Friday, October 19, 2012

Christian Union Camp 19 - 21 October 2012

A PRAYER HAS BEEN ANSWERED!

 
On Thursday 16 August 2012 I attended a meeting at the Communicare Centre and met some of the stakeholders. Amongst these members was Sedrico Husselman area manager of Scripture Union. We started talking and after a passionate report given by me, he offered to get involved with our Christian Union at school. It started here. Then I invited him to attend the Hill Song assembly in our school hall. You all know how electrifying that was. I mean to get me to "wallow" was a huge experience and to hear Miss Steyn "rap" - wow.
 
In the center Mr Lourens De Jager Manager of the Centre. Our meeting was so fruitfull.


Sedrico kept his promise and emailed me that he got a sponsorship of R2000 and he invited 5 of our dedicated Christian Union learners to attend a camp at Rocklands Camp Site in Simonstown. Mrs Janse van Rensburg selected the 5 learners, Mr Lind took the responsibility of coordinating this whole camp and Miss Lawrence went along for the "joy ride". Thank you to these educators for helping me make this dream come true. Mr Lionel Marescia was so kind as to offer his free time to transport these learners today and fetch them again on Sunday from Simonstown. We are truly in debt with him, because this is done above all his normal duties and after hours.
 
Mr Lind at the back. From the left: Vuyokazi Tubali, Ursula Adams, Austin-Lee Hendricks, Charnene Havenga and Ntombi Bless. They were so grateful and humbled by the chance to go to the camp.
Here are some photo's I obtained from the Rocklands web site to give you an idea of the wonderful surroundings and facilities they will enjoy over the week end. Vuyokazi, being the oldest of them all, was elected as leader. This is the first of many opportunities for these 5 learners. Truly a prayer that has been answered.
Despite the adverse weather, they will certainly enjoy the indoor facilities.
I will keep you posted on the outcome of the camp. The learners promised me they will hand me a report on their experience of the week end.
 


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Exclusive Interview with our Head Prefects of 2013


 
Reshonda Lodewyk and Shane-Dean Bennett

Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Today during break I had the opportunity to get to know our Head Prefects a little bit better. That gave me an idea to interview them later in the form of a questionnaire. These are some of the facts that came out of our interaction.
Both reacted the same on the question if they think they are kind hearted or strict leaders: Reshonda said: "I am a kindhearted person, but I stand for order, protocol and discipline."
I have asked them what they will do if they see a friend break a school rule: Shane-Dean said: "Even if they are my friends, I have a duty as Head Boy to ensure that I respect the school's Code of Conduct."
 Now for the ultimate killer question:  Are you afraid that you might become unpopular in the near future?  Reshonda:  "No, I have a responsibility towards the school, I am not here to please learners, but I'm here to do what is expected of me." Shane-Dean:  "I am not afraid that I might become unpopular, being Head Boy of Goodwood College is not about being popular!"
Their take on Terrain Duty: Both agree upon the necessity of doing such duty. "It is a great way of meeting everyone and also a big responsibility of witnessing what learners are up to during breaks." They are also very aware that it will take some time to persuade the other prefects to respect their views on this very important function.
Five areas of discipline they would like to focus on in 2013: Reshonda: "The use of illegal substances, school dress code, littering on school grounds, disruptiveness in the lines and in classes, disrespectful learners."  Shane-Dean: "Neatness, Honesty, Punctuality, Respect to Staff, Abstain from illegal substances on the terrain." During our walk on the school terrain we had to write down the names of 4 boys who were illegally purchasing foodstuff from a house shop on the side of the school where learners are not supposed to be. They were obviously levelled! (I am glad to say they were caught 'red handed' and they apologised profusely. They know we will be back...) lol
Thank you Head Prefects. You make us proud in the humble way you think, react and plan.
Next article - meeting the entire Prefect Body!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

GRADE 12 CAT FINAL EXAM PRACTICAL NEXT WEEK!

GRADE 12 "CAT":

''the mouse race that prepares you for the rat race"

Did I really say: "I will not miss you - EVER?" That was not me, it was my "ventriloquist"! (got you there, ha ha!)
Serious:  "This is where you grab the dictionary and put aside your computer..."


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

May this image inspire you...

Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working twenty-four hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force.
-Tom Blandi
 
We have decided to make this our signature image for the blog.
 

Fantastic support from our "NEW" 2013 Grade 8 Parents

Don’t look further for answers: be the solution. You were born with everything you need to know. Make a promise to stop getting in the way of the blessing that you are. Take a deep breath, remember to have fun, and begin. -Jonathan H. Ellerby
 
16 October 2012 marks the beginning of a school career for at least 130 new applicants to our school. A highly successful evening where we have met the parents and learners joining us in 2013. This information evening should set aside all uncertainties for the new year. Thank you Mrs Africa for driving this "venture". We also extend our gratitude towards the secretaries Hannelie and Alida for making communication possible and get the parents to school in full force. All the educators who participated in making this evening possible showed us their extended commitment to drive education at Goodwood College.
In this collage, you will notice the newly found commitment from parents, learners and teachers. We salute you!
 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Thank you followers

Our Blog passed 7000 hits for this year only! I am so proud to see how many interest our blog generates.
Keep watching this space...
Today our new Prefects for 2013 were introduced to the school during our last formal assembly. We will feature interviews with our new prefects and hear what they are willing to bring to the "table" next year. We were so proud of them today when they appeared on stage so neatly dressed and eager looking.
Our Head Boy: Shane-Dean Bennett and Head Girl: Reshonda Lodewyk
 

National Teacher's Day Breakfast 12 Oct 2012

Albert Einstein -
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.

Nice relaxed atmosphere and music