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NEWSLETTER

MICHAELMAS TERM No 5/2012

Dear Parents

‘A pro-active and informed South African citizenry, walking together with an effective and accountable government to create a better future for all.’ This is the vision of Dr Mamphela Ramphele, shared with the St John’s community at Speech Day this year. How closely this ties with the St John’s vision: that each of the ‘citizens’ who leaves our gates will not only themselves be informed through sound learning and right training - such that they will be successful in pursuing further study – but that they will be pro-active and effective citizens of our beautiful South Africa, that they will understand the power they have to create a better future for all. Last week the cover of The Economist magazine carried a powerful and disheartening headline: “Cry the beloved country”, followed by “South Africa’s sad decline” which brutally confronts us with the basis for Dr Ramphele’s vision and her warning that “of those to whom much is given, much is expected”. So much of our country is worthy of celebration, and we need to look for and create what is positive. It is critical for us to be constantly mindful that our purpose is to send out men who are “rightly trained in body, mind and character, to serve Thee well in Church and State”. As the matrics write their final exams, let us all pray that not only will their efforts be rewarded by outstanding results, but that as the 2012 cohort of Johannians, they will undertake to live to ‘create a better future for all’. They are the future of our country – as are all the sons of St John’s. Now is the time for each young boy and young man to be growing a vision of the role they can play to change the “cry” to “rejoice the beloved country”.

In the last few weeks we have had some inspirational pointers to what it is possible to achieve: Dr Adrian Tiplady spoke to us about the extraordinary scientific and technological endeavour called the SKA – the square kilometre array which will be built near Carnarvon in the Northern Cape. His presentation gave the boys some insight into this fascinating radio telescope project and may have provided the motivation and vision for some boys to see a future for themselves in this field. We were also fortunate to meet and listen to the coach and the lightweight four who won gold for their remarkable and memorable rowing at the Olympic Games. Such presentations help to lift our spirits and make us proud South Africans. They also help to give us a vision of what it is possible to achieve. It goes without saying that it takes special effort and talent to achieve at this level, but we can all be peacemakers and fighters for justice and righteousness. Dr Ramphele challenged our young men to be leaders with values, vision, voice, virtue and vulnerability and here I have inserted part of her speech for all of us to think about. She said:

Most people assume that having experienced the rich quality of a St John’s education, the key question you face right now is not ”Are you a leader?” but rather, “What or who will you lead?” Maybe we should be asking the question, “How you will live and lead?”

She followed this by giving some specific pointers:

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Ethical leadership is knowing your core values and having the courage to live them in all parts of your life in service of what is essentially good. I have to learn to regularly ask myself the following reflective questions on my personal journey toward Ethical Leadership: Am I the same person at work? At home? In the community? Do I have the courage to live out my values when there is pressure to compromise or rationalize? How do my values contribute to the common good?

She then offered what she called the 5V approach, of ‘sensitivities’ that she encouraged us to cultivate in ourselves:

Values: I need to remember that ethical leadership begins with an understanding of and commitment to my core values – universal human values – the values of humanity. Vision: Vision is the ability to frame my actions – particularly in service to others – within a real picture of what ought to be. Voice: Claiming my voice is the process of articulating my values and vision to others authentically and with conviction that may animate and motivate others to reflective action. Learning to do this in the face of possible ridicule or social exclusion requires the risks and responsibilities of understanding myself as an activated citizen. Virtue: Understanding that I become what I practice – striving to do what is right and good. In particular, virtue stands for the common good. That I make mistakes is a given – I need to make mistakes as I learn to practice using my voice and developing the virtues of my own living. Vulnerability: I can and must lead from a position of knowing that I am human and an emotional being with feelings, fears and sensitivities. These I must share openly in order to enable and empower others around me to liberate themselves. My pretence at being strong and impenetrable makes collective leadership unattainable.

The quality of the lives of our current young men, the good that they do as they go into the world, and the contributions they make will be the fruit of their homes, their education and their exposure to people like Dr Ramphele, Dr Tiplady and the rowers. Three others who provide an image of lives guided by a strong internal compass, and who we remembered at Speech Day, are Dr Deane Yates, Bishop Duncan Buchanan and Mr Ronald Garura. Their lives offer us a vision of the 5V approach in action. We have much to be grateful for, much to be positive about, much to look forward to, much to offer. Thank you for all your contributions to the life of the school and for all the support you give your sons.

