10. At provincials, they won three out of six debates in Phase 1 and two split panel wins, securing a spot in the top 28.

The junior team then faced stiff competition in the partial double octo-final rounds, knocking out Parktown Girls (13th place) and St Dunstans (5th place). They proceeded to quarter-finals, defeating Trinity House, before losing to McHauley House in a split decision.

“We are incredibly proud of our debaters’ achievements,” said Tayla Barrett - Debating Coach and St Dominic’s Alumnus. “Their dedication, research, and critical thinking skills were evident throughout the tournament.”

Motions:

• Round 1: This house regrets the rise of true crime documentaries as a form of entertainment.

• Round 2: This house would nationalize the mini-bus taxi industry.

• Round 3: This house supports the right of indigenous peoples to have publicly-funded schools, with autonomy over curriculum, operations, and educational philosophy.

• Round 4: This house believes that free will is an illusion.