THEME: WELLNESS
We welcome the Chairman of the SGB Professor Finnie [OC 80] and who will address you shortly.
From Scripture
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.“ – Proverbs 17:22
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.“ – Proverbs 4:23
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.“ – Proverbs 12:25
A Prayer for College
“Heavenly father, we pray that we all may enjoy good mental health and that all may go well with us, and that you will continually guide and support us to a healthy life . In your name we pray.
Amen.”
N Madide sang the Lord’s Prayer in Latin accompanied by Mr Heyns
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY WELLBEING?
The World Health Organisation [WHO] defined wellbeing in 1946 as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
They expanded the definition in 2015 to include “a state … in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”
Under Covid-19 conditions, it would be difficult for anyone to claim “complete physical, mental and social wellbeing”. Circumstances have been so abnormal that the usual strategies people employ to maintain wellbeing have been unavailable. In very many cases, they have had to face unprecedented levels of personal and community trauma. Being able to cope with the stresses of life and work productively and fruitfully has been difficult for very many.
What can schools do?
The theme for this week’s character education programme is Wellness and Emotional intelligence
What is Emotional Intelligence (EI)?
“Emotional intelligence is most often defined as the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions”.
Karin Lombardo says the following on EI:
‘Emotional intelligence [EI] is knowing feelings are real and something we feel, what matters the most is the way that we deal ! “
During the mentor period this week our boys focused on the 5 Core Dimensions of Emotional Intelligence proposed by Goleman (1998):
- Self–awareness – the ability to recognise and understand your moods , emotions and drives, as well as their effect on others
- Self–management – the ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses and moods and the ability to reserve judgement and think before acting [avoid seconds of potential madness]
- Motivation – a passion to focus on reasons that go beyond money or status and an ability to pursue goals with energy and persistence
- Empathy – the ability to understand the emotional makeup of other people
- Social skills – an ability to manage relationships , build networks and influence others
Further discussion and personal reflection will occur in the mentor period on Wednesday
WEEKEND SPORT:
We enjoyed a busy weekend of sport with basketball, cricket and waterpolo against Northwood and our 1st XI, u15 and U14 waterpolo players being involved at the Top 10 KZN tournament at Clifton, Westville and Northwood respectively. Thank you to the staff and boys involved.
Full results can be found here
Sports Awards
A number of CERTIFCATES OF RECOGNITION were awarded for excellent sporting performances:
- CM Smith [Nicholson] for 137* 3rdXI v Northwood
- OW Currie [Barns] for 121 3rd XI v Northwood
- JK Samuel [Calder] for 5/2 15C v Northwood
- S Dzanibe [Commons] 5/62 14A v Northwood
MUSIC ITEM
G Maistry provided a musical highlight at the assembly playing ‘Lose Yourself ‘ by Eminem on guitar
SGB Chair Address
The SGB Chairman Professor Finnie provided a short address to both staff and boys. He passed on the appreciation and congratulations of the SGB and wider College community to the staff of College, on their commitment and dedication despite the many challenges presented by COVID this year. He also encouraged the boys to dig deep and commit to doing their best for the few weeks that remained of the academic year.
Week Ahead
On Friday, we will hold our 6th Form Speech Day and Valedictory Service, with former headmaster Mr Ron Jury as the guest speaker.
Pro Aris et Focis