Roger Cameron Headmaster

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Eulogy for Coach Ron

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, “Everything that happens to us leaves some trace behind; everything contributes imperceptibly to make us what we are.” Although Coach Ron is no longer with us, we are reminded of him every day through the trace which he has left behind. A trace, not only present in his possessions and titles, not only present in his successes and failures, but rather a trace which he has left inside the character of everyone whose life he has touched. Coach lives on through us. Everyone here today, basketball players, rugby players, students, colleagues and family of Coach’s, who were fortunate enough to be a part of such a great man’s life. The way we live our lives, with integrity, humility and faith, are testament to what Coach taught us in the limited time we had together. I’m sure that I can speak on behalf of the entire basketball community when I say Coach was not one to sit around and wait for things to happen. He went out of his way, day after day, to shape us into the men we are today.

He was more than just a coach to us. He was a role model, a mentor and a father figure. Easily approachable and never without good advice, yet brutally honest when he needed to be. Coach was light-hearted and amiable when things were done correctly. However when things were out of order, be it our attitude during practice or our grades at school, Coach would not hold back in setting us straight. It was this no-nonsense attitude which made him a great coach. It was also this attitude which earned him the nick name “The Ron”. No one ever messed with The Ron. The Ron saw everything, the Ron knew everything. I’ll quickly share one memory which stands out. During the basketball tournament the whole team was sitting in the dining hall enjoying their supper when Coach, with a serious look on his face calls Pele Collins to come sit next to him, he asked Pele if he had ever seen this picture before as he pulled out his phone to show it. A picture of himself, sitting with his arms crossed besides the basketball court with an enraged expression on his face. And of course, the basketball players will know this expression all too well. The caption on the photograph read, and I’m paraphrasing here, “young man, please step off my court”. This picture had been edited, and then sent from boy to boy in the College and even to boys and girls in other schools where I believe his daughter had come across it and showed it to him. Ever since that day, I realised the extent of coach’s influence. Coach was a tough man to say the least. In fact, he was so tough that during one especially harsh week of training in the Easter term of 2011 a number of my teammates and I changed our BBM statuses to Chuck Norris jokes. However, substituting the name Chuck Norris with The Ron, some statuses read something like this: “The Ron is the reason why Wally is hiding” and “Once a cobra bit the Ron’s leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.” Putting aside what these jokes may suggest, we were not afraid of coach. The only thing we were afraid of was disappointing him. He had such high hopes for us as a team and as individuals; he did so much to help us grow as men that the least we felt we could do for him was perform to the best of our ability. At the end of the day it didn’t matter to him whether we won or lost the game, all which truly mattered was the manner in which we played. He always said to us “It’s not about making a mistake, it’s about what you do after making the mistake.” Over the years Coach had compiled a number of rules of basketball. First rule of defence, always have a hand on the ball. First rule of offence, go where you don’t want to go before you go where you want to go. But the first rule of basketball, and now this rule was non-negotiable, Respect the Game. Through this one simple rule he taught us that no one was bigger than the game, that no matter how good or bad you were, it was still important to win with humility and lose graciously. As much as he truly loved the game of basketball and the boys he coached here at St. John’s, there was nothing he loved more than his family, Mrs. Garura, Mutsa and Mufaro, we are truly grateful to you for sharing your husband and father with us, and thus allowing him to have the influence on us that he did. The saddest part is that Coach undoubtedly left us far too early: that he still had so many places to go, so many lives to touch. Fittingly, I leave you with a quote from Michael Jordan “I never lost a game, I just ran out of time.”

Niels Kuehnemann

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Valedictory – 2012 Old Johannian Association Award

Nkululeko Phakathi was awarded the OJ award for reflecting the true qualities of a fine Johannian in all spheres during his time at St John’s. Nkululeko was selected by his fellow Matrics as the person who best represented the qualities of Lux Vita Caritas. Nkululeko stepped in as Head of House and did a superb job. He is a credit to his family and a wonderful role model for the Juniors in the College. He played 1st Basketball and 2nd Team Rugby. He is a fine young man and a worthy recipient of this award.

The St John Trophy The following eight boys were chosen by their Housemasters to receive The St John Trophy, awarded to boys in their House who have grown and matured since their Remove days into fine young Johannians. These are treasured chalices and patens donated by Mr Peter Theunissen, and awarded at the Valedictory Dinner: Matthew Holliday - Nash House

Matthew is a young man who has developed from a rather shy Remove boy into a confident and capable Matriculant. He has adopted a very sound work ethic and his diligence has enabled him to make significant progress in his subjects during his years in the College. He has also shown tremendous tenacity in his approach to his sport, Rowing. He was a proud and valuable member of the St John’s Second Eight in his Matric year. He did more than just tick the boxes in his leadership programme; he was a dedicated mentor to the Remove boys and took on the role of maintaining tidiness and order in the boarding house. He was made a Prefect in July of this year. Matthew is a fine, well-mannered young man with a ready smile. He is an admirable Johannian and a credit to Nash House.

Murray Steinhobel - Hill House

Murray has grown and matured over the past years. He is a true example of the character we wish to develop; he has placed all his energies into the running of the boarding house, and offering excellent advice and support his House Master. He has mentored the majority of the boarders, and exudes an absolute joy for friends, school and life. A true Johannian.

Luke Langschmidt - Clayton House

The personal development of his leadership ability from his remove year through to his matric year has been one of personal sacrifice and hard work. From being a shy young lad who stood in the background he has developed into a strong confident and caring individual. Luke's captaincy of the first team hockey is evidence of his growth as a leader. Luke has embodied the concept of true servant leadership and has always led his fellow peers with dignity and respect, a hallmark of a true Johannian.

Barry McNeice - Thomson House

Barry arrived at St John’s in Remove as a quiet and reserved young boy. He has, over the years, developed into a confident, committed Johannian who has made the most of his opportunities. His inclusion into the extremely successful 1st Eight Rowing crew and his enormous work in his management role within the 1

st Rugby team are just

two examples of the way he has maximised his opportunities and grown into a man generous with his time and always committed to the service of others.

Dylan Potgieter - Alston House

Dylan arrived at St John’s as a young man with great potential. He has put this potential to good use, achieving success in academics, sport and leadership. It has been a pleasure to see him grow from a reticent Remove boy into a strong and respected leader in the College. Dylan never seeks the limelight but, when called on to lead, he has lead with flair, efficiency and natural authority. Above all, his ability to see the positive in every situation has contributed to the great strides he has made whilst at the College.

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Jonty Schwartz - Clarke House

Jonty arrived at St John’s as a personable young man, eager to participate in all activities. In his five years he has grown to be a singularly well-rounded young man, who has learnt to balance the various spheres of his life most successfully. He has played hard on the sports field, he has demonstrated perseverance in academics, he has developed a mature confidence on the stage, and he has grown tremendously as a leader. His refreshing candour and naturalness attest to his real humanity.

Rivonongo Mhlari - Hodgson house

When he arrived at St John’s College, Rivo was, as his House tutor commented, “an innocent little boy from Limpopo”. This ‘little boy’ has grown into a determined, hard-working young man whose dedication to the task at hand is unwavering. He is self-disciplined and highly motivated, yet in all my dealings with him he has remained humble, friendly and cheerful. He also has an infectious laugh and a quirky sense of humour. Through his involvement in various sports and in the boarding house, Rivo has been a credit to St John's College. He has fulfilled his leadership roles within the House with aplomb and as a result was appointed a House Prefect.

Cameron Fisher - Fleming House

I have a clear memory of Cameron in some of my Remove lessons as a “little, quiet boy” who would never ask or comment unless required to do so by the Master. In his five years at St John’s, Cameron has grown into a determined, self –disciplined well rounded and motivated individual, who has remained humble, friendly and cheerful. His refreshing rapport with his fellow school mates and teachers attest to his real humanity.

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE - 2013 PREFECTS

Head of School: Gianluca Agostinetto

Second Prefect: Lizolethu Rensburg

NASH HILL CLAYTON THOMSON

Head of House

Bradley Dial

Head of House

James Eckersley

Head of House

Naeem Vallee

Head of House

Devon Stone

Head of First Aid: Liam Chew Sanatorium Co-ordinator: Bradley Chauke

ALSTON CLARKE HODGSON FLEMING

Head of House

Siyabonga Mkhize

Head of House

Nicholas McLaughlin

Head of House

Philani Qwabe

Head of House

Michael Papas

RUNGE

Head of House

Lango Sichizya

Library Prefects: James Sulter

Jordan Cutifani

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ACADEMIC AWARDS – MICHAELMAS TERM 2012

Honours Gianluca Agostinetto

Colours

Tejis Devchand Emile Engelbrecht

Franz Gmeiner Akshay Manga Jamie Odgers Bevan Rabie

Jonathan Rogerson Naeem Vallee

Brett Van Staden Matthew Vyvyan- Day

Merrick Stevenson Andrew Williamson

Jason Smythe Christopher Sterley

Dilkash Harryprasadh Angelo Esplin

ART AWARDS – MICHAELMAS TERM 2012

Honours – Murray Steinhobel and Christopher Soal Colours – Milan Conkic, Luke Gibson, Kevin Murning Re-award Half Colours – Nkululeko Phakathi Half Colours – Dylan Potgieter, Irakli Rekhviashvili, David Arnot,

Lebogang Mokgosi and James McCulloch

President’s Award The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment Gold Ceremony was held at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Thursday 20

th September 2012. The programme requires boys to complete 5 components over 18 months:

Physical Recreation, Adventurous Journey, Service, Skills & Interest as well as a Residential Project. Congratulations to the following Upper V boys who received their Gold President’s Award:

Jamie Odgers

Jacques Oosthuizen

Dylan Potgieter

Nabeel Seedat

Alexander Soal

Murray Steinhobel

Jarryd Stephenson

James Surgey

James Tattersall

Matthew Temlett

Jacques van Rhyn

Joshua Verheul

Marius Vermaak

John Whittle

Daniel Zilesnick

Wesley Antonites

Pele Collins

Murray Conway

Julian Cowper

Ashin Daya

Jack De la Fargue

Cameron Fisher

Nicholas Greeff

Bhaveen Kalidas

Shaneel Kalyan

Mohammed Kaskar

Himal Kooverjee

Sameer Lalloo

Luke Langschmidt

Nicholas-John Maree

Owen Newton-Hill

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United Nations Debating

A St John’s team took part in the South African Institute of International Affairs’ United Nations Model debating conference at Wits. Our delegation, comprising Nabeel Seedat, Muhammed Ismail Bulbulia and Mohamed Sacranie, represented Venezuela. Their task, in the simulated UN Security Council meeting, was to look at the current situation of South Africa, and to determine whether mandatory embargoes and sanctions, especially on arms and oil, need to be placed upon the government of South Africa. The debating from St John’s was outstanding in presentation and in logical argument. The delegation was awarded first place for their accurate representation of Venezuela’s stance. In addition, Nabeel Seedat received the runner–up prize for best speaker. This is a first for St John’s in this competition. As the ‘Best Delegation’, these students have been invited to participate in an all-expenses-paid Young Leaders’ Conference from the 10-14 December 2012. Learners from all of SAIIA’s youth programmes will take part in this week-long conference which will feature high-profile speakers, visits to government and international organisation offices, and negotiations sessions on current global issues. The team deserves our heartiest congratulations.

Science Expo 2012 – National Finals

Five projects form St John’s College were selected to participate in the Eskom International Science Fair from 4-6 October 2012 at The Birchwood Conference Centre. The boys were great ambassadors for St John’s College. Three of the projects won medals. Bronze medals were awarded to

Nicholas Cowen, Chiraag Kathawaroo and Itote Rubombora (U IV) for their project “Polarization of Light”

Gabriel Kritzinger, Graham van de Venter, Lex Slabbert (Remove) for their project “Treating Acid Mine Drainage”

A silver medal was awarded to

Akshay Manga, Siyabonga Mkhize, Dilkash Harryprasadh and Jaishil Modi (LV) for their project “Thin Film Technology”. This project also received a special award. The Kelvin award is presented for an outstanding project showing an awareness of and understanding of a current technological challenge and offering an innovative solution.

Congratulations to all these young men on an excellent achievement.

Interact Board – 2013

President: Kyllian Pather

Vice-President: Lebo Mota

P.R.O.: Chiraag Khatawaroo

Treasurer: Tino Mudiwa

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Music The following boys took part in: The Rock School London practical exams: Antonio Osato Guitar Gr 3 Christopher Bellew Drums Gr 7 Daniel Slater Guitar Gr 5 Dino Sotiropoulos Drums Gr 3 Enrico Queiros Drums Gr 3 Francois Elliott Drums Gr 5 Jake Alfred Guitar Gr 4 Miguel Neto Piano Gr 6 Nicholas Devonport Bass Guitar Gr 2 Prashant Venkatakrishnan Guitar Gr 6 Ryan Mackell Guitar Gr 6 The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music London practical exams: Hector Bartlett Piano Gr 4 Sibonelo Magagula Cello Gr 4 Willem Burger Cello Gr 4 Thomas Lillie Cello Gr 5 Christoff du Plessis Piano Gr 6 Malik Dasoo Piano Gr 2 Johann Muller Piano Gr 3 Michael Bergh Saxophone Gr 5 Max Baard Saxophone Gr 5 Logan Geldenhuys Saxophone Gr 5 Calum Harding Piano Gr 5 Pani Pouroullis Piano Gr 5 The Trinity London practical exams: Wesley Fletcher Saxophone Gr 7 Grant Carroll Violin Gr 6 Ross Bentley Violin Gr 4 Kiyan Kurji Saxophone Gr 6 Abram Schonfeldt Guitar Gr 3 Benedict Didcott-Marr Recorder Gr 7 Kaleem Ahmid Recorder Gr 7 Vincent Pansegrouw Recorder Gr 7 Christopher Huntley Violin Gr 7 Stephen de Souza Double Bass Gr 7 Zach Bowditch Clarinet Gr 7 Stephen Maycock Clarinet Gr 8 Luke Auret Saxophone Gr 6 Daniel Arnot Saxophone Gr 8 Hamish Mollett Trombone Gr 7 Richard McIlraith Guitar Gr 6 John Atherfold Piano Gr 5 Matthew Taylor Piano Gr 5 Jason Batzofin Recorder Gr 3 Stephen Hunt Recorder Gr 6 Brandon Mackenzie Double Bass Gr 1 Wesley Fletcher Flute Gr 7 Connor Williamson Piano Gr 4

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SPORTS NEWS

MICHAELMAS TERM - COLOURS AWARDS

ATHLETICS:

SPECIAL MENTION: Gareth Harvett (U4) is to be commended on his achieving 1st place in both the U/16 800m & 1500m at the annual Inter High Athletics Meeting.

Team Blazer: Nyathi Ncala Nicholas Greeff

N-J Maree Samuel Theron

Colours: Dylan Potgieter Niels Kuehnemann Honours: Craig Murrell Patrick Tattersall

SOCCER : Team Blazer: Mark Dzanibe Cameron Cunningham-Scott

Kamo Oliphant Lee-Jean Chinnah Lyndon Crouch

Colours: Pele Collins The following award is being presented subsequent to the awarding of summer sports awards in March this year: TENNIS: Team Blazer: Gianluca Agostinetto

2012 / 2013 Summer Sports Captains

CAPTAIN VICE CAPTAIN OTHER

Basketball - Thulani Maphasa Rufaro Warinda & Neo Mokhobo.

