Singing sweet hymns in an inspiring service highlighting gratitude, hope, freedom and responsibility, as we honoured the Ascension Day with our guests, St Katharine’s and Auckland Park Prep School.
2026 PLAYDATE
Wednesday saw us enjoying an exciting playdate with our future Ridge Boys complete with fun activities, games and a lot of laughter. The highlight for many attendees (and proud teachers) were the talks and tours conducted by our Grade 7 boys!
AFRICA DAY TALK TO PARENTS
Think Big | Stay Accountable | Work together!
These were the themes communicated by Rwanda’s High Commissioner as some of the pillars of success in terms of the country’s miraculous recovery from adversity to strength!
The opportunity for The Ridge to host the High Commissioner in 2024 marks the 30th year since the genocide against the Tutsi people in Rwanda and, as such was a particularly significant occasion for our community to hear a remarkable story of resilience, leadership, hope and unity.
GRADE 0 CELEBRATING MOTHERS’ DAY
The Grade 0 Boys treated their moms on Mothers’ Day with handmade bracelets, painting their nails, a musical performance and heartfelt hugs, making the day special with innocent charm and unforgettable memories.
CELEBRATING AFRICA DAY
There is no beauty quite like the soul of Africa! And there is EVERYTHING to celebrate about the soul of our boys today as we recognise Africa Day!
MOTHERS’ LUNCH
GRADE 3s EXPLORING THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
The Grade 3s are exploring the Animal Kingdom. The thought of sharing their furry friends with their classmates was brilliant. What a treat to have them visiting us. An animal a day surely keeps our temperament at bay.
JUNIOR CHIOR
The Junior Choir boys sang delightfully at the St John’s Junior Choir Festival ‘Soar with Song’ on Tuesday evening. What a joy to see all the boys and girls sharing in their love of music.
INTER-SCHOOLS GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
The Ridge proudly hosted the Inter-Schools General Knowledge Competition, bringing together bright minds from various schools. Congratulations to Christ Church, The Ridge and Team RidgeMary (The Ridge + St Mary’s) for taking the top three positions in the competition!
SAFE GAURDING AT THE RIDGE
We are very proud to see Holly Ferrar, our Head of JP and Songezo Malangeni, our Deputy Head confirmed as our Ridge School Designated Safety Officers and our Safeguarding Policy finalised with The Guardian.
TEAM OF THE WEEK
We sharpen up on and off the field! We are proud to share an initiative driven by one of our Grade 7 boys: the ‘Team of the Week shirt!’ This promotes hard work through sport as well as good conduct on and off the field and help us in delivering on our sportsmanship code of conduct!
CHESS VS ST DAVID’S
GRADE 6 & 7 VISITED LESEDI CULTURAL VILLAGE
The Grade 6 and 7 boys, accompanied by Mr Mtimkulu, Mr Mtshabe, and Ms Olivier, took a tour of Lesedi Cultural Village. The boys learned about Xhosa, Sotho and Sepedi cultures, as well as Zulu. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, including the sampling of mopane worms!
Ridge Old Boy, Alastair McAlpine Grade 7/Std 5 – 1995 launched his book: ‘Prescription: Ice Cream’ recently at Exclusive Books. Alistair is a paediatric infectious diseases physician.
He decided to share some inspiring thoughts from the children in his care and ‘Prescription Ice Cream’ is his engaging memoir about the highs and lows of working as a medical doctor in SA, and how he was able to struggle on, finding meaning in the chaos and inspire others.
Joseph Chemaly
Congratulations to 2017 Ridge Old Boy Joseph Chemaly who was the best First year and best BSc student in Computer Science at Stellenbosch University.
Michael van Heerden
Congratulations to Michael van Heerden, a Ridge Old Boys, currently at St. John’s College, on breaking and setting a new Provincial EGA age group record in the 50m and 100m backstroke at the SA Junior and Senior National Swimming Championships, achieving the World Junior Qualifying Time in the 100m.
The Ascension Day service this morning, involving our boys and girls from St Katharine’s and APPS, was a wonderful moment of partnership, music and reflection.
We thank Mrs Carol Ackermann and our guest speakers, the Heads of APPS, Ms. Chantel Jarvis and St Katharine’s, Ms Karen Symons who all shared messages centred around these significant values:
Freedom and consequent responsibility
Gratitude
Forgiveness
Compassion
Thinking about what love, bravery and connectedness mean
Topics ranged from bullying to what we should know about gender, how to check unconscious and subconscious bias, the integration of innovation into daily practice, report writing, developing concepts around our Masterclass and RidgeUp initiatives, engaging with what classrooms should look like, the critical and intentional need to focus on joy, rotation stations as curricular practice, the importance of self-directed learning.
It was a deeply valuable way to stimulate the start of our Second Term.
I used these statements as part of my address in our opening Staff meeting and wanted to share them with you:
Extract from Frederik Backman ‘Us Against You’:
“Peter said nothing. But in the car on the way home he turned to Leo and explained, ‘When I was little, my dad used to hit me if I spilled my milk, Leo. That didn’t teach me not to spill things. It just made me scared of milk. Remember that’.”
Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime Minister, was quoted as saying the below after 50 people were killed in an attack in Christchurch:
“We have a responsibility to be the place that we want to be. A place that is welcoming, that is kind and compassionate. Those values represent the very best of us. But even the ugliest of viruses can exist in places where they are not welcome. Racism exists, but it is not welcome here.”
John Gardiner ex Headmaster of Bishops:
“Happiness grows best in an atmosphere of security, care and hope.”
We know that negative, unhappy people kill creativity, squash dreams, keep you doubting yourself, drain your energy and keep you small. What we don’t always know is that we can each play a role in ensuring we are surrounded by more happy people. Choice is significant. There is also a difference between schmaltzy happiness and happiness based on striving for what is both worthwhile and right, again, this is a question of choice.
At the end of our opening plenary, I asked each Staff member to note one thing they wanted to commit to The Ridge School this Term. The attached image: “The Ridge Term 2 Commitments from our staff” was the outcome.
SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE CAMP
Our boys’ Social Justice Committee enjoyed a successful and meaningful camp in the Drakensberg during the School holidays. In addition to a number of hikes and other activities, boys had a range of opportunities to reflect on our School’s social justice ethos, to consider stronger ways in which to lead their portfolios and to talk through a number of themes.
I found that the depth and maturity displayed by our boys most impressive.
We thank Mr Malangeni for leading this camp, Dr Moore for accompanying the boys during the 3 nights away and Mrs Debbie Rumboll and Dr. Mosima Mabunda (current Board member and DIB Committee chair) for leading workshops with the boys during the course of the camp.
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
A Grade 7 parent sent this to me this week in the context of it being Teachers’ Appreciation Week in the US. I am reminded, many times each day, of how fortunate our boys are to be in the care and under the tutelage of the Staff members at The Ridge:
“To all the educators who inspire, guide, and empower our boys every day, thank you. Your dedication to nurturing minds, shaping futures, and instilling a love for learning is truly invaluable. Your passion and commitment make a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom. Today, and every day, we celebrate you and the incredible work you do. Thank you for being the guiding light in our boys’ educational journey. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and you are deeply appreciated.
Happy Teacher Appreciation Day!
From all the Grade 7D Mums and Dads”
MR GRANT DODDS TO JOIN THE OLYMPIC TEAM
We are fortunate enough to have Mr. Grant Dodds have joined us last term. Grant has over several years made a significant contribution to South African sport by acting in volunteer capacity overseeing the logistics, planning, funding and selection of the South African Olympic and age group teams for Rowing South Africa.
To this end Grant will be travelling from 13-28 May to Switzerland for the Final Olympic Qualification Regatta with the RMB National Squad as they attempt to qualify two more boats for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. We wish them the best of luck and are proud to see our school represented in this significant national capacity.
While Mr Dodds is away we are very pleased to be joined by the familiar face of Mr Bennie du Preez. Mr du Preez is a former Maths teacher and Director of Sport at the Ridge and will be taking over Mr Dodds’s classes.
Remembering Ms. Asanda Nontembiso Ngudle: A Beloved Member of Our Estate Team
Very sadly, a member of our Estate Staff team, Ms. Asanda Ngudle, passed away during the holiday break, after a long illness. Our School will be represented at Ms. Ngudle’s funeral and we send her family and children every condolence. What follows is a tribute by Mr. Recent Malindi, our Estate Manager:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear colleague and friend Asanda Ngudle, who left an indelible mark on our hearts and the Estate’s history. Asanda passed on the 1st of May 2024.
Asanda was a caring and compassionate person who showed genuine interest in well-being of others. She had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, making everyone feel valued and respected. This was evident in her 6 years’ service.
We take comfort in memories we shared with Asanda and the knowledge that her contribution will continue to benefit our Ridge community. We extend our heartful condolences to Asanda’s family and loved ones through this difficult time.
Rest in peace Asanda. Your dedication, kindness and spirit will never be forgotten.
RENEWED COMMITMENTS
As we start a new term it is a time to renew our commitments to ‘sharpening up’, this translates into so much from the way in which we conduct ourselves to the attitudes we bring to bear.
On Wednesday I chose to share the ‘The Ripple of Hope’ speech as originally shared by Robert Kennedy, US senator and lawyer in 1966 in the University of Cape Town’s Jameson Hall, with our boys.
This is my hopeful vision for this term:
“Each time a person stands up for an ideal,
or acts to improve the lot of others,
or strikes out against injustice,
that person sends forth a tiny ripple of hope,
and crossing each other from a million
different centres of energy and daring,
those ripples build a current that can
sweep down the mightiest walls of
oppression and resistance”
-Robert Kennedy, 1966
I wish every member of this very special Ridge community a successful, real, valuable and happy Term ahead.
I am grateful to our Boys, our Staff and our Parent body for the strength, joy and authenticity with which our community has begun 2024. The Ridge School is on a strong course of success and this is in evidence in many, many spaces.
Our evening of dialogue was a valuable evening of thinking, reflecting and communicating. I commend the Grade 6 RidgeUp boys and the Students for Social Justice Committee on what they shared. It was very special, too, watching the Grade 7s perform the 1 Act play, “Us and Them”. The Ridge’s first ever Social Justice camp happens during the first weekend of the upcoming holidays.
We are so proud of the many Grade 7 boys who were offered places and awarded scholarships to some of South Africa’s top schools, in 2025. We will share finalised details soonest.
Our School warmly welcomes Robyn Gray as our new Financial Manager. We are fortunate to have employed someone of Robyn’s calibre. We also congratulate Urvasi Naidoo who will be our new Senior Primary Co-ordinator and Advancement leader as well as Kayleigh Nielsen who will lead our Sports Department’s administration systems.
While visiting Old Boys at Hilton and Michaelhouse recently, I was repeatedly told how deeply valuable our Old Boys’ Ridge years were. During the course of every day, there are countless moments, at a Boys’ Prep School in Westcliff, that testify to the power, the value, the both boy-centred, future-focused purposefulness and the beauty that undoubtedly is a Ridge School education.
All of you make this possible and I thank you, on behalf of everyone who is proudly associated with our School.
INTERNATIONAL BOYS’ SCHOOL COALITION CONFERENCE (hosted by Hilton College)
A team of Senior Staff and I attended the conference which was deeply worthwhile. The conference theme was, Listening Loudly: Learning to Listen to the Quieter Voices in Boys’ Schools.
We were privileged to hear keynote speakers and workshop leaders present on much that is pertinent as we continue to deepen the value that is The Ridge School. A group of us presented a workshop to our peers on the topic, “Leading the Creation of Spaces for Deeper Opportunities for Becoming (for ALL boys): An Approach to Listening Loudly at The Ridge School”. It was well received and certainly helped position our School as a Southern African thought leader.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS FROM TERM 1 2024
The Music Department has been hard at work behind the scenes to prepare for their upcoming performances. On 15 March, we welcomed the Grade 0 Grandparents to the musical showcase, which was a lot of fun! Our first Senior Soiree took place on Thursday, 14 March and provided a platform to our individual musicians to present their pieces.
Our Senior Choir collaborated with St Katharine’s and Auckland Park Preparatory School for the combined choir performance at the Ash Wednesday Service on 14 February. It is always wonderful to see our schools work together to create a special moment in time.
Thursday, 7 March, our ensemble department had an incredible showcase of talent for our Ridge Community at “The Ridge Ensemble Evening”. We had the Junior Orchestra, our youngest ensemble, start off the show and this was followed by showcases from all our marimbas bands. The Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, Rock Band and Senior Orchestra all showcased their hard work, and we look forward to their external showcases in the months ahead.
SHARING A TEXT FROM THE HILTON COLLEGE HEADMASTER
George Harris was in my English Department, at St Stithians Boys’ College, 20 years ago. He is now a successful Head of School at Hilton and works with the many Ridge Boys who choose Hilton as their College. While aimed at a High School parent body, his attached newsletter makes for worthwhile reading.
Dear Parents
Disappointment
My parents never fought for me …
I always failed hair inspection at high school. My mother refused to allow the barber to cut my hair short enough as it reminded her of an army cut – an institution in the then old South Africa that she despised. I got into trouble again and again, until I figured out how to “overcome” this challenge by myself. Young men can be very creative when the need arises.
My claim to fame at high school was being selected for roles in the musical productions staged annually. One year it was Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat – and I wasn’t selected as Joseph. A travesty! I had to play Pharoah – a much smaller role, in my mind. My parents didn’t interfere with the selection, despite their opinion, whatever that may have been.
I’m sure you can see where I am going with this missive … and I’m sure some of you reading this will be irritated with me for suggesting this approach but sometimes some things need to be said.
Times seemed to have changed.
You may have read the book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua, which chronicles an approach to parenting that aims to get the best out of one’s children – with every trick in the book – to ensure success such that Ivy League placement is secured; the badge of honour achieved. Although the author advocates a strict approach to parenting as a counter to a laissez-faire, indifferent style, the determination to go to extremes on behalf of the child, to be able to claim achievement after achievement is agonising.
I despair.
Secondary school is a time in one’s development when children are exposed to the highs and lows of this life we live. Disappointments and successes are all part of the full experience of living, and when we shelter our children from their disappointments, we rob them of learning to deal with this aspect of life that is ever present and ever tough.
Great teaching moments happen in sport. Coaches are human; they are therefore subjective in their judgement and thus in their selection. It has always been so.
When your child is not selected, or dropped from a team, or asked to change position, it is no different to learning to deal with what life may throw at one in the future. As a parent, when you step into your child’s arena, you rob him of his opportunity to fight to reclaim his place, to deal with disappointment on his own, to bounce back with the grit we so often talk about.
My parents never fought for me … I’m sure it was the same for many of you.
When I was not elected a school prefect whilst my friend became head boy, I had to deal with that disappointment. My parents didn’t fight for my selection.
When I landed in trouble for a misdemeanour, my parents didn’t come to my defence. I had to deal with the mess I had created. My parents didn’t fight my battles for me.
We need to allow teachers, who have the best interests at heart of every boy in their orbit, to do the best they can for each of them. We need to let our children fight their own battles in this, their school, such that when they fight larger battles later in life, they will be well-prepared, tenacious and strong.
Life is tough sometimes. I’m glad my parents never fought for me. Their tough love, along with their balanced view of the role of education’s life lessons, helped me find, and stand on, my own two feet.
The role of a parent in assisting one’s son to navigate disappointment or a tough consequence is to be an ear. Often this is all he needs as he learns to process his emotion which often comes with youthful awkwardness at this time in his life. Arguing with a coach or teacher on his behalf so easily undermines the other adults in his world and can create further challenges for your son by not affording him the space and opportunity to find his own solution.
I am in no way dismissing the potential reality when an injustice has been committed against your child, such that the professional conduct of a teacher or coach needs to be challenged, or when your son may have experienced unacceptable treatment from a peer; in this case the role of the parent is absolutely paramount.
I am suggesting, rather, that some of what our children need to learn through disappointment is critical for them to learn on their own. Not being selected for a schoolboy sports team is generally not an injustice that requires an urgent interdict from a parent.
Your young men are able-bodied, clever, capable young adults. Give them their due. Let them navigate their highs and lows and fight their own battles. It is their school and their experience. We all had our experiences at school. Let them own theirs.
Kind regards
George Harris
Headmaster
GRADES 6 + 7 ENGLISH MASTERCLASSES AND JUNIOR CLASSES’ RIDGEUP EXPERIENCES
Our Grade 6s and 7s are really benefitting from our English Masterclasses’ initiatives. They are being stretched and enriched in powerful ways and are certainly managing the demanding cognitive levels at which the Masterclasses are being pitched. I thank the Staff who have been involved in designing and implementing their Masterclasses very, very much. Our boys are fortunate indeed.
RidgeUp is still providing a popular, meaningful platform for our Grades 6 and 7 boys during the clubs slot. Its Socratic approach to learning, its drawing on a range of powerful texts and philosophies, its focus on non-traditional teaching and learning approaches and the fact that it is not linked to conventional assessment all continue to ensure that this unique initiative is entering its second year in strong ways.
Grades 3, 4 and 5 are also experiencing, this year, an age-appropriate version of RidgeUp. They are loving it and our Staff leading RidgeUp in these Grades are revelling in this new learning space.
“US and THEM” PLAY
It has been such a pleasure working with the volunteer group of 16 Grade 7 boys who prepared a one act play, “Us and Them”, which showcased at the Evening of Dialogue, on 18 March.
APPS INVITATION
Our partnerships with APPS and St Katharine’s are valuable to The Ridge School. To celebrate Human Rights Day, for example, our Students for Social Justice committee joined APPS at their Human Rights Day assembly, followed by a dialogue between the boys and girls from our respective schools.
It was gratifying to observe how enthusiastically our boys embraced our activities that were created to honour World Social Justice Day and World Mother Tongue Day. Ridge Boys are thinking about the right things and that makes the Staff and I very proud.
GRADE 4s SHARE HOW 2024 AT THE RIDGE SCHOOL IS GOING…
I asked Grade 4s to describe how their first year in the Senior Prep is going. Their responses are below:
Grade 4S Contribution
Benjamin Stapylton-Smith
I think I have had a great year as Miss Shawe is one of the kindest teachers ever! I am proud of myself for getting 7 merits already this year. One thing that I am grateful for is my new free cricket bag because I can’t imagine how much it must have cost, thank you so much!
Ryan Turck
School makes me happy because I can see all of my friends and break time is fun. I also like afternoon sports and PE lessons on a Friday, they make me happy. I enjoy giving PYD energy drinks to the coaches.
Alfred Burnett
I am proud of myself because I have received 9 merits already this year. I also come top three in most class Kahoots. What makes me feel alive is when Mr Rumboll greets us at line up each day.
Natan Wang
It has been a great start to 2024 and I have already learnt so much new stuff in Grade 4. My favorite part of Grade 4 is Mathematics because it is fun. Art also makes me happy.
Harry Goeller
My year has been really cool because I am in the Senior Prep now. What makes me happy is seeing other boys laugh and smile at school. I also love seeing Old Ridge Boys coming back to visit.
Muhammed Peer
Everyday when I come to school I am welcomed warmly by teachers and friends. I love playing Water Polo with my team. I have had loads of fun since arriving in the Senior Prep.
Dziwani Denalane
My year in Grade 4 has been a good one so far because my teachers are nice. I am proud of myself because I have received 11 merits already. I love break time and hot lunch, particularly the delicious juice we get.
Daniel Russell
This has been a really good start to the year because its been fun and super busy. I like getting merits. Miss Shawe is really nice and she is my new Grade 4 teacher. I love going to Ulwazi, playing team Chess and Cricket.
Simon Franklin
2024 has been great because it’s my first year of Grade 4 and getting merits. I love the pencils we got to help us Sharpen Up, this year’s theme. Mr Rumboll has been here a full year, he is nice.
Tobias Caldwell
One of the things that energizes me is the fact that I have received 13 merits already. Spin bowling is getting me lots of wickets which makes me happy. I got 100% for my first Mathematics test, I am proud of this.
Tinaye Mushonga
2024 at The Ridge has been spectacular so far because I have made new friends. I have received so many merits as well. Another thing that’s made this year great is being able to go on a Cricket Tour and get a new cricket bag.
Ntando Tshaka
The best thing about this year at The Ridge is that I have received 8 merits. I love sport and am so happy we get to play Rugby. I have enjoyed getting homework so I am not as bored as home.
Joseph Ellis
Grade 4 has been different from Junior Prep but I really like it. Sports this year have been really fun, I have done Swimming and Water Polo. I love getting merits. I already have 15.
Tshegofatso Mabunda
I have been very positive this year because I have 15 merits already. I am happy because I am adapting really well to the Senior Prep.
Chris Schroeder
I have enjoyed playing Soccer this year at break. Playing with my friends makes me really happy and I am so proud that we beat WHPS in Cricket.
Asher Wilson
One of the things that Grade 4 has helped me with is building my confidence. My favourite thing about this year is having my best friend in my class. I love reading books, this has helped me improve my spelling and extended my vocabulary.
Aling Louw
I love SALT because I get to know new people in the school. I am proud of how my guitar playing has improved. I love Art because it’s so nice and quiet.
Solwazi Dube
My year in Grade 4 has been good so far because I have an uplifting energy in my body when I go to school. My favourite thing about this year is Miss Shawe giving us merits. I am so proud that I have gotten taller this year.
Fynn Girwood
I have loved Canoeing this year. I am proud of how my times have improved since I started canoeing. I love all the sports offered at The Ridge.
Yusuf Muhhamad
I really enjoy Natural Science lessons, they are interesting and Miss Shawe is a nice teacher. I enjoy learning Mathematics because I am getting better at it and it is important to understand.
Hugo Cantrell
My highlight of 2024 is Climbing in the afternoon because it is the best sport in the school. Getting merits in Grade 4 makes me really happy. I am proud of The Ridge because I feel like I am always being encouraged here.
CONFIDENT KIDS 2023 COMMUNICATION TRINITY PROGRAMME
We are extremely proud of Tau-Sachin Kgaboesele, Owame Dube lll and Sergio Da Silva, who were top achievers (over 90%) in their 2023 exams.
Extract from Keorapetse Kgositsile’s poem, “Wounded Dreams”. Kgositsile was South Africa’s poet laureate until he passed away in 2018.
“we shall know each other
by the root and texture of our
appetite”
Yours sincerely and with gratitude
By Frank Rumboll
Tribute to Liz WALLIS BY JANET FOX
My first interaction with Liz at The Ridge was as St John’s mum. Liz was one of those amazing PA mums who gave of her time so generously and willingly. She was poised to become PA chair when it was suggested to Paul Channon that he should rather employ her as his PA. He knew Liz had PA experience but thought she was probably too ‘high powered’ for this position. The rest is now history. She became the Headmaster’s PA in January 1999, and so began her 25 year journey as the ‘front person’ for The Ridge School, and what a journey it has been.
In her time at The Ridge, she has worked closely with four Heads, Paul Channon, Richard Stanley, Wayne Naidoo and now Frank Rumboll. She transformed her office into a warm and welcoming place. The ‘matter of fact and business-like’ approach so often associated with schools was anathema to Liz. In this space she saw to it that everyone would feel welcome and comfortable. ‘Seeing’, or visiting the Headmaster of a school can sometimes be daunting, but Liz would ensure everyone, the youngest or oldest Ridge Boy, every staff member and every new, happy or even (but not very often) unhappy parent would feel welcome and respected.
Paul reminded me that the original office in the reception area was becoming too small for their needs and so it was decided that the ‘flat’ at the end of the passage was ideal, and so it was transformed into the Head’s and his PA’s offices, with a new and direct entrance. What a difference that made. Many a weary soul has gravitated to that gorgeous green sofa, received a ‘Liz cappuccino,’ a hug and given time and space to just relax!
Over the years, Liz made this role her own. The welcoming telephone greeting, the beautiful and prompt letters of thanks, congratulations, celebrations, and letters of sympathy that Liz drafted, made every Head’s life just that much easier. All they had to do was sign it! One wonders how many of these such letters have been received. This of course does not include everything else Liz was asked to do, or ‘just did’ anyway!
All Ridge functions had Liz’s personal stamp on them. Having previously run a restaurant, Ridge functions and celebrations became wonderful affairs. Nothing ‘ordinary’ about a Ridge function, with delicious food and gorgeous flowers, all happening under her capable guidance. Sadly Covid changed much of that with the closing of the kitchen, but Liz still made a plan.
Every gift that left her office was carefully chosen, and beautifully wrapped.
All of this happening whilst answering the phone, dealing with queries, taking minutes of meetings, processing endless admissions, reassuring parents that their darling son will receive a place in Grade 0. Everything seemed to go through Liz’s capable hands, from ‘looking after’ the diary, arranging interviews, reserving and allocating tickets for anything and everything including shows, prize giving, Founders Day, Valedictory Dinner, and so much more. Endless programmes were produced and Liz ensured everything happened seamlessly, whilst never taking her eye off her primary focus, looking after and taking care of everything her ‘boss’ required. Coffees (to his specification), essential daily vitamins, and most importantly, hot toddies during the winter season. Teas, and lunches were produced as and when required, and finally when everything should be calming down, she would be dealing with all the chaos and busy-ness of the end of the year in her calm and capable way, long after the break-up bell had been rung.
