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2017 LOOMING…

PRIZE GIVING TERM 3

INSIDE:

The first two weeks of a very short nine-week term are over and we head towards exams in two weeks’ time. This part of the year is extremely pressurised from all perspectives - you as parents, boys with exams and Noёl looming, staff with marking, reports and concert preparations, not to mention getting ready for 2017. It is now time for level heads and taking each day as it comes - I wish the varsity students would see it like that too!

2 1 / 1 0 / 2 0 1 6 | T E R M 4 | N E W S L E T T E R

PROGRAMME PARENTS WEEKEND

ISSUE 30

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN SA’S SCHOOLS

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I would like to take this opportunity to thank the School community for producing yet another great MiMs weekend. In particular, I would like to thank all the boys for their tremendous resilience, dedication and professionalism during the preparation and the event itself. We

This past weekend we had two very successful hikes into the mountains for Grade 7 and 8. Grade 8 focussed mainly on the leadership structures for next year and the adjustments to the Council for 2017. Mentorship is the keyword in that regard, so nobody has to fear the odd rogue Grade 9 disciplining children. For Grade 7, it was team building and the pure enjoyment of experiencing nature at its best. Zulu Cave is one of the best places to visit in the mountains.

The Internal Music Competition is in full swing and lots of preparation is currently being done. This is always a splendid evening and if parents are able to get down to school early for Parent’s Weekend, then it is well worth attending. Please see a later insert for the Parent Weekend programme.

Congratulations to Luke Jansen van Vuuren who passed his Concert Status this week.

Mr Krüger is currently in Spain adjudicating an Interkultur choir competition. Interkultur is also the company that organises the World Choir Games which are going to be held in Pretoria in 2018 – he will be back at school next week.

I would like to congratulate Mr and Mrs Wellbeloved on the birth of their daughter this past week. Libby weighed in at a lovely 2kg. By all accounts she is progressing well despite arriving early. Mr Pillay, himself a qualified teacher, will be standing in during this period with Mrs Dixon assisting on a daily basis – the boys will be well catered for during the next four months.

Please note the calendar dates for next year. They were distributed some months ago, and many people have planned accordingly. Please remember that the two Parent’s Weekends in Term 2 and 3 have become mid-term breaks and one follows directly after MIMS. The only change to the draft calendar previously distributed, is the mid-term break in August, which is later in the month due to the Japan tour only returning on 10 August. Please see our website for more information. (http://dbchoir.com/web/school-calendar/)

Have a wonderful weekend.

Andrew Stead

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE HEAD

2017 LOOMING…continued from page 1

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Chorister of the Week:

Lengana Mashaphu

Most valuable performer:

Kyle Kroats

New boy of the week:

Luke Jansen van Vuuren

Voice Group of the concert:

Tenors

NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

CONCERT AWARDS – 19 OCTOBER

Commendable performances on stage:

Albert Sibanda

Sashin Rathinasamy

Alex Brits

Geo Kirsten

Sihle Manonyame

Yolani Bam

Lengana Mashaphu

Thando Myeza

JP van Heerden

Tau Khaile

Andre Wears-Taylor

Layton Abrahams

Anthony Ncube

UNISA PRACTICAL RESULTS

Recognised on Unisa honours roll for outstanding achievement:

Aidan Nordin Singing Gr 6

(Also 100% for aural training component)

Distinctions:

Gabriel Drew Singing Gr 5

Stephen Barnard Singing Gr 5

Luc Delaporte Singing Gr 6

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INTERNAL MUSIC COMPETITION FINAL ROUND

Congratulations to the following items that made it through to the final round, which takes place on Thursday 3 November.

Vocal Solo Classical:

1. Jonathan Jenkins – Anthem

2. Aidan Nordin – Das Veilchen

3. Matthew Evans – Dove sei

4. Lengana Mashaphu – Rugiadose Odorose

5. Stephen Barnard – I attempt from...

6. Sebastian Chowles – Sebben crudele

Vocal Solo Light:

1. Ntsako Lekula – Stitches

2. Manga Pepu – Because of You

3. Nathaniel Stoffels – Champion of Love

4. Aidan Nordin – Creep

5. Yolani Bam – Sand Castles

Vocal Ensemble Light:

1. Four in One – Just My Imagination Mashup

2. Yolani’s group – Joy

Vocal Ensemble Classical:

1. Lengana’s group – Northern Lights

2. Four in one – Amazing Grace

Instrumental Solo Classical:

1. Christopher de Scally – Ya se Muió el

Burro

2. Sihle Sigwebela – Andante Grazioso

3. Sheldon Spence – Prelude

4. Khumo Pege – Spanish Love Song

5. Sean Morrick – Evening Prayer

Instrumental Solo Light:

1. Sakhiwo Tshabalala – When the Saints

2. Khumo Pege – Have yourself a merry...

3. Gustav Klingbiel – The River Flows

4. Okuhle Madondo – Maybe this Time

5. Stephen Barnard – Indian Pony Race

Mixed Ensemble Light:

1. Obakhe & band – When we were Young

2. Jonathan & band – Piano Man

3. Hooligans – Can’t stop the Feeling

4. Semiyea & band – Let it Go

5. Kevin J’s band – Friend Zone

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Andrew Stead (left) Pieter Koekemoer (right) (1967 old boy) with the latest concert status recipient Luke Jansen van Vuuren (centre).

CONCERT STATUS

Andrew Stead (left), Pieter Koekemoer - 1967 old boy (right) with the latest concert status recipient Luke Jansen van Vuuren (centre).

SNIPPETS FROM THE SAN

A handful of boys presenting with sniffles and sore throats are currently under my tender ministrations. The speed of their recovery is impressive though, and I am delighted with the apparent success rate of my remedies. There’s an outside chance that the afflicted don’t return to the San for reasons other than rapid healing, but let’s not worry about that.

The ACV research project is trundling along somewhat slowly. The sad truth is that my little laboratory is under-resourced, both in staff skills and equipment. A couple of cauldrons just don’t cut it and my medical monitors are a few Ph.D.’s short.

Clearly, a partnership deal with a sponsor is needed. Because there is nothing in it for them, the big pharmaceutical companies won’t come to the party – capitalist schmucks. Does anyone have a friendly apple farmer up their sleeve?

Sister Lianne

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NEWS FROM THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT

SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN SA’S SCHOOLS

Substance abuse is defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. Using such substances can give rise to both physical and psychological dependence.

A Frightening Reality:

Studies show that children who start drinking before the age of fifteen are four times more likely to become alcoholics and children who use alcohol or drugs are three times more likely to get involved in violent crimes. According to FedHealth’s Peter Jordan , the average age of drug dependency in SA in 2013 was 12 years and 16% of teenagers at that time abused prescription medication.

A recent study was conducted by the College of Economic and Management Sciences at UNISA among secondary school learners. They determined that three in every 10 learners (26.9%) who participated in the survey confirmed using illicit drugs, of which cannabis (dagga) remains the most popular. Eight in every 10 learners (79.4%) regularly consume alcohol. The desire to be socially accepted plays a significant role in alcohol consumption among youth. Cigarette smoking and ‘hubbly bubblies’ are becoming more and more popular. Despite a high level of awareness of the risks and consequences associated with drug and alcohol abuse, the study shows that children use these substances for stress relief and recreational purposes.

Young people who abuse substances often present with an array of problems, including academic difficulties, health issues, depressive symptoms and they tend to have poor relationships with peers and family. With the right treatment and support, the disruptive effects of drug use can be counteracted and controlled. The first obstacle is to recognise and admit that one has a problem.

It’s not only the illegal substances!

Abuse of prescription medication is prevalent today – the danger of this practice is in the fact that tolerance levels to the medication increase, often resulting in an escalation in usage. The resultant withdrawal symptoms can be life threatening if the medication is suddenly discontinued. Many of these prescribed medications are abused when ingested in other ways from the intended manner.

Painkillers are the most commonly abused medications and are responsible for about 75% of overdose-related deaths. Codeine, found in Myprodol, Mybulen, Benylin, Broncleer cough syrup, Sinutab, Stopayne, Nurofen-co and various other products, is one of the most readily available drugs, which is frequently abused in South Africa. Syndol and Grandpa headache powders, are also often abused. The latter, when mixed with additional caffeine (Coca Cola or Coffee) causes a euphoric ‘lift’, which is a very dangerous practice. Benzodiazepines, referred to as ‘benzos’, are used to ‘take the edge off’ – these drugs, commonly found in Valium, Librium, Rohypnol and Ativan, are very dangerous when not taken according to guidelines. Tranquilisers are ‘downers’, which lead to a ‘zoned out’ state when abused. Withdrawal from such medications can result in seizures. Stimulants and anabolic steroids are other commonly abused substances.

