NEWSLETTER

MICHAELMAS TERM No 5/2013

Dear Parents

It has been said that the four critical factors that are essential for good schools are: 1. 2. 3. 4. High expectations Strong leadership Quality teachers Time on task

This is very true, and in the context of many schools in South Africa, sadly lacking. However I would like to suggest as I mentioned at Speech Day that actually what makes a great school are all those ingredients, but reworded to reflect a much deeper spiritual or Christian base for good schooling. For me the essential ingredients of a great school are the following: Reservoirs of Hope - High Expectations Every child in a school needs to know that they are known and loved, that they belong and are beloved. Out of that flows a hope which is grounded in the family and the school. The child knows that despite disappointments, and at times failure, he can pick himself up and start again. They need to know that there are people there to support them, who believe in them, and have high expectations. Ultimately our eternal hope rests in the sure knowledge that we are loved by God. Foundations of Faith Strong Leadership Strong leadership is a result of knowing where you have come from, and where you want to go. It is not drifting to the whim of popular opinion. A Christian school like St Johns who has had a long tradition of wonderful men and women who have served this community and led based on the foundation of faith laid by the Community of the Resurrection. I do thank Mr Vuyo Kahla as he steps down as Chairman of Council for continuing in this tradition of holding us accountable to the foundation of faith on which this school has been built. Every boy and girl is challenged in their own life-journey through St Johns College to take into their hearts the values and foundations of this school. They are challenged by the school prayer and our motto. Labour of Love - Quality Teachers The final category of significance is Labour of Love - quality teachers. When a school employs teachers who see their task as a vocation; who have made a promise to themselves to the boys and girls in their care, and ultimately to God to teach, shape and mould their pupils into fine, upright, good men and women, then we shift teachers from a labour mentality governed by a contract, to a calling. These three, faith, hope and love are fundamental to a great school. If we illustrate them with three circles, then where the circles intersect, there the boys and girls of St Johns are held. They are in a safe space, to be challenged to grow and learn to be rightly trained in body, mind and character to serve Thee well in Church and State.

ST JOHNS COLLEGE - 2014 PREFECTS Head of School: Marthinus Strydom Dylan Testa CLAYTON Head of House Conor Moses THOMSON Head of House Itote Rubombora

Second Prefect: NASH Head of House Nicholas Cowen HILL Head of House Jason Chemaly

ALSTON Head of House Simon Greeff

CLARKE Head of House Tafadzwa Sanyika

HODGSON Head of House Robert Brinkmann

FLEMING Head of House Christopher Strong

RUNGE Head of House Roy Muasya

Custos for 2014

This position in the school, although only three years old, has grown in stature. The Custos of St Johns College has an important role to: Guard the traditions and values of St Johns College Encourage the boys to stand in fact be warriors for Lux Vita Caritas Liaise with the Old Johannian Association and represent the school to the OJs

I congratulate Oliver Gnodde on his appointment and thank Sbo Nene on his leadership in the position over the past year.

Matrics of 2013 The Matrics start writing their exams this week and we wish them all the very best. We had a wonderful Valedictory Mass and Dinner last Friday, and on that occasion sent our Matrics on their way with our blessing.

Amphitheatre Address Steroids - Prepared by the Sports Department

Facts about anabolic steroids: LEGALLY: Anabolic androgenic steroids are Schedule 5 drugs which means that Possession is by medical prescription only; both dealing in and possession of these drugs is a criminal offence, which may carry a jail sentence. Any dealers are reported to SA Institute for Drug Free Sport and are investigated and a criminal case is opened. Anabolic steroids are artificial versions of a hormone thats in all of us testosterone. It is administered in tablet form or intravenous injection. But while anabolic steroids can make some people look stronger on the outside, they create serious weaknesses on the inside: Steroids increase fat deposits in blood vessels causing heart attacks and strokes. It damages the liver and halt bone growth, causing a teenage steroid user not grow to his/her full adult height. Steroids can cause males breasts to grow. They can cause changes in the brain and body that increase risks for illness. It affects moods and causes aggressive behaviour known as roid rages. The rapid muscle growth causes stretch marks and severe acne. Anabolic steroids can affect the hypothalamus. The bodys testosterone production is controlled by a group of nerve cells at the base of the brain, called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus also does a lot of other things. It helps control appetite, blood pressure, moods, and reproductive ability. Anabolic steroids can change the messages the hypothalamus sends to the body. This can disrupt normal hormone function. In guys, anabolic steroids can interfere with the normal production of testosterone. They can also act directly on the testes and cause them to shrink. This can result in a lower sperm count. They can also cause an irreversible loss of scalp hair. The testing for steroids - forms part of our existing drug testing policy and is in line with our day to day substance abuse testing programme. We are to be honest in our approach to train hard and eat properly Play - Hard and Fair to the best of our ability Remain humble in victory and gracious in defeat Not a win at all costs attitude or cheating Taking steroids is cheating!! Our steroid policy - is integrated into the general drug policy of the school. The procedure followed is according to the WADA (World anti-doping association) guidelines. St Johns conducts its tests through a professional company DDI and we are embarking on SAIDS which is the SA Institute of Drug free Sport to do testing as well. St Johns has a clear policy to which everyone needs to subscribe and which includes all pupils, parents, staff & coaches. Any pupil who tests positive is banned from playing competitive sport for one year and includes inter-house events. Supplements The Supplement industry is not regulated. This means that the supplement producers are not legally required to indicate all the contents on the label. So when buying the supplements off the shelf in Dischem and supermarkets etc. you run the risk of administering steroids unknowingly. If needed individual supplement requirements should be determined by a dietician/sports medicine professional.

Nutrition & Training There is no substitute for good honest continued training and correct diet - these should go hand in hand and is the cornerstone of good conditioning. A significant upgrade of the gym training facilities is underway and we have good qualified and experienced staff in the Sports department who can guide you in getting fitter and stronger the healthy way.

Roger Cameron Headmaster

Academic Colours
Zaid Bhayat Robert Brinkmann Michael Davies Zayan Daya Luc Feldner-Busztin Oliver Gnodde Simon Greeff Chiraag Kathawaroo Ryan Mackell Kameel Pillay George Stanchev Marthinus Strydom Alessandro Teixeira

Academic Honours
Nicholas Cowen Daniel Erasmus Mikhail Kolabhai Prashant Venkatakrishnan

CULTURAL AWARDS MICHAELMAS TERM 2013 MUSIC Honours Chris Bellew Colours Ryan Mackell Prashant Venkatakrishnan ART Colours Guy Campbell James Sulter Danyaal Mahomed Munshi Robert Lindsay Aidan Thompson Half Colours Gabriel Botha Manqoba Lephoko Nicolas Martin

Luke Quinn Stephen Slabbert Mitchell Antonites Peter Piek DRAMA PERFORMANCE Honours Jonathan Fletcher SERVICE AWARD Colours Lizolethu Rensburg Sports Colours Awards Michaelmas Term 2013 ATHLETICS: New Awards: Team Blazer: Honours: SOCCER: New Awards: Team Blazer: Matthew Hayward Tafadzwa Sanyika Tijan Oberholzer Thami May Lyndon Crouch Joshua Hooper Lango Sichizya Zaid Bhayat Ndumiso Mvelase Kevin Mondlane Liam Peters Tye Clarke Gareth Harvett

Colours:

The following awards are being presented subsequent to the awarding of summer sports awards in March this year: WATERPOLO: New Award: Honours: Alex Kuttschreuter Science Expo 2013 National Finals Five projects form St Johns College were selected to participate in the National Science Eskom Expo for Young Scientists from 26-28 September 2013 at The Birchwood Conference Centre. The boys were great ambassadors for St Johns College and did well. A bronze medal was awarded to Michael Davies and Chiraag Kathawaroo (L V) for their project Covering the reality of heat loss A silver medal was awarded to Justin Boyce and Jason McNeil (LV) for their project Whats up with the sun? The project came second in its category and was awarded the SARL prize for an outstanding project showing awareness and understanding of a current technological challenge and offering an innovative solution. A gold medal was awarded to Llewellyn Craddock and Daniel Chen (UIV) for their project Kung fu vs karate. They were each presented with a Kindle as well as the medals. Congratulations to all these young men on an excellent achievement.

St Johns College Presidents Award Gold Portfolio

The Presidents Award for Youth Empowerment aims to empower young people between the ages of 14 and 25, by providing a balanced, non-competitive framework for self-development that will increase their self-esteem and enhance their capacity to achieve in whatever context they find themselves: enabling them to become responsible active citizens within their communities. Learners have to complete five pillars of the Programme: skill development, physical recreation, 72 hours of community service, an adventurous journey and the residential project. St Johns has the proud reputation of producing the highest number of gold recipients in the country and have done so for the past three years. This years official Presidents Award Gold Ceremony is to held on Saturday 5th October 2013 at St Albans College where Prince Edward and Princess Sophie will be the guests of honour. Congratulations to the following Upper V boys who received their Gold Presidents Award: Gianluca Mitchell James Jack Gabriel Joy Liam Cameron Jordan Denis Tejis Benedict Cameron Nishal James Francois Emile Jonathan Daniel Christopher Dilkash Heinrich Ryan Christopher Gary Conor Bryden Aaron Dylan Alexander Eddie Agostinetto Antonites Barton-Bridges Berry Botha Chabikuli Chew Cunningham-Scott Cutifani Dartchiev Devchand Didcott-Marr Dry Dullabh Eckersley Elliot Engelbrecht Fletcher France Hale Harryprasadh Hattingh Hopkins Huntley Jackman Johnstone Jones Krishna Kronenberg Kuttschreuter Langa Robert Kyle Justin Richard Akshay Stephen Nicholas Alex Dean Vishal Siyabonga Jaishil Andrew Miguel Michael Luke Molemo Philani Nicholas Bevan Jonathan Naazim Stephen Praval Devon Naeem Brett Jason Oliver Neil Matthew Andrew Lindsay Lion-Cachet Luyckx Mackie Manga Mark Martin Mathew Maxton Mistry Mkhize Modi Morgan Neto Papas Penney Ponoane Qwabe Raal Rabie Rogerson Sayanvala Slabbert Sooklal Stone Vallee Van Staden Vermaak Vincent Viviers Vyvyan-Day Williamson

Craig Milligan: Master-in-Charge

Johannesburg Junior Council Emilo Ziniades and Andr Venter have been selected to represent St Johns as Junior Councillors for 2014.

Library Prefects
Menzi Mcunu David Gundelfinger

Head of First Aid

Callum Leesam

Head of Sanatorium
Alex Van der Hoven

ATKV-Olympiad The Afrikaans First Additional Language Olympiad was written on 21 May 2013 by 3897 pupils throughout South Africa. St. Johns College entered 54 pupils and the school is proud of their achievement. The national average for this Olympiad was 60%. We congratulate Daniel Erasmus who was placed in the top 20 in Gauteng and in the top 100 in South Africa. We also congratulate the following boys: An average of over 80%: L Geldenhuys (UIV) , A Korsten (LV) and N Viviers (UV). An average of over 75%: D Venter (UIV), S Havenga (LV), A Du Plessis (UV). The following pupils participated in the Olympiad: Sixth Form: B Burger. UV : G Agostinetto, B Didcott-Marr, A Du Plessis, N Dullabh, D Harryprasadh, H Hattingh, C Huntley, A Manga, N Martin, A Mathew, M Neto, B Rabie, M Stevenson, N Vallee, B van Staden, J Vermaak, M Visser, N Viviers, M Vyvyan-Day. LV: N Cowen, L Crouch, Z Daya, A Diayar, C Du Plessis, D Erasmus, L Feldner-Busztin, S Havenga, M Kolobhai, A Korsten, W Malan, J Muller, R Smit, G Stanchev, C Strong, M Strydom, A Teixera, M Taylor, P Venkatakrishnan. UIV: N Bielderman, L Collins, W Joubert, M Siebert, A Venter, D Venter, E Ziniades

English Olympiad Congratulations to the following boys who achieved GOLD awards for the ANNUAL ENGLISH OLYMPIAD: Gianluca Agostinetto Kaleem Ahmid Jake Alfred Aasif Bulbulia Travis Hornsby Naeem Vallee

The following boys were ranked in the top 100 in the Olympiad: 100th 63rd 47th 5th Keegan Leech Mikhail Kolabhai James Sulter Benedict Didcott-Marr

Free tuition for the first year at Rhodes University Received his award at the Art Festival last term Free tuition for first year at Rhodes University

SACEE/English Alive The following boys have had their work published in English Alive: Muhammed-Ismail Bulbulia Ezra Fleisch Travis Hornsby Arnav Kapur Tamlin Love Louis McAuliffe Kevin Murning Jesse Stephens James Sulter Joseph Savenye Terblanche Consider the lobster An inkling of a crane Sad as the death of monkeys Jackal Haiku Six-word story Return A gift of laughter Six-word story Child at play Snap Shot

This is a significant achievement as the publication is a nationwide anthology of best writing from schools all over South Africa. This is the largest number of entries that the school has had selected in a single year, and is a credit to the boys creativity. Copies are available from the English department on request. These pieces will appear in the school creative writing anthology, The Scribbler, published at the end of the year.

IsiZulu Olympiad The following boys are to be congratulated on their superb achievement in the final round of the isiZulu Olympiad: Moyo Sibusiso 74% Ngwila Sibusiso 91% (4th position IEB schools) Rotary Club Annual Speech Competition At the Rotary Club of Sandtons annual speech competition held on Wednesday, 16 October, Kyllian Pather (LV) was runner-up in the final adjudication. His speech, based on the book title, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, was excellent, and would be a very good example of good public speaking to the boys in the College.

Maretlwane Wilderness School

Renaissance Man Award

The Renaissance Man Award is awarded to the boy who has been rated by his peers as having the most noble character traits, who has seized every opportunity, and who has identified best with the philosophy of the Wilderness school. In addition, the boy is someone who has contributed to the welfare of the group and his environment. After the Trinity Wilderness School, there were three boys who came out on top: Brandon Mc Kenzie Angus Paterson Abram Schonfeldt The winner of the award this term is Abram Schonfeldt

2013-2015 BACKSTAGE LEADERSHIP TEAM THE COLLEGE BACKSTAGE TEAM HAS BECOME CRITICAL TO THE EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF THE MANY PRODUCTIONS, INTER-HOUSE EVENTS AND FUNCTIONS THAT TAKE PLACE ACROSS THE YEAR. THE BOYS INVOLVED SPEND AN ENORMOUS NUMBER OF HOURS GIVING OF THEIR TIME AND EXPERTISE. WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE OUTGOING BACKSTAGE LEADERS, RICHARD MACKIE AND JEAN-ANDRE DEENIK FOR THEIR 5 YEARS OF SUPERB SERVICE TO BACKSTAGE AND FOR THE EXCELLENCE WITH WHICH THEY HAVE CONDUCTED THEIR DUTIES. IT IS A PLEASURE TO ANNOUNCE THE 2013-2015 BACKSTAGE LEADERSHIP TEAM:

HEAD OF BACKSTAGE - MATTHEW IRVINE STAGE MANAGER - CHRIS MACKIE HEAD OF SOUND - MICHAEL NORMAN HEAD OF LIGHTING - BRANDON GOWER-WINTER ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER - BOB ERGASHEV ASSISTANT HEAD OF SOUND - MUAAZ SULIMAN ASSISTANT HEAD OF LIGHTING - RHYS NEWTON-HILL

FIRST AID The following boys have been awarded their Firs Aid Level 1 Certificates on completion of both theory and practical evaluations: Aashish Diayar Osama Yaqoor Arain Daniel Stevens Simon Jones George Stanchev Nhlanhla Masango Tshepo Kgutswane Jesse Stevens Malachi Schulz Sibonelo Magagula

Basketball Congratulations to the following boys who won the Floating Trophy and Gold medals at the International Festival at ISSA Mafikeng this weekend. Our U14s were placed 2nd during the round robin stage, along with the American International School of Johannesburg. They beat the American International School of Johannesburg in the semi-final 19-10. And played the final against Michael Mount A, which they lost 26-17 during the round-robin stage. Under the stewardship of Thabang Glass (Gauteng Basketball Coach) and Jose Helder-Cobra (Former Mozambican National Coach), St Johns boys turned their fate into victory this time, beating Michael Mount 24-12. Two boys were selected for the All Stars team: Musachi Nkanza and Edward Baleni. If Sean Sadler had finished the final he would also have been selected for the All Stars Team. He was instrumental in this victory, but had to leave the court due to illness. Thando Myeza who scored 10 points in the semi-final. The whole team played very well and those on the bench were sufficiently vocal to outclass the large contingent of Michael Mount with six teams supporting their U14s side in the final. Sadly, our U15s did not perform as well, but we were happy with their spirit throughout the tournament, and they lost by a basket, mostly during the last seconds of the game. We encourage them to learn the taste of defeat and victory, and that experience will be essential for the future.
U14 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Bongi Tshabalala Claude Ayo Bahle Letele Tshepo Chipu Sean Sadler Thando Myeza Edward Baleni Nhlanhla Masango Philip Mparutsa Kuveshen Naidoo Kutlwano Makgopela Musachi Nkanza (Captain) Coach: Jose Helder (Cobra) Thabang Glass

Water Polo
Roarke Olver (UV) and Dan Trninic (UV) played with the OJ Eagles Club and won the tournament over the weekend of 26 - 29 September. Roarke and Dan both made the SA Schools U18 Team to play in the Tri Nations Tournament in Sydney Australia (against Australia and New Zealand) from 14 until 21 December 2013. Dan Trninic has been selected as the Captain of the team.

Cross Country Results Junior: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Nash Hill Alston Hodgson Clayton Clarke Thomson Fleming Hodgson Clayton Clarke Hill Thomson Nash Alston Fleming Runge Individual Winners: 1st 2nd 3rd Kyle Harvett Christopher Burke Nicholas Hallendorff

Senior:

Individual Winners: 1st 2nd 3rd Overall: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Gareth Harvett Graeme Betty Daniel Carter Hodgson Clayton Clarke Hill Nash Alston Thomson

Cricket

The following cricket players have been selected to the various National & Provincial Teams National Selection Provincial Selection
South Africa U19 Gauteng U19A Gauteng U/17 Gauteng U15A Gauteng U15B Bradley Dial Bradley Dial & Ndumiso Mvelase Martyn Strydom, Lorenzo Masselli & Liam Peters Calvin Smith Conor Mckerr & Keegan Lumley

Chess The Gauteng Five-a-Side chess playoffs took place on Monday, 9 September and the St. Johns College chess team won the tournament. Sachin Modi was selected to play for the U14 boys section of the South African squad to play at the 2013 African Youth Chess Championships and was awarded full South African Junior National Colours for Chess. Chess House Matches Results: 1. Clarke 5. Clayton 2. 6. Runge Alston 9. 3. 7. Hill Fleming Nash 4. 8. Hodgson Thomson

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Tennis St Johns A and B Tennis teams participated in the Sun City Schools Tennis Tournament during the holidays and came second in the A division and third in the B division. St Johns came second to St Davids in the A division, beating them but they won as their overall points were higher. Michael Copeland was ranked as the overall top player of the A tournament.

Brandon Wijtenburg & Todd Fisher Achieve 2nd place at Hobie Dragoon World Championships Brandon Wijtenburg, 14 years old, in remove at St Johns and his crew Todd Fisher, 15 years old, took part in the Hobie Dragoon World Championships in July 2013. The event was held in Travemnder Germany on the Baltic Sea and saw competitors from Germany, Belgium and Holland taking part. 12 boats from South Africa were sent by Hobie Cat South Africa in a container to Germany with about 30 South Africans attending the event. The regatta formed part of Travemnder Woche which is the second largest sailing event in the world. Every year, hundreds of thousands of watersport fans from all over the world descend on the city to experience the unique combination of international sailing and maritime festival. Founded in 1889, the Travemnder Woche is now being held for the 124th time. The most popular regatta week in the world came about when Hamburg businessmen Hermann Wentzel and Hermann Drge raced past Travemnder. The winner received a bottle of Lbecker Rotspon. The Lbecker Yacht-Club was founded just nine years later, in 1898, at the request of Kaiser Wilhelm II, to provide an institution to organise the Travemnder Woche professionally. Each year, the Travemnder Woche attracts thousands of active sailors and around a million enthusiastic spectators and visitors, who enjoy the major sporting event, as well as the fantastic festival on land. Nowhere in the world comes close to Travemnder in terms of combining sailing with such a rich and varied programme on land. Friendly atmosphere, top sport, summer, beach feeling and show are the highlights that make the Travemnder Woche standout year after year. Brandon and Todd entered the Hobie Dragoon youth section of the regatta and sailed a fantastic 17 races to achieve an overall 2nd place in their class. On returning to South Africa, they were invited by the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Fikile Mbalula, along with other athletes that had won medals for South Africa internationally, to a gala awards evening in Cape Town.
Brandon Wijtenburg and Todd Fisher Flying the South African Flag on the podium in Germany

Brandon Wijtenburg & Todd Fisher Sailing Germany

in

MUSIC

The following boys completed their ABRSM practical examinations: Abu Sagar Flute Gr 3 William Kerr-Phillips Flute Gr 3 Pano Pouroullis Piano Gr 6 Calum Harding Piano Gr 6 Claudio di Giacomo Piano Gr 5 Brandon Mackenzie D/Bass Gr 4 Andre Venter Violin Gr 7 Willem Burger Cello Gr 5 Sibonelo Magagula Cello Gr 5 Aashish Diayar Violin Gr 8

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Congratulations to Connor Wilson on his achievements in recent Equestrian sport: Awarded Regional half-colours at the KZN Interbranch in July for Dressage and Equitation S.A. National Equestrian Schools Association team member selected to represent KZN at Nationals on 21-24 September. On 24th Sept he won the Working Hunter class against the top competitors from the other provinces and finished 3rd in Equitation and 4th in Dressage and Performance Riding (Showing)

and on his achievements in Alpine Ski Racing: Winner of King's Cup U18 Slalom and Giant Slalom in Lesotho in July 2013 Second Men's U18 and Third Men's Open Slalom - SA Champs, Tiffindell July 2013 Since January 2013, Connor has competed internationally for South Africa at ten different events, three in the US during February, another seven in New Zealand/Australia July-August while touring with the South African team. He did very well for being one of the youngest on the international circuit and successfully completed nearly every race as it is a fast and unforgiving sport!

Rowing David Hunt won a gold medal at the U 23 World Championships and Willie Morgan won a bronze medal at the Senior World Championships in the adaptive LTA coxed four.

Rock Climbing Neil Gultig and Matthew Robinson recently competed in the National Rock Climbing competition in Pretoria. They climbed three different routes in three qualifying rounds from which 8 competitors were selected to go into the semi finals, with the top 5 went through into the finals. Matthew Robinson came 2nd overall and Neil Gultig was placed 4th. Both boys also qualified to attend the trials for the South African Youth team.

Water Polo Schools Water Polo South Africa (SWPSA) accepted an invitation from Schools Sport Australia for Under 18 Boys to take part in the Tri-Nation Series Tournament to be held in Sydney, Australia from 16 to 21 December 2013. The teams will each play 2 test matches against both Australia and New Zealand during the tournament to play 4 matches against quality opposition will be a real test and a very exciting opportunity for our schools players! The first National training/selection camp took place in Johannesburg in August. Dan Trninic & Roarke Olver were selected to attend the final trial to select the teams to travel to Sydney, Australia in December 2013: The final trial will take the form of participation at the Old Eds National Club Champs, after which 15 boys will be selected to represent South Africa in Sydney, Australia in December.

Karate Christopher Ching was selected to represent South Africa at the following World Karate Championships: 1. WSKA Karate World Championships in Liverpool on the 28th September 2. KWF World Karate Championships in Copenhagen on the 20th October. Christopher won a gold medal for kata in the under 18 category in the KWF World Karate Championships held on Sun 20 October in Denmark.

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EARLY DAYS AT ST JOHNS COLLEGE Guy Bond. OJ, 1914 In 1907 St. Johns was a very different place from what it is now. To begin with the College, consisting of only the present Prep buildings and the Gymnasium, was completely surrounded by a golf course. The only other buildings in Upper Houghton were three houses on the ridge. The golf course was one of the worst for lost balls, owing to the long grass and numerous boulders, particularly in the Valley and what the Upper Wilds is now. As little boys today collect marbles we used to collect golf balls. Periodically the grass was burnt and we used to follow the fire and pick up partly scorched golf balls. As was the case in all inland courses at that time there were no grass greens. Instead they were covered with crushed Blue Ground from the Kimberley Diamond Mines, and which contained many common garnets. However, this state of affairs did not last long and the golf course disappeared and K.E.S. was built and houses sprang up all over Upper Houghton. The only relic of the course was the Golf House, a double storied build ing, which was used for many years as a residence for the lay masters of St. Johns. At first the only play grounds were the two upper ungrassed and stony grounds. On these grounds were played, in season, soccer, cricket (on matting wickets) and athletic sports. The great sporting event of the year was the Inter High Sports and one recalls the great excitement as the time approached for this event, in which all High Schools in Johannesburg and surrounding towns took part. It is a great pity that this Inter High was allowed to lapse. Periodically the school was given a half holiday and set to work picking up the white pebbles which kept on forcing their way onto the surface of these grounds. There was no Prep School until a long time afterwards. St. Johns was then run and partly staffed by the Community of Resurrection; a fine body of men who had given their all to the community and worked only for their keep at St. Johns. During my stay at St. Johns James Okey Nash and Clement Thomson were the Headmasters, assisted by other members of the Order and a few lay masters. Much has been written about that courageous but erratic soul, Father Eustace Hill, that it is hardly necessary to comment further. Jack Hill had already made a name for himself in the Bo er War and The Bambhata Zulu Rebellion of 1906 as a courageous padre and was to gain undying fame as Chaplain to the South African Brigade in France in the 1914-1918 war. In my time Father Hill taught History to the senior forms in a very illuminating manner. Then there was the much loved red bearded Tinny Alston, Form Master of the Third Form and an enthusiastic sports master. Tinny was very easily upset and had a habit, when agitated (and I am afraid we gave him much cause for agitation) of sucking furiously at the end of his old type fountain pen, filled always with green ink, and spluttering with rage. Sometimes in his agitation, he would suck at the wrong end with disastrous results. A very lovable man. Father Simmonds joined the staff towards the end of my stay and taught Latin and afterwards Chemistry. Space does not permit to mention all the lay masters who flitted across the stage, some rather briefly, save to mention a few stalwarts who stayed on to teach several generations of boys. Old boys of my vintage are inclined to think that in the book Venture of Faith not sufficient tribute was paid to Frank Carey, alias Piffle. Frank Carey, born and educated in India, taught Geography to the lower classes, was also I think Form Master of the Second Form. He also taught wood work. For no extra remuneration he also carried out any electrical, mechanical or carpentry repairs in the school, a task normally allocated these days to a full time handyman. He also founded and was Scoutmaster of the St. Johns troop. Then when the Cadet System was introduced in 1913 to South African Schools, he became the Cadet Officer. Carey made the scenery and was stage manager for all the annual Shakespearean plays produced at St. Johns. Though Carey gave of his all to the College, his heart was really in India where he was to return to die. Dutch, not Afrikaans, was taught by the Hollander Mr. H. M. Muller who was destined to teach many generations of boys. Gymnastics, physical culture, and believe it or not, fencing were taught by another Hollander, Barend Vieyra. The physical exercises were accompanied always, on the piano, by a young woman. Whenever I hear The Soldiers Chorus from Gounods Faust, my mind goes back to those early days and I can hear the stentorian voice of Vieyra.. You St. Johns boys valk like a lot of old vomens. For us St. Johns boys the years 1913 and 1914 were to prove very exciting and serve to show how unsettled the Witwatersrand was at that time. In 1913 the great Miners Strike took place and the serious rioting which followed necessitated the proclamation of Martial Law and the calling in of a detachment of

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Hussars to restore order (at that time British Troops were still stationed in South Africa). Some shooting took place outside the Rand Club. To crown all the First World War started in 1914 and to add to the excitement there were the extraordinary exploits of the gang of criminals, the Foster Gang who were to come to a bizarre end in the cave on Kensington Kopje. (A cave which we, when small boys, had explored and there was another cave overlooking the Houghton Drive which we had often visited). Then followed the Rebellion, which again necessitated the proclamation of Martial Law (we were again to be placed under Martial Law in Johannesburg in the 1922 Rand Revolt). How eagerly we boys followed the first stirring days of the war, sticking coloured pins into maps. Little did we think the War to end all wars which was definitely going to end by Christmas (1914) was to drag on for four more terrible years and that, before long, many of us were to be drawn into the conflict, some never to return from the ghastly holocaust of the Somme and some to have their health impaired in the fever-stricken swamps and bush of German East Africa (afterwards called Tanganyika). Truly those were momentous days for us at St. Johns.

Confirmation
The following boys were Confirmed in the Memorial Chapel on Sunday evening, 15 September. We would appreciate it if you could pray for these boys having taken this step of commitment in their lives. Morena Motsiri Ayrton Kapp Jordan Lourens Sibu Moyo Pierre Joubert Richard Louis Gilberto Casaletti-Page Andrew Bolton Jonathan Baker Nic MacRobert Marc Langschmidt Matthew Adams Tijan Oberholzer

Klaas Mogano Introducing Mr Klaas Mogano who has been looking after David Quad for 18 years. The pristine lawns and beautiful flowering shrubs are a testament to his dedication and expertise. Mr Mogano is married to Diane and they have 8 children. He hails from Polokwane. Klaas is known for his ready smile and a good sense of humour.

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Ezekiel Dikotla Mr Ezekiel Dikotla holds the post of Team Leader, Maintenance, at St Johns College. Mr Dikotla has worked at the College for 27 years and is married to Sina who also works on the Campus, in the Tuck Shop. They have 3 children. Mr Dikotla also hails from Polokwane. He has become well known for his excellent carpentry skills, and has just refreshed the Northern facade windows and benches next to Big School with considerable success. His work never ends.

Mind Sports Report eSports St Johns eSports did very well at the SA Schools Tournament on 19 October, taking second place overall, losing by a single point to a strong HTS Witbank team. Our CounterStrike Team took silver, losing only one match to Pretoria Boys. The team consisted of Jason Batzofin (capt.), Tamlin Love, Ryan Leong, Daniel Stevens & Merlin Love. This team now stands a good chance of gaining provincial colours at the Nationals in December, having met certain criteria at this tournament. The team showed great match temperament, coming back at Pretoria Boys and taking several rounds off them against the run of play improving on their result from last year markedly. Our DotA First Team finished with bronze, losing to HTS Witbank and a much improved Northcliff team. The team was made up of Johan Muller (capt.), Chris Maree, George Stanchev, Stephen Havenga and Sean Wynne. Our second DotA team of Alex Harding (capt), Afrika Ndlovu and Matthew Davies put up a fierce fight, but were place outside the medals. Club Meetings The Mind Sports Club meets every Friday of tem time at 3-5pm in R2D2 and the Maths Centre. We play various eSports, CounterStrike, DotA, league Of Legends and Starcaft. We also play wargames and boardgames such as Draughts, Morabaraba and Diplomacy, and card games such as Bridge and Poker. All are welcome!

PRAY
Who? Where? When? Why? Parents, guardians, friends, family Community room Thursdays 7.30am 8.30am (whenever you can) to develop spiritual root systems and community stability Eugene H. Peterson Enquiries: Susan Bentley 082 882 5210

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2 October 2013
To the St Johns community On the Night During the previous two On the Night events, we experienced strong south westerly winds. This resulted in debris from the fireworks falling over Burger field where visitors were seated. We apologise to anyone affected by the ash and other debris, some still burning, that fell on the field. We have agreed that, should there be similar conditions next year, we will advise spectators to sit further back from the demarcated fallout area, alerting visitors of the possible risk of being seated too close to the fireworks. We hope to continue holding this annual event, ensuring that it remains a highlight in the St John's calendar. On behalf of the Parents Association, I would like to compliment and thank Dr Ben O osthuizen, the Staff and pupils from St Johns Music department for their participation and most fantastic performance at On the Night for the second consecutive year. I extend my congratulations and thanks to Jocelyn Ching and the OTN committee for once again organising a superbly well-managed event. We also wish to express our appreciation to the parents and families who supported the event. I hope that you enjoyed the varied and full program delivered. St John's College has full medical, fire-fighting, security and management facilities at these events and this, coupled with the support of staff and parents, results in the relaxed and enjoyable family evening that we have come to enjoy. We are proud to showcase our community, our majestic buildings and the skill of our musicians. For any comments or would suggestions regarding this and other events at St John's, please contact me at pa@stjohnscollege.co.za Sincerely

Damian Boyce Parents Association Chairman 2013

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