Cricket - Bradley Dial Martyn Strydom

Chess - Jaishil Modi & Neil Viviers

Golf - Andrew Williamson

Rowing - Siya Mkhize Andrew Morgan Boatman - Kiran Govinda Swimming - Gareth Baker Michiel (MG) Visser

Tennis - Stephen Mark Gianluca Agostinetto & Nicholas Raal

Waterpolo - Roarke Olver Dan Trninic

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Chess Inter-House Chess

1 Hill 17 points 2 Clarke 16 3 Clayton 14.5 4 Hodgson 12 5 Alston 10 6 Fleming 9.5 7 Nash 4 8 Thomson

Captain of Hill, Jonathan Georgiades, received the Double Knight Trophy

Congratulations to Neil Viviers on his selection for the U18A team for Gauteng West to compete in the Champions Section at the Nationals in December 2012 in Cape Town. They are the current champions and won gold in 2011.

Gauteng Cricket

Congratulations to Liam Peters and Lorenzo Masselli on their selection to the Gauteng U/15 A Cricket Team.

Cricket

The following boys have been selected to represent Gauteng Schools Cricket at the respective provincial weeks in December 2012 Gauteng Under 19A (Potch)

Wesley Coulentianos Bradley Dial Gauteng Under 19B Cameron Cunningham-Scott

Judo

Congratulations to Logan Geldenhuys (L4 Fleming) on being awarded full provincial colours by Central Gauteng Province for Judo, and being selected as the Champion for Central Gauteng Judo in his age and weight group.

Rowing - Junior World Championships:

Gauteng Under 17A (CapeTown) Martyn Strydom Ndumiso Mvelase

Gauteng Under 15A Side Liam Peters Lorenzo Masselli

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Laurence Nel and Jamie Odgers returned from Bulgaria during the August holidays where they finished 3rd in the C Final giving them an overall world ranking of 15th in the Junior Men's Pair. This was another great performance by the South African Champions. There were some other great performances in our team, most notable was that of Jenienne Curr from DSG who won a silver medal in the Junior Women's Single Scull. We really did have a great tour and I'm hoping that we can take more SJC Rowers again in 2013.

Grant Dodds

Rugby

SA Rugby has advised that Devon Henson has been selected for the SA U16 High Performance Squad.

Tennis

Michael Copeland (Rem) is part of a select group of South Africa's top junior tennis players who will take to the courts of Potchefstroom to try and win their places at this year’s Nike Junior Tour (NJT) International Masters. This year the international event will take place at Club Med Sandpiper on the Florida coast in the US from December 5 to 12 and will be comprised of players from 41 countries. The NJT SA Masters will be played at the Riaan Venter Tennis Academy on the NWU-PUKKE campus at the North West University. Only eight boys and girls in each of the under-12 and under-14 age groups qualify for this year’s event and the four winners will earn the right to represent South Africa in the USA.

Water Polo

Results from the water polo 1st teams Annual St Johns College pre-season festivals:

Friday, 24 August vs St Peters won 12-1 vs King Edward won 7-0 vs Jeppe won 4-2 vs Parktown won 6-1

Friday, 31 August vs St Stithians draw 2-2 vs St Peters won 7-2 vs Crawford won 8-2

Old Ed's National Club Tournament 2012 Our 7th title in the last 9 years as OJ Eagles!

Wesley Antonities, Roarke Olver and Dan Trninic, three St John's boys played for the OJ Eagles A team as part of the winning team.

Back: W Antonities, N Badenhorst, J Zoghby, D Mason, R Olver, A Ridley, V Trninic Front: G Prout, JM de Carvalho, P Le Roux, E Le Roux, D Trninic, DW Flatscher

The OJ Eagles B team - The St John's College 1st Team

Saturday, 25 August vs St Peters won 9-3 vs Parktown won 12-3 vs King Edward won 16-1

Saturday, 01 September vs St Davids won 4-0 vs Crawford won 5-3 vs Parktown won 8-1 vs King Edward won 7-3 vs St Stithians won 2-0

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for 2013 - also played and finished 7th out of 16 teams. The highlight of the tournament was beating the South African U18 Team in the plate semi-final 6 – 5, despite all the controversy in the selection of the SA U18 team, with not one St John's boy being selected to represent the South African U18 side. Results for OJ Eagles A: Vs Jeppe Won 13 – 2 Vs SA U18 Won 14 - 2 Vs UCT Won 5 - 4

1/4 Vs Clifton OB Won 5 - 4 1/2 Vs Crusaders Won 8 - 4 Final Vs Old Ed's Won 6 - 1