THEME FOR THE WEEK: TIME MANAGEMENT
From Scripture
For everything there is a season,
A time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace. – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
A Prayer
Dear Lord as we approach our mid-year exams , please help us in allocating sufficient time and effort towards our academics in order to be as successful as possible. Amen
MESSAGE
“Time waits for no one.” – Folklore.
The earliest record of this phrase is dated 1225 – before English was shaped in the modern form. The origin is uncertain; it means that no man has enough power to stop time or to change its course.
“Time is money.” – Benjamin Franklin.
Probably, the most famous quote about time by Benjamin Franklin, a person known by his productivity and various talents. In his 84 years, he became not only a prominent politician and diplomat, but also an actor, musician, inventor, and satirist. As for his famous saying, it refers to the concept of opportunity cost. This means, each choice you make has its cost, and delays (as a choice to not take action) usually lead to decrease in output.
The key is in not spending time, but in investing it. – Stephen R. Covey.
A quote by Stephen R. Covey, the author of the famous time management matrix. You can spend time on useful and useless things, but if you call it “investing”, you’ll definitely invest it in something that has value and importance for you. So choose your goals wisely so that time you spend on them becomes an investment, not an expense.
REUNION
Last week we focused on what a brotherhood is and more specifically what is the unique College RED, BLACK and WHITE brotherhood.
Over the past few days we have seen this incredible brotherhood in action in its most literal sense as literally hundreds of Old Collegians returned to their alma mater to reminisce on days gone by, but most importantly to reconnect face to face and experience that unique College brotherhood in person.
There were a huge number of activities for the OCs which included golf, bowls, sporting activities v the old school, the Reunion Assembly, Reunion Dinner, Memorial Chapel Service, Wall of Remembrance unveilings, and Reunion Lunch, culminating in the outstanding 161st Blazer Display and equally outstanding performance on the playing fields- it was evident in the games I watched that you had taken Mr Fuller’s message on RITES OF PASSAGE – literally in striving to be the best that you can be and to never give up!
Whilst those directly involved in the sports matches will remember those results for many years to come, the most endearing memory for the majority of you and especially the 6th form, will be the Blazer Display and the incredible support from 1270 boys on Basher Ridge right through to the bitter end of the 1st XV game- the enthusiasm and passion of the shouting captains was infectious and never faltered.
We asked for you to be welcoming, respectful and humble in receiving our OCs back to their alma mater and to play to your full potential in all that you do, and you certainly raised the bar and responded magnificently. From the singing of the choir, to the toe tapping jazz band, to sincere speeches, the passionate shout at the dinner, the support on the fields, the singing of the College Anthem, and the blazer display, you did yourselves and your school proud.
May I thank you on behalf of the OCs, parents, staff and all the supporters. As a result of your incredible commitment the OCs President and EXCO have sponsored a morning tea treat for you and the staff on Wednesday.
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
The following boys were recognised for excelling in various aspects of College life.
DT Moodley [Nicholson] 3rd Place Reunion Day Shooting Competition
N Naidoo [Strachan] 3rd Place Reunion Day Shooting Competition
E Hunter-Smith [Barns] 2nd Place Reunion Day Shooting Competition
JH Shawe [Strachan] 2nd Place Reunion Day Shooting Competition
DT Moodley [Nicholson] 1st Place Reunion Day Shooting Competition
WM van Wyk [Pape] 1st Place Reunion Day Shooting Competition
N Naidoo [Strachan] Highest Individual Score Shot at the Reunion Day Shooting Competition
TJ Kufal [Pape] 2nd Place U19 Final Provincial Squash Trials
T Nana [Pape] 1st Place U16 Final Provincial Squash Trials
BLA Mahaye [Pape] 3rd Place U16 Final Provincial Squash Trials
J Johnstone [Barns] outstanding blazer display and support at Reunion Day 2024
NS Jackson [Barns] outstanding blazer display and support at Reunion Day 2024
ML Rubuluza [Lamond] outstanding blazer display and support at Reunion Day 2024
MID YEAR EXAMS
Mrs Finnie spoke to the boys on the upcoming exams. Her address is here.
Gentlemen the sands of time are running out for you as you prepare for the mid year examinations which commence in earnest next Monday. It is essential that you tune in and start preparing for these crucial assessments. For those of you who are struggling please seek the support of your subject teachers asap so that you are on top of your academic demands. The time is upon you ; time to act and be proactive . Time management is crucial
Martin Luther King Jr stated : ’the time is always right to do what is right.’ This statement relates directly to our core values and the self –discipline to implement those values.
Practices and matches continue as normal and please ensure that you continue to meet those commitments. Practice times will be communicated to you. Significant research in the UK recently at 19 top schools indicates that you should continue with sport and physical activity as it actually enhances your ability to perform better and does not impact negatively.
This week we all have a well-earned rest then the following week we will be hosted by Northwood followed Hilton. Hence, self-discipline and time management is essential!
NEW STAFF
Please join me in welcoming our three experienced new members of staff; Mrs Jackson [Maths support], Mrs Wells [English support] and Mr Linde [Music and Choir] and wishing them well as they commence their College journey.
STAFF FAREWELL
It was also time to say goodbye to Mr Patrick Harty who has led the choir and assembly singing since September 2023. During this time he has managed to raise the level and standard of singing by our boys to new heights. In recognition of their enthusiastic support of Mr Harty, the boys gave him a standing ovation and a rousing singing rendition delivered with gusto and spirit!
I wish you all a very good week.
Pro Aris et Focis
Dr C J Luman
Headmaster