When Paul was Chair of the SAHISA Central Region, he was tasked with organising the conference for Heads etc. In typical Paul and Liz fashion this wasn’t going to be just any ordinary conference, it was to be held at Sun City. Looking after not ONE but MANY heads, and their partners, the speakers and ALL their needs. Liz was very busy! Marimbas had to be transported, accommodation booked, and meals and entertainment had to be perfectly arranged. I think Liz shot to fame that weekend because of her remarkable attention to detail, and Paul was the envy of all the Heads! It was indeed a triumph!
Once Lent starts, so do the blankets in Liz’s office. These are donated to those in our community who are most in need as part of the Mandela Blanket drive. As the first term draws to a close, there are so many blankets that there is virtually no space for anything else!! Last year the presentation of the blankets took place on Founders Day, live on radio 102.7.
During Liz’s tenure, the role of the Headmaster’s PA undoubtedly changed into a bigger and busier position. Each head has been very different, and Liz has been there to welcome them, provide invaluable institutional knowledge, guidance and assistance, sharing her fountain of information, and adapting immediately to their needs and management style. I know how much they have all appreciated her, resulting in unique and long-lasting friendships. Her farewell on the 26th March bore testimony to this, with many moving tributes and memories shared.
Liz leaves a remarkable legacy and will be remembered by countless old boys, current boys, staff, parents and four very fortunate Heads. She has made lifelong friends with those whose lives she has touched. This is undoubtedly the end of an era. It is hard to imagine The Ridge without Liz.
You now deserve time to spend with your beloved family. We all wish you the most wonderful and special birthday, and just know how much you will be missed by a generation of friends, colleagues and boys, on this beautiful koppie on the top of this unique Westcliff hill.
TRIBUTE TO ANDREW SLAWSON BY THE FINANCE TEAM
Andrew joined The Ridge School at the beginning of July 2022 stepping into the position of Finance Manager at very short notice. He has led the finance/admin team as a colleague and manager. We have worked side by side in all finance related tasks. He has provided us with guidance when needed and is always very supportive.
Personally, I would like to thank Andrew for being supportive and understanding. Wishing you all the best with your future endeavours.
Cheryl
KAYLEIGH NIELSEN
“To teach is to touch a life forever”
This quote is true in every sense. Teaching is not just a job for me but my absolute passion. I am grateful for each little mind I’ve helped shape, each little heart I’ve helped grow and each little personality I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. It gives me great joy helping boys reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom.
I am Kayleigh Nielsen and I am a passionate and dedicated teacher. I went to St Mary’s School in Waverley for my entire schooling career and it was very clear that teaching was the career path that I was going to choose. I was privileged enough to be taught by some incredible teachers and this only solidified my career choice. I was also heavily involved in sport at St Mary’s which fuelled my passion for sport and helping children outside the classroom too. After school, I went on to study a Bachelor of Education in the Foundation Phase at the University of Pretoria. I realised I had a passion for helping children with learning barriers and decided to further my studies. I studied my honours degree in Learning Support at the University of Pretoria.
I was fortunate enough to get a job straight out of varsity and went into teaching at KEPS. I was privileged to teach boys from Grade 0 to Grade 3 as well as work in the School Based Support Team. I worked with the most wonderful boys and helped them achieve success where they may have had barriers. In addition to my work in the classroom, I was heavily involved in the sports programme. I was involved in water polo, cricket, rugby and tennis at KEPS and I hope to carry this experience with me at The Ridge School.
I look forward to knowing and growing young gentlemen at The Ridge and ensuring that each boy reaches his full potential no matter any difficulty he may face. I am grateful for the wonderful opportunities that have been afforded to me and I am excited for what is to come.
GRANT DODDS
I am a lifelong educator and sports coach. With an extensive background in both education and sport (including having attended the Tokyo Olympic Games as a coach), I bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to The Ridge school community. As a dedicated family man, and committed not only to the academic and athletic growth of our students but also share a special connection to our community, as my son has recently begun his journey at The Ridge. With two children aged 3 and 6, I am eager to contribute my expertise, passion, and commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment for our boys.
ANGELIQUE KOLL
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing will get better. It’s not.” The Lorax could not have said it better: unless someone cares enough to make a difference, help, or support, there will never be a change. This is how I view learning support.
Growing up in Edenvale, I attended Hurlyvale Primary School, a co-ed school and then followed on to high school at Holy Rosary School for girls. This allowed me to see the benefit of being in a monastic school. Holy Rosary School also introduced me to the Catholic School Ethos. I am now a mom of two little girls, both of whom attend Holy Rosary School.
I was involved in hockey and dancing during my school career. After school, I found a love for soccer and spent many hours on the field. I have always been a keen sportswoman and look forward to being on the sports field with boys. This gives a holistic view of each child.
2011, I graduated from The University of the Witwatersrand with my Bachelor of Education and started teaching the following year. I quickly learned that I had a deep interest in learning support, and I went on to complete my Bachelor of Honours in Inclusive Education. Since then, I have taught in both the government and private school systems and in a learning support position at remedial and special needs schools.
As a remedial specialist at the Lighthouse, I aim to meet each boy’s learning support needs, whether inside the classroom or at the Lighthouse. I pride myself on caring enough to help positively change a child’s learning experience.
VAL WITT
Born in Canada, I grew up in England and moved to South Africa. I have been privileged to have a diverse and rich upbringing.
At five, I decided to become a special needs teacher. I was lucky enough to grow up in a foster home run by my mother. Of the six of us, the last child was a syndrome child, of whom I was incredibly fond. It was from her that I developed a love for education and a belief that while some may learn differently, all children have learning potential. Over my teaching years, I have created a strong belief that if a child is failing to learn, exploration is required, and another way to teach the child is vital.
As a youngster, we moved around quite a bit, and I completed my academic career in South Africa at Krugersdorp High School. After completing my teaching diploma, I was honoured to join McAuley House Convent. Here, I taught a grade four class and certain grade seven subjects. I always questioned the development of skills and how scaffolding occurs. I also studied Special Needs Education to obtain the necessary knowledge to understand how children learn.
To practice this newfound knowledge and skill development, I joined the Bellavista School team. In an interview, I told the Headmaster I would stay for two years and then move to special needs education. After seventeen happy and highly productive years, I was ready for a change. I proceeded to special needs education, a life-long dream and was a part of this fulfilling experience for eleven years. I then joined the Crossroads team, where my learning continued for nine years.
I gravitate to the learners who have learning potential but who learn differently; often, their high energy brings with them the opportunity to explore their thinking and learning styles. It is a privilege to bring experience and knowledge to The Ridge School, to support our boys, and to make their learning successful. At the Lighthouse, we aim to create a legacy and give the school educational support, warmth, knowledge, and skill. I look forward to working with you.
LEIGH-ANN LOUW-MARIUZZI
I resonate with the idea that, in the presence of a problem, there is an absence of a skill. I graduated from High School and decided that I wanted to pursue a working career in the hope that I would be able to further my studies.
My career started out in a very corporate environment, in the FMCG industry, that was fast paced and from the onset goal orientated. I was afforded the opportunity to study to further my position within the company and achieved a Diploma in Credit Management 1 & 2. The experience made me feel a need to further pursue my career, and I then moved into the Finance & Insurance industry.
I then was afforded the greatest gift of becoming a mother. The moment for me was life changing in so many ways that I left the industry I had known and loved for so many years, to pursue the possibility of working at a school as I felt a strong sense of wanting to work with children. I was afforded the opportunity to work at a school. I started exploring this avenue and was lucky enough to be placed in the education sector. I was employed as the PA to the Head of School, Head of Primary and Head of the High School. I was involved in many training sessions and talks surrounding working in a school and was given the very unique opportunity to be invited to receive training for Kids Skills. Dr Ben Furman is a Finish Psychiatrist who bases his teaching on Solution Focused therapy and coaching, to assist children overcome their problems.
I completed the studying and the training, which involved a case study regarding a child that had a problem, and needed help to overcome what they perceived as challenging in his inner world. I qualified as a Kids Skill Coach in August 2021. The qualification has put me in good stead in gaining an understanding of how children embrace the ideology of doing things differently and actualizing their best hopes.
I will strive to give of my very best to The Ridge School and contribute to our boys being known, as they grow.
MELISSA SAYERS
I am Melissa Sayers and I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining The Ridge School as the new Head of Human Resources.
I’m a proud mother of two extraordinary twin boys, Matthew and Liam who are currently in Grade 5, and a wife to my amazing husband, Brendan Sayers.
I bring with me not only a love for this School, but a dedication to professional excellence and deep-rooted belief in the power of community and collaboration. I am genuinely passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where each and every member of our esteemed team feels valued and empowered to thrive.
KRISTY KIRKBY
Raised in a sport-oriented household, I have cultivated a deep-seated passion for physical activity. My love for staying active is evident in my enjoyment of working out, playing Padel, and going on hikes. Last April, I took a significant step in my personal life by getting engaged to my wonderful fiancé, and we are currently in the joyous process of planning our wedding, which is scheduled for 2025.
With a background in Copywriting and a period of exploration in the advertising industry, I cultivated my creativity, nurtured a consistent curiosity for the world around me, and developed a profound passion for understanding people. Through this I recognised my true calling, and I embarked on a transformative journey, taking a leap of faith to enroll in a distance BEd Foundation Phase Degree at North West University.
While pursuing my degree, I seized the opportunity to intern at St John’s College, where my education extended beyond the confines of textbooks.
The invaluable experience provided me with a holistic view of the educational landscape and laid the groundwork for my subsequent role as a Grade 4 teacher at Brescia House School. Here, I delved into the nuances of student well-being and realised the paramount importance of fostering genuine relationships with students.
As I transition to this new chapter at The Ridge School, taking on the role of a Grade 0 teacher, I bring with me a considerable amount of knowledge and a passion specifically attuned to the developmental needs of a younger age group. The insights gained from my diverse experiences have set me in good stead for an environment where boys are known and grown. I have had such a wonderful start to this exciting new journey, which will continue to be fueled by the dedication and the lessons learned from my varied professional and educational background and guided by the belief that a growth mindset fosters continuous learning and development.
Much like I sharpened my Copywriting pencil in the advertising industry, I look forward to further developing my skills inside and outside the classroom for years to come.
CHERYL PLEASS
I am Cheryl Pleass. I graduated as an educator from the University of the Witwatersrand, and I have nearly 40 years of experience, mostly teaching Grade 0 and Grade One, but I have taught up to Grade 4, and I have coached various sports in the primary schools where I have taught.
I have taught in Government Schools as well as Private Schools. My previous school had a Solution Focused philosophy, which enabled me to become a Kids’ Skills Ambassador. I am at the Ridge School for a year as a locum in Grade 0, for which I am very grateful.
I am passionate about teaching, especially the younger children. I feel very privileged to be able to see and experience life through the eyes of 5 and 6 year olds. I understand that all children are individuals with unique personalities and learning styles, with differing abilities to gain new, and consolidate, and practise, any given skills and strengths, and to allow the children to develop at their own pace.
I feel strongly that children can learn optimally when they are happy, settled, and secure at school and when there is a healthy collaboration between home and school. A child’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development should always be taken into account when teaching children, and when planning activities in order for them to experience success, which builds confidence!
I have a daughter-in-law, and 3 gorgeous grandchildren, who mean the world to me!
DEPUTY HEAD/ACADEMIC’S
As we reflect on the past term, we are excited to share some highlights of the enriching activities that have kept our boys engaged and inspired. From invigorating Masterclasses to the empowering journey of RidgeUp, our students have embraced opportunities for growth, learning, and exploration. Below are some of the transformative experiences that have shaped our academic landscape this term.
Geography
This year, we separated the former subject Earth Science into Geography and Natural Science. Over the past nine weeks, our Grade 7 students have been immersed in an engaging Geography project centred on Natural Disasters. This project was not only educational but also fostered collaboration among the students. Organised into groups, the students delved into researching various natural disasters, each focusing on a specific aspect of how communities are affected economically, socially, environmentally, and politically. The guiding inquiry questions encouraged critical thinking and exploration into the differential impacts of natural disasters on different communities. As a culmination of their efforts, each group presented their findings in the form of a News Broadcast, showcasing their understanding and creativity. We invite you to view three of these insightful broadcasts through the provided links below.
Example – 7 N
Example – 7D
Example – 7D
English
In addition, the English Curriculum was enriched through the Masterclasses in Grades 4 to 7 and were met with enthusiasm from the boys, who have demonstrated active engagement and a keen interest in the extended Academic Programme. These sessions have provided valuable opportunities for exploration and learning, focusing on various aspects of oral communication strategies essential for their future endeavours in College.
In Grade 5, our focus for the boys revolved around the theme “Sense of Self.” Throughout the term, they explored this concept through various avenues, including oral presentations and an introduction to visual literacy. Through these activities, we aimed to encourage self-expression and deepen their understanding of their individual identities.
In Grade 6, students delved into the evolution of fairy tales, analysing characters, themes, and the reasons behind their transformations over time. Additionally, they explored the societal impact of poetry, recognising its power as a tool for social change.
In Grade 7, students were immersed in a diverse array of literary experiences, ranging from the works of Shakespeare, Sontag, and Serote to contemporary poets like Robert Frost and Brandon Leake. Through intensive analysis of texts, they delved into themes, content, language, and structure, culminating in the creation of their own socially conscious poems. Furthermore, another group critically examined masculinity through the lens of literature, exploring representations in poetry, animated films, and classic works such as Macbeth and Can Themba’s The Suit.
These Masterclasses have not only broadened students’ Academic horizons but have also encouraged critical thinking and creative expression. Below, we present a poignant poem on education, crafted during our Masterclasses, as a testament to the depth of learning and reflection inspired by these sessions.
The Harsh Truth
The harshful truth about our nation
is that children are not given the right to proper education.
They go to bed not knowing how to spell their name
And not knowing the concept of the brain.
They endlessly beg on the street against their will
Just so their parents can finally pay the bill.
Their stomachs, as empty as a fridge
And their parents wander under a bridge.
While people are out there buying new, new and new clothes,
They don’t care to think about the people living, struggling, dying on the roads.
Their beds, king size
Their awareness, kid size.
Let’s take this as a reminder,
There’s a harshful truth of our nation.
Let’s appreciate our firm foundation.
The harshful truth of our nation.
By Jordan, Ona, Kuhle and Farai
RidgeUp
The RidgeUp Literacy Programme, initiated by Mrs Rumboll as an extracurricular extension, has expanded to encompass Grades 3-5 within the curriculum. For Grade 3, the programme commenced with an emphasis on open-ended questioning to guide discussions and encourage critical thinking. Beginning with the origins of storytelling, topics progressed from Caveman drawings to Greek Myths and culminated in exploring Fairy Tales adapted into an African context using iPads. The enthusiasm shown by the students has translated into a diverse selection of reading materials. In Grades 4 and 5, the focus shifted to European Fairy Tales, prompting discussions on cultural adaptation. Currently, students are exploring African Tales, comparing them to European counterparts and crafting their own narratives rooted in African tradition or morals. Central to the programme is the principle of equitable participation, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected.
Caster Semenya
We were honoured to host Caster Semenya as a guest speaker for our Grade 4-7 boys, aligning with our Women’s Month celebrations and Ulwazi theme: Famous South African Women. The event was open to parents of The Ridge School community, providing an opportunity to promote her book, “The Race to Be Myself.” Caster’s message to the boys centred on authenticity, self-acceptance, and resilience in the face of adversity. Her inspiring journey as an athlete and woman exemplifies the strength and pride of South Africa. Caster, we salute you for your unwavering spirit and achievements!
Grade 6 Natural Science
The Grade 6 boys had an exciting morning at the Adler Museum at Wits University, immersing themselves in the history of medicine. Exploring various exhibits, they encountered historical medical equipment like the ‘iron lung’ and pharmaceutical gadgets, learning fun facts along the way. Through hands-on experience, they gained insights into the evolution of medical practices and the impact of past innovations on society today, leaving with a deeper appreciation for the journey of medical advancements.
isiZulu
In Grade 4 IsiZulu class, students engaged in a dynamic presentation task where they located South African maps featuring weather forecasts and shared minimum and maximum temperatures with their peers. One such example was presented by Yusuf Kola in 4M.
In Grade 6, boys explored the national coat of arms, delving into the symbolism of each element in Zulu while also examining concepts of healthy and unhealthy living.
Additionally, Grade 7 boys started the year by creating imaginative videos centred on the theme of “Mina,” showcasing their creativity and enhancing conversational skills through various applications.
As part of cultural enrichment, Grade 6 and 7 boys visited the Lesedi Cultural Village on May 10, 2024, where they experienced Nguni tribal culture, witnessed traditional IsiZulu dance performances, and explored different homesteads.
PBL and Hands on Future Focus
In Grade 5, our boys embarked on an exciting Project-Based Learning journey centred around the question: “How can we, as environmental scientists, create a more sustainable future for our planet?” Through this inquiry-driven approach, they tackled a series of sub-questions and challenges, ranging from designing and maintaining eco-friendly food gardens to understanding the interplay between geography, human activities, and environmental impact. The boys also explored models of matter movement in ecosystems, strategies for promoting biodiversity, and ways to protect Earth’s resources. Highlights of their learning included a hands-on visit to Kloofendal Nature Reserve, a workshop on Climate Change, and practical model-building exercises such as creating water filters, balloon-powered cars, and hydraulic arms.
As part of their curriculum, the boys engaged in the new subject Hands on Future Focus, where they learned building techniques to construct useful items. This hands-on approach extended to building a composter to aid in sustainable farming practices, reflecting their commitment to applying knowledge and making positive environmental changes within their community.
As we conclude this term, we reflect with pride on the enriching experiences and academic achievements of our boys. From dynamic Masterclasses to thought-provoking projects and hands-on learning opportunities, our boys have embraced a diverse range of activities with enthusiasm and dedication. As we look ahead, we remain committed to nurturing the holistic development of our students and fostering a lifelong love for learning.
By Glynnis Moore
DEPUTY HEAD / SOCIAL JUSTICE /COMMUNITY BUILDING AND WELL-BEING
Our boys had a remarkably positive start to the year. There is excitement around learning. Our Students for Social Justice Committee is thriving and continually growing stronger. We celebrated and marked many important events during this incredibly busy term,which have further enriched our school.
Happy Chappy continues to be a cherished and beloved part of our Junior Prep Assemblies. During these sessions, our boys learn about the significance of shared happiness.
On World Day of Social Justice, our boys made valuable contributions by creating thought-provoking posters. Their creativity and dedication were warmly received. Additionally, the boys demonstrated their commitment to linguistic diversity by celebrating International Mother Language Day. This celebration highlighted the importance of embracing different languages and cultures within our school.
Our Evening of Dialogue was a tremendous success. Parents and boys engaged in meaningful conversation about the boys’ experiences at our school. We also hosted a Human Rights Assembly where boys learned about the significance of the holiday and participated in a survey to measure the observance of human rights at our school. Our Students for Social Justice Committee collaborated with Auckland Park Preparatory School at their Human Rights Assembly, providing a valuable opportunity for our boys to engage with critical human rights issues and deepened their understanding of citizenship.
Two of the boys have been inducted into the Johannesburg Mini Council and have been actively involved in various activities and projects. Most recently, they collected nearly 5000 Easter eggs for various charity initiatives around the city.
During the April break, our Social Justice Committee will be attending a camp to finalise plans for the rest of the year. We will also be visiting 2 preschools in the Drakensberg area for community engagement activities.
The positive energy and enthusiasm displayed by our boys sets a promising tone for the remainder of the year.
By Songezo Malangeni
HEAD OF JUNIOR PREP
As I write, The Junior Prep is abuzz with the sound of busy boys. The Grade 0s are choosing new library books with Mrs McLellan, a favourite spot! The Teddy Bear slumber party has the Grade 1s agasp at their Teddies’ atrocious behaviour whilst left in the classrooms overnight. The Grade 2s are gearing up for their much-anticipated outing on The Big Red Bus, and our Grade 3s are writing about their Mr Men Day experience. It excites me that this is what we consider ‘normal’ in our curriculum. Our boys are actively engaged participants in their learning here in the Junior Prep which makes every experience a learning opportunity and adventure.
Our teachers are making extensive use of rotation stations within the classroom setting. Different activities are set up, and the children rotate between the stations. Some stations are teacher assisted, while others are created to be worked on independently. Short, sharp focused time on each activity makes the learning process fun and engaging for the boys. It also gives the teacher opportunities for one-on-one connection time and contact with each boy in her class, more regularly. Relational teaching plays a vital role in helping our boys to feel safe and secure in the learning process.
With 63 new Grade 0’s in 4 classes, the Parker Block has been a hive of activity. I am so proud of how our newest members of the Junior Prep have settled into life at The Ridge School so seamlessly. It is always a happy spot to be in at The Ridge, and I know that I am not the only one who makes my way down the hill to visit the Grade 0 s when I feel the need for a bit more joy in my day. Their Grandparents will agree that what these boys have accomplished in 3 short months, which included a wonderful Grandparents’ Day concert, was nothing short of remarkable. I am so excited to see where these boys will take us throughout their Ridge journeys.
A thriving, happy department is not the result of impressive buildings or advanced resources. It is the committed and hardworking teachers and support staff who put the needs of the boys first and have so much heart for what they do inside and outside of their classroom spaces daily, that makes this school special. I have the privilege of seeing these teachers in action and extend my sincere gratitude to them for making The Junior Prep a wonderful place to be.
By Holly Ferrar
MUSIC OVERVIEW
The Westcliff Hills are alive with the sound of music! We’ve already had so many performing opportunities this term and we look forward to many more in the coming months!
Ash Wednesday
Our Ash Wednesday service with APPS and St Katharine’s was a wonderful start to our year of Music. The Head’s joined together to present the service and it was well attended by parents from all three schools. The Combined Choir is always a highlight, where our Senior Choirs join together to share their voices with our wider community.
Ridge Ensemble Evening
The Ridge Ensemble Evening gives a platform to all of our Ensembles to showcase their skills, to our school community. The evening was filled with fabulous music and gave so many of our boys an opportunity to shine in the Music space alongside their friends.
Well done to all our Ensembles who performed!!
Grade 0 Grandparents day
The Grade 0s had a wonderful Grandparents day. It started off with a fabulous concert and even included some audience participation for our Grannies and Grandpas and Special Guests. The boys sang their hearts out with joy and danced to everything from classical music right through to Hip-Hop. What a joy this special day is for the boys and their special people.
Grade 6 & 7 Senior Soiree
Our Grade 6s and 7s showcased their seasoned talents with our community at our first Senior Soiree of the year. A wide range of instruments and genres were performed as well as performances from our scholarship candidates who presented their incredible talents to a very appreciative audience.
Kingsmead Junior Choir Festival
Kingsmead invited us to participate in their Junior Choir Festival called Masicule Sonke. Our Junior Choir sang alongside the Grade 2 and 3 Kingsmead Choirs as well as the Pridwin Junior Choir. Our boys performed wonderfully well and the evening culminated in two combined items as a massed choir.
Grade 4&5 Senior Soiree
What a pleasure it has been to see these boys grow in confidence to share their musical talents to an audience. It was the first Senior Soiree for the Grade 4 boys, who showed such seasoned prowess at their first evening concert. These boys did so incredibly well and with a very full line-up, the concert was most certainly enjoyable with a wide variety of instruments and styles. Well done to all the boys who participated!
Grade 3 Music Assembly
The Grade 3s gave wonderful performances at this term’s Music Assembly. Each boy who started learning an instrument last year has most certainly developed their talents, and the concert was most enjoyable. Each Grade 3 African Music class also showcased their Marimba skills at the end of the assembly and the Music was enjoyed by all.
Easter Assembly
Our special Easter Service showcased all three of our choirs, beginning with a beautiful performance by the Amtoti choir of “Whispers in a Dream”, including an Italian verse called Nella Fantasia.
The Junior Choir performed a piece called “I Believe”, and the Senior Choir sang a prayer called “Kyrie Eleison”.
Other performances at the end of term also included the Kingsmead Ensemble Festival, where our Senior Orchestra and Grade 5 Marimba band represented The Ridge.
Our last musical performance of the term showcased our budding Grade 2 Musicians at the Grade 2 Music Assembly. We are so proud of all the boys who have begun their musical journeys and look forward to watching them grow and flourish.
By Carol Ackermann
The Ridge School and Capitol Caterers team up
Capitol Caterers are delighted to have been appointed as the new on-site caterers to work alongside The Ridge School feeding the boys nutritious, homely, healthy meals from Monday to Friday.
This team is led by Barnie van Blerk; Area Manager, and Zama Dladla; On-site Catering Manager with 3 supporting staff.
On Monday 26 February the large industrial combi oven in the kitchen was commissioned and kitchen preparations began. The kitchen team started with baking and delicious homemade biscuit smells wafted out of the kitchen, down the corridors tantalising the taste buds.