Sniffing or huffing is prevalent in South Africa among younger children and adolescents, from all socio-economic backgrounds. This is a very dangerous activity that can be life-threatening – see http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Teenager-dies-in-huffing-incident-20110317.

What could a concerned parent do?

Have a look at the website http://www.health24.com/Parenting/Child/Mind/DIY-Drug-tests-some-facts-20120721, which suggests and gives advice on conducting a DIY screening test. These tests can detect commonly abused substances, such as dagga and codeine products and are available at most pharmacies, including DisChem. It is important to note that THC, the active ingredient in dagga, can be picked up several weeks after a single use of the drug. It is suggested that you consult the pharmacist on the best kit to purchase, as some do not detect codeine products. Regardless of the result, talk to your son. If the test result is positive, contact your doctor to get advice on how to proceed, as there is not a single course of action that would fit the needs of every person.

For your information, the DBCS Substance Abuse Policy will be loaded onto our Website in the next few days.

Sharon Dixon

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TERM 4 – 2016: CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

14:30 – 15:00 15:00 – 15:30 15:30 – 16:0 16:00 – 16:30 16:30 – 17:30

Monday Choir

IT Support

(DC)

Tuesday

Senior Cricket (NW)

Senior Swimming (EL/BB)

Senior Volleyball (JL)

Junior Cricket (NW)

Junior Swimming (EL/BB)

Junior Volleyball (DC)

Tennis (outside coach)

Choir

(16:45 – 17:45)

Academic Support (CC)

Mathematics: Gr 7

Academic Support (SD)

Mathematics: Gr8/9

15:45 – 16:40

Library – GT & Monitor

Academic Support – English (GT)

Tuck Shop – JW/SW

14:30 – 16:00

Wednesday Concert

Thursday

Senior Cricket (NW)

Senior Swimming (EL/BB)

Senior Volleyball (JL)

Junior Cricket (NW)

Junior Swimming (EL/BB)

Junior Volleyball (DC)

Tennis (outside coach)

Choir

(16:45 – 17:45)

Academic Support (CC)

Mathematics: Gr 4 - 6

Academic Support (SD)

Mathematics: Gr8/9

15:45 – 16:40

Library – GT & Monitor

Academic Support – English (GT)

Tuck Shop – JW/SW

14:30 – 16:00

Friday

Choir

Detention (15:30 – 17:30)

Computer Centre Supervision (15:30 – 17:00)

Chess Club (15:30 – 17:00)

Photography/Marketing Team (15:30 – 16:30)

One of: AD / SD (& Prefect)

Afrikaans Support: AD (by arrangement) Outreach Programme (CIA = Choristers in Action): SD

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THE HOLOCAUST CENTRE - A MOVING EXPERIENCE

Last week the Grade 9 class travelled to the Durban Holocaust Centre and took part in 3-hour workshop which included a comprehensive guided tour of the Holocaust museum, which houses authentic photographs, films and memorabilia from one of the most ghastly periods in the history of mankind, the Nazi Holocaust Programme, when 6 000 000 Jewish people throughout Europe were murdered in German Concentration camps during WW2.

The workshop began with a general lecture on that period, which included some moving and thought-provoking short films and general discussion. What was most valuable was that although the lecture was centred on the Holocaust, the boys were made aware of concepts such as prejudice and stereotyping in universal human behaviour.

The boys then broke into groups and explored the museum.

The programme concluded with the groups being given a number of scenarios regarding the moral behaviour of people when presented with dilemmas and choices, which the boys had to discuss and come up with conclusions.

The excursion was extremely valuable for our boys who behaved impeccably and, through their questions and responses, showed a maturity beyond their years.

Geoff Thompson

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PARENT’S WEEKEND PROGRAMME: 4 November 2016

7:30 – 10:30 CHOIR

Academic & Boarding Interviews – by appointment

All Staff, except E Linde, N Wanliss and M Wellbeloved

10:30 – 11:00 TEA (Boys & Staff)

11:00 – 12:30 INTER-HOUSE RUGBY & SOCCER

Academic and Boarding Interviews – by appointment

All Staff, except E Linde, N Wanliss, M Wellbeloved and J Linde

Music Interviews – no appointments – please congregate outside the Music Offices, should you wish to see a Music staff member

13:00 – 13:30 LUNCH (Boys & Staff)

13:30 – 14:30 BOYS SHOWER & GET READY FOR CONCERT

Academic Interviews – by appointment

All Staff, except E Linde and M Wellbeloved

14:30 – 15:30 PARENT’S CONCERT & DPA ELECTIONS

15:30 – 17:00 BOYS LEAVE FOR WEEKEND

15:30 – 16:30 Academic, Music and Boarding interviews (by appointment)

All Staff, except E Linde & M Wellbeloved

Please note the following:

Meetings will conclude at 16:30.

Music appointments during this session will be reserved for Parents of boys with whom Music staff urgently need to discuss matters. In the interim, parents are welcome to request such an appointment with Lauren Dookey – if this is possible, the appointment will be confirmed after 31 October.

Parents to please email staff, should they require feedback and did not manage to make an appointment.

Parents should contact staff members via email, should they require feedback on their son and were not able to secure an appointment.

Please make an appointment to see S Dixon (Gr 4 – 6 Parents), should you have any Mathematics queries.

Please liaise with E Linde via email.

Contact Lauren Dookey on ldookey@dbchoir.com or 0364681012 to make appointments.

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PERSEVERANCE IN SOCCER PROGRESS SHOWN IN SOCCER PROFICIENCY IN SOCCER

Daniel Riceman Siphesihle Shembe Semiyea Tassaw

Luke Brown Max Tanesse Siyabonga Tshabalala

Luke Jansen van Vuuren Siphesihle Maphumulo Sipho Mkhize

Luke Torres Caleb Saks Yolani Bam

Katlego Phetla Ayama Khumalo Ryan Smith

Kutloano Dlamini Julio Mamabolo Kevin Smith

Odirile Mokoma Sihle Manonyane Lwenzi Sibiya

Gabriel Drew Kyle Keegan Qhawe Mafika

Ntsako Lekula Angelo Mekonnen

Tau Khaile

Lefa Motshele

SPORT AWARDS:

SOCCER:

PERSEVERANCE IN MTB PROGRESS SHOWN IN MTB PROFICIENCY IN MTB

Sihle Sigwebela Alex Brits Sebastian Chowles

Kevin Jordaan André Wears Taylor

Francois Snyman Connor Lessle

Liam Muller

MOUNTAIN BIKING:

PRIZE GIVING TERM 3

Congratulations to every Drakie who received recognition for their dedication on the sport, music and/or academic platforms at DBCS.

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CELEBRATIN WOMAN’S DAY AT DBCS

MUSIC AWARDS:

ABRSM

EXAMINATIONS

PASS

(67% - 79%)

PASSED WITH MERIT

(80% – 86%)

PASSED WITH DISTINCTION

(above 86%)

Matthew Evans (Gr 1 – Piano) Geo Kirsten (Gr 1 – Piano) Brenden du Plessis (Gr 2 – Piano)

Sean Morrick (Gr 1 – Piano) Sheldon Spence (Gr 2 – Piano) Sean Morrick (Gr 2 – Recorder)

Ferdi Matthee (Gr 3 – Piano) Nathaniel Stoffels (Gr 2 – Piano) Sihle Sigwebela (Gr 2 – Trombone)

Lengana Mashaphu (Gr 5 – Piano) Chris de Scally (Gr 3 – Piano) Alex Brits (Gr 3 – Recorder)

Allistair Wadsworth (Gr 5 – Flute) Stephen Barnard (Gr 4 – Piano) Sakhiwo Tshabalala (Gr 3 – Trumpet)

Okuhle Madondo (Gr 4 – Piano) Gabriel Drew (Gr 4 – Piano)

Thando Myeza (Gr 4 – Percussion) Khumo Pege (Gr 5 – Jazz Saxophone)

Johan Piek (Gr 4 – Piano) Lengana Mashaphu (Gr 6 – Singing)

Kyle Keegan (Gr 5 – Singing) Neo Mntambo (Gr 6 – Singing)

ABRSM EXAMINATIONS:

PERSEVERANCE IN TENNIS PROGRESS SHOWN IN TENNIS PROFICIENCY IN TENNIS

Sean Morrick Keenan Beeslaar Matthew Evans

Nathaniel Stoffels Dian Botha Gustav Klingbiel

Nivin Pillay

Ferdi Matthee

Johandrè van Heerden

Ferdi Matthee

Connor Lessle

CROSS COUNTRY:

PERSEVERANCE IN CROSS COUNTRY PROGRESS SHOWN IN CROSS COUNTRY PROFICIENCY IN CROSS COUNTRY

Douglas Yazbek Stephen Barnard Layton Abrahams

Brenden du Plessis Elvis Chikiwa

Jonathan Jenkings Michael Green

Don Nhlengethwa Ryan Lee

Ayanda Ninela Liam Muller

TENNIS:

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PASS

(60% - 74%)

PASSED WITH MERIT

(75% - 86%)

PASSED WITH DISTINCTION

(87% and above)

Max Tanesse (Gr 1 – Drum kit) Don Nhlengethwa (Gr 1 – Drum kit) Tau Khaile (Gr 1 – Drum kit)

Sebastian Chowles (Gr 5 – Singing) Ryan Smith (Gr 1 – Drum kit)

Andre Wears-Taylor (Gr 1 – Drum kit)

Term 3 average of 80% and above

1. Michael de Goede 2. Kieran Griffin 3. Geo Kirsten 4. Polane Moloi 5. Caleb Saks 6. Sihle Sigwebela 7. Jesse Barth 8. Ndalo Gumede 9. Luke Jansen van Vuuren 10. Alex Brits 11. Ntakaso Mbuli 12. Sean Morrick 13. Matthew Robinson 14. Stephen Barnard 15. Liam Muller 16. Nivin Pillay 17. Sheldon Spence 18. Johandré van Heerden 19. Gabriel Drew 20. Gustav Klingbiel 21. Lengana Mashaphu 22. Johan Piek

TOP ACHIEVERS IN EACH CLASS (Term 3)

GRADE 4 and 5:

2nd Kieran Griffin (right)

Sihle Sigwebela (left) 2nd

1st Geo Kirsten (91,8%) (centre)

Academic Honours: awarded to a pupil in Grade 7 – 9 who has accumulated 25 points:

Stephen Barnard (Grade 8)

TRINITY EXAMINATIONS:

ACADEMIC RESULTS:

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GRADE 6:

3rd Jesse Barth (centre)

Ndalo Gumede (left) 2nd

1st Luke Jansen van Vuuren (84%) (right)

GRADE 7:

3rd Ntakaso Mbuli (centre)

Sean Morrick (left) 2nd

1st Alex Brits (89,7%) (right)

2nd

1st

Stephen Barnard (right)

Sheldon Spence (86,6%) (left)

Liam Muller (86,6%) (centre) 1st

3rd

2nd

1st

Gabriel Drew (left)

Gustav Klingbiel (right)

Johan Piek (89,6%) (centre)

GRADE 8:

Always happy to see each other again.

GRADE 9:

Well done Drakies - we are proud of you!

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15

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Siphesihle Sigwebela in action

Congratulations to Steven and Melanie Wellbeloved on the birth of their daughter, Libby Rose Wellbeloved. She was born on Sunday, 16 October at 19:30 and weighed 1.998kg.

Mom and baby are doing well!

GRADE 8 HIKE

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Aidan Nordin

22 October

Obakhe Delubom

23 October

Samkelo Mdakane

25 October

Andrѐ Wears -Taylor

28 October

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DATE EVENT TIME

21 October UNISA Theory Exams (Grade 4) 14:00 -17:00

22 October Academics

Entrepreneurs Day

08:30 -12:30

13:00 – 15:00

23 October Chapel

SCA

10:00 – 11:00

18:30 – 19:30

24 October Prefects Tea 10:20 – 10:40

25 October Junior Cricket Fixture vs Estcourt Christian Academy

Afrikaans Creative Writing Exam

African Hydro Symposium in Ladysmith

10:40 – 11:40

16:30 – 21:00

26 October Wednesday Concert 15:30 – 17:30

27 October Assembly 10:40 – 11:00

28 – 29 October Open Weekend

30 0ctober Chapel

SCA

10:00 – 11:00

18:30 – 19:30

Calendar 21 October - 30 October 2016

DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR

Happy Birthday!

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