THEME – DEALING WITH PRESSURE
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King
From Scripture:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
“ I can do all things through him who gives me strength .” – Philippians 4 vs 13
A prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Give us the strength to face each challenge, wisdom to make good choices, and courage to stand firm in our faith. Help us prioritize what is truly important and let go of unnecessary worries.
Please surround us with positive influences, supportive friends, and loving family.
When we feel anxious or uncertain, let us be reminded of your promises that:
“You are with me always.” (Matthew 28:20)
“You will never leave me or forsake me.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Thank you for being our ever-present help in times of need.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
End of the 6th form 5-year journey (Mrs Finnie: Deputy Headmaster Academics)
On Friday, we celebrated two very special occasions in our school calendar.
- Speech Day and Valedictory Service
- Old Boys’ Induction ceremony, where our 6th Form are formally inducted into the MCOBA, becoming part of an organisation which strengthens and grows the bonds of brotherhood first formed as College boys, to those between College men.
The Association pays homage to a common history, and connects Old Boys through shared experience, business networking and social events.
Both were celebrations of our 6th Form and their 5-year journey through this school, like so many generations of boys before them over 161 years of history.
Behaviour and Uniform
Boys were reminded that for formal occasions such as this, a high standard of behaviour is expected. Slouching, sleeping, and talking to friend during the ceremony are disrespectful and unacceptable in a formal occasion. Furthermore, boys were reminded that number 1s with a blazer is the compulsory uniform. They must also have clean shoes, look neat and tidy, and be clean shaven. This is a standard that College prides itself on and must be maintained.
Dealing with pressure in exams
Our 6th Form face their final NSC examinations in a week’s time, and in two weeks’ time, your final exams for 2024 will be in full swing. For the 5th Form, these exams will largely determine your entrance into tertiary study in 2026.
This is an example of academic pressure, but we all face pressure, whether in sport, culture, academics, or life in general. It’s that feeling you get before a big exam, a final game, or even a difficult conversation. Pressure can make you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. The thing to remember is that pressure isn’t the problem. It’s how we respond to pressure that matters.
Think of an Olympic athlete who achieves a PB in the Olympic Games. This is not because he does not feel the pressure, but because of the way in which he responds to that pressure.
Pressure is not something we can avoid, and we shouldn’t try to. It is normal. Everyone feels pressure, it is part of the human experience. Pressure is your body’s signal that something important is happening.
Think about the moments that matter most in life—the moments that define you. There’s always pressure. The final exam. The championship game. The decision that could change your future.
So how do we deal with pressure in a healthy, beneficial way?
- PREPARE
Preparation reduces pressure. The more prepared you are, the less intimidating the challenge becomes. When you know you’ve put in the work, pressure turns from something that stresses you out into something that motivates you. - FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
We can’t always control the outcome, but we can control our effort, our mindset, and our reaction. - ACCEPT THAT FAILURE IS PART OF GROWTH
Failure is normal too. It’s how we learn. The real challenge isn’t about avoiding failure but about learning to keep going when things don’t go your way. - STAY CALM
Take a deep breath
Focus on the task at hand
Take it step by step.
If we can manage pressure, it gives us the chance to prove our strength and resilience, and we will grow stronger.
SPORT (Mr Kyle: Deputy Headmaster Co-Curricular)
Well done to all our teams over the weekend in the main against our local rivals, St Charles. Full results are here.
Whilst there are several teams playing their hearts out week in and week out, I am concerned that some are happy to accept second best, that losing doesn’t hurt enough and that we are comfortable accepting defeat. Losing is not an issue when there is maximum effort and when players are doing all that they can to be the best that they can be. Losing becomes an issue when it’s just accepted and when effort is not maximised. I walked past too many boys on Saturday who seemed unfazed that they had come second. This mindset needs to change as we build up to Hilton in the main this weekend.
The next issue is around dress. We travel in number 1s this weekend if you are playing away. At the completion of your games, you are to get changed back into your number 1s and support the teams. There were way too many boys walking around in half tracksuits, incorrect shoes and this looks very sloppy. We need to get these basics right please.
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
The following cricket boys have produced outstanding performances:
14C Msimang 5/10 vs St Charles
4ths Gwala 5/16 vs St Charles
2nds Dedekind 100 vs St Charles
3rds van Rooyen 117 vs Northdale Hub
3rds Jackson 6/21 vs Northdale Hub
1sts Mason 102 vs St Charles
We wish you all a good week
Mrs J Finnie (Deputy Headmaster: Academics) Mr Ryan Kyle (Deputy Headmaster: Co-Curricular)