Our first lunch was served on Tuesday 27 February. The dining room was abuzz with excited boys eager to have their first meal with Capitol Caterers. The students are respectful and kind and so appreciative of the lunch meals. Our joy is when the boys return to the service line, to ask for seconds.
The menu runs on a 3-week cycle, and we change this every term to ensure variety. We encourage healthy eating habits and make salads and vegetables as interesting as possible with carrot zoodles, cucumber smiles, cheese cubes and watermelon slices as some of the ideas.
Our company dieticians Raeesah and Lindsay, provide guidance on nutritional requirements and healthy eating habits and analyse the menus to ensure the meals are balanced and meet the recommended daily allowances.
Special dietary requirements are important to us, and Capitol Caterers are committed to keeping up with the latest research and information to cater for individuals with special dietary needs at The Ridge School.
In addition to feeding the students, Capitol Caterers are able to assist with all aspects of function catering and have also catered for many sports events and functions at the school, and we have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the staff, families and friends.
Capitol Caterers are passionate about food and promoting healthy eating and we strive to have a long and fruitful relationship with the school working alongside the staff and adopting the school values to nurture boys to grow into fine young men.
By Kim Mcleish
SPORTS OVERVIEW
Dear Parents,
As we reflect on the conclusion of Term 1, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for your exceptional support of our sports programme. This term was marked by a bustling schedule with multiple sports in play, placing significant demands on our coaches and boys. Your unwavering motivation and dedication have been invaluable. Your commitment to nurturing a love for sports and instilling a competitive spirit in our boys is truly commendable.
I am also delighted to introduce our newest addition to the sports staff, Kayleigh Nielsen, who has been appointed as our Sport Programme Manager. Kayleigh replaces Urvasi Naidoo and brings a wealth of experience and passion for sports to our team. Her expertise will be instrumental in enhancing our sports programme and ensuring its continued success.
Thank you for being such an integral part of our sports community and for your continued support.
Warm regards,
By Ryan Bezuidenhout
GRADE 2 OVERVIEW
Grade 2- a year where little boys develop huge personalities. This group of Grade 2 boys could not have been any different. They walked into the year with their developed confidence, uniqueness, laughter and a spring in their step. It has been a fulfilling Term 1 with growth being seen in many areas of the boys’ development. The new playground and access to the sandpit as well as visiting the Dunn garden for further exploration were highlights for them.
We began our academic year by acquainting ourselves with our new class family and our surroundings. The characteristics of the ideal Ridge Boy were a great point of discussion as we all settled in. For some of the boys, seeing a different teacher for RML made them feel like they belong to a larger Grade 2 family. This, together with rotation stations done in small groups to learn about concepts such as Doubling and Halving as well as 2D shapes, made their academics in Term 1 more interesting.
Term 1 was full of adventure and collaboration. In celebration of Shrove Tuesday, our fantastic Parent Representatives arrived to treat the boys to delicious pancakes as they learnt about the significance and history of the day. This parental support was echoed at the cricket fixtures held at The Ridge and Pridwin. It was wonderful to watch the boys play in teams against other schools for the very first time! The Interhouse Athletics was another sporting event where the boys showed grit. We were so impressed to see them run the sprints, relay and warrior race with so much determination. Even the cheering for their respective houses was done with respect and pride.
On the musical front, many of our Grade 2 boys joined the Junior Choir this year. They had the wonderful opportunity of performing at The Rosebank Union Church for the Kingsmead ‘Masicule Sonke’ Junior Choir Festival this term. The boys arrived looking smart in their Formal Blues and sang with prowess. We are so proud of them!
Dress up days truly are an anticipated time for the boys. This term we had combined the Valentines Day dress up with the Flip Flop Friday for CHOC. The boys loved being able to wear a touch of red and flip flops on the same day, all to support a very dear cause. This excitement was topped off with the annual LUMO dance which was filled with neon clothing, good music, crazy dance moves and delicious food!
Another cause which stood out this term was Rare Disease Day. In recognition of this, our Grade 2 boys performed a poem about how we are all different and all special. The day was commemorated with an assembly and by wearing stickers to show our support. Having an understanding of people and some of their difficulties is what encourages our boys to be more empathetic toward all human beings.
And of course, the much awaited Big Red Bus outing had arrived. It was all that it promised to be! The boys had a wonderful time touring around Johannesburg. Viewing the city from high up and learning about our history gave them a real appreciation for the wonderful place they live in. What a thrilling way to start 2024. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds!
By Jhulan Govan
GRADE 3 OVERVIEW
The Grade 3s have started the year with loads of excitement and energy. This term is all about getting to know each other and themselves. The theme we started off with lends itself to explore different characters. The Mr. Men theme gave the boys an opportunity to learn more about themselves too. This beautiful theme ended in a Mr. Men Dress-Up Day. The boys outdid themselves and came to school with gorgeous Mr. Men outfits.
We also celebrated Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day and attended a special service on Ash Wednesday. Boys had an opportunity to learn all about The Year of the Dragon. On Valentine’s Day, boys were able to show off their creative side. They painted with edible food colouring- it was simply sweet! They also made a special card for someone dear to them. This was a heart-warming activity.
The boys were so excited to visit our neighboring school, The Hope School. This time around our boys got to spend time playing interactive games with The Hope School learners. The interaction between the children was phenomenal and a sight to see. One of our lads made a comment and said,” This was the best kind of learning I ever had.” The aim of this event was to expose our boys to different learning styles and to showcase that, with perseverance and enthusiasm, we can overcome great challenges and unlock our true potential.
Our boys had another special opportunity to be the host to one of our sister schools, APPS. We had the Grade 3 girls over for an Easter Picnic and the boys treated them to a delicious breakfast. They completed an activity together and after that enjoyed play time on the field. It was truly amazing to see how new friendships were blossoming on the field.
Pirate Day was our last event and boys came dressed up as fierce and friendly pirates. They loved being outside and following a treasure map looking for their “Chocolate Gold” pieces. They worked together to find clues whilst exploring our beautiful school grounds.
Term 1 was good, and the boys had a fun learning experience.
By Carmin Groenewald
GRADE 5 OVERVIEW
We started the Grade 5, 2024 year with lots of excitement, laughter, and love.
Week 1 was all about getting to know our boys before jumping into the busy First Semester. Embracing new subjects, new teachers and just sharpening up to reach your full potential. Grade Five was not only exciting but also challenging in many ways for our learners. From finding the brightest colour at the Lumo dance,to hugging a tree and quietly searching for a terrapin in the water, to creating a bigger space for the bunnies to move in. The Grade Fives went on an outing to experience nature and the world around them and to learn about trees, animals, insects, and fungai at Kloofenendal Nature Reserve. I was privileged enough to experience the knowledge the boys shared with our guides. Oh boy, did they make us proud.
Problem-Based learning allows learners to identify problems, research some solutions and bring in change. Future Forward is such a special subject where the boys get the opportunity to solve problems by building a new structure, adapting the plan to solve problems that they encounter and learn to think about other problems that their design could have in the future and planning for it. They work closely with Johann Krynauw where they learn to put in effort to see the outcome, embrace challenges and teamwork. “What type of boy do you want to be?” This is one of the questions we focused on during Ridge Up. Where we look at the boy as a whole and we work on their social-emotional well-being with them.
The Grade Fives enjoyed English Master class through reading, acting out scenes and having classroom discussions. The best part of a school day is to experience our boys being JUST BOYS during break time, playing, running around, sitting around the tree on the benches eating and chatting to each other. It was a busy term with plans being put in place to make sure all boys are heard, loved and feel valued in their special way. We are the Awesome Grade Five Family!
By Cindy Olivier
GRADE 6 OVERVIEW
Reflecting on Term 1, our Grade 6 boys have so much to be proud of. They immersed themselves very quickly into what was a busy and exciting term. Most of the boys were involved with basketball, climbing, cricket, swimming, and water polo. They found themselves busy with various activities both in and out of the classroom which provided valuable experiences and fun while they were learning. New friendships were forged, and new talents arose too. Many had the opportunity to go on Cricket or Water Polo Tours, where they were also able to step out of their comfort zones.
The boys quickly had to learn how to navigate the demands of the Grade 6 Academic year, juggling sport practices, fixtures and learning new skills during STEAM. There is always lots of excitement as they head down the passageway to their various FAL lessons. The Grade 6s spent an exciting and fun morning at the Adler Museum at Wits University, immersing themselves in the fascinating journey into the History of Medicine. They were able to experience the rich history and learned some fun facts too.
This term has been a period of growth, discovery, and accomplishment for our Grade 6 boys. Their active involvement in a multitude of activities reflects their zest for life and eagerness to seize every opportunity. As they look back on their achievements with pride, they can confidently embark on the next phase of their Academic year, knowing that they have laid a solid foundation for success.
By Deidre Leibrandt
PA OVERVIEW
Our Parents’ Association is comprised of:
PA Class Representatives
These are parents who are actively engaged (often via WhatsApp channels) throughout the school day and who work together daily to communicate with their class groups, facilitate ongoing requests and organise ad-hoc grade events. They meet regularly to discuss upcoming calendar activities, any areas of concern, noticeable trends and proposed improvements or solutions.
They do so for the good of our parents, staff and boys, and with the best intentions. They always appreciate positive offers of help and support and provide a vital function in the flow of information through our school. Please show them gratitude and grace.
PA Committee
We have established an inaugural committee of individuals who oversee specific environments (portfolios) around the school, ensuring that actionable items are attended to and ideally resolved. These environments include: Communication, Events, Facilities, Sustainability, Culture, Academics, Music, Sport, Class Reps, Finance, Community Engagement, School Spirit and Volunteers.
Each works closely with Heads of Departments and the Committee to identify areas requiring support.
The intention is to consider the broader requirements of the school holistically, from the perspective of the parent experience and in the best interests of the whole school.
We hope to make effective enhancements which will be felt for the long term. Many of these functions are developing organically and will become more evident as the year progresses.
Any member of our parent community who would like to offer their time and resources to these volunteer positions in 2025, will be given an opportunity to put their names forward in Term 3.
Shrove Tuesday/Pancake day
Part of building on our community spirit, is a deliberate drive to acknowledge, observe and celebrate a sample of cultural days of significance in the year.
The first of these was a celebration of Shrove Tuesday, with a whole school pancake cook-off held in the Channon Quad (SP) and on the Hersov Field (JP). The morning brought together enthusiastic parents donning aprons, flipping pans and brandishing spatulas. It was a terrific example of community spirit, punctuated with outbursts of laughter and cinnamon sprinkles.
Flip Flop Friday |Valentine’s Day | Cake Sale
We then kicked off our fundraising efforts with the annual Flip Flop Friday CHOC campaign. As is sometimes necessary when many events coincide, we combined this fundraising day with vibrant signage and accessories for Valentine’s Day and our first Cake Sale for 2024.
Boys dressed with a touch of red, gave tokens of affection to friends and teachers, wore their flip flops, purchased their CHOC merchandise and stickers and were rewarded with a beautifully love-themed cake sale hosted by the Grade 3 team on the Hersov Field at break time. A very busy day indeed!
Lumo Dance
Then, it was swiftly on to the annual Lumo Dance hype and who could have predicted nature’s unleashing of a dramatic, electric light display?
The parking area and hall were transformed into heaving spaces of activity and exaggerated gestures.
The Grade 4 team worked on every detail to create a festive, high-energy feast for the senses, kicking into damage control when the clouds burst late in the afternoon. We are immensely grateful for the fortitude, resilience and sense of humour shown by our parents who rolled with nature’s punches and made the best of the soggy circumstances. The kids had no choice but to congregate on the dance floor and overall it made for a unique and memorable Lumo Dance!
Salvazione Donations
We received an appeal from Salvazione Christian School for props and costumes to enhance their school production.
We were able to gift them clothing, a set of curtains from a generous parent, reams of excess fabric and unused school supplies being stored in the PA Storeroom.
The School Shop has also kindly agreed to supply on an ongoing basis any suitable second-hand school shoes which may accumulate over the year.
Volunteers
We have parents assisting in our School Shop, Lost Property, Salvazione Link Programme and with our Tops & Tags initiative. Although these services provide great value to the school, parents will testify that they too receive a great deal of satisfaction and positive fulfillment in the process.
Support Staff & Estate Team
At the end of 2023, the PA facilitated a collection of appreciation for our Support Staff & Estate Team, using the Karri platform for ease of collections.
The response of generosity was overwhelming and we collected R61,500 which resulted in each member of our Estate Staff receiving a cash amount of R1,400.
Their gratitude was tangible and so deeply felt. Thank you for your outpouring of care and acknowledgement of what they tirelessly do for us.
We responded to a suggestion that name badges be provided to our Support Staff and Estate Team so that parents and visitors may confidently greet all individuals by name.
We are delighted that the school has readily facilitated this and you will start to see these name badges being worn. Please show your humanity with warm greetings when you engage with members of our school.
School App
The PA is working with the school’s Marketing team and Heads of Department to provide input on App content which is most useful to parents. This is a work in progress and incremental changes shall be phased in over time.
Catering and Hot Lunch
Spear-headed by the previous PA, the school undertook a very detailed and rigorous catering reassessment and tender process. Representative stakeholders from our parent community were invited to weigh in on the offering from short-listed candidates and unanimously found in favour of the successful company, Capitol Caterers.
The PA is extremely grateful to the school for tackling this requirement with consideration and professionalism. The quality and presentation being enjoyed by boys, staff, parents and visitors, is superior and the feedback thus far has been stellar.
Liz Wallis Farewell Gift
Our parent community came together to express their thanks to Liz Wallis for her 25 years’ of outstanding service to The Ridge School.
With your contributions we were able to put together a collection of beautiful items, including a cashmere scarf, table linen and a necklace.
As a more permanent and sentimental gesture of gratitude, our parents have established the ‘Liz Wallis Rosarium’ in the Woolston Road parking area. As a nod to her favourite flower and Rose house, a collection of pink and white roses has been planted and a bronze plaque shall be installed above the rose bed.
Our Parents’ Association is a living organism which thrives on interaction, feedback, collaboration and most importantly cohesion.
Whilst our PA team is specifically involved in their capacity as contributors, every parent and guardian has a stake in our community expression.
The Ridge is a stand out school in South Africa, not merely due to its incredible facilities, considered curriculum, fiercely dedicated staff and standards of excellence, but seemingly because of the creative vibrancy and intellectual broadmindedness of our parent community, willing the success for all.
It’s the pinnacle of what we’d hope for communities in South Africa. And we need all the encouragement and optimism to continually realise it.
Thank you for modelling that for our boys.
By Gina Goss
LIGHTHOUSE OVERVIEW
Learning through play
Primary school education aims to create life-long learners while supporting a child’s overall development. Many researchers make a valid case for play-based methods and playful programmes.
Play is an essential strategy for learning, and aids conceptual, “cognitive development, emotional well-being, social competence, and sound physical and mental health,” which “builds a strong foundation for success well into adult years.” (Learning through play)
Within The Lighthouse, we look at bringing the fun back into learning. This can be in the form of games, exploration (trial and error), investigation, categorization, imagination and problem-solving. Ultimately, when the child experiences success and satisfaction, the child achieves.
The power of the play lies not in what the child chooses to play, but in the reflection the learning opportunity creates. The ‘ah-ha’ moment is where explored concepts may be linked, understood, and utilized.
Children of all ages are hands-on learners. By taking a ‘step-backwards’ and playing, the child experiences the ‘concrete’ objects in order to understand abstract concepts.
While many believe in the power of play for pre-school or early primary school children, it’s often forgotten as a necessary tool for higher school years. Play opportunities enhance a child’s mastery of academic concepts, as play can develop interest and motivation. Playing board games or card games can strengthen mathematical concepts. Dramatising a story and other reading games make struggling readers not give up. Exploring a variety of written genres engages reluctant writers.
Play helps foster creativity, imagination, and the skills to find pleasure and innovate. Games help create a safe space for inquiry and problem-solving.
Play is an effective and highly powerful tool to engage learners and develop well-rounded individuals who love learning.
By Val Witt
CANOEING OVERVIEW
The Canoeing season got off to a really early start with the Gauteng Canoeing Sprint Championships, which took place on Saturday 20th of January. We had 8 Ridge Boys participating in this event. It was the first official Gauteng Sprint event for two of our Grade 5 paddlers, Kaelo Motene and Zachariah Cassoojee, and they did really well at this big canoeing event. Provincial representation was awarded to Asher Wilson, who came first in the 2km (Long Distance), 500m and 200m sprint events in the U10 age group. For the U12 age group, provincial representation was awarded to the following boys:
– Matthew Kuhl, who finished in 3rd place in the 2km event
– Cayden Wilson, who finished in 3rd place in the 200m sprint.
– Edward Carmichael, who finished in 2nd place in the 200m and 500m sprints.
– Benjamin Carmichael, who finished in 1st place in the 2km (Long Distance), 500m and 200m events.
Canoeing always receives a lift in an Olympic year as the boys are able to draw inspiration from our top national representatives. There is a large amount of excitement generated building up to and including the actual Olympic Games themselves. 15 Ridge boys participated in the South African Canoeing Sprint Championships, which was held at Victoria Lake in Germiston from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th of March. This event was also the decider for 4 Olympic places, and our boys got to watch the best paddlers in the country race for those hotly contested spots. Our Ridge Canoeing Team were also phenomenal both on and off the water, and we managed to collect 9 medals overall: Asher Wilson (3 Gold, 1 Silver), Matthew Kuhl (1 bronze), Edward Carmichael (1 gold), Benjamin Carmichael (1 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze)
The Ridge Canoeing Team for SA Canoeing Sprint Champs were: Moagi Diseko (captain), Asher Wilson, Siyabonga Shabangu, Spencer Levin, Guy Rothman, Smangaliso Shabangu, William Bradshaw, Kaelo Motene, Shay Richmond, Caleb van Breda, Matthew Kuhl, Cayden Wilson, Mark Isbister, Edward Carmichael and Benjamin Carmichael.
By Daniel McLachlan
INTER-SCHOOLS SWIMMING GALA
Conversational Afrikaans OVERVIEW
“Vlieg soos ‘n arend om die boom, klap jou hande drie keer en sit.” With all our Conversational Afrikaans lessons we start with instructions. The teacher normally starts first to allow the boys to warm up. Then the boys each get an opportunity to think of their own instructions in Afrikaans with the teachers’ guidance. Once we start, they don’t want to stop! However, we move on to greetings and general discussions. The boys are capable of introducing themselves with confidence and asking follow up questions, which is an excellent opportunity to show their understanding. It’s the proud glow in their eyes when they get it correct that makes this worthwhile. They can identify rhyming words and create sentences with the words. We also discuss and read through our high frequency words to help when speaking the language.
We started this journey with less learners than I wanted but over time more and more learners joined us. There are days when some boys will pass us and ask if they can also join, who then end up having a great time. It takes place outside mostly to allow the boys to feel unrestricted and makes the experience fun. You can definitely see the difference in their confidence, understanding and willingness to participate.
When learning a new language, it is important to try and have conversations as often as possible to help your confidence and to help you master the language.
By Cindy Olivier
WATERPOLO OVERVIEW
We had a very successful Water Polo season this term with many ups and some downs. Through these downs, we took away vital lessons that will help us in the future. Our Junior teams showed some promise as they continued to grow and improve in every game they played. We were fortunate enough to have a large number of Junior players join Water Polo this year and we hope our depth continues to grow from strength to strength. Our Senior Water Polo teams showed grit throughout the season and their perseverance resulted in some fantastic results. Our 1st Team participated in the Knysna Oakhill Chukka Festival as well as the KEPS Festival and played some wonderful Water Polo while coming away with some hard-earned victories. We are looking forward to the continued effort and development of our boys’ skills in Term 3.
By Kayleigh Nielsen
TENNIS OVERVIEW
Tennis is off to a great start at The Ridge School with many boys showing a keen interest in Tennis this year. The healthy competition has created an exciting and fun environment for our boys. Our 1st Tennis team took part in the Saints Night Festival where we played boys doubles as well as mixed doubles. We were paired with Brescia Girls and, together, we won many of our games. We also had some brilliant results in our doubles matches where our boys showed skill and class on the court. This is just the beginning of Tennis at The Ridge and we look forward to a successful season ahead.
By Kayleigh Nielsen
RUGBY OVERVIEW
After an 8-week preseason of early Sunday mornings, The Ridge 1st Rugby Team embarked on a thrilling journey as they participated in the prestigious Saints Stithians Rugby Festival from 21-23 March 2024, a tournament revered for its fierce competition and high-stakes matches. With determination, they faced formidable opponents, including powerhouse schools like Chelsea Preparatory, Marieskop, and Clifton Nottingham Road.
The Ridge 1st Rugby Team fought valiantly in each match, refusing to succumb to the pressure. Despite narrow defeats against Clifton Nottingham Road and other strong contenders, they never lost sight of their goal and played with relentless determination until the final whistle. They celebrated on the last day with a crushing victory over CBC Boksburg.
At the St. John’s Rugby Festival, they were honoured to kick off the event as the opening game on The Burger Field against the formidable Clifton Durban team. Although we narrowly missed victory, The Ridge Boys showcased their tenacity and resilience, setting the tone for a series of closely contested matches. In the encounter with Jan Celliers, it proved to be another intense battle, with The Ridge 1st team narrowly losing by just one point. Despite the heartbreak of these close defeats, they remained undeterred, displaying a fighting spirit that resonated with fans and opponents alike.
As their journey at the festivals concludes, The Ridge 1st Rugby Team extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and parents whose unwavering support fueled their passion and determination on the field. With their heads held high and eyes set on the future, they eagerly anticipate a successful rugby season ahead, ready to carry the spirit of resilience and determination into every match as they represent The Ridge 1st Team with pride.
By Phumulani Mnculwane and Chris Ndobe
BASKETBALL FESTIVAL
Congratulations to our 1st Team Basketball for an outstanding performance at the St. John’s College Basketball Tournament! You showed skill and teamwork that you can be proud of!!
CRICKET OVERVIEW
The cricket season had presented a formidable challenge for the 1st Cricket team, brimming with countless learning opportunities and diverse situations that tested their mettle. Assembling a relatively new side, the team had welcomed six players who earned their inaugural team caps, injecting a fresh dynamic into the squad. Throughout the season, the players had encountered a multitude of novel experiences, particularly during their participation in the timed format at the Independent Cricket Festival hosted by Clifton in Durban. This event served as a pivotal moment for many of the players, providing them with their first taste of competitive cricket under such conditions.
Despite the initial hurdles and uncertainties, the team had demonstrated resilience and cohesion as they navigated through the challenges together. Their collective efforts have resulted in the emergence of several commendable cricketing moments, characterised by flashes of individual brilliance and significant milestones achieved by various players. These moments have served as a testament to the team’s growth and development over the course of the season, showcasing their ability to adapt and thrive in diverse circumstances.
Above all, the players have exhibited unwavering pride and dedication in representing their school on the cricket field, embodying the ethos of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Their commitment to the team’s success had been palpable, driving them to push their limits and strive for excellence in every match they have played.
Looking ahead, the team has eagerly anticipated the prospect of competing in the upcoming T20 festival later that year, where they will have had the opportunity to showcase their skills and passion for the game on a larger stage. With their newfound confidence and camaraderie, they had been poised to embrace the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead, united in their pursuit of cricketing glory.
By Brett Smith-Thomas
CHESS OVERVIEW
Chess in the Senior Prep is a popular extra mural at The Ridge School. Our early morning practices on Thursdays and our late afternoon fixtures show our boys’ dedication and commitment to the activity. We have had several fixtures this term and our boys displayed their skills and talent, and proved that they were worthy competitors. In addition to being skilful players, our boys often show humility, grace and sportsmanship both at practices and fixtures. Although an individual sport, there is a great sense of team spirit that is valued and shared amongst the team. Chess is a game of strategy, forward thinking and planning, these skills are valuable in many facets of life. We hope the Chess team continues to have a happy and productive year.
By Urvasi Naidoo
DEBATING CLUB
Debating at our school has turned a corner. Our training from Grade 4-7 offer wonderful, interesting conversations as our boys work on the skills of empathy, critical thinking, team work, collaboration, case construction and so much more. The First Term was jam packed with many different opportunities for participation. The Gauteng Schools Debating Board and Atheneum introduced a wonderful initiative designed to enrich the educational experience for both schools and students, which incorporates Public Speaking and Debating.
Public speaking had 2 components namely Prepared and Impromptu Speaking. This opened a pathway for Oratory Training for all our debating students even if they were not necessarily participating in an event. Our boys flew The Ridge flag high at the first Oratory competition at Kingsmead College in February. This was their first participation in a competition of this nature, competing in the Junior Division which goes up to Grade 9.
Our Debating Club is also enrolled in the yearly Atheneum League which is a series of 9 rounds, of which 2 have already taken place at St Stithians Boys’ College and St. Andrew’s School for Girls.
Our boys’ ability to compose compelling, convincing arguments continues to improve with our weekly club training and we look forward to a successful 2024 season of Debating.
By Faronaaz Patel.
DRAMA
The Drama extramural has started with renewed energy. Boys attend these afternoon classes with enthusiasm and excitement. The drama lessons are there to unlock the boys’ potential by developing high levels of communication skills. The boys are given an opportunity to create impromptu drama skits and think on their feet. These skills encourage the boys to develop their imagination and creativity.
Drama has been offered thrice weekly and, with the help of a coach, the boys have an opportunity to accommodate two sessions a week into their busy extramural schedules. This cultural extramural is offered as part of the boys’ holistic education.
Boys take part in an annual Confident Kids Eisteddfod which allows them to present their own product. The boys can choose from a list of activities which they then prepare for during the year with the help of the Drama coach. Drama takes place in the Music Auditorium, a beautiful space that lends itself to theatre. This is a non-stressful and unpressurised environment. The boys have fun and lots of laughter as they journey through creating wonderful theatrical pieces.
By Carmin Groenewald and Kathy Rossouw
Tour de Maths
Tour de Maths is a club for Grade 6 and 7 boys on Monday afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This term, 15 boys participated in the club. The sessions comprised of a range of problem-solving challenges, emphasising collaboration while tackling challenging problems. This term, the boys worked through several UK Maths Olympiad papers in pairs. These papers required critical thinking skills and improved the boys’ ability to analyse and solve problems; however, working together specifically worked on practical communication skills.
Four of our Grade 7 Tour de Maths boys were invited to participate in the regional Tour de Maths event hosted by Auckland Park Preparatory (APPS) on Tuesday, March 12th. This event comprised over 100 learners from 20 different schools in Johannesburg. The Ridge boys were split into pairs to create a team of four with a pair of learners from another school. They then worked together in their teams to complete 20 Maths Olympiad-style questions in an hour. Our boys represented The Ridge admirably, and two of our learners, Luke Goldstein and Robin Grantham, managed to achieve 2nd place overall.
By Daniel McLachlan
JUNIOR PREP INTER-HOUSE ATHLETICS
ASH WEDNESDAY
We welcomed Auckland Park Preparatory School and St Katharine’s for the Ash Wednesday service.
LUMO DANCE
GRADE 0 GRANDPARENTS CONCERT
MR MEN DAY
A morning filled with fun as the Grade 3 boys dressed up as their favourite “Mr Men” characters.
CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
Celebrating linguistic diversity at The Ridge, Happy International Mother Language Day.
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
Congratulations to the boys who participated in the Inter-Schools General Knowledge Quiz.
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”
Margaret Fuller
CLIMBING
Climbing to Great Heights in Term 1
2024 welcomed a bold start to Climbing. Under the supervision and guidance of our 4 coaches, our boys have made impactful steps and acquired great skills in the areas of physical skill and sportsmanship.
Each session starts with a carefully decided warm-up routine. Here it is ‘all about moving’ as the boys navigate the beams and nets on the school jungle gyms. This promotes agility and enables our climbers to be flexible and creative problem solvers.
But it is on the climbing wall where the true teamwork comes to play. On the Boulder wall, boys cheer their fellow climbers on, motivating them to climb with increased speed and accuracy. On the Rock Climbing Wall, our boys have paired up to assume the roles of both ‘Climber’ and ‘Belayer’, working in synchrony to ensure the safety of their partner, as well as encouraging one another to push themselves to daring heights. Here, regulating the rope is essential and the boys must communicate as they ascend and descend the wall, whilst reaching for the various, brightly coloured grips.
City Rock draws our advanced climbers in weekly. This group of select boys have the opportunity to set and achieve personal goals, whilst exploring the impressive climbing facilities and routes that this indoor space has to offer.
We must make special mention of our climbers who have competed in Provincial Competitions this term – Zachary Hutton, Caleb Van Breda and Oliver Stewart. These boys have made us so proud. Zachary Hutton has secured himself a spot to compete in Nationals later this year. We look forward to following his progress.
Finally, the biggest congratulations go to our Captains for 2024. Oliver Rousseau has been appointed Captain, and will lead us alongside Jamie Cole-Morgan, our Vice Captain. We have faith that these boys will instill a sense of dedication and team spirit in all their fellow team mates.
By Valentina Burkett
GRADE 4 CAPPING AND GRADE 7 INDUCTION CEREMONY
The Grade 7 Induction and Grade 4 Capping ceremony is a calendar highlight and a real celebration of our special boys! Congratulations to all our boys and thank you to our parents for always showing up to make these occasions what they are!
2024 THEME “SHARPEN UP”
Our motto for 2024 is “Sharpen Up”. Mr. Rumboll, the staff and the boys returned ready to conquer the new school year and looked forward to an action-packed 1st term.
Conversational isiZulu Club
Our isiZulu department has created conversational isiZulu for the boys who are interested in learning isiZulu for communication purposes. Our lessons take place every Thursday in the isiZulu class from 2pm to 3pm for Grade 6. It is important for the boys to be able to speak more than one language in South Africa, since we have 12 official languages.
The boys learn how to introduce themselves in isiZulu. This includes greeting each other, family members and their friends using proper language structure and good pronunciation. They also enjoy using the vocabulary that they have learnt to speak to each other during our lessons, which shows their understanding. They also enjoy playing isiZulu games. The boys are expected to be able to converse in isiZulu by using the correct language structure and vocabulary. They are also encouraged to make friends with the boys that speak isiZulu as their home language in order to practise and improve their communication skills.
The boys find isiZulu fun and useful. They are now able to get a bit more comfortable speaking the language without feeling any pressure of reading for the test. They enjoy trying it out when going to the shops. Some of the boys have been practising with their helpers at home. They enjoy listening to each other speak and trying new words together.
The boys think that learning isiZulu is important for them because most of the people in South Africa can speak and understand isiZulu. They also like the positive response that they get when they greet people in isiZulu. “It feels like you are the part of the rainbow nation.”
By Thulisile Zulu
GRADE 3 Pirate Day
The Grade 3s ended off the Pirate Theme with a Pirate Day dress-up. The boys participated in a treasure hunt. They used pirate language and had to read a map to find their (booty) treasure. The boys worked together in groups of 5 and thoroughly enjoyed this activity. It was loads of fun
CELEBRATING EID
The boys joyfully celebrate Eid by sharing chocolates with their Ridge peers. Spreading warmth, togetherness and generosity. May the joyous occasion of Eid bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to you and your family.
EASTER PICNIC WITH APPS
The Ridge and APPS Grade 3’s had a lovely Easter Picnic together. Each group had an Easter wreath to complete which the APPS girls got to take it back to school. The boys brought delicious treats for the girls to enjoy. It was a beautiful event and both girls and boys had a lovely time.
CELEBRATING HUMAN RIGHTS DAY
Celebrating Human Rights Day Auckland Park Prep School hosted our Grade 7 boys. Blessed to have Rev Hawu Mbatha sharing the importance of knowing our rights and responsibilities no matter what age. Thank you to APPS for an inspiring morning.
MINI COUNCIL
Congratulations to our Grade 7 boys on their induction as Mini Councilors by the Johannesburg Mini Council. Your leadership and dedication inspire us all. Well done, gentlemen!
Emma SadleiR
Grateful for Emma Sadleir’s insightful talk to The Ridge parents. Empowering discussions on digital well-being and online safety – a valuable evening of awareness and guidance.
GRADE 1s VISTED GARDEN WORLD
Grade 1s enchanting day at Garden World bloomed with discovery; little explorers immersed in nature, learning and having fun.
THE RIDGE SCHOOL BUNNIES
Congratulations to our remarkable Grade 5 boys for their fundraising efforts, ensuring the well-being of our school bunnies. Showing compassion and initiative.
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRANDON BUCKLEY
Heartfelt congratulations to Brandon Buckley for his stellar performance with the Protea Vets, clinching victory in the Masters Cricket World Cup.
Outstanding achievement!
GRADE 5s LEARNT ABOUT ECO SYSTEMS
The grade 5s had fun while working on their vegetable gardens to learn about ecosystems and what plants need to grow and thrive in their Project Based Learning lesson.
DADS AND LADS EXPERIENCE DAY
Experience the camaraderie and bonding as Junior Prep parents and sons enjoyed time together. Lots of laughter, learning and fun.
CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AT THE RIDGE
Ulwazi was a hive of activity, as we celebrated and honoured famous South African Women as part of Women’s History Month!
GRADE 0 AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES
Exciting times for Grade 0s as they start their afternoon extramural sports journey, fostering a love for physical activity and teamwork from the very beginning.
Enjoy the fun!
SPREADING THE LOVE IN GRADE 3
In the spirit of LOVE, our Grade 3s joyfully crafted heartfelt cards and painted heart-shaped cookies!
Happy to be spreading love throughout the month of Feb!
PANCAKE DAY
Pancake Day better known as Shrove Tuesday: A day of FUN with our fabulous parents mixing, making, flipping, topping and our boys loving every moment of it!
CHINESE NEW YEAR
The Grade 3 boys celebrated Chinese New Year, a wonderful journey of discovery and learning about the year of the dragon.
NAOMI HOLDT TALK
St Katharine’s and The Ridge were pleased to host Naomi Holdt, acclaimed speaker and author of “Bounce: How to raise resilient teens and kids.”
SAFEGUARDING
We were pleased to have our full Ridge staff complement attend Safeguarding training, to conscientize us around what best practice looks like as far as the safeguarding of our boys is concerned.
The Ridge School will continue to make the safety of every boy our top priority!
NEWS FROM SALVAZIONE
Tom Clucas
We are proud to share this wonderful interview with Tom Clucas, Ridge Old Boy and Head Boy, St Andrew’s College 2024 and Tom Hamilton (Headmaster St Andrew’s College).
A VISIT FROM Julian Kuni
Thank you to Julian Kuni for your time, we are so proud to celebrate you as a Ridge Old Boy. We wish you a WELL DESERVED breather between now and the beginning of your formal studies!
GRADE 8 2024 – RIDGE OLD BOYS GRADE 7 CLASS OF 2023
So exciting to see the boys from Grade 7, 2023 settling in at their respective colleges. Some were welcomed by Ridge Old Boys. Wishing you all the best, as you start your amazing high school careers.
Congratulations to Reza Creamer
A Big Congratulations to Reza Creamer (Ridge School Grade 7 2022) who was selected for the South African U16 Basketball Team at the recent Inter-Provincial Tournament held in KZN. Reza played for the Gauteng team that won the tournament. Reza also received an award for Best Shooter at the tournament and was selected as a tournament All-Star player.
The Ridge had vibrant energy as boys and visitors had fun and socializing at the Lumo dance, and created an unforgettable atmosphere of joy and celebration.
SWIMMING GALA
The swimming gala was electrifying and a spectacle of spirited competition.
The pool echoed with the exhilarating war cries and chants of determined boys, passionately representing their houses in a thrilling showdown.
ST JOHN’S BASKETBALL FESTIVAL
RED BUS RIDE
Our Grade 2 boys outing aboard the “Red Bus” was all about excitement, adventure and laughter.
Yes for making these kinds of lasting memories!
DEBATING
The junior and senior Debating teams participated in the first day of the Athenian at St Stithians Preparatory. We looking forward to many more debates in the future.
GRADE 0 EXTRA-MURAL
Exciting times for Grade 0s as they started their afternoon extramural sports journey, fostering a love for physical activity and teamwork from the very beginning.
Enjoy the fun!
CLIFFTON CRICKET FESTIVAL
MR MEN DAY
A morning filled with fun as the Grade 3 boys dressed up as their favourite “Mr Men” characters.
CELEBRATING MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
Celebrating linguistic diversity at The Ridge, Happy International Mother Language Day.
EASTER EGG COLLECTION
GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
Congratulations to the boys who participated in the Inter-Schools General Knowledge Quiz.
“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”
Margaret Fuller
CELEBRATING SOCIAL JUSTICE DAY
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRANDON BUCKLEY
Heartfelt congratulations to Brandon Buckley for his stellar performance with the Protea Vets, clinching victory in the Masters Cricket World Cup.
Outstanding achievement!
CELEBRATING WOMEN AT THE RIDGE
Ulwazi was a hive of activity while we celebrated and honoured famous South African Women as part of Women’s History Month.
GRADE 3s SPREADING THE LOVE IN FEBRUARY
In the spirit of LOVE, our Grade 3s joyfully crafted heartfelt cards and painted heart-shaped cookies! As they spread the love throughout the month of February!
HIGH SCHOOLS EXPO
Thank you to all the high schools that presented at our High Schools Expo in February.
ASH WEDNESDAY
We welcomed Auckland Park Preparatory School and St Katharine’s for the Ash Wednesday service.
SHROVE TUESDAY
Pancake Day better known as Shrove Tuesday:
A day of FUN with our fabulous parents mixing, making, flipping, topping and our boys loving every moment of it!
GRADE 0 ART
Our Grade 0s express their imagination through colourful artwork.
GRADE 5s LEARNT ABOUT DATA HANDLING
The Grade 5 Maths boys did a counting cars activity on Valley Road as part of their Data Handling section before half term.
They took notes of the colours of cars and the types of vehicles. We then collated the data and drew bar graphs displaying the data.
Boys also made note of the speedsters and those who stopped to wave or give us a toot on the hooter.
CHINESE NEW YEAR
The Grade 3 boys celebrated Chinese New Year, a wonderful journey of discovery and learning about the year of the dragon.
“The best teachers are those who tell you where to look – but don’t tell you what to see.”
GRADE 0s LEARNT ABOUT
The grade 0s learned about the phonetic sound /p/ and had a great time dressing up as Pirates for their Pirate Picnic.
PROJECT BASED LEARNING
The grade 5s boys had fun while working on their vegetable gardens to learn about ecosystems and what plants need to grow and thrive in their Project Based Learning lesson.
We welcomed current boys, new boys, parents and staff, back to school on 17 January and we wished them you all the best for 2024.
GRADE 4 CAPPING CEREMONY
GRADE 7 INDUCTION CEREMONY
The Grade 7 Induction and Grade 4 Capping ceremony is a calendar highlight and a real celebration of our special boys!
Congratulations to all our boys and thank you to our parents for always showing up to make these occasions what they are!
SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
We were pleased to have our full Ridge staff complement attend “Safeguarding” training to educate us around what “best practice” looks like, as far as the safeguarding of our boys is concerned.
The we will continue to make the safety of every boy our top priority!
SHARPEN UP CAMPAIGN
Our motto for 2024 is “Sharpen Up”. Mr. Rumboll, the staff and the boys returned ready to conquer the new school year and are looking forward to an action-packed 1st term.
WELCOME TO THE NEW STAFF TO THE RIDGE FAMILY
Kayleigh Nielsen
“To teach is to touch a life forever”
This quote is true in every sense. Teaching is not just a job for me but my absolute passion. I am grateful for each little mind I’ve helped shape, each little heart I’ve helped grow and each little personality I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know. It gives me great joy helping boys reach their full potential inside and outside of the classroom.
I am Kayleigh Nielsen and I am a passionate and dedicated teacher. I went to St Mary’s School in Waverley for my entire schooling career and it was very clear that teaching was the career path that I was going to choose. I was privileged enough to be taught by some incredible teachers and this only solidified my career choice. I was also heavily involved in sport at St Mary’s which fuelled my passion for sport and helping children outside the classroom too. After school, I went on to study a Bachelor of Education in the Foundation Phase at the University of Pretoria. I realised I had a passion for helping children with learning barriers and decided to further my studies. I studied my honours degree in Learning Support at the University of Pretoria.
I was fortunate enough to get a job straight out of varsity and went into teaching at KEPS. I was privileged to teach boys from Grade 0 to Grade 3 as well as work in the School Based Support Team. I worked with the most wonderful boys and helped them achieve success where they may have had barriers. In addition to my work in the classroom, I was heavily involved in the sports programme. I was involved in water polo, cricket, rugby and tennis at KEPS and I hope to carry this experience with me at The Ridge School.
I look forward to knowing and growing young gentlemen at The Ridge and ensuring that each boy reaches his full potential no matter any difficulty he may face. I am grateful for the wonderful opportunities that have been afforded to me and I am excited for what is to come.
Grant Dodds
I am a lifelong educator and sports coach. With an extensive background in both education and sport (including having attended the Tokyo Olympic Games as a coach), I bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to The Ridge school community. As a dedicated family man, and committed not only to the academic and athletic growth of our students but also share a special connection to our community, as my son has recently begun his journey at The Ridge. With two children aged 3 and 6, I am eager to contribute my expertise, passion, and commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment for our boys.
Angelique Koll
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing will get better. It’s not.” The Lorax could not have said it better: unless someone cares enough to make a difference, help, or support, there will never be a change. This is how I view learning support.
Growing up in Edenvale, I attended Hurlyvale Primary School, a co-ed school and then followed on to high school at Holy Rosary School for girls. This allowed me to see the benefit of being in a monastic school. Holy Rosary School also introduced me to the Catholic School Ethos. I am now a mom of two little girls, both of whom attend Holy Rosary School.
I was involved in hockey and dancing during my school career. After school, I found a love for soccer and spent many hours on the field. I have always been a keen sportswoman and look forward to being on the sports field with boys. This gives a holistic view of each child.
2011, I graduated from The University of the Witwatersrand with my Bachelor of Education and started teaching the following year. I quickly learned that I had a deep interest in learning support, and I went on to complete my Bachelor of Honours in Inclusive Education. Since then, I have taught in both the government and private school systems and in a learning support position at remedial and special needs schools.
As a remedial specialist at the Lighthouse, I aim to meet each boy’s learning support needs, whether inside the classroom or at the Lighthouse. I pride myself on caring enough to help positively change a child’s learning experience.
Val Witt
Born in Canada, I grew up in England and moved to South Africa. I have been privileged to have a diverse and rich upbringing.
At five, I decided to become a special needs teacher. I was lucky enough to grow up in a foster home run by my mother. Of the six of us, the last child was a syndrome child, of whom I was incredibly fond. It was from her that I developed a love for education and a belief that while some may learn differently, all children have learning potential. Over my teaching years, I have created a strong belief that if a child is failing to learn, exploration is required, and another way to teach the child is vital.
As a youngster, we moved around quite a bit, and I completed my academic career in South Africa at Krugersdorp High School. After completing my teaching diploma, I was honoured to join McAuley House Convent. Here, I taught a grade four class and certain grade seven subjects. I always questioned the development of skills and how scaffolding occurs. I also studied Special Needs Education to obtain the necessary knowledge to understand how children learn.
To practice this newfound knowledge and skill development, I joined the Bellavista School team. In an interview, I told the Headmaster I would stay for two years and then move to special needs education. After seventeen happy and highly productive years, I was ready for a change. I proceeded to special needs education, a life-long dream and was a part of this fulfilling experience for eleven years. I then joined the Crossroads team, where my learning continued for nine years.
I gravitate to the learners who have learning potential but who learn differently; often, their high energy brings with them the opportunity to explore their thinking and learning styles. It is a privilege to bring experience and knowledge to The Ridge School, to support our boys, and to make their learning successful. At the Lighthouse, we aim to create a legacy and give the school educational support, warmth, knowledge, and skill. I look forward to working with you.
Leigh-Ann Louw-Mariuzzi
I resonate with the idea that, in the presence of a problem, there is an absence of a skill. I graduated from High School and decided that I wanted to pursue a working career in the hope that I would be able to further my studies.
My career started out in a very corporate environment, in the FMCG industry, that was fast paced and from the onset goal orientated. I was afforded the opportunity to study to further my position within the company and achieved a Diploma in Credit Management 1 & 2. The experience made me feel a need to further pursue my career, and I then moved into the Finance & Insurance industry.
I then was afforded the greatest gift of becoming a mother. The moment for me was life changing in so many ways that I left the industry I had known and loved for so many years, to pursue the possibility of working at a school as I felt a strong sense of wanting to work with children. I was afforded the opportunity to work at a school. I started exploring this avenue and was lucky enough to be placed in the education sector. I was employed as the PA to the Head of School, Head of Primary and Head of the High School. I was involved in many training sessions and talks surrounding working in a school and was given the very unique opportunity to be invited to receive training for Kids Skills. Dr Ben Furman is a Finish Psychiatrist who bases his teaching on Solution Focused therapy and coaching, to assist children overcome their problems.
I completed the studying and the training, which involved a case study regarding a child that had a problem, and needed help to overcome what they perceived as challenging in his inner world. I qualified as a Kids Skill Coach in August 2021. The qualification has put me in good stead in gaining an understanding of how children embrace the ideology of doing things differently and actualizing their best hopes.
I will strive to give of my very best to The Ridge School and contribute to our boys being known, as they grow.
Melissa Sayers
I am Melissa Sayers and I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining The Ridge School as the new Head of Human Resources.
I’m a proud mother of two extraordinary twin boys, Matthew and Liam who are currently in Grade 5, and a wife to my amazing husband, Brendan Sayers.
I bring with me not only a love for this School, but a dedication to professional excellence and deep-rooted belief in the power of community and collaboration. I am genuinely passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment where each and every member of our esteemed team feels valued and empowered to thrive.
Kristy Kirkby
Raised in a sport-oriented household, I have cultivated a deep-seated passion for physical activity. My love for staying active is evident in my enjoyment of working out, playing Padel, and going on hikes. Last April, I took a significant step in my personal life by getting engaged to my wonderful fiancé, and we are currently in the joyous process of planning our wedding, which is scheduled for 2025.
With a background in Copywriting and a period of exploration in the advertising industry, I cultivated my creativity, nurtured a consistent curiosity for the world around me, and developed a profound passion for understanding people. Through this I recognised my true calling, and I embarked on a transformative journey, taking a leap of faith to enroll in a distance BEd Foundation Phase Degree at North West University.
While pursuing my degree, I seized the opportunity to intern at St John’s College, where my education extended beyond the confines of textbooks.
The invaluable experience provided me with a holistic view of the educational landscape and laid the groundwork for my subsequent role as a Grade 4 teacher at Brescia House School. Here, I delved into the nuances of student well-being and realised the paramount importance of fostering genuine relationships with students.
As I transition to this new chapter at The Ridge School, taking on the role of a Grade 0 teacher, I bring with me a considerable amount of knowledge and a passion specifically attuned to the developmental needs of a younger age group. The insights gained from my diverse experiences have set me in good stead for an environment where boys are known and grown. I have had such a wonderful start to this exciting new journey, which will continue to be fueled by the dedication and the lessons learned from my varied professional and educational background and guided by the belief that a growth mindset fosters continuous learning and development.
Much like I sharpened my Copywriting pencil in the advertising industry, I look forward to further developing my skills inside and outside the classroom for years to come.
Cheryl Pleass
I am Cheryl Pleass. I graduated as an educator from the University of the Witwatersrand, and I have nearly 40 years of experience, mostly teaching Grade 0 and Grade One, but I have taught up to Grade 4, and I have coached various sports in the primary schools where I have taught.
I have taught in Government Schools as well as Private Schools. My previous school had a Solution Focused philosophy, which enabled me to become a Kids’ Skills Ambassador. I am at the Ridge School for a year as a locum in Grade 0, for which I am very grateful.
I am passionate about teaching, especially the younger children. I feel very privileged to be able to see and experience life through the eyes of 5 and 6 year olds. I understand that all children are individuals with unique personalities and learning styles, with differing abilities to gain new, and consolidate, and practise, any given skills and strengths, and to allow the children to develop at their own pace.
I feel strongly that children can learn optimally when they are happy, settled, and secure at school and when there is a healthy collaboration between home and school. A child’s physical, emotional, social and cognitive development should always be taken into account when teaching children, and when planning activities in order for them to experience success, which builds confidence!
I have a daughter-in-law, and 3 gorgeous grandchildren, who mean the world to me!
SWIMMING GALA
Friday’s bring all the fun with swimming galas now in full swing!
Well done to all our boys!
RIDGEUP
RidgeUp is an academic initiative open to volunteer Grades 6 and 7 boys. Its aim is to deepen and widen our boys’ thinking and to play a role in enhancing our boys’ cognitive futures. It involves weekly seminars, one for Grade 6’s and one for Grade 7’s. Seminars are focused on both creative and curiosity-inspiring learning experiences drawing on Literature, History and Current Affairs/Issues as the base of the thinking programme.
The aim is to enhance critical thinking:
The capacity to communicate informed opinions that are substantiated and compelling.
Debating and discussion skills, open dialogues about questions.
An awareness of what is happening in the world and our country as well as the ability to have a view on what is happening, to learn from it as opposed to being dismayed or disarmed by it.
MR SHARP
The Grade 3s were using their creativity to create a Mr. Sharp during their ART lesson. They used various materials like tin foil, swimming pool noodles, wooden forks, cardboard etc. to produce a unique Mr. Sharp. They had loads of fun.
GRADE 0s LEARNT MORE ABOUT THEIR NEW SCHOOL
The Grade 0 boys learnt about their new school. They visited Mr. Rumboll in his office and were lucky enough to have a run around in the Headmaster’s Garden.
GRADE 0s FIRST WEEK AT SCHOOL
The Grade 0 boys have had loads of fun exploring their new learning environment. Many new friendships have been made and the playground has become a hive of excitement.
HAPPIE CHAPPIE PROGRAMME
The first Happie Chappie for 2024. Congratulations to Adrian Grondel.
HOT LUNCH AT ITS BEST
Hot lunch at school: always a good vibe as our Grade 3s to Grade 7s enjoy a chat with mates while enjoying a healthy meal!
CANOENING AT THE RIDGE
Sat 20 January, saw some of our boys participating in Gauteng Canoeing Sprint Championships at VLC in Germiston.
This event is significant as is used to select the Gauteng provincial representatives for the upcoming SA Canoeing Sprint Champs in March. The sprints are short and fast and are the Olympic disciplines comprising a 200m and 500m, as well as long-distance sprints, which are 2km for the Under 10 and Under 12 age group and 5km for older paddlers.
Congratulations to our boys on their success and commitment!
OLD BOYS NEWS
We were proud to host Julian Kuni, St John’s College’s Top Achiever, as a guest speaker at an assembly!
Thank you for your time Julian, we are so proud to celebrate you as a Ridge Old Boy.
We wish you a WELL DESERVED breather between now and the beginning of your formal studies!
So exciting to see the boys from Grade 7, 2023 settling in at their respective colleges. Some were welcomed by Ridge Old Boys. Wishing you all, the best as you start your amazing high school careers.
Little Stories for the Archive Room
Liza, William Eustace’s mum, shared this lovely story with us recently.
Planting seeds
This is William, in Grade 2 this year, standing beside our beautiful oak tree next to the Rose Pavilion, on his first day of school in 2022. It was his dad, Robert Eustace, who planted the tree in 1987.
Mike, William’s grandfather, was kind enough to share the original letter of thanks sent from our then headmaster Rob Dickson. The letter confirms that two oak trees were planted at the time: ‘… we have selected positions for the two new oaks at either end of the line of established trees above the cricket oval…’
Origins
Mike told us that The Ridge oaks were grown from acorns taken from the ‘Under the Oaks’ tree in the swimming pool area of the Country Club Johannesburg in Auckland Park.
The original oak tree was believed to have been planted by John Landau, the New Zealander who purchased the property from Petrus Lindeque and established the Auckland Park suburb in 1888. The Country Club was established in 1906 on the site of the old Auckland Park Hotel and previous generations of members have recalled the oak tree in existence quite some time before the Club was founded. This matches the timeline of it having been planted around 1888.
Continued link
It’s fitting that a seedling from the oak tree in the Country Club swimming pool area has found a home so close to our own swimming pool as in the 1920s and 1930s, The Ridge held its annual swimming galas at the Club.
Figure 1 Swimming gala held at the Country Club Johannesburg c. late 1920s. Image courtesy of Edna Dunn Collection.
Thank you to the Eustace family for sharing this story with us and to Steve Nicholson and Jeff McKie from the Country Club Johannesburg for providing the background to our tree’s ancestry.
There is so much about which we can all feel proud as we reflect on our school and its value in 2023.
We are absolutely committed to offering our boys an Academic Programme that is supporting 21st century realities, one that differentiates our boys, one that is devoted to innovation and rethinking and a curriculum that helps develop deep, wide and transformational thinking. Our Grades 6 and 7 (Literature, History and Philosophy) RidgeUp programme has been so successful that it will be stretched into being offered to younger grades next year. A further example of our investment in the above is the Master Classes learning experiences our boys will be offered, by a range of teachers, in Grades 4-7 in 2023. Our Project Based Learning approach has fed our boys in significant ways and we are excited about our moves towards a richer maker space, hands on learning experience in the future.
I am in awe of the range of opportunities and areas for growth made possible by our Sports codes and our Music teachers this year. The Ridge campus is enlivened daily, by a huge range of Sport and Cultural spaces. 2023 has witnessed so much development and joy in these areas and the resultantly wide impact must be noted.
2023 at The Ridge has witnessed a deepening of our mission to be a relationship-centred School for boys that prioritises growth and the fostering of individual strengths. I am thankful to all our Staff, our Boys, our Parent Body and our Board for the joy and the quality that has been our School this year.
We will continue striding into doing “nothing without joy” (Loris Malaguzzi) and striving for world class quality in all we offer our Ridge Boys.
By Frank Rumboll
TRIBUTE TO ANTON PRETORIUS BY DANIEL MCLACHLAN
Today, we bid farewell to a remarkable individual who has been integral to The Ridge family for nine years. Anton has been the embodiment of dedication, kindness, and passion throughout his tenure at The Ridge. His journey with us has been a unique blend of creative academic prowess, superhero inspiration, and a touch of Star Wars magic.
Anton is not just a colleague; he is a friend, a confidant, and a pillar of support. We have shared more than just professional experiences; we have weathered storms of personal hardships and celebrated moments of triumph together. Personally, some memorable moments have been watching many Springbok victories together at Anton’s house and an incredible Orange River trip with his son Jude many moons ago. Anton’s gentleness and kindness have been a source of comfort for many of us, and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of his colleagues is truly commendable.
Anton is far more than just a teacher; he is a fantastic father to his two sons, who have completed most of their primary school journeys at The Ridge. His commitment to family values is reflected in the love and care he extends to his children and to every student he has nurtured over the years.
If you have ever been lucky enough to receive one of Anton’s many Maths puzzles, you will know that his love for creative problem-solving goes beyond the classroom. His enthusiasm for challenging our minds is rivalled only by his passion for a good pun. And let us not forget his newfound interest in yoga – a skill that, I must say, is quite impressive, especially for someone who enjoys a good nap – I quote his youngest son Zach.
One of Anton’s superpowers lies on the golf course. Our many holiday rounds of golf and chipping sessions on the Hersov Field have been a source of rejuvenation and relaxation and have also provided a space for camaraderie and shared laughter. On these fairways, I’ve seen Anton’s sportsmanship and character shine, and his skill with a club is truly something to marvel at.
Anton’s contributions to The Ridge go into many different spheres of school life. He is a versatile teacher, having taught English, STEAM, Maths, and Digital Literacy for Grades 5, 6, and 7. He has served as the editor of our excellent school magazine, Horizons, and has made an impact as the driving force behind the success of our tennis programme while contributing to many other sporting codes. As Head of Nicolson House for many years, he has had to develop resilience and humility. Anton has truly impacted every corner of our school community during his time here.
As Anton embarks on a new adventure into another hemisphere, we cannot help but feel pride and sadness. King Edward’s School in the UK is gaining an outstanding educator to head their Maths department, who will be a beacon of inspiration, a mentor, and a friend. Anton, we wish you all the success and happiness on your new journey. May the Force be with you, and may your passion for teaching continue to ignite students’ minds wherever you go.
TRIBUTE TOMaresce Opperman BY AKHONA MTSHABE
As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves saying goodbye to not just a mentor, a mother, a colleague, and a role model, but to a beacon of inspiration, compassion, and wisdom. It is with great respect and deep affection that we honour Maresce as she embarks on a new chapter in her journey.
Maresce has been more than just a teacher; she has been a guiding force, a source of strength, and a pillar of support. Her dedication to education has been unwavering, and her impact on the lives she has touched is immeasurable. As a mentor, she has shaped the minds of countless students, instilling in them not only knowledge but also a passion for learning that will endure for a lifetime.
In her role as a mother, Maresce has shown us the true meaning of nurturing. She has created a classroom environment that feels like a second home, where every student is valued, heard, and loved. Her ability to connect with each individual on a personal level has created a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom walls.
As a colleague, Maresce has been the epitome of collaboration and camaraderie. Her willingness to share ideas, offer support, and celebrate the successes of others has created a positive and uplifting work environment. She has been the glue that binds us together, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork that has made our professional journey richer and more rewarding.
In the unique setting of an all-boys school, Maresce has stood out as a beacon of compassion and understanding. Her ability to connect with each student on a personal level has created an environment boys feel seen, heard, and valued. She has not just taught them subjects; she has taught them about life, empathy, and the importance of relationships.
As we bid farewell to Maresce, let us carry with us the invaluable lessons she has imparted, both academically and personally. Her dedication to each boy’s growth, her tireless efforts to make learning engaging, and her genuine care for each student have set a standard that will resonate with us forever.
As you embark on a new chapter, know that your legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of your students. May your path be filled with continued success, and may you find as much joy and fulfillment in your future endeavours as you have given to us during your time here.
Thank you for being an extraordinary mentor, a nurturing mother, an exceptional colleague, and a role model beyond compare.
Thank you, Maresce, for being more than a teacher— for being a source of inspiration. You will be deeply missed, and your impact will endure in the stories of the students whose lives you’ve touched.
To Maresce—with heartfelt thanks and best wishes for the future.
TRIBUTE TO CLAIRE LORD BY THE LIGHTHOUSE TEAM
Our Claire arrived here 6 years ago, this beautiful, fresh-faced girl with a pixie cut, vivacious energy and a worldly manner, having just travelled to India. As a Lighthouse team, Jan, Astrid and I immediately fell in love with your spirit, your dynamic nature and widespread interests. We all knew that you would fit right in…and so you did!
You and I did have a rocky start though to be fair, me coming back from maternity leave and you having occupied my office; but it wasn’t long before I realised that you are the type of person people want to be around, with warmth, grace and genuineness.
Over the years, there have been some highs and lows that we have faced as a Lighthouse team, but it has been such a pleasure to work alongside you, sharing ideas and collaborating, having many debriefing sessions about anything and everything, and watching you grow and develop and find your voice.
Learning support can be a really tough environment to work in sometimes, advocating for children that are neuro-diverse and many of whom have lost their spark, motivation and have developed a learned helplessness along the way; but you have always managed to find a way to connect, inspire and to build up the children that you work with…one Maths sum at a time. This job is anything but black and white, and we admire how you operate so effortlessly in the grey. Pushing the boundaries, tolerating the difficulties, while showing a keen flexibility and a willingness to seek that which is novel and innovative. You are always willing to get stuck in and lend a hand or a listening ear.
“Flow” is described as a state when you are immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. This is how best we can describe your time spent with your boys…guiding them, watching them develop, celebrating the wins (no matter how small) and connecting at every juncture, with lots of laughter to boot.
Claire always has about 50 tabs open at once. She is never short of an interest or hobby and always has something up her sleeve. She is a singer for her church choir, makes gorgeous leather products, is a gin taster and margarita maker extraordinaire, a foodie, a Pilates instructor, a fitness fanatic, and a Superbalist fundi (she opened my eyes to Superbalist and we all know that it’s now a closely fought race between Becs and I for the most deliveries)! She regularly belts out a tune, is our vitamin advisor…especially getting shook with Vitamin B, Ms Green fingers, and our daily ‘TikTok video/meme laugh of the day’ finder. Her and Melissa are also in regular contest with those Westcliff Stairs…although I might add I think Melissa has learnt her lesson from daring Claire to race to the top! You are also my personal gateway to Instagram. You are our beloved Soda Stream sales lady, our vegan café mocha creator, a captivating storyteller from your trips abroad and the Jamie Oliver of snacks. You were also Aggie’s daily reminder of where to park.
As our Tik-Tok guru and always up for a trend, I do recall the time you gladly took on the challenge of roly-polying through the Lighthouse, with Jacs in absolute hysterics. Unable to speak and on the verge of the ugly laugh-cry, with Penny in the background thinking you had all lost the plot. The sound of that pure joy still reverberates in our minds.
As you are all well aware, Claire is also our queen of banter, always a moment away from a belly laugh that is infectious to others and that lifts people up. You also happen to be the Lighthouse birthday fairy, listening attentively and coming up with gift ideas that land perfectly every time.
As an extra feather in your cap, I might add that you were also always the winner of Daniel’s regular Maths challenges.
Claire is also one with nature, loving to share her office surrounds with our feathery friends the guineafowl. I recall many an occasion with me gazing out the window, delighting in the calls and longingly feeling as though we were in the bush, only to find Claire behind me…googling a myriad of guineafowl pie recipes. She just adores those black little jumpy spiders who share her office space and quickly became the Lighthouse cat whisperer, who despite her allergies and with tissue in hand, would regularly have Tigger, Tofu and Sushi on her lap or keyboard.
As a Lighthouse team we know that you always have our backs. You are honest, intentional, willing to be vulnerable, always up for a café mocha, as well as a hug, or a cry as the situation demands. Connection is at your core, and it is refreshing to see how you don’t take yourself too seriously. You are an amazing colleague and a valued friend. We love your zest for life and adventure, and your go-getter attitude. You exude an energy that allows those around you to thrive.
You once made a comment to me that you hope to be just like your mom one day, and while I don’t know your mom that well, I can safely say that those who meet you are all the better for it. You have no shortage of charm, poise, elegance, integrity and go old ‘gees’. I know your dad would be so proud!
How privileged APPS is to have you joining its ranks. We are encouraged that our future generation of girls will get to experience YOU, with your perfect balance of gentleness and fierceness.
We leave you with this quote:
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars and see yourself running with them” – Marcus Aurelius
Love Zoe, Jane, Melissa, Loyiso, Retha and Candice
TRIBUTE TO ZOë VON KLEMPERER BY HOLLY FERRAR
Zoë’s Ridge journey at The Ridge School began as a parent to her three boys who attended The Ridge between 2009 and 2020. Zoë joined us as a member of staff in The Lighthouse in 2021. She is affectionately known to the boys as Mrs vK.
Zoë impacted the lives of many children during her time in The Lighthouse. She has worked in a one-on-one capacity, with small groups and in the classrooms to work with boys who needed support or intervention. I know that each boy who has been lucky enough to experience the ‘Zoë magic’ has benefited from their experience with her. She has a remarkable way of understanding exactly what a boy needs to learn and then systematically and consistently works to achieve the goal she has set for them in a fun and engaging way.
I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from Zoë. Her positive and proactive approach to helping boys reach their potential is admirable. She is constantly one step ahead and takes a personal interest in all the boys in her care.
I have no doubt that she will continue to make a positive impact in her new role. We wish her all the very best.
I will miss Zoë’s incredible kindness, her support, and her care for her work. I will also miss her beautiful roses and our friendship, which has meant so much to me.
Thank you, Zoë, for your dedication to The Ridge over the past three years. And all the very best of luck for the next part of your journey.
TRIBUTE TO PAT MBELE BY HANLIE GLANZ
Pat and I met years ago, loooong before she joined us at The Ridge, through quizzes and library meetings. To me it was like working with a friend when she started with us in 2019.
Pat, you are one of the gentlest, most kind-hearted people I know.
In a way, I’m glad you are not retiring from Ulwazi, because when you moved to the Grade 2 realm, I already had to say (kind of) goodbye to you. But now retirement calls, and I know that I will not be the only one to miss your light, because you graced so many people with it in all the parts you played: Librarian, Chess Maestro, Zulu teacher and this year, part of the Grade 2 team.
Aunty Pat, we love you and we’ll miss you. Keep us in your memories, as we will keep you in ours!
Pat’s Odyssey at The Ridge
In halls of learning, where boys aspire,
A gem named Pat did stoke the fire.
In 2019, she graced The Ridge,
A journey that now ends, a parting bridge.
In the Senior Library, her tale took flight,
A curator of knowledge, a beacon of light.
With wisdom vast, she shared the lore,
Igniting minds in that scholarly shore.
Zulu, the tongue, she taught with grace,
Opening windows to a diverse embrace.
Chess club’s maestro, strategy’s dance,
Under her guidance, intellect would enhance.
2023 brought change, a vibrant shift,
To the Grade Two’s realm, her heart did lift.
With kindness boundless, she shaped young minds,
In every lesson, her generosity shines.
A spirit sweet, like honey’s kiss,
Pat Mbele, an essence we’ll dearly miss.
Generous, kind, and ever so bright,
Her presence made The Ridge gleam with light.
Fun and games, her joyous decree,
With boys at play, she found her glee.
In every laughter, in each shared joy,
Her legacy lingers, like a cherished alloy.
As the sun sets on this chapter dear,
Retirement calls, whispers in her ear.
Yet, in our hearts, her legacy stays,
A tribute to Pat in heartfelt praise.
For every lesson, every chess move planned,
For every Zulu word, like grains of sand.
A teacher, a friend, in memories we’ll keep,
Pat Mbele, in gratitude, our hearts sweep.
Love, Hanlie Glanz
DEPUTY HEAD/ACADEMIC’S
This year has been filled with exciting advancements aimed at enhancing our school’s learning experience. From refining our academic strategies to charting our course for the future, we have dedicated ourselves to creating an exceptional educational environment.
The isiZulu and Afrikaans departments have witnessed significant advancements under the guidance of Mrs Olivier and Mr Mtimkulu. They have revitalised language lessons by closely examining the existing programme and identifying areas for improvement. For example, the introduction of the study and enjoyment of poetry and focused enhancement of vocabulary and reading habits. Grade 7 work builds upon concepts from Grades 4-6 with greater detail, emphasising understanding over memorisation. Mrs Olivier actively engages with the boys, providing additional guidance and activities through platforms like Google Classroom. An Afrikaans assembly was held to further immerse the boys in the language, with a similar event planned for isiZulu. Mr Mtimkulu has also made significant changes in the isiZulu Department, concentrating on improving conversational proficiency. Diverse online games and resources are incorporated into lessons to make learning more engaging. For example, the Grade 5 boys had to create recipes in isiZulu and then present them to the class.
Efforts are being made to expand Discovery Based Learning through extending the Project Based Learning pedagogy into Grade 6 next year in STEAM and Social Sciences. English Master Classes and Hands-On-Future-Focus activities are planned for next year. Hands-On-Future-Focus will involve maker space activities where the boys will learn to build objects in a thoughtful, planned and creative manner. Encouraging Discovery- move up
Based Learning involves letting boys actively explore and uncover information and solutions independently. It fosters critical thinking by tackling real-world challenges through project based learning. Collaborative projects promote teamwork and communication, while hands-on fabrication methods provide experiential learning and reinforce theoretical knowledge. These methods also contribute to skill development, enhancing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, patience, attention to detail, and technical proficiency. Additionally, creating diverse objects cultivates a sense of ownership and pride, instilling a deeper connection to their work. Throughout the process, boys learn problem-solving skills such as identifying issues, analytical reasoning, decision-making, troubleshooting, planning, adaptability, and reflection. Most importantly, it promotes a sense of wonder and because boys enjoy it, it cultivates a love of learning.
The very exciting planned redesign of the OSIC building is expected to significantly enhance these pedagogical methods. The OSIC centre will contain a dedicated maker space; coding and robotics; a science laboratory and movable furniture which can be placed to enhance collaborative learning spaces for exploration, discussion (e.g. Socratic dialogue) and discovery based learning.
The RidgeUp programme, led by Mrs Debbie Rumboll, has been highly successful. The boys have thoroughly enjoyed these sessions which have enhanced their language proficiency, literary understanding, critical thinking, 21st Century competencies and confidence. Furthermore, it has exposed them to pedagogies and skills that will place them well ahead of their peers in High School and beyond. The programme is set to be extended to Grades 2-4 in the upcoming year.
There has been a wide variety of professional development for staff this year. The implementation of PurpleZA as a staff professional development platform has yielded positive results, with The Ridge School ranking fourth nationwide during October. Two staff members were among the top ten educators nationally in October. This commitment to continual learning and development drives excellence within our classrooms, fostering a culture of innovation. Making use of professional development platforms like PurpleZA and our weekly professional development sessions has provided inspiration for creative teaching approaches, while allowing us to exchange ideas about our most impactful lessons. Continued focus on showcasing classroom implementation of learned concepts is planned for next year. Notably, several staff members have also completed their Google Level 1 and 2 qualifications.
Next year, the English Programme for Grades 4 and 5 will incorporate a “Reading for Meaning” initiative. This effort is supported by training sessions from the Lighthouse, aimed at improving reading skills in the Senior Primary. Similarly, the Junior Primary received professional development sessions from the Speech Therapists regarding the very successful Grade 0 Literacy Programme and the extension thereof to Grade 1 next year.
We endeavour to offer an upgraded Science Programme. For this reason, we are separating Earth Science in Grade 7 (which is the beginning of a new phase) into Geography and Natural Science. We will be combining some of our lessons for Grade 7 boys with the St Katharine’s girls which will involve co-teaching and curriculum planning. We hope that the new, upgraded OSIC centre will also serve as a space that will challenge the boys and create excitement around Science. In addition, Grade 7 students will embark on a more structured approach to Coding and IT skills next year, preparing them for a technologically advanced future.
Our aspiration to excel in boys’ education has driven us to establish a groundbreaking research centre. This facility will facilitate progress tracking, knowledge sharing, and learning from reliable sources, heralding a new era of educational excellence.
This year has been a period of growth, enjoyment, and trailblasing pursuits at The Ridge School. From refining Academic procedures, to planning for a promising future, our commitment to providing top-tier education remains unwavering.
Pictures: The Grade 5s designed, built and raced Mars Rovers in PBL as a subcategory of their overarching driving question:”How might we find a habitable planet and make adaptations to live on it?”
By Glynnis Moore
DEPUTY HEAD / SOCIAL JUSTICE /COMMUNITY BUILDING AND WELL-BEING
The Ridge School is courageously striding towards becoming more and more a community of understanding and belonging, a place where we are completely committed to ensuring that all who are part of our school are heard and seen. We can be proud of the climate we find ourselves in as we head towards the end of 2023. The attitude displayed by our boys, parents and staff is that of being committed to working together to ensure that our school remains an institution that offers premier, value-based education, firmly rooted in a commitment to justice.
The establishment of spaces in the form of committees, where dialogue can be shared, has created a culture of openness at our school. The scope of this spans from boys to members of staff. Our Students for Social Justice Committee has been instrumental in highlighting our boys’ experiences. We have moved from a culture of avoidance to one of curiosity and willingness to engage in ways that are age appropriate and relevant.
Several events marking special occasions and public holidays have been successfully held this year and we aim to make these more impactful in the years to come.
We hope to continue strengthening the relationships that exist between ourselves and schools we are in partnership with such as Salvazione, in ways that will be beneficial to us and them. In this way, we wish to ensure that Ridge Boys understand the world beyond the confines of that which they occupy.
I hope to drive this portfolio forward in 2024 with much enthusiasm and to ensure a broader distribution of themes and activities pertaining to Social Justice.
By Songezo Malangeni
HEAD OF JUNIOR PREP
2023 has been a year of rejuvenation in The Junior Prep. Identifying what works, rethinking what doesn’t and introducing exciting new initiatives. At the forefront of all of this, has been the boys, and the underlying question we always ask ourselves is ‘what is best for the boys in our care?’
The small cohort of 43 Grade 0 boys has provided an opportunity to rethink the best teaching and learning practices for 5 and 6-year-old boys. The low teacher child ratio has had a positive impact on their learning, and we have observed significant progress in their Literacy and Numeracy acquisition during the year. With the larger cohort joining our Grade 0 class in 2024, we are excited to be able to offer this again with the addition of a fourth class.
The reimagined Literacy Program in Grade 0 has been hugely successful. Together with our school Speech Therapists, the Grade 0 team have engaged the boys in a multisensory experience of language acquisition. The layered approach enables a variety of types of learners to engage and make meaning out of the lessons, and allows time for consolidation, reinforcement, and extension. This approach is being extended into Grade 1 in 2024.
The implementation of Project Based Learning and Rotation Stations in Grade 0-3 has been well received by the boys, their teachers, and parents. The skills taught alongside the curriculum will be invaluable for the boys’ future success. There is also a heightened sense of enjoyment and excitement around teaching and learning. During the Third Term, a spotlight on differentiation within the classroom has enabled teachers to re-evaluate how they reach the many different needs of the boys within their class.
Two of our teachers in Grades 2 and 3 have undergone Rave-O training in 2023. This programme aims to teach and support reading fluency. It goes beyond repeated reading practices to help students develop their automaticity and word knowledge. We provide Rave-O classes to our Grade 2 and 3 boys who require a different approach to learning to read.
During the Third Term, we have workshopped the Code of Conduct, age appropriately with the boys in Grade 0-3. We have discussed the expectations around behaviour, as well as the processes to follow if issues relating to bullying, racism or discrimination occur. This work will continue into 2024 with frequent reminders and workshopping of relevant topics. In Grades 0 and 1, our boys engaged in the Think Equal Program. The Think Equal programme directly addresses the problem of discriminatory mindsets that perpetuate racial, gender-based and religious stereotypes. It allows children to deconstruct the foundation of these mindsets and form inclusive, empathetic, and open mindsets. The boys have completed their second cycle of The Ridge boy Attributes Self-Assessment. We have been delighted with how much they have taken on board and the seriousness with which they reflect on their Novice, Apprentice or Master status. The Happy Chappie initiative in Grade 3 has been very popular amongst the boys and served its purpose with regards to getting the boys used to the process of reflecting, showing gratitude and being of service to others.
We go into 2024 with an excellent team of teaching staff. We say goodbye to Mrs Wendy Shultz who has taught in Grade 1 in a locum capacity. We are grateful to Mrs Shultz for so seamlessly resuming her Grade 1 post and for her care of the boys in her class. Miss Thea Shapiro will take over as a permanent appointment in 2024. Miss Kristy Kirkby will join us to teach the fourth Grade 0 class and Ms Cheryl Pleass will join us in Grade 0 in a Locum capacity while Mrs Webster takes maternity leave. We wish Mrs Webster all the very best as she begins the wonderful journey into motherhood.
I have absolutely loved my first year as the Head of the Junior Prep and am grateful to members of the Leadership Team, The Board, parents, boys, my family and the wonderful teachers and support staff in the Junior Prep for their support, guidance, and trust in me. I am looking forward to the years ahead and feel excited for what is still to come.
By Holly Ferrar
HEAD OF SENIOR PREP
If 2022 was a year of getting back on our feet after the Covid outbreak, then 2023 was certainly a year of “Striding” as we welcomed Mr Rumboll into The Ridge community as our new Headmaster. I am pleased to say that the school is in rude health and a school that we can all be proud of.
We have always prided ourselves on being a school that puts the learner at the centre of all that we do. We are a school where “Boys are Known and Grown” and we are proud of this history, and its values are at the core of who we are and the “Golden Thread” that binds us all. Whilst inclusivity and diversity are attributes that good schools strive to achieve, our belief is that we are an exceptional school, a school that intentionally strives to create environments whereby our learners feel a deep sense of belonging.
“The interactions among and across group members help to define the emotional climate, tone, or ethos of a place. In a culture of thinking, teachers’ interactions with students show a respect for and an interest in students’ thinking while nurturing their development as valued, competent individuals able to contribute effectively to the group.” This can only be achieved if our boys have a deep sense of belonging.
Academic excellence is something we strive for but a love for lifelong learning is our chief goal. We are once again pleased to announce that our students are highly sought after by the many colleges locally and abroad. This year we are proud to announce that no fewer than 14 scholarships were offered to our boys.
This year we introduced some new programmes to our academic offering. We had The Social Justice Committee, that aims to provide more of a voice to our learners and acts as the link between the community, school, and learners. The beauty of this committee is that it helps the boys to raise issues in an open structured environment. The boys themselves become the change agents of their environment, and already they have been able to make suggestions that are more aligned to the needs of the educational climate.
The Ridge Up Programme has been another successful venture. This dynamic English Programme allows for enhanced language proficiency whilst garnering a love for the English language. I believe that this programme is one that will continue to go from strength to strength and aid in our boys’ critical thinking as they go through their educational journey at The Ridge.
Progressive we are, but there are certain traditions and occasions that bring us together more than most. The school’s Founders’ Day is one such event, with the cacophony of laughter and delicious smells permeating the schools’ passageways and fields. This is the red-letter day on the calendar, one that the entire community looks forward to. This year was no exception and it lived up to all the hype and more.
The PA committee plays an important role in fundraising and being a source of support for our school. These special individuals give so generously of their gifts, time, and passion and it comes through strongly in all that they do.
There were some slight tweaks this year with one such change being the Neon Run, which was held on the school premises for the first time. This helped in creating a more intimate family environment and marked a positive change to how things had been done previously.
We had our usual favourites such as the Lumo Dance, Cake Sales, an Art Auctions and the Soap Box Derby to name but a few of the events that this selfless team put together. To Sarah Carmicheal and her team, we are hugely grateful for your selfless work.
“The hidden-curriculum concept is based on the recognition that students absorb lessons in school that may or may not be part of the formal course of study—for example, how they should interact with peers, teachers, and other adults; how they should perceive different races, groups, or classes of people; or what ideas and behaviours are considered acceptable or unacceptable.”
One such formalised way that we encourage the hidden curriculum and bring it to life, is through our various tours and grade camps. This year was no different as the boys packed their sleeping bags and headed off to their various destinations around the country. The unintended consequences of these tours can not be underestimated and allows for the boys to grow their resilience and see their peers in a different environment and light.
Winning isn’t everything but our aim is to always put our best foot forward, compete always and win whenever possible. On the sporting front we competed admirably in most of our sporting codes and had some truly noteworthy results in others.
Some of the highlights came through during our Athletics season where two of our boys set new records at the Prestige Athletics meet. We are proud of the commitment and dedication shown by these boys, and we look forward to supporting them in the future. Another success story belongs to the Grade 5 water Polo team, who won the prestigious Willy Castle Festival. It was the first time in the school’s history that a Ridge side has won the competition. A positive indicator that this group of boys can achieve even greater heights in the years ahead..
Not to be outdone the Music Department was in full swing once again as we were treated to musical soirées, school productions, and a firm favourite, Linder Auditorium Choir Festivals. It is said that “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” And for that we are forever grateful to our Music Department and the massive role they play in our boys’ journey.
A noteworthy first this year was the introduction of the Leavers Camp. This camp was designed as a final get-together for our boys and offered them an opportunity for self-reflection on their journey at The Ridge. The camp was ultimately a huge success and I’m sure the first of many to come.
The Springbok motto as they headed to France to defend the William Webb Ellis Trophy was “Stronger Together.” My wish as you head off into the festive season is that we live with the spirit of Ubuntu and remember what can be achieved when we put aside our differences and work together.
As the year draws to a close, we reflect on another successful term of music. The boys have represented us well and shone in all the performances that were on offer.
Founder’s Day
Last term, we ended the school term with Founder’s Day, where our choirs and orchestras showcased their talents to the community. It was followed by some fabulous performances on the main stage at the Founder’s Day Festivities, where the Rock Band, Guitar Ensemble and Jazz Band pulled out all the stops in front of a tremendously appreciative crowd.
Choir Festivals
Term Three had hardly commenced before we hosted the highly successful choir festivals at the Linder Auditorium. The combined choirs are the magic that makes these festivals such special events and our boys most certainly rose to the occasion.
The Sound of Children is the festival for Junior primary choirs where the children are accompanied by an Orchestra and conducted by the renowned Mr Richard Cock. Our Junior Choir lads beguiled the audience with their renditions of “Candy Man” and “Mango Walk”.
The Combined Choirs Festival was another notable event, especially as our Grade 6 and 7 orchestra boys accompanied the combined choirs with such skill, confidence and aplomb.
Ensemble Opportunities
The Jazz Band and Senior Orchestra were invited to perform at the St Mary’s Ensemble Festival again this year. Our boys gave an energetic performance and the evening culminated in all the schools performing together in a large combined orchestra – a special performance for many.
An exciting new event, added to the calendar this year, was a truly amazing collaboration between the Art and Music Departments for the Senior Primary Art Exhibition and Music Soirée. Our Guitar Ensemble showcased their hard work, and many of our individual students performed to a very supportive audience.
Our Grade 7s performed at their last senior Soirée earlier in the term, showing just how much they have grown over the past four years. The boys played with confidence and musicality and the evening was enjoyed by all.
Community events
The Junior choir was invited to perform at a remembrance service for CHOC. Their professionalism and etiquette were above reproach, and the boys gave a heart-felt performance. Ine of our choir mums donated the most beautiful mementos for the service, and the boys added a touch of beauty, with pink carnations in their blazer pockets
The final music event for the year was our traditional Carols by Candlelight Picnic on the Rose Field. Families enjoyed a special time together, singing favourite carols, while reflecting on the messages of peace and love. Our orchestra, Junior and Senior choirs added a special sparkle to thee evening. There was even a surprise performance by our staff choir at the end, singing “African Christmas”. It was a wonderful way to end off the year and celebrate Christmas together as a Ridge community.
It has been another bumper term of music, and the growth of our boys was celebrated in so many ways. I wish you all a well-deserved holiday, filled with rest and important time spent with family.
By Carol Ackermann
SPORTS OVERVIEW
A Season of Sporting Triumphs Unfolds at The Ridge School
As the Academic year draws to a close, The Ridge School takes pride in reflecting on a spectacular season of sporting achievements, highlighting the diverse talents and unwavering dedication of our boys. From Cricket to Water Polo, our students have excelled in various disciplines, showcasing the resilience and skill that define The Ridge sporting ethos.
Cricket: Tours Across the Country and Dominance at Camp Discovery
Under the banner of The Ridge School, the cricket team experienced a final term filled with excitement and success. The culmination brought about five different tours across the country, with one hosted at Camp Discovery. In a testament to our cricketing prowess, our boys pulled off three emphatic wins against tough rivals, securing their dominance on the pitch.
Basketball: Slam Dunking Success at the Kearsney Basketball Festival
Our Basketball team journeyed to KwaZulu-Natal to participate in the inaugural Kearsney Basketball Festival, leaving an indelible mark with their stellar performances. The festival provided a platform for our talented players to compete against formidable opponents, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and skill development on the court.
Rugby: Running Rugby Takes Center Stage
Rugby, a cornerstone of our sporting excellence, witnessed our teams embracing an exciting brand of running rugby. The dedication of our players and the strategic prowess of our coaches were evident on the field, culminating in a season marked by thrilling matches and impressive victories.
Hockey: A Compulsory Commitment to Excellence
This season, The Ridge School took a bold step by making Hockey compulsory for every single boy. The decision paid off as our Hockey teams delivered exceptional performances, demonstrating that commitment and passion can indeed elevate a sport to new heights.
Football: Showcasing Talent on Tour
The Football season took our senior players on an incredible tour to Camp Discovery and Penryn, where they had the opportunity to showcase their talents. Every single boy in the school participated, emphasising our commitment to inclusivity and the holistic development of our students through this beautiful game.
Athletics: Breaking Records and Making History
The Prestige Athletics event, co-hosted with St Stithians Boys Prep, provided a platform for our athletes to shine. Two Ridge boys etched their names in history by breaking records, exemplifying the spirit of competition and excellence that defines our school’s Athletics programme.
Cross Country: U9 Boys Triumph at Rietvlei
The Cross Country season concluded with a fantastic showing at Rietvlei. Notably, our U9 boys secured victory in their section, adding another feather to the cap of our successful running program.
Water Polo: Historic Win at Willy Castle Tournament
The Water Polo season concluded with our U11 team achieving a historic milestone by winning the prestigious Willy Castle tournament for the first time in school history. Their accomplishment is a testament to the dedication and teamwork instilled in our Water Polo Programme.
In conclusion, The Ridge School celebrates a season of triumphs and achievements across various sports. Our athletes have not only showcased their skills but have also embodied the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. As we look back on this extraordinary season, we eagerly anticipate the continued success and growth of The Ridge School in the years to come.
By Ryan Bezuidenhout
SALT
SALT is a valuable time for boys of different ages to connect. SALT, Sharing And Learning Together, is an opportunity where each boy has a chance to chat to and learn from others. The Grade 7 leader takes the boys from Grade 1 to Grade 6, under his wing guiding them on a variety of topics.
SALT is held twice a term on a Friday and is planned by various members of staff. The way in which the boys interact is genuine and meaningful. This creates a brotherhood that goes beyond just these sessions. It is a time to get to know each other better and create a safe environment.
There is a dedicated staff member for each group, facilitating the discussions and activity. Within these small group of 7 – 9 boys, the teachers really get to know the boys within their group. This is a special and unique time during the term that we can be grateful for the lessons we can learn from each other.
We look forward to developing these connections further next year!
By Di Wellard
GRADE 0 OVERVIEW
The Grade 0 boys have had an exciting and busy year in the Parker Block. The new little lads took no time at all to settle into their classes, find their feet and wear their Ridge uniform with pride. The Grade 0 teachers and class assistants have had such fun getting to know these special boys, watching them grow from strength to strength as the year progressed.
Some of the highlights of the year have included enjoying a delicious braai and boerie roll with the St Katharines’ girls for Heritage Day, riding around the Lawley Road carpark on their bicycles for Bike Day, celebrating 100 days of School dressed up in our finest outfits, performing in our Grade 0 Music concert, flower arranging for Spring Day, as well as enjoying a wonderful Pirate Picnic.
We have thoroughly enjoyed all the special moments with our Grade family members this year. Our moms were all treated to a Mother’s Day morning, where they were pampered with manicures, and had a chance to create some beautiful bracelets with their sons. The dads were invited to come in for a morning of building and creating, where they all had a chance to show off their woodwork skills and build boats with their sons for our Grade 0 Boat Race in The Ridge School pool. And let’s not forget when our Grandparents were invited to attend a special Grandparents’ concert and tea in our Grade 0 garden.
The Grade 0 boys learned all about Occupations in Term 3 and were visited by three very special groups of people. Our first visit was from the Parkview Police Department, whereby the Grade 0 boys got to learn all about how to become a police officer, what our police officers do on a daily basis and what it is like to ride in a police van. Our second visit was from the Fire department. All the boys got to spray the fire hose and they all learned how to put out fires, use firefighter equipment and stop, drop and roll. Our last visit was from a group of Paramedics. The boys all got to sit inside an ambulance, listen to the siren and ask the professionals some medical questions.
This year our Grade 0 boys were involved in two major community outreach projects. Our first was a collection drive for an Old Age Home for Mandela day and our second was our Santa Shoebox project. Each boy decorated a shoebox with Christmas stamps, glitter and special drawings. The parents kindly filled each box with the requested goodies to bring joy to the little people over the festive season.
All in all, it has been a wonderful 2023 and our Grade 0 boys are ready to make the journey up the stairs and discover the wonders of Grade 1.
By Ashley Webster
GRADE 1 OVERVIEW
Another exciting year in Grade 1 has come to an end. The boys experienced a more formal approach to learning and engaging with the Grade 1 Curriculum.
The boys enjoyed the camaraderie of working and learning together. Even though the focus was more on the ‘3 R’s’ (reading, writing and ‘rithmetic’ 😊), their days were filled with fun and laughter. The teachers always enjoy seeing the pride and sense of accomplishment on a boy’s face when he ‘cracks the code’ and realises that he can read!
Grade 1 learning extends across the curriculum and PE, Afrikaans, Zulu and Music lessons are attended with much enthusiasm. Coding lessons and Story Time in the Media Centre is a favourite past ttime for the boys. Aside from the afternoon PE Sport activities, many of our boys choose to participate in various extra-curricular activities (Drama, Homework Supervision, Pottery, Chess, Yoga and Tennis), making for a busy and exciting day.
The boys enjoy all the special events on the school calendar. Cake sales are a fan favourite followed by Founders’ Day and the Soap Box Derby. All events are attended enthusiastically with lots of ideas for their independent writing after the event.
There are three exciting outings in Grade 1. Garden World gave them a tractor ride, planting, playing and a delicious ice cream at the end of the trip. Croc City afforded them the opportunity to learn about reptiles, hold a baby croc and a huge python. They were fearless! A new venue we tried was the Mapatiza Mine. The boys learned all about the precious stones found in our country, went down a shallow mine and returned home with a few precious stones for themselves. The highlight was watching dirty rocks go into a tumbler for washing and come out all shiny and beautiful. Each boy learned what their birthstone was.
We ended the year on an exhausted but high note. Our Angels and Stars sparkled in the Nativity Play then swam their hearts out a week later in the Gala. A bittersweet farewell was said to their exiting Grade 7 SALT leaders. Now they are more than ready for the long December vacation.
By Tracy Beukes
GRADE 2 OVERVIEW
Grade 2 2023- a year to be remembered!
It has been the most exhilarating year in Grade 2! From a cultural, sporting and academic perspective, it has been action packed and full of adventure.
Term 1 started off with a bang as we began our extra Art programme. The boys challenged their fine motor skills with collage, decoupage, and beading. They also learnt how to use different mediums to create artwork. Then came the celebration of Shrove Tuesday. The boys enjoyed some pancakes on the terrace and themed activities about the significance and history of the day were done during the week. The theme of Patterning was explored through Project- Based Learning as well. For this, the boys had to have a closer look at the current design of our school bathrooms and come up with an exciting way to redesign them. The creativity and problem-solving skills displayed by the boys were so endearing. By far the most exciting experience for Term 1 was the outing on the Big Red Bus where they got to explore our beautiful city of Johannesburg. The boys displayed such good manners and many of them thanked the driver independently after the day trip.
We started discussing the cultures of people in South Africa and the food that they eat at the beginning of Term 2. Thanks to the organised and helpful mums of Grade 2, the boys had the opportunity to make and taste a variety of delicious South African treats. Some of these were koeksisters, mealie bread, boerewors, vetkoek and rooibos tea. This was by far the most interactive way to learn about the food of our beautiful and unique country. Ending the term off with our annual Founders’ Day was just the cherry on top!
Term 3 was the busiest term by far. Problem-solving was practically experienced during our outing to Honeydew Mazes this term. The boys were so pleased with themselves being amid nature and working their way through the maze. Literacy week was another learning opportunity for the boys. They got to watch shows by both Hooked on Books and On Cue Theatre. A new and exciting event in Grade 2 this year was the ‘talk of the town’ as the boys dressed up for a 3-course meal. This ‘Formal Friday’ is sure to become a tradition in Grade 2, keeping with the theme of ancient civilizations and the development of tools in Life Skills.
Throughout the year, the boys relished many of the school activities and events. One of the most well-received extracurriculars was the Junior Choir. There was an impressive cohort of boys who came to school early every Thursday morning to part-take in this enriching activity. Their talent and commitment was celebrated by the huge applause for their performance at the Linder Auditorium. Some of the other events which were exciting for the boys were the book character Reading Breakfast and the Roald Dahl Reading Breakfast. The Grade 2 Family picnic was also a wonderful event shared with their families at the school. Two absolute highlights for many of the boys were the Lumo Dance and the PA Night Run where they could wear their luminous clothing and accessories.
The sporting matches this year were played with ambition and enthusiasm. The boys gave their all during the sporting seasons and played with absolute passion. Their fighting spirit was a daily sight as the boys engaged in the football played at break time. Athletics Day was a great opportunity for the Grade 2 runners to show their potential too. They ran with everything they had and made us all very proud. This enthusiasm was mirrored in the Soapbox Derby. The boys ran for their house to win and were treated to an ice cream as a reward for their dedication. It has been so amazing to watch their sporting growth over the year! Of course, the triumphant celebration of the Springboks World Cup win was a great way to inspire the boys and instill a sense of pride in being a South African.
It has been such a stimulating year, filled with experiences, exploration, skills development and a whole lot of learning! The Rotary gifts, Nativity Play and the Carols by Candlelight were all a good reminder for the boys to have gratitude and reverence for all that they were blessed with in the past year.
We are so proud of all our boys and how much they have grown in character and size!
By Jhulan Govan
GRADE 3 OVERVIEW
We have had a phenomenal year and the boys had a fun learning experience. The boys participated in various dress-up days like Mr. Men, the Reading breakfast and Pirate Day. This is but to name just a few.
Boys put their cooking skills to the test by making noodles for Chinese New Year and decorating Valentine’s Day cookies. They had good entertaining skills too and outdid themselves by hosting St Katherine’s School for Girls, for our Easter Breakfast.
The boys also experienced the Magaliesberg River, to test if our water was healthy enough by looking for certain types of insects. It was both a treat and an adventure. The Themes we chose this year were geared towards exploring different places and concepts and allowing boys to learn history and experience it first-hand. They loved The Ridge History Week and the visit to Holy Family College was one they will never forget. The boys participated in an interesting programme with our school’s archivist Mrs. J Herman, and literally stood in the shoes of pupils from the year 1920. They wrote with ink pens and wore pinafores and practised cursive handwriting. The boys had a whale of a time.
Term 3 has been an amazing highlight for the boys. Their first camp visit to Camp Discovery was a blast. The boys became independent overnight and enjoyed what the campsite had to offer.
Not to mention our Nativity Play. Wow! They were the main characters, and the singing and acting were sublime. Our year has been a successful one and we ended it off with a formal Thanksgiving Assembly. Each boy received a special certificate with The Ridge School prayer and photos reminding them of the special year we have had.
As our boys move to the Senior School, we wish them the very best for their journey ahead.
By Carmin Groenewald
GRADE 4 OVERVIEW
During this year, 2023, Grade 4 was a new adventure for many. It was an exciting time with a new teaching team that felt enthusiastic and energised by a fresh start. The boys themselves had been equally excited, ever since ordering their caps the year before.
The capping ceremony was one of significance as the boys were welcomed into the Senior Prep by their appointed Grade 7. It was the start of taking more responsibility, being independent and understanding one’s own strengths.
The introduction of new subjects, such as Social Science, Natural, Science, Life Orientation and Creative Arts saw the boys develop their curiosity about the World Around them and their place in it.
With these new subjects , and the more self-directed approach to learning through the more regular use of Ipads, the boys found their passion for learning. Challenging themselves during the Science Expo was a unique experience. They did extremely well in explaining their thinking, making valid connections to their personal lives.
Some of the highlights were the Senior Prep play where the boys performed extremely well, the Grade 4 camp and the Carols by Candlelight. It has been a wonderful year that showed the boys that they could overcome challenges when they showed grit and determination.
This was shown on the sports field as well. With the introduction of new optional sports such as Canoeing, Climbing and Water Polo, the Gr 4 boys found themselves busier than ever during the afternoons.
It has been a year of learning, laughing and brotherhood. Thank you to the boys who have been amazing from start to finish, always doing their best and stepping out of their comfort zones.
By Di Wellard
GRADE 5 OVERVIEW
Grade 5 Class of 2023: Enthusiastic, diligent, resolute and courageous. This year may have sped by, but it was filled with so many magical memories.
Together we explored Kensuke’s Kingdom and replicated it on Minecraft. We owned the stage with our heroic dance moves at the school play and created inspiring art with the Cardboard Project and the Pool Noodle. In English, we became poets and learnt to interpret the poems of others. Vegetable gardens were prepared, parachutes designed and tested, while trips to Egypt were planned on strict budgets in Project Based Learning. We were also privileged enough to experience snow, build snowmen and have snowball fights in July.
In September, we made hundreds of peanut butter sandwiches which provided much needed sustenance to the people who live on the streets of Rosebank and the surrounding areas.
Out on the Sports field, we experienced the value of teamwork and were quite successful on the Rugby and Soccer fields, victorious in the Water Polo pool and determined on the Cricket field. We enjoyed sport tours to KwaZulu Natal and Knysna., where we met incredible families and made good friends. The last quarter of this year will forever be engraved in our memories as we supported the Springboks and witnessed a country united by sport.
As the year wound down, we had the popcorn challenge in Mathematics which forced us to think outside the box and count 293 popcorn pieces for hours. As the curtain closed on 2023, we visited Bounce in Fourways and Happy Island. Sweet, sweet memories.
Grade Fives, you have poured your infectious energy, creativity and light into our classrooms and made each day a pleasure to be here. Now it is time for you to continue your journey as the inspiring individuals that you have grown to be. Unlock your potential and continue making excellent choices!
By Maresce Opperman
GRADE 6 OVERVIEW
Our Grade 6 year: A year of adventure, learning and building new friendships. This year has been like every other year, filled with valuable lessons, wonderful experiences and ensuring that lasting friendships have been forged. One highlight for our boys was our annual camp, where the boys immersed themselves in every activity that was on offer and made an indelible impact on those around them.
Our camp, which took place at the Blyde River Adventure Camp, provided opportunities for our boys to learn beyond the classroom walls. They discovered the importance of teamwork, problem-solving and just having fun with their friends. They triumphed together when they realised working as a team benefited them and created a sense of unity, all while they were having fun.
Sport played a significant role in shaping the Grade 6 experience, with the boys participating in Swimming, Water Polo, Basketball, Cricket, Rugby, and Hockey. They learned valuable life skills while on the various sports fields. The boys were encouraged to push their boundaries to show growth whether it was scoring a goal in Hockey or mastering a new skill on the Rugby field.
Amidst the Academic challenges, the boys shared laughter and fun while also playing their part in our Mandela Day activities. They had an opportunity to collect much needed items for the babies and toddlers at Princess Alice Adoption Home and spoiling the staff with some special treats. While spending time with the babies and toddlers, they also realised that any small act of kindness does make a difference.
The boys earned a wonderful Pizza Party for themselves as they worked collaboratively to ensure that their performance for our school play was a success. Their energy and enthusiasm were certainly noticeable.
Reflecting on this year, our Grade 6 boys have emerged as a group who have not only overcome some Academic challenges but have also been given opportunities to celebrate their victories. They have developed a sense of discipline and resilience as they take on their last year at The Ridge School.
By Deidre Leibrandt
GRADE 7 OVERVIEW
The Grade 7 year is special as it is the boys’ final chapter at prep school. We encourage the boys to make the most of their time in Grade 7 and enjoy being leaders of the school. Once the novelty of walking on the grass and having their own bathroom wears off, the boys have to work towards managing their personal goals and ambitions and ending their year with purpose.
It has been a busy year for the Grade 7s; from various tours to an SP production, the boys had to juggle a busy calendar of events and must be commended on their ability to manage their responsibilities maturely. The boys must be congratulated on their successful Market Day project, where they displayed their inventive and clever entrepreneurial skills. The money raised will go towards the traditional Grade 7 gift to the school. The Grade 7 boys were the first to experience the Leavers’ Reflection Celebration this year. This new event encouraged boys to consider their time at The Ridge and their journey ahead. It was an overnight camping experience, and the event ended with a kite-flying activity, which the parents and the boys enjoyed. We hope that this event is the start of a new tradition at The Ridge. Using the Headmaster’s Leadership Programme, they challenged themselves and worked toward developing personal skills and helping the community as well. The boys represented the school and themselves on many occasions without fault, and they showcased their talents both in and out of the classroom.
The class of 2023 is a special group of boys who value and respect their peers. The boys worked together to bring magic to the Grade 7 year, and they must be proud of their achievements. Every boy contributed to the success of the year.
By Urvasi Naidoo
ART OVERVIEW
The Ridge Art Studio has been a busy, messy, inquiring, and inspiring space in 2023. In addition to discovering new artists and techniques, art class is about imagination, solving problems, resilience, humility, respect and appreciation for diverse cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds.
We were able to celebrate the creativity and individuality of our Ridge boys in this year’s Senior Art Exhibition and Art Auction. These events gave boys a special platform to witness each other’s artistic achievements and the power of visual expression.
Art classes provide a space for innovation and creativity. There should not be a formula for producing art. Having the freedom to make mistakes, and seeing them as opportunities to create something new, isa guiding philosophy, which allows our boys the liberty to make the interesting creations they do. Some of these creations were auctioned to parents on a very successful September evening, while each boy had the opportunity to display his most successful individual piece at our Art Exhibitions. These occasions highlighted the power of art to our boys– the power to make change, to raise awareness and to better understand ourselves and others. In that light, 2023 has seen our young artists engaging meaningfully with their social and natural environments.
The Grade 7s collaborated to paint a series of early learning images for the Princess Alice Adoption home. This experience enriched our boys’ understanding of community outreach, and the role that art can play in broader society. Other projects have focused on contemporary South African Art against the context of our past.
Grade 6 boys were challenged throughout the year to deepen their journey into the art of communicating through image. They produced Pop Art paintings, paper tube mandalas, mysterious landscapes, and shape shifting photographs.
Our Grade 5s enjoyed their forays into the concept of flight. They did this by looking into deep space and painting undiscovered worlds. They designed 3D beetles frozen in flight and collaborated on large floating figures inspired by Henri Matisse.
The Grade 4s expanded their cultural and environmental awareness by drawing cultural houses, creating symmetrical Ndebele designs, and painting Karoo windmills. Art lessons spent in The Ridge gardens informed their Aloe paintings. All of this resulted in thoughtful discussions, which were supported by our Philosophy for Children (P4C) sessions.
I wish for our boys to share the sentiments of the late Hugh Masekela “I am a forward-looking person and live in the moment to build for the future.’’ At The Ridge we encourage boys to use creative thinking to build a platform for future problem solving. 2023 has been an incredibly productive year in the Art Studio, with positive challenges and opportunities for expression, experimentation, thinking and building.
By Nicci Kurz
MARKETING OVERVIEW
When you look back at a year, different things mean different things to different people. Some people get excited because the new year brings a change, while other people might not want to say goodbye to this year for many reasons, but the golden thread that is consistent is that fact that we can’t go back, and we can’t re-do.
While, I say we can’t go back, we can always look back and remember what the year was, with its highs and lows but more importantly what have we learnt this year and what can we take away from 2023. A list could be drawn up of what marketing achieved from the High School Expo, The Ridge Golf Day, the Old Boys Reunions etc. but if we want to look at those, we can always look on Facebook. What I wanted to take away from this year (and to share with you) is a few lines from a poem called “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann, “You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here” and “With all it’s sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.”
The first line “You are a child of the universe…… and you have a right to be here”, resonates with me. Regardless of who we are, we all have a right to be here and while I walk through the school that has seen many generations of boys, every single boy that has walked the corridors of The Ridge, has a right to be here. And the second line “With all it’s sham…..it is still a beautiful world”, with so much bad in the world right now, from wars, to load shedding, to uncertainty we still are part of a beautiful world. Sometimes we need to stop and look at the beauty that we have at The Ridge, from the gardens to the building, to the opportunities, the teachers, the boys laughter and you see “it is still a beautiful world”
Wishing Everyone “Happy Holidays”, and enjoy your time with friends and family.
Take Care
By Jenni Carbonari
PA OVERVIEW
“Community is much more than belonging to something; it is about doing something together that makes belonging matter.” Brian Solis.
2023 has been the settling of our normal and the return to a slightly overpacked calendar!
We have hosted: Lumo Dance, Neon Night Run, six Cake Sales, Mothers’ Lunch, the Soap Box Derby, The Ridge School Golf Day, a Grade 6 and 7 Social, JP and SP Art Auction, Founders’ Day, and The Ridge School Carol Service, all facilitated by our Parents’ Association. These events have raised in excess of R500 000 that will be allocated according to our commitments to Salvazione, The Ridge School Family Fund and The Ridge School Infrastructure Projects.
In addition to these events, we have run a successful ‘Tops & Tags’ recycling programme which, assisted by a generous parent, will enable us to provide two paediatric wheelchairs to deserving recipients. It is heartening that we have had willing parents who have run and grown these most worthwhile initiatives with such success.
The PA has gifted all staff with birthday chocolates and thoughtful cards from the different Grades. We have been able to upgrade our previous airtime vouchers to airtime that renews monthly for the year. Through this generosity we have been able to deliver eleven times more than previously and in much tougher economic conditions; something for this community to be exceedingly proud of.
The unglamorous task of Lost Property has been ably and kindly managed with ‘show days’ and some behind the scenes coordination to return unlabelled items. Lost Property has also recently benefitted from an upgraded sorting area which will facilitate a more organised method for parents and boys to check for lost or misplaced items.
These events and activities encompass much of the exceptional spirit of this school. They speak to what we hold close to our hearts and what we aspire to be to one another as a community. We love the views, the trees, the people, the gardens, the buildings and so it is no surprise that this year saw us bringing the Neon Night Run home to The Ridge. There is much to be celebrated about a place that makes us feel at home.
All of the effort that is expended in organising these events is centred around a desire to enhance the opportunities for our community to participate in the sense of enjoyment and belonging. The measure of success of these events is much more, it is the measure of how much this community loves being together. The Ridge is a wonderful, caring community.
The year has seen us gather momentum under the energised leadership of our headmaster. The entire staff and support teams are the backbone of the school and this year we have seen that the impact of outstanding leadership by an individual can empower this team to greater heights. The growth in optimism and delivery of consistent progress has resulted in a commitment to new and exciting infrastructure projects and prospects. This will ensure that the school’s educational aspirations and leadership are mirrored in its built environment and improved facilities.
My sincere thanks goes out to the extraordinary people who step up and contribute to what has been our frenetic and enjoyable 2023 calendar! Likewise thank you to all of the enthusiastic attendees of all of the events and occasions; there is no greater enjoyment to be had than a good turnout of a great crowd.
By Sarah Carmichael
JUNIOR PREP SPORTS OVERVIEW
In 2023, the Junior Prep Sport Department achieved notable success, delivering an enjoyable and engaging experience in Physical Education for the boys. This accomplishment has effectively closed the gap from the previous year and ensured the active participation of all boys in a structured Sports Programme. The Physical Education curriculum has been designed to enhance motor and cognitive skills, physical fitness, as well as personal and social skills. Special emphasis has been given to honing skills such as balance, coordination, eye-hand coordination, and ball skills, with interactive games during lessons proving instrumental in practically advancing these abilities.
A substantial emphasis has been placed on Swimming for Grades 0-2. The boys have benefited from smaller ability groups during Swimming lessons, leading to heightened confidence and advancements in Swimming stroke technique, speed, and endurance. The commitment displayed by the boys has translated into ongoing improvement.
The Afternoon Sports Programme seeks to introduce a variety of sports, including Cricket, Tag Rugby, Soccer, and Hockey. Structured practices within this programme are tailored to deepen the boys’ understanding of each sport and foster a passion for diverse athletic activities. As an extension to the programme, Grade 2s could engage in matches against other schools in Cricket, Tag Rugby, and Soccer.
The boys are certainly deserving of commendation for their dedication to both the Physical Education and Afternoon Sporting Programmes. They have collectively and individually made significant strides in skill development, consistently expressing enthusiasm for each lesson. Gratitude is extended to all coaches in the Junior Sports Department for their pivotal role in coaching and contributing to the success of the Junior Sports Programme. Anticipation is high for an exhilarating year ahead, brimming with more opportunities for sports.
By Phumlani Mnculwane
LIGHTHOUSE OVERVIEW
Resting on a bookshelf in my home is a tall stack of The Ridge School Yearbooks, spanning 14 years. These well-thumbed magazines capture snippets of the busy school lives of countless boys, including my three sons. The magazines also chronicle the changing hairstyles and … um … fashions worn by school staff, who have been instrumental in the making of Ridge Boys.
In the 2014 Yearbook, Paul Channon, former Headmaster, mentions the conversion of the boarding house into a dedicated Learning Support space, called The Lighthouse. The Lighthouse is just one of the spaces in which learning is supported. The social interactions, both planned and incidental, that boys experience within and outside of their classrooms all support their learning.
At The Ridge, various tiers and forms of support are planned for, and adjusted, according to our students’ needs. The Lighthouse Team is responsible for providing therapy and learning support to individuals and small groups across the grades, co-teaching in some classrooms, too. We keep all those invested in the learning journey of each boy ‘in the loop’. This necessitates regular meetings with our multi-disciplinary team, parents, teachers, school leaders and, sometimes, external therapists. As boys progress through the grades, The Lighthouse ensures that boys’ support needs are shared with (and understood by) their teachers. These ‘handovers’, as we call them, are no small feat.
In the Lighthouse, we juggled a handover of another sort, this year. We bid farewell to Penny Meyer, whose wisdom and humility we sorely miss. In January, we will welcome Val Witt, to head up The Lighthouse – a place where boys are truly known.
By Zoë von Klemperer
ULWAZI OVERVIEW
The year started off with a bang! In the first term there was a record number of 11 boys volunteering to assist in the Senior Library (or Media Centre, as the old plaque proclaimed the space). These boys added such value to the library space by labelling books, covering books, shelving books and helping boys find their next exciting read. Their most important job came when we decided to rename our exciting space. They came up with a list of names and after a vote by the staff, Ulwazi was born. Ulwazi means “Knowledge and Wisdom” – the perfect name for a space that nurtures young readers to learn, explore and imagine when they go on mystical journeys through the books on our shelves.
We had three very exciting events in collaboration with the JP Library this year: Our two Reading Breakfasts, celebrating World Book Day in March, and Roald Dahl Day in September and then of course our much-anticipated Literacy Week in July.
The Reading Breakfasts were a fabulous mix of book sales, creative costumes and family picnics. Literacy Week was filled literary events, carefully chosen to inspire boys to read. We had authors talking to the boys, pyjama-dress-up-day, book shows and theatre productions, book sales and of course, the very exciting Inter-School Quiz Final which saw Rose House as the winners.
This year ends with our bi-annual stocktake. Some of the Ulwazi Assistants have been invaluable, helping us scan and reshelve the almost 13 000 books. Mrs Glanz’s mum, Heléne Lombard, affectionately known as Nonna to her grandchildren, came out of retirement and spent days in the textbook-cupboard (Our own Nonna in the Cupboard!) to sort out the text books and stocktake them as well.
To end off, after listening to other school librarians express concern about reading in their schools, I would like to share some statistics about library usage in Ulwazi.
Number of books taken out (excl. Textbooks)
2022
2023
2648
4182
We are very blessed to have our boys excited about reading. Ulwazi is a hive of activity during every free minute of the day. This just proves that books and boys can go hand-in-hand. Thank you to all the staff who encourage this enthusiasm in our boys. Without you, my job would be a lot harder!
To my fabulous 2023 Assistants: Avu, Brunello, David, Jamie Berridge, Jamie Grantham, Nick, Oscar, Pranav, Imran, James, and Thor… I will miss you. Thank you for all you have done to help me in Ulwazi. My door is always open for you. Pop in to say hello!
I look forward to another year filled with imagination, excitement, enthusiasm and giggles shared, in Ulwazi.
Wishing everyone a blessed 2024!
By Hanlie Glanz
JUNIOR PREP LIBRARY OVERVIEW
2023 has welcomed all the children from Grade 0 to Grade 3 to the exciting world of the Junior Prep Library. It is a safe space for the young children to explore the magic of literature and gain knowledge.
The shelves are filled with picture books, story series, sports books, factual/educational gems and many more. From tales of talking animals to fascinating journeys through history, there is a book for every young reader’s taste. Each book is carefully sourced to capture their attention and look forward to the next time they can choose a book. Some of the favourite books this year have been:
The Storey Treehouse Series
Geronimo Stilton
Bear Gryllis
The Bolds
100 facts (various subjects)
If anyone is looking for lovely books to buy for presents, look at:
Nizrana Farook (adventure stories set in Sri Lanka). Recommended for 8 to 9 year olds.
A local author by the name of K. A. Mulenga. (age 6 to 7). Various titles.
The two libraries have also had the pleasure of various events during the year. The Junior Prep love the Reading Breakfast in the First and Third Term. Being able to dress up, have picnics with their families and the buying of books. In the Winter Term, we celebrated Literacy Week with Hooked on Books, had On Cue Theatre performing “Around The World in 80 Days” and various author visits. Look out for the exciting events for next year.
The Junior Prep Library is not just a treasure trove of books but is also a dynamic learning space. The General Knowledge Quiz is always a firm favourite whether done in the Library, up and down the outside stairs or just for general discussions.
Another successful year of the boys using their imagination, gaining knowledge … inviting the children to explore, discover and embrace the incredible world of books! I would like to thank everyone of you, the parents, and the children for all your support this year. Thank you and have a safe and peaceful holiday.
By Suzanne McLellan
ISIZULU OVERVIEW
Sanibonani nonke
This term we picked up from where we left off in Term 2 and got the boys to start using their devices for topics linked to our lessons. The boys enjoyed Quizlet a lot and found it fun, very interactive, and helpful in their understanding of the various topics.
In Grade 4 the boys had to create their own birthday invitation and got the opportunity to present it to the entire group. They found this activity enjoyable and had lots of fun engaging with one another. Below are a few images taken from the slides received.
In Grade 5 the focus was on the topic ekhishini(in the kitchen)The boys had lots of fun learning about different utensils and appliances found in the kitchen. They had to write a recipe in Zulu and record a video of themselves preparing their favorite dish. Below are just a few examples of what they did.
In Grade 6 the boys had fun creating an invitation to the school play “Amakhosi wama Greek.” Below are a few examples.
I am looking forward to interacting with our boys and school community to develop our IsiZulu Department and to use the language freely around the school premises. I am very confident that in the coming years our boys will develop the sense of pride to have a conversation in IsiZulu. We will be introducing IsiZulu clubs after school and the actual days will be communicated in due course.
Ngiyabonga ngokubambisana,
By Mojalefa Mtimkulu
SCIENCE EXPO
GRADE 1-3 NATIVITY PLAY
SOAPBOX DERBY
Soapbox Derby has been the perfect way to start the half-term celebrations!
View , Sunshine , Fun , Ice cream
Thank you to the Ridge PA for giving their time and resources to make this day so much fun for so many!
SWIMMING GALA
AFRIKAANS OVERVIEW
The Afrikaans Department faced some challenges during the year but will end on a strong note. There was so much enjoyment with speeches taking place, reading in groups and at home, to build up confidence to speak and love the language.
Grade 7 learners had to step up and share suggestions with one another about their written work. They had the opportunity to work in groups with both classes combined. I challenged them with some basic Afrikaans instructions…raak aan jou tone, etc. …a fun but silly way to build a relationship with the class and to bring back prior knowledge. The boys had opportunities to show off their skills during Afrikaans Kahoot challenges. Oh boy, did they enjoy it.
Building vocabulary is an important skill which all grades are part of. These skills help the learners to connect with all they do. From talking, reading and all the way to expressing themselves.
Grade 6 learners had the opportunity to speak about wild animals and how they feel about their Grade 7 year coming up.
The Grade 5s are energetic, loud and always eager to put on a show. They could perform a role play in class by quickly adding a wig, a tummy or a dress…I’m not completely sure where they even got it from.
Grade 4s should be commended on their workbooks and their manners in class. They enjoyed learning about each other’s pets and other wild animals.
The Foundation Phase learners enjoyed learning new vocabulary and then using it outside the classroom. They get excited when the teacher reads to them and go through the meanings of the words. They are always having fun while learning.
The Afrikaans Department had the most wonderful opportunity of sharing our knowledge, language and skills with the rest of the school. Some boys acted out a poem, others spoke about the world around us and then there were boys who shared their beautiful pets with us. We supported the Bokke at the end of the Assembly and shared wonderful “gees” as The Ridge. It was such an honour. Some parents came to support us, and we checked their Afrikaans knowledge…Impressive!
By Cindy Olivier
WATERPOLO TOUR
TENNIS TOUR
Few activities combine athleticism, strategy, and camaraderie as well as Tennis. At The Ridge our boys are not only sharpening their minds but also honing their skills on the tennis court.
Tennis is more than just a game. It is a discipline that teaches invaluable life lessons and fosters a spirit of healthy competition. Aside from the physical benefits, tennis teaches qualities like sportsmanship, resilience, and strategic thinking. And importantly, the friendships developed on the court last a lifetime.
Term 2 is the traditional start of Tennis season amongst the preparatory schools in Johannesburg. Our boys were extremely eager to get going with their Tennis fixtures and there was a lot of jostling for positions on the Tennis ladder. Despite many of our results narrowly not going our way, the boys showed incredible grit and determination, and above all, true Ridge spirit.
Our super competitive yearly Tennis championship was held towards the end of Term 2, with the Open Boys’ title going to our 2023 Tennis Captain, Iain Thomson, and the U11 title going to Jack McCollum.
Then during the August Holidays, we sent two senior teams to the prestigious Sun City Tennis festival. This tour is always the highlight of the Tennis calendar with boys playing against schools from all over the country, at the incredible Sun City venue. The tour got off to an exciting start with our 2023 Tennis Vice-Captain, Saahil Vassan, generously providing our boys with personalised kit for the tournament. The multiple trips to Valley of the Waves were a hit as well as the opportunity to meet peers from different schools. Good competitive Tennis was played on the courts, followed by good fun off the courts and we look forward to another amazing tour again next August.
By Anton Pretorius
BASKETBALL TOUR
CRICKET TOUR
HEADMASTER’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
THE RIDGE SCHOOL GOLF DAY
RIDGEUP
When I joined The Ridge community at the beginning of 2023, I wanted to find a way to contribute meaningfully. Having taught English for many years, with particular interest in the Advanced Programme English course aimed at Grade 11 and 12 students, I had the idea of offering a version of this course to our Ridge boys. I had no idea whether it would work, or what would appeal to this age group, but I have always believed in ‘teaching up’ and presenting what I love with passion.
RidgeUp is an academic initiative open to volunteer Grades 6 and 7 boys. Its aim is to deepen and widen our boys’ thinking and to play a role in enhancing our boys’ cognitive futures. It involves weekly seminars, one for Grade 6s and one for Grade 7s. Seminars are focused on both creative and curiosity-inspiring learning experiences drawing on Literature, History and Current Affairs/Issues as the base of the Thinking Programme.
The teaching approach I applied draws on what boys will experience in future tertiary study. I use the Socratic Approach which is centred on facilitation discussions.
Socratic inquiry is not “teaching” per se. It does not include PowerPoint driven lectures, detailed lesson plans or rote memorisation. The teacher is neither “the sage on the stage” nor “the guide on the side.” The students are not passive recipients of knowledge.
Instead, the Socratic Method involves a shared dialogue between teacher and students. The teacher leads by posing thought-provoking questions, and students actively engage by asking questions of their own. The discussion goes back and forth.
My aim is to enhance critical thinking:
The capacity to communicate informed opinions that are substantiated and compelling
Debating and discussion skills, open dialogues about questions
An awareness of what is happening in the world and our country as well as the ability to have a view on what is happening, to learn from it as opposed to being dismayed or disarmed by it
Grade 7s and 6s started the year with the short story ‘Flowers For Algernon’; we read and discussed as we went along. I introduced the boys to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences and we looked at that in relation to the story.
We also looked at a poem, ‘Dementer’s Prayer to Hades’ by Rita Dove and linked it to ‘Flowers for Algernon’.
The Grade 7s then looked at William Carlos Williams as an imagist poet and we unpacked two of his poems: The Red Wheelbarrow and This is Just to say.
We read Athol Fugard’s Master Harold and the Boys, exploring the historical context of the play, Athol Fugard and South Africa in the 1950s. We had deep discussions around racism, inherited racism, relationships and the relevance to 2023.
We focused on South African Protest Poetry in the second term. They worked in pairs and had to research the historical context of their allocated poem and produce a painted poster to be used in a presentation. The poets we explored were: Athol Williams,Magoleng wa Selepe, James Matthews, Tatamkhulu Afrika, Don Mattera, Lynne Bryer, Toni Stuart, Ingrid Jonker and Ingrid de Kok.
We focused on Gothic Literature in term 3, starting with the historical context of this period, especially the Victorian Era.
I introduced the boys to Edgar Allan Poe and we read two of his stories, Tell TaleHeart and The Black Cat.
We had fascinating discussions looking at the similarities and differences between the stories; whether they would be prepared to defend the main characters and whether pleading insanity was a good defence strategy.
We explored sections of the novella: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, using a similar approach. We finished the year with a look at the director, Tim Burton and his film, Beetlejuice as a modern take on the Gothic Genre.
I used the same Socratic approach with the Grade 6 group but I found that they needed a bit more active participation.
We looked at Greek Myths. They were in groups and had to read their allocated myth and prepare a dramatised version of the story. They were also tasked with unpacking and presenting the message or moral embedded in their assigned myth.
We read the play A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, linking the play to the poem ‘What happens to a dream differed’ by Langston Hughes.
We talked about how each character clings to distinct dreams, which have long been deferred due to socio-economic limitations placed on the family by racism. We explored how the persistence of these dreams lends the play a pervasive sense of hope, despite the conclusion’s foreshadowing of coming struggles for the family in Clybourne Park.
In the third term we focused on the overarching theme ‘In Search of Self’. We read the novel, Freak the Mighty by R Philbrick, and we viewed the film, focusing on the idea of happiness, overcoming immense hardship, intelligence, loneliness and friendship. The boys really seemed to enjoy this exploration.
It is very exciting that, from 2024, our School is offering versions of RidgeUp to boys in Grades 1-5 as well as what has been offered to our Grade 6 and 7 boys.
I am looking forward to 2024 where I hope to inspire and enrich a new group of boys. Our boys are encouraged to commit to this offering; their enrichment and enjoyment are assured. I thank every boy for his interest, thinking acumen and commitment; this teaching experience has been a great pleasure.
By Debbie Rumboll
HIGH TEA
It was truly wonderful to see each and every one of you. Your presence made the event even more special, and we appreciate your continued support. Cheers to cherished memories and lasting connections.
ART AUCTION
READING BREAKFAST
DEBATING CLUB
It has been roughly 3 years since Debating was introduced to our school and we have enjoyed another successful year. The future for Debating looks promising as many primary schools are now joining this wonderful sport. The Junior and Senior debaters participated in various competitions, this being the first year that our Grade 4s participated. A big shout out to Amila Malevu, Oarabile Makhalemele, Ethan Wang, Rey Popat, Lucca Andrew, Oliver Gibb, Boitumelo Masithela, Mangaliso Makhunga and Oliver Holness. Given that they had only just joined the Senior Prep, they performed exceptionally well competing against Grade 6s and 7s in our various competitions and held their arguments well. The Senior Debating Squad participated in Gauteng Provincials which was held at St David’s Inanda in September. We along with our Juniors entered the first Primary School Atheneum which was hosted by King David Linksfield in October this year. Our Junior Debaters lost one and won one, and our Senior Debaters won both. We wish our Grade 7 Debaters Imran Budlender, Oscar Berman, Owen Murfin every success as they move to their prospective High Schools, and we know that they will implement the critical thinking skills, worldwide view and empathy acquired by Debating, to mention just a few. Good luck!
We would like to thank Coach Siyabonga Zwide Nxumalo from Coach Itu Debating Academy for his consistent and invaluable coaching and guidance.
By Faronaaz Patel
PRIZE-GIVING
The Senior Prep 2023 Prize-Giving was a memorable event, Congratulations to all the prize winners for their outstanding achievements. It was a night filled with celebration and recognition, showcasing our boys’ incredible talent and hard work. Well done, everyone.
GRADE 0 FUN GALA
GRADE 3 THANKS-GIVING ASSEMBLEY
Teachers and parents were filled with pride as the grade 3 boys celebrated their Thanksgiving Assembly this morning. Bidding farewell to the Junior Prep as they get ready to start on a new journey to the Senior prep. They received certificates and sang a beautiful farewell song
GRADE 0 TOUR DE FRANCE
Our Grade 0 boys had an epic bike day adventure. This event had everyone buzzing with excitement. They rode laps around the junior prep parking lot. It was a day filled with pure joy and unforgettable memories
ATHLETICS
Congratulations to our awesome athletics team for an outstanding results at the Independent Inter-school Athletics Meeting. A special mention to Yusuf Kola and Christopher Schroeder in grade 3, who broke two track records. Way to go, champions! We are immensely proud of your achievements.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
This morning we had a Remembrance Day service to pay tribute to the courageous heroes who selflessly fought for our freedom. Honouring their sacrifice, reflecting on the lessons of history and striving for a world filled with peace and harmony.
MARKET DAY
That concludes our 2023 Market Day series. Congratulations to the grade 7 boys on another successful market day on Friday. Thank you to everyone who contributed and a special thanks to the parents and staff who coordinated and organised
CANOEING AT THE RIDGE
Congratulations to the canoeing boys for completing the Fish River Canoe Marathon ‘short course’! Paddling through challenging waters and showcasing your determination, you’ve truly made waves. Your teamwork and resilience have not gone unnoticed. Keep up the fantastic work and may your future adventures be filled with more triumphant finishes
1ST TEAM HOCKEY
The 1st team hockey was awarded their badges for starting five games or more. This team has shown good commitment and grit throughout the season. Congratulations boys your hard work has paid off.
BASKETBALL AT THE RIDGE
These grade 6 & 7 Basketball players can be proud of themselves for being awarded their basketball badges, this is for starting 5 games or more representing the 1st Team. Keep up the great work boys.
WILD FOR WORK
“Wild for Work”, our teaching staff took dress-up to the next level, wild print outfits to make learning fun and adventurous before our half-term break
WATERPOLO AT THE RIDGE
Congratulations to these boys in grade 5. Benjamin Carmichael, Benjamin Alberts, Edward Carmichael and Samuel Terlingen on your fantastic achievements. They have all been awarded 1st team caps for water polo. Keep up the fantastic work in the pool and continue making waves!
GRADE 3 CAMP
The grade 3s excitedly said goodbye to their parents this morning looking forward to their adventure. With big smiles and curious minds, they eagerly waited to board the bus going to their first school camp. A day filled with laughter, fun, discovery and endless possibilities awaits them. Enjoy boys
ATHLETIC CAPTIANS
Congratulations to Sergio Da Silva(Vice-captain) Nick Goussard and (Captain) and Waseem Ganey (Vice-captain), for being selected as captains and Vice-Captains for athletics this year.
MINI COUNCIL
Representatives from our Grade 6 group attended the Johannesburg Mini Council dinner, which was held at Crawford Sandton. Our boys learned about the council’s work and are excited to contribute to its success
YOUNGSTERS ACADEMY
Salvazione Joint Outreach Programme: The Ridge School presented much-needed supplies and spent the morning playing with children from Youngsters’ Academy in Brixton together with Salvazione. Lots of smiles were left on the children’s faces, a special relationship was formed and the creche is extremely grateful for the generosity shown by our Ridge community.
CHATTER BOX COMPETITION
Last Night we attended the termly Chatterbox Impromptu Speech event at Pridwin. The boys were given a topic and only 5 minutes to prepare before they presented their speeches to the audience. Our boys did a magnificent job, getting an array of gold, silver and bronze certificates.
GRADE 5 PBL CHALLENGE
The boys in Grade 5 took on the challenge of creating parachutes for astronauts today in project-based learning (PBL). While creating functional parachutes. The balcony test showed that each group had different levels of success, demonstrating their various strategies and creative ideas. They were able to improve their critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through this practical experience. Their learning process was made more enjoyable by the project, which fully immersed them in the field of aerospace engineering.
CHESS AT THE RIDGE
Congratulations to our Grades 4,5,6, and 7 on hosting a fantastic chess match against our partner school, Auckland Park Preparatory School. Both schools enjoyed themselves immensely. Well done to our boys on their commendable behaviour and thank you to Auckland Park Preparatory School for a wonderful evening.
GRADE 2 FORMAL LUNCH
GRADE 6 STEAM
The grade 6 boys showcased their role as NASA engineers by designing and constructing Mars rovers for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Crafting rovers from recycled materials demanded a mastery of construction skills as they transformed everyday objects into functional robotic components. This project fostered resourcefulness as they scoured their surroundings for materials, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and developing teamwork and communication skills.
HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATIONS
On Heritage Day, we honoured the diversity of our beliefs, customs and heritage. Together with St. Katharine’s and Salvazione Christian School we enjoyed a picnic and celebrated this special day.
GRADE 4 CAMP
Congratulations to Luke Holden (Class of 2021) for signing with Mamelodi Sundowns as their U15 Keeper. Your hard work and dedication have paid off and we couldn’t be prouder. Wishing you all the success with your exciting journey ahead! Go, Luke, go!
Our Ridge Old Boy, Tom Clucas has been announced as the head of school at St Andrew’s College for 2024, We are so proud, keep flying The Ridge flag up high.
We welcomed back the grade 7 Class of 2018 before they sit for their final Matric exams. It was wonderful to see how much they have grown in both stature and maturity, not to mention how excited they were to be back at The Ridge.
Congratulations to The Ridge alumni currently at St. Andrew’s College for being selected as prefects for 2024. Laurie Apps – Graham House Prefect, Thomas Clucas – Merriman House – Head of House, Alex Hutton – Merriman House Prefect, Lukhanyo Dongwana – Mullins House Prefect, Hlumani Thomas – Merriman House Prefect and Student Affairs Portfolio Prefect, Roland Turvey – Armstrong House Prefect and Environment Portfolio Prefect. We are proud of you.
Congratulations to Ross Rovelli, who has been elected as the Head Boy at St John’s College for 2024. We are proud of you and what you have achieved.
Congratulations to one of our Old Boys, John Turner who was selected for the England’s T20I squad and for an outstanding “Blast Campaign”. We are very proud of you.
Congratulations to Munashe Musora a Ridge Old Boy, currently at Hilton College, who has been elected Prefect (Portfolio Head Pastoral) for 2024. Keep flying The Ridge flag high, we are very proud of you. .
The grade 1s never wavering in their support of the BOKKE and getting on with their work! We planted and harvested both beans and carrots. The boys enjoyed watching their seedlings sprout and they are ready to plant them in a veggie garden at home. With all the exciting activities, the boys always find time to read and enjoy the wonderful classrooms and spend relaxing time with friends.
HIGH TEA AT THE RIDGE
THE GRADE 0s WERE VISITED BY MEMBERS OF PARKVIEW POLICE STATION
The Parkview South African Police paid a special visit to the grade 0s. The boys eagerly awaited their turn to sit in the police van and ask the officers questions. What fun and without a doubt the day’s highlight.
JOHANNESBURG MINI COUNCIL
Representatives from our Grade 6 group attended the Johannesburg Mini Council Dinner held at Crawford Sandton. Our boys learnt about the work of the council and eagerly looked forward to contributing to its success.
ER 24 MEMBERS SPENT THE MORNING WITH OUR GRADE 0 BOYS
The grade 0s had an exciting day when an ambulance visited them at school, sparking curiosity about this life-saving vehicle. They learned about the different equipment inside, how paramedics help people in emergencies and the importance of service.
CHATTER BOX
Our Chatter Box boys attended the termly Chatterbox Impromptu Speech event at Pridwin. The boys were given a topic and only 5 minutes to prepare before they presented their speeches. Our boys did a magnificent job, getting an array of gold, silver and bronze certificates.
ATHLETICS VS PRIDWIN
Congratulations to the athletics team for their performance in the Pridwin athletics meeting. Your hard work, and dedication, will pay off. Your sportsmanship truly shone through. Well done!
CHOIR FESTIVAL
GRADE 5 PROJECT BASED LEARNING CHALLENGE
The boys in Grade 5 took on the challenge of creating parachutes for astronauts today in project-based learning (PBL). While creating functional parachutes. The balcony test showed that each group had different levels of success, demonstrating their various strategies and creative ideas. They were able to improve their critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through this practical experience. Their learning process was made more enjoyable by the project, which fully immersed them in the field of aerospace engineering.
CHESS
Congratulations to our Grades 4,5,6, and 7 on hosting a fantastic chess match against our partner school, Auckland Park Preparatory School. All the children enjoyed themselves immensely. Well done to our boys on their commendable behaviour and thank you to Auckland Park Preparatory School for a wonderful evening.
GRADE 2 FORMAL LUNCH
The Grade 2 boys have been learning about various civilisations and the development of tools. To coincide with this, the boys were treated to a formal lunch at school. They arrived in the dinning hall all suited up and were encouraged to use knives, forks and spoons appropriately as they enjoyed their starter, main meal and desert. A hug thank you, must go out to the grade 2 parents who so generously gave of their time to make the meals for all the boys and the kitchen staff who assisted in the organising of the day.
STEAM
The grade 6 boys showcased their role as NASA engineers by designing and constructing Mars rovers for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). Crafting rovers from recycled materials demanded a mastery of construction skills as they transformed everyday objects into functional robotic components. This project fostered resourcefulness as they scoured their surroundings for materials, enhancing their problem-solving abilities and developing teamwork and communication skills
WORLD TEACHERS DAY
In celebration of World Teachers Day, Mr Rumboll treated our teachers and staff to a delicious doughnut and then went on a wellness walk around the school premises. Teachers are the guiding lights who inspire, educate, and empower young minds to reach their full potential. They are the ones who ignite the spark of curiosity, instil a love for learning, and provide a nurturing environment for growth.
CELEBRATING ART AT THE RIDGE
We celebrate the artworks of The Ridge Boys and their artistic journey. Children’s artworks are a beautiful reflection of their imagination and creativity. Whether it’s painting, drawing or sculpting, art allows children to express their thoughts, emotions and experiences in a visual language that is all their own. Well done boys
ART AUCTION
The Ridge Art Auction was a fun evening with high stakes and stunning works of art. The boys created the artwork with help from teachers and the PA. The art was auctioned off to the highest bidder. All the proceeds raised will be allocated to the schools infrastructure projects. Thank you to all who contribute to the success of the evening.
THE RIDGE SCHOOL & SALVAZIONE OUTREACH VENTURE
The Ridge School, in partnership with Salvazione, presented much needed supplies and spent the morning playing with children from Youngsters’ Academy in Brixton. Smiles were left on the children’s faces, a special relationship was established and the creche is extremely grateful for the generosity shown by our community.
OLD BOYS NEWS
Our Ridge Old Boy, Tom Clucas has been announced as the head of school at St Andrew’s College for 2024, We are so proud, keep flying The Ridge flag up high.
OLD BOYS JOHANNESBURG REUNION
We welcomed our Old Boys, dating back to 1938 to our annual Johannesburg reunion. Thank you to our distinguished guests, Hamilton Wende (class of 1974) and Kate Sidley, author and co-author of 15 books. Kate is also the author of “The Ridge School, A Hundred Years and More,” the new history book. The evening was filled with laughter and boys recalling their time at The Ridge. Thank you to everyone who attended.
OLD BOYS CAPE TOWN REUNION
SALVAZIONE NEWS
You may have heard again of our outreach school Salvazione Primary in Mayfair – this unique school offers a safe learning environment for 219 children from Grade 0 to Grade 7 who are not able to attend local schools due to their financial and personal circumstances.
Salvazione will in the coming weeks launch its Friends of Salvazione fundraising programme and is also looking for volunteers to participate in the literacy and numeracy programmes at the school under the auspices of The Link Literacy Project which is held on Thursday mornings between 8:15am and 10:15am for literacy and 10:30am and 12:00pm for numeracy for Grades 2 and 3 (see https://www.thelinkliteracyproject.co.za/our-centres/salvazione/ for more details. No experience is needed other than your enthusiasm, so please consider lending a hand to this incredibly worthwhile and fulfilling cause!
There is a lot of good work taking place at Salvazione and many initiatives are underway thanks to volunteers and donations. Please email Eleonore on fundraising@salvazione.org to hear more about how you can make a difference.
I trust our families are well and that spring is being kind to all of you. The term commenced with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of unity, which has persisted through numerous successful events and cherished memories. We eagerly anticipate the upcoming events with excitement.
Events such as:
Our recent Art Auction
Our Inter-house Athletics Day
Our Old Boys’ events in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Our Heritage Day celebration event, where we hosted St Katharine’s and Salvazione
Basketball, Tennis Tour, Cricket and Waterpolo Festivals
Choir Festivals at the Linder Auditorium
2024 and 2025 Orientation Days for new students
Daily observations of boys growing and learning, in joy-filled and depth-filled ways….
……all fill me with such hope about the quality and impact of The Ridge’s current and future trajectories.
They also fill me with gratitude for the Parent body alongside whom we work at our School. Parents’ support is felt in powerful and always appreciated ways, from helping to drive our designing of future, upgraded facilities plans to playing a central role in making our School attractive to prospective families (there is simply no doubt that our Grade 0 2024 classes are full because of parental support). Thank you to our parent body for respecting the Parent Attributes contained in our Attributes document (it makes for a happy and professional School, committed to being high on delivery).
I must also make mention of our Grade 7s who have taken their Headmaster’s Leadership project drives to significant levels. This morning, for example, two boys spoke through their projects involving the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital and a non profit that houses orphans. The Grade 7 boys are doing phenomenal work.
I hope you will find the 3 texts below interesting. They are worth having a look at:
A: MasterClasses (Grades 4-7) vision for 2024
B: Feedback from ISASA Headteachers’ conference:
Lebogang Montjane: The Executive Director of ISASA
The Private School sector plays a critical role in our society
Quality schools with a compelling message will continue to thrive
Angie Motshekga: Minister of Basic Education
Private schools need to continue to be pioneers; the Independent and State schools need each other.
Bonnie Ricci: Executive Director at ICAISA
Heads giving notice during the first year of service; results in disruption that can take up to three years of hard work to repair.
The importance of remaining true to areas where your school excels vs being all things to all people/ all families.
The relationship between the Board Chairperson and Head of School is critically important for a school.
The importance of establishing strong relationship patterns and trust.
Trends in independent education: growth is muted, even though new schools continue to be established.
Schools must start to create endowments.
Inclusion and duty of care for all children is the new emphasis.
Michael Thackeray: a South African chemist and battery materials researcher. He was educated at WHPS.
151 of the 247 South African municipalities are dysfunctional.
Local Government officials are not being kept accountable.
Very little delivery and lots of talking.
Gauteng schools should not just be offering Zulu and Afrikaans; Sotho should also be considered as an offering at schools.
Trends in Education
High fee schools, more than anywhere else, have to work very hard to demonstrate their value, but more South Africans appear to trust in the private sector rather than their Government.
Looming teacher shortage:
45% of Government employed teachers will retire in the next decade.
Only 49% of South African teachers regard teaching as their first choice career – this will result in attrition.
Some UK schools offering GBP20 000 to South African teachers.
Only 4% of South Africans finish a degree in six years after matric.
Attrition in South Africa Schools
Finance, emigration and semi-gration.
60% of ISASA members are seeing high attrition rates. The Western Cape is lower than Gauteng and Eastern Cape. The biggest growth is Mpumalanga.
High fee schools are dropping the most, low growing, mid fee declining a bit too.
All staff must be marketers of their schools. Everyone is obliged to build a good, happy and professional work environment.
Retain and grow client base.
19/30 fastest growing economies in the world are in Africa.
The way to make a culture conducive for innovation = a warm culture (work hard and play hard).
Intentionality + Patience
Sustainability in Independent Schools
It’s a long game.
People buy into interesting big ideas
Sustainability at a school means:
A school still being here in a generation’s time.
Still being relevant to society.
Being in a better shape than it is now. Get these three things right:
Get into grand strategic thinking.
Earn community engagement.
Build a fundraising capability (this is a long game)
Being great things take time – farmers who plant olive trees in Greece do it for their grandchildren (they only reach peak of production after 30 years). The trees can produce fruit for 100 years. The work you do now will make your successors look like legends.
Andover College in Essex County, Massachusetts, was founded in 1778, (Phillips Academy) is an independent, coeducational secondary school with an expansive worldview and a legacy of academic excellence. 50% of pupils get financial aid from huge endowment.
Individuals and corporates care most about big thinking and big ideas.
You need a series of statements like a 30 year estate plan which then becomes a mandate for an estate plan. Become mandates for real work to be done.
Drive trust. FRIENDraisers and FUNDraisers. Be honest.
Latch requirements for money onto an incredible big idea.
Everything has to be championed from the top.
Dr Judy Dhlamini: is the newly-elected chancellor of Wits University. She is a medical doctor by training‚ and a leading businesswoman‚ author and philanthropist.
The colour of unemployment and poverty is black, the gender is female.
Massive threat to political stability and sustainable economic growth.
UNESCO 2022: The purpose of education is to shape peaceful, just and sustainable societies.
It is not humanly possible to be born in South Africa (where it was a crime to be a, b and c) and not to have prejudices that must be owned and dealt with.
Check yourself all the time.
You can’t inspire or motivate someone you don’t understand (your task as a teacher is to bring out the best in each child).
Diversity is not enough, inclusion is not enough, BELONGING is the GOAL.
Transformation is not about numbers.
Transforming education = accepting the learner for who they are; they want to belong as who they are.
The world you want to see, starts with you.
Gender based harm/ racist harm is not only in doing, but in doing nothing, (you are an accomplice.)
You can only make choices based on what you know.
Vivienne Schultz: a social entrepreneur and a specialist in leadership development, organizational development and human optimisation in Africa. A trail-blazer of innovative leadership optimization strategies and projects in Southern Africa. The founder of the A2B Transformation movement and designer and manager of the certificate program called RESPONSIVE LEADERSHIP, based on neuroplasticity principles and the program designer of the new Global Change Agent Academy.
Create RAC people – Respective / Adaptive / Contributive
When you are running a school, you are running/ creating an ecosystem.
Survival of independent prep schools is a challenge.
Plan for attrition.
Alison Scott: Exec Head of Bellavista School. Experienced Executive Principal with a demonstrated history of working in education management. Skilled in managing change, unlearning, curriculum design, public speaking, marketing and brand management, staff development, educational leadership, and teaching. Strong strategic development professional with interests in Inclusive Education and a passion for the professional development of educators.
Guard routines, rhythms and predictability more than ever.
In South Africa we lost 1.3 years of learning during Covid.
This brought devastating developmental impact to all children.
Problematic behaviour: what are you trying to tell me and what do you need from me?
Regulation – Reading
Resilience – Riting
Relationships – Rithmatic
(All six R’s are critically important)
‘Safety is not the absence of threat. It is the presence of connection’.
Dr Colleen Lightbody: is the owner of Brainwise: Mastery Through Neuroscience. She is a respected Master Coach, Trainer, and International Speaker. Her global experience includes clients in the Asia-Pacific Region, the United States, Europe as well as throughout Africa. Her specific area of expertise lies in Neuroscience, Mindfulness, Brain-based Learning, Personal and Professional Coaching, and Emotional Intelligence.
South Africa has the highest rate of screen time of any country in the world.
Brain needs balance, rest, social time, cognitive challenge, play etc.
Brain has the capacity to change right throughout your life.
Whichever part of your brain you are using, you grow that part of your brain (compassion, flexibility, rigidity, complaining). 40 minutes of cardiovascular exercise every day, 7 days a week, gives the brain more Neurons.
Praise for EFFORT rather than ability. (You put in a lot of effort there, you put a lot of thought into that..)
Success takes effort. Celebrate effort.
Soft skills are what will differentiate us in the future, machines will do the rest.
C: Presentation on RidgeUp (presented to Gauteng Librarians’ Cluster meeting)
The below has been linked to the theme of “The Danger of a Single Story” inspired by Chimamanda Adichie
The Roald Dahl reading breakfast was a success as we celebrated Roald Dahl’s birthday. Thank you to the boys and teachers for making the effort to dress up as a Roald Dahl characters.
GRADE 1s FIRST WEEK BACK
The grade 1 boys started Term 3 on a happy and ‘Sunny’ note! Coming to school just as Spring has sprung lends itself to some wonderful learning around new life and the conservation of our trees. The boys planted beans and seeds, now we wait with bated breath to see the fruits of their labour!
Our final Reading Breakfast of the year was supported and enjoyed by all. It was wonderful to see such interesting and inventive costumes.
The highlight for the boys and staff is following the exciting progress of our Springboks, in The Rugby World Cup. Scores are updated every Monday with much debate on the performance of the teams with steady support for the Springboks. Go Bokke!
GRADE 2 BOYS VISITED HONEYDEW MAZES
The grade 2 boys spent the day at Honeydew Mazes for their Term 3 outing. They eagerly entered the reed maze with their groups and were encouraged to find the hidden gardens. While doing so, they had questions to answer and riddles to solve. The boys were absolutely thrilled with all the garden games. All-in-all, it was an exciting adventure for all!
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The grade 6 and 7 boys, participated in the Kearsney Basketball Tournament. Throughout the tournament, our boys displayed exceptional sportsmanship, good manners, and respect. They represented The Ridge with utmost dignity, both on and off the court.
HERITAGE DAY PICNIC
OLD BOYS ASSEMBLY
In keeping with tradition, the class of 2018 was invited to an assembly where the current grade 1s gave the them a special gift. Mr. Rumboll wished them well for their matric finals. These events stir up a lot of emotions and the pride for the school runs deep.
GRADE 4 CAMP – CAMP KONKA
GRADE 5 CAMP – CAMP DISCOVERY
GRADE 6 CAMP – BLYDE RIVER
GRADE 7 CAMP – LAPALALA WILDERNESS SCHOOL
CANOEING
Saturday 16th September, three grade 7 boys (Jack Heenan, Jamie Grantham and David Marais) took part in the Liebensbergvlei Canoe Marathon in the Free State. Jack was in a K1 and David and Jamie joined Mr McLachlan in a K3. It was a 34km race with lots of fun rapids and fast flowing water. This race was part of the grade 7 boys preparation to compete in the Fish River Canoe Marathon Short Course event, which is taking place next next weekend.
ON CUE THEATRE
Thank you to the On Cue Theatre for a fantastic performance of Around the World in 80 Days to Become a Superhero. The boys really enjoyed the show and sometimes got up and dance.
THE RIDGE QUIZ CLUB
The grade 6 and 7 Ridge Quiz teams competed against six other schools in an inter-school general knowledge quiz at Kyalami. The boys showed commitment and wonderful sportsmanship. Good job, boys.
JUDO CHAMP
Congratulations to Miles Cantrell in grade 5, who took home the gold in the U11boys, U46kg Johannesburg Judo Champion of Champions competition. What an awesome achievement
GRADE 0s FIRST WEEK OF TERM 3
The Grade 0 boys kicked off Term 3 learning all about Spring. They learned all about flowers, florists, life cycles and the Magic of Spring. They finished off the week with a flower arranging activity; where they got to pretend to be florists for the day and each boy got to put together their own bunch of flowers, that they then took home.
LIGHTHOUSE NEWS
A warm welcome to Taryn Spark, a new member to the Learning Support Department.
Taryn graduated from Wits in 2009. She completed her community service year at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and stayed on as a permanent staff member for another 4,5 years. During her time at Bara, she worked in both paediatrics and the hand clinic. Taryn joined Physio in the Parks in September 2015, graduated with her Masters degree in 2016, completed the MAES Therapy course in 2017, and became practice co-owner in August 2020.
Taryn loves meeting new children and getting to know their different personalities. Her favourite
moments are the looks of pride and glee on children’s faces when they do something they have never been able to do before. Taryn is a mother to two little girls, and in her free time loves to play Bananagram, take walks, and spend time with family at the Vaal river.
TENNIS TOUR SUN CITY
Congratulations to the grade 6 and 7 tennis teams on a successful tour to Sun City. We are proud of you boys for representing The Ridge and demonstrating The Right Stuff on and off the court.
OLD BOYS NEWS
Congratulations to The Ridge Old Boys at St. Andrew’s College for being selected as prefects for 2024. Laurie Apps – Graham House Prefect, Thomas Clucas – Merriman House – Head of House, Alex Hutton – Merriman House Prefect, Lukhanyo Dongwana – Mullins House Prefect, Hlumani Thomas – Merriman House Prefect and Student Affairs Portfolio Prefect, Roland Turvey – Armstrong House Prefect and Environment Portfolio Prefect. We are so proud of you.
Congratulations to Ross Rovelli, one of our Ridge Old Boys, has been elected as the Head Boy at St John’s College for 2024. An amazing achievement and we could not be prouder
Congratulations to one of our Old Boys John Turner, who was selected for the England’s T20 squad and for an outstanding “Blast Campaign”. Well done John
We are in the throes of final preparations for our 104th Founders’ Day. We can all look back proudly on the first two terms of 2023.
There is so much we could focus on: wonderful examples of boys growing and flourishing, an increasingly united and happy community, the working group that is reflecting on CAPEX projects for our school, extraordinary support and pulling off of memorable community-building occasions led by our Parent body, professional growth experiences of Staff etc. We will distribute a copy of the Headmaster’s Address at Founders’ Day and will request a text version of our Founders’ Day Guest Speaker’s address and will share this, too, once received. We congratulate our Deputy Head (Academics), Dr Moore, on successfully presenting at the recent International Boys’ School Coalition conference in Auckland, New Zealand.
A significