Assembly 19 September: Conflict Resolution

THEME: CONFLICT RESOLUTION

“The quality of our lives depends not on whether or not we have conflicts, but on how we respond to them.” – ~ Thomas Crum

 

From Scripture:

“The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness” – 2 Timothy 2: v 24-25

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” – James 1 v 19

If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.
But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” – Matthew 18 v15-16

 

A Prayer:

Dear Lord, please give us strength when we are weak, love when we feel abandoned, courage when we are afraid, wisdom when we feel foolish, comfort when we are alone, hope when we feel rejected, and peace when are in turmoil.
Amen.

 

What is conflict resolution?

  • Conflict, arguments, disagreements are natural parts of our everyday lives, as well as the lives of every organization and nation.
  • Invariably it is caused through information or more likely misinformation ,conflict of  values, conflict of interest , relationship conflict and or structural conflicts
  • The conflict may be personal and or emotional especially amongst teenagers
  • Conflict resolution is a way for two or more parties to find a peaceful solution to a disagreement among them.
  • Conflict resolution seeks to reduce or eliminate conflict and conflict management helps the parties to create an open-mindedness within their relationship. This can often lead to resolution as the parties learn to listen to each other and be more open to other experiences
  • The goal of conflict resolution is not to decide which person is right or wrong but to reach a solution that everyone can live with.

 

Further discussion on this topic will occur in the mentor period this week. We cannot escape potential conflict at some stage and therefore we require the tools on ow to deal with conflict when it does arise.

 

Discussion on discipline

Two weeks ago I appealed to the whole school at assembly around aspects of behaviour, discipline and choices with regards to illegal substances, vaping and social media. 
Over the last week we have had to remove seven boys from the BE and or the school due to serious misconduct offences involving illegal substances or repeated misbehaviour.
A number of these boys are boys on scholarships which has now resulted in them having to leave the BE and or school and placed their parents under additional financial pressure.
This is all as a result of poor choices and poor decision making.
It would be interesting to note, how much of that was due to peer pressure.

In at least three instances, the boys were first offenders, but due to the gravity of the offence the tribunals and the school were faced with no choice i.e. expulsion from the BE and or school. In one case the matter has been reported to the police and at least four boys are in serious contravention of the law for dealing in illegal substances.

The SGB have drawn a firm line in the sand – they will not compromise the ethos and values of the school as well as the well being of the majority for a  minority,  who are not upholding our core values. Furthemore, they are having a negative effect on the lives of others which could impact on them for the rest of their lives.

Gentlemen – I am repeating myself: You MUST pay attention to what is being said and say NO.
NO to drugs in the BE; NO to drugs in the class and on our campus, and a very firm NO to drugs at College!

Furthermore, you need to stand firm and resolute and say NO to drugs in your personal life;  NO to your so called friends who try to drag you into a web of deceit and a rapid downhill trajectory and significant fall from grace!

Where will they be when you are caught and have to face the consequences? Where will they be when you lose your scholarship and or place at College? I can tell you where – NOWHERE! They will not be seen but will disappear into the ether.

They or their parents will certainly NOT pay your school fees or BE fees and or arrange another school for you to attend.

HENCE – it is not easy but summon our core value of COURAGE:

  • Do NOT be tempted!
  • Do NOT be weak!
  • Do NOT be fooled!
  • Be courageous – STAND FIRM and say NO !
  • Be a friend to your friend and say NO.
  • If you require confidential help see Mrs Cassidy.
  • If you are worried about a friend or family member see someone you trust.
  • DO NOT remain silent.

You don’t want to be the person who says – IF ONLY – you do NOT want to have any regrets.      

 

Sport Results

Get all the detail of the weekend’s sport results here

 

Certificates of Recognition:

Congratulations to the following boys who have all excelled recently in a variety of activities 

Cricket

  • K DE Bruyn (Lamond) 130 runs against Westville U14A
  • CT Le Court De Billot (Calder) 6/12 wickets against Westville 14B
  • LD Armstrong (Snow) 138 runs against Westville 2nd XI

 

Shooting

  • ND De Villiers (Pape) Shooting league 7 1st u20 Sporter 20m, 2nd U20 3P
  • CE Vahey (Pape) Shooting league 7 2nd U20 Sporter 10m, 1st U20 3P
  • KR Parker (Strachan) Shooting league 7 3rd U20 Sporter 10m, 3rd u20 3P
  • A Kritzinger (Forder) Shooting league 7 1st U16 Sporter 10m, 2nd U16 3P
  • R Pitout (Strachan) Shooting league 7 1st U16 3P
  • JK Martin (Strachan) Shooting league 7 2nd U16 Sporter 10m, 3rd U16 3P
  • NA De Villiers (Pape) KZN shooting colours
  • NA De Villiers (Pape) Selected as Sporter shooter of the year in the mens category
  • NA De Villiers (Pape) Selected as athlete of the year
  • CE Vahey (Pape) KZN shooting colours
  • CE Vahey (Pape) Sporter shooter of the year
  • ZL Desebrook (Barns) Most promising sporter shooter of the year
  • KR Parker (Strachan) Junior sporter shooter of the year

 

Mountain biking

  • LA Newlands (Snow) 1st at the KZN School mountain biking series

 

Debating Participation Certificate Medals

  • M Karrim (Forder)
  • RJ Froise (Pape)
  • MH Moosa (Nicholson)
  • CM Raw (Nicholson)
  • AA Mlambo (Lamond)

Wishing you all a very good week.

Pro Aris et Focis

CL Luman (Headmaster)