NEWSLETTER

EASTER TERM No 1/2013

Dear Parents I congratulate our 2012 Matriculants and A-Level candidates on excellent exam results. We remain the top boys school on academic results, which is pleasing. I also take this opportunity to thank our teachers who work extremely hard to prepare your boys and girls for these exams. 2013 opened with a full school and good numbers in boarding. We still have some spare capacity in boarding, so if your son is interested, speak to Mrs Pat Schaerer, or one of the boarding housemasters. We have four boarding houses, Nash, Hill, Clayton, and Hodgson. There are a total of 231 boys and girls in boarding, including the 6th Form, Runge House. Recently I was reading an article from Christ Church Grammar School in Perth, regarding their pedagogy. I was struck by how much it reflected what happens at St Johns, and recognised that the DNA of boys schools is very similar across the continents. Catering for individual differences At St Johns College we cater for individual differences. Research shows that boys do not learn unidimensionally. At St Johns we encourage teachers to know and love their students and to help them to learn in the best way they can. Individual differences in learning styles can be catered for by providing a range of ways for boys to learn a subject. For example through a combination of reading, annotated diagrams, video, research, group work, collaboration, teaching to others, and testing, more areas of the brain are engaged, optimising their learning. This is a learner centred teaching approach. Provide structure and feedback Another boy friendly teaching approach is to provide structure and feedback. Providing structure and feedback is core to motivating boys in the classroom. Structured lessons with clear objectives, expectations and task stages, are a key part of forming a safe learning environment. Boys need boundaries to thrive. Boys will push boundaries, and they need to know that they are fixed, that is why it is essential to deliver on the consequences that boys expect from stepping over those boundaries. Providing feedback is also integral to creating a safe learning environment. Encouraging questioning, asking the right questions, leading students to their own answers and providing affirming and constructive feedback allows boys to have a sense of security and freedom to be themselves. This structure and feedback, dressed in a good dose of teachers being fair, firm and funny, are key to reaching boys. Enhancing personal bests Flowing on from the role that structure and feedback plays in motivating boys is the need to discover and enhance a boys strengths and abilities. Expecting high standards, stretching boys abilities, setting goals and coaching boys to persevere, are key to achieving this. As a close score at half time serves to motivate the losing team to win the game, having an achievable goal that is in reach and setting tasks at the right level too low or too high, they will be bored or give up. Encouraging healthy competition between the boys in the classroom is also important in making the personal quest to achieving excellence a fun experience.

Motivating teachers to become life-long learners St Johns College recognises that the culture of learning for teachers needs to be aspirational. We work with teachers to set realistic goals and focus areas for development. We also promote a culture of life-long learning and provide on-going support for teachers to accommodate professional development and growth in their busy schedules. Teachers are encouraged to challenge themselves as they challenge their students to learn and grow. We have a fantastically skilled set of staff and there are abundant opportunities for professional dialogue, to learn from each other and gain peer support. How parents can motivate their boys to learn As boys enter their pre-adolescent and teenage years, a parents role shifts from nurturing the boy to nurturing the man he will become. Setting boundaries, letting boys experience the consequences of their actions and giving boys greater responsibility are key to engaging the adult within the boy. It is about supporting boys to be self-directed and meet their responsibilities. As parents, being available and present and reminding boys of their future goals to see them through those times when they are feeling unmotivated helps boys navigate through the transition to manhood.

On Valentines Day, St Johns College, in conjunction with the boys schools in Gauteng Pretoria Boys High, St Albans, Afrikaans Hor Seunskool, St Stithians, King Edwards, Parktown, Jeppe, St Davids, St Benedicts and CBC, gathered at 12 noon to be part of the 1 Billion Rising movement to stand against the abuse of women. Gianluca Agostinetto, our Head of School, addressed the boys and Lizo Rensburg, our Second Prefect prayed the following prayer: Creator God, You created the earth and everything in it. You created everything inter-dependent and You created everything good. You created men and women in Your image, You blessed them both. Help us to see Your image on the faces of the victims of our violence. Help us to remember we have no right to subject anyone to violence. Help all of us who live in violence to realize and affirm our own dignity. Help us to realize we are made in Your image. Help us to remember that we should never tolerate violence. Help Your church to realize that Jesus did not tolerate violence against women. Help us to fight violence in this era, We pray. Amen Finally, the boys and girls of St Johns College made a pledge, using these words: As a true Johannian I pledge to speak out against any form of abuse against women of all ages. I pledge to treat women with respect and to oppose fearlessly those who abuse women verbally, physically and psychologically. I also pledge not to remain silent against sexism, jokes or language that demeans women. We live in challenging times, and it is important for our boys and girls to stand firm against violence and abuse. Please continue this conversation at home. Kind regards

Roger Cameron Headmaster

I E B MATRICULATION 2012 St Johns College is proud of the excellent results achieved by our Matriculants in the 2012 IEB Examinations. Congratulations to all our Matric pupils! St Johns pupils once again achieved a 100% Matric pass rate with 96% achieving University Entrance at Degree level. 5 pupils achieved over 90% average 30 pupils achieved over 80% average 24 pupils achieved over 75% average (LEVEL 7 - OVER 80%) SUBJECT ACHIEVEMENTS BY THE FOLLOWING PUPILS:

Muhammed-Ismail Bulbulia

Pele Collins

Mohammed Kaskar

Dylan Potgieter

Kyle Robertson

Nabeel Seedat

Bradley Stocks

9 Subjects:

Muhammed-Ismail Bulbulia, Pele Collins, Mohammed Kaskar, Dylan Potgieter, Kyle Robertson, Nabeel Seedat, Bradley Stocks John Atherfold, Matthew Koevort, Himal Kooverjee, Bryan Moore, Kevin Murning, Irakli Rekhviashvili, Mohamed Sacranie, Jacques van Rhyn Septimus Boshoff, Jack de la Fargue, Cameron Foster, Bhaveen Kalidas, Niels Kuhnemann. Gerhard Olivier, Jason Smythe

8 subjects:

7 Subjects:

Our 5 top academic pupils this year are: 94% average: Jacques van Rhyn and Nabeel Seedat 91% average: Mohammed-Ismail Bulbulia 90% average: Mohammed Kaskar and Himal Kooverjee 368 Level 7 (80% and over) subject aggregates were achieved in the following subjects: 54 of 117 candidates writing Mathematics (of which 18 achieved over 90%) 29 of 62 candidates writing Maths Paper 3 11 of 19 candidates writing Maths Literacy 18 of 53 candidates writing Advanced Programme Mathematics 61 of 136 candidates writing Life Orientation 29 of 111 candidates writing Physical Science 30 of 67 candidates writing Geography 39 of 136 candidates writing English 16 of 85 candidates writing History 16 of 59 candidates writing Life Sciences 12 of 19 candidates writing Dramatic Arts 6 of 17 candidates writing Information Technology 19 of 120 candidates writing Afrikaans 5 of 10 candidates writing French 6 of 16 candidates writing IsiZulu, first additional language 6 of 23 candidates writing Visual Arts 5 of 7 candidates writing German 6 of 7 candidates writing Trinity Music

Outstanding Achievement: 78 pupils were ranked in the top 5% of the IEB in 6 or more subjects: Over 80%: Muhammed Ismail-Bulbulia, Pele Collins, Himal Kooverjee and Nabeel Seedat Commendable Achievement: 63 pupils were ranked in the top 5% of the IEB in 5 or more subjects: Mohammed Kaskar, Bradley Stocks and Jacques van Rhyn The following pupils were ranked within the top 1% of candidates in the following subjects: Nabeel Seedat Jacques van Rhyn Bradley Stocks Mohammed Kaskar Himal Kooverjee Pele Collins Gerhardt Olivier Muhammed Ismail-Bulbulia Mohammed Sacrane Murray Steinhobel Alexandre Jelonek Keegan Leslie Kevin Murning Jason Smythe English, Geography, History, Life Orientation, Mathematics, Physical Science Afrikaans, English, Mathematics, Maths Paper 3 Information Technology, Physical Science English, Life Sciences Physical Science Mathematics Paper 3 Afrikaans English English English French isiZulu Trinity Prac 7 Trinity Prac 8

2012 AS and A-level results

Shuo Cheng

Rachel Davidson

Thomas Donoghue

Sophie Harbour

Neiyan Jiang

Megan McFie

Richard McIlraith

Ines Obregon

Charles Price-Smith

Nicholas Redelinghuys

We are delighted to announce our 2012 AS and A-level results. The subject pass rate of the students who wrote the A-Level examinations was 98%. Overall 78% of students achieved A-C symbols across all subjects. 12% of our symbols were over 90% in one or more ALevel subjects. An additional 32% were over 80% in one or more subjects. Results: Shuo Cheng Rachel Davidson Thomas Donoghue Sophie Harbour Meiyan Jiang Megan McFie Richard McIlraith Ines Obregon Charles Price-Smith Nicholas Redelinghuys 1 x A* 3xA 1 x A* 2 x A* 3xA 1 x A* 2 x A* 3xA 3 x A* 1 x A* 3 x A; 1xB 2 x A; 1 x A*; 1xB 2xA 1 x A; 1xB 1xB 3xA 1xB 1xB 1xB

1xC

We are hugely proud of the Sixth Form class of 2012 and look forward to similar success from the Sixth Formers of 2013.

Academic Awards - 2013 Academic Honours Matthew Koevort (Matric 2012) Academic Colours Jordan Cutifani Nishal Dullabh Christopher Huntley Daniel Katz Neil Viviers Service Award Colours First Aid Liam Chew

First Aid Callum Leesum has been awarded his First Aid tie.

Music Awards International Rock Music Exam Board Dino Sotiropoulos Christopher Bellew Prashant Venkatakrishnan Nicholas Devonport Jake Alfred Antonio Osato Enrico Queiros Passed with merit Passed with merit Passed with merit Passed with merit Passed Passed Passed Drum Kit Drum Kit Electric Guitar Electric Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Electric Guitar Drum Kit Grade 3 Grade 7 Grade 6 Grade 2 Grade 4 Grade 3 Grade 3

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Jordan Williamson Stephen Maycock Stephen Hunt Michael Bucher Zachary Bowditch Daniel Arnot Khensane Ngwenya Kgonamotse Kgole Sean Wynne Daniel Stevens Merlin Love Claudio Di Giacomo Matthew Davies Andrew Fletcher Logan Geldenhuys Tamlin Love Sibonelo Magagula Daniel Slater Jesse Stevens Kaleem Ahmid Passed with merit Passed with merit Passed Passed Passed with distinction Passed with merit Passed with distinction Passed with distinction Passed Passed with merit Passed with merit Passed with distinction Passed Passed Passed with distinction Passed with merit Passed Passed Passed with merit Passed with merit Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Theory of Music Grade 2 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 1 Grade 1 Grade 3 Grade 2 Grade 2 Grade 2 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5 Grade 5

Music Jordan Sunnasy participated in the St Andrews "VIEBZ" competition held on 7 February, and took 1st prize in the Senior Section.

SPORTS NEWS S A Schools The following boys were selected to the SA Schools teams in December: Water Polo Cricket Wesley Antonites, Roarke Olver & Dan Trninic Wesley Coulentianos Bradley Dial selected for the SA U/19 team to play England in a T20 match in February

Rowing 1st 8 came second in the Boat Race Port Alfred

Cricket Wesley Coulentianos was selected for the SA Schools team after the commencement of the U19 National Coca-Cola week which took place in Potchefstroom from 16 to 19 December 2012. They played in one game against the NW provincial team. Bradley Dial was selected to represent the SA U19 one day team in a one day test series against England taking place in and around the W Cape. The series consists of 5 one day games from 11 to 22 February 2013.
Bradley Dial

1st Cricket team played in the Paarl Boys Cricket Festival - played 4 matches - won 1 lost 1 and drew 2

Golf
Congratulations to Jono Whitehouse on making the cut for the SA Amateur Open down at Oubaai. He shot 77 on the Tuesday, but played amazingly well on the Wednesday, shooting 71. Average age at the competition is 25! A superb achievement.

Squash
Bradley Dial won the Gauteng Squash U/19 Tournament this past weekend. Dean Maxton came 2nd Tyrone Dial won the U/16 Section Bradley Dial will be participating in the U/19 test series against England this coming week and wish him the best of luck Water Polo Wesley Antonities, Roarke Olver and Dan Trninic were members of the Gauteng U19 water polo team, and all were selected for the SA U19 team at the SA Schools Inter-provincial water polo tournament held in PE from 10 - 14 December 2012.

Tennis Congratulations to the following boys who participated in the annual St Benedict's tennis tournament over the weekend of 26 January: 1. Stephen Mark (Captain) 2. Nicholas Zille 3. Michael Copeland 4. Hugh Morgan St John's placed fourth this year. This is a remarkable achievement as most of the teams we played are premiere-league teams: last year we placed eighth.

Swimming INTER-HOUSE GALA THURSDAY 24 JANUARY 2013

Houses Second Third Inter House 2012 7 5 8 2 6 4 3 1 9 N A H C HD T F CE R First Positions Number of Places Seventh Fourth Eighth Tenth Ninth Sixth Fifth TOTALS

Nash (2) Alston (8) Hill (7) Clayton (4) Hodgson (9) Thomson (5) Fleming (3) Clarke (6) Runge (1)

3 6 8 11 6 6 12 8 0

1 5 4 10 4 17 10 9 0

8 10 4 4 2 8 8 14 2

7 12 3 10 11 1 5 9 2

5 6 5 10 12 8 5 9 0

8 6 6 9 6 5 8 7 3

12 4 9 3 8 7 6 2 3

9 3 7 1 7 4 2 2 4

2 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 8

246 308 240 364 291 342 354 379 63

St Johns Parents Prayer Group 2013

Take your everyday, ordinary life your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walkingaround-life and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Dont become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. Youll be changed from the inside out. Romans 12 (The Message). Every Thursday morning during the term, a group of St Johns parents meets to pray in the Community Room from 07h30-08h30. This hour of prayer focuses on the school and its community, and all parents are most welcome to participate. Prayer requests may be given to the secretaries who will then notify us, and there are also prayer request boxes, in the College (at the top of the stairs leading to the Community Room), Prep (opposite the bag room in the library) and Pre-Prep (outside the secretarys office), which anyone in the school can use to communicate their private prayer requests to us. All prayer requests are kept strictly confidential. Prayer has to do with inner resonance and a capacity for mutuality. it waits for, expects and receives guidance from Another Richard Rohr To join us, or for more information, please contact: Susan Bentley on 082 882 5210 or susancbentley@gmail.com

Internal evaluation & IQAA survey forms

Thank you to those parents who completed and returned the survey forms. We had a high percentage of returns, which is a good sign for the rest of the internal evaluation of our school. The entire process is intended to gather evidence of levels of satisfaction in a number of areas, and to report back facts and recommendations to the College community, Council and Executive. The survey forms have identified areas that need to be investigated further. This will be done through focus and discussion groups comprising parents, students and teachers. The topics for discussion will be published shortly and parents will then be invited to attend the focus groups. These will take place during the week starting on Monday, 11 March. Class visits and discussions with students and teachers will also be undertaken by the internal evaluation team during this week. Although our membership of the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) requires a full audit every six years, we see this as an opportunity for authentic reflection and growth. It is also an opportunity to assess the outcome of some our medium term strategies that have been implemented. The final report will be available in June. The executive of the school will then have the opportunity to implement changes, and will be in the position to use the findings to direct further strategic planning within the school. St Johns is committed to maintaining and improving standards with its vision of creating an environment in which our pupils can live their lives to the full, learn accountability, fulfil their potential and reach their dreams. If you have any queries, please e-mail the following people who are co-ordinating the evaluation teams in the various schools: College Warwick Taylor taylor@stjohnscollege.co.za Prep Margot Long longma@stjohnscollege.co.za Pre-Prep Elaine Owen owen@stjohnscollege.co.za The Bridge Jenny Lobban lobban@stjohnscollege.co.za We are looking forward to your participation in the focus groups. We assure you that information collected through these discussions will be reported on with integrity. The identity of participants will be kept confidential, but we hope to retain the essence of the concerns raised. Thank you for your input in the process and for your support of the school. Yours sincerely Warwick Taylor (Deputy Headmaster)

Join us on 28 March, 30 March and 1 April at this years St Johns College Easter Rugby Festival. Enjoy a true Showcase of Schoolboy Rugby, with games relayed on big screens. A great week-end of schoolboy rugby is planned, with fun and entertainment for the entire family. Well have a variety of gastronomical delights and traditional family-based entertainment. SuperSport Rugby coverage will be screened on TVs in the main marquee. Funds raised from each years Festival have traditionally been utilized for various projects and activities throughout the school. These contributions have benefited the entire school from Pre-Prep through to College. For comprehensive information, please log on to the school website: www.stjohnscollege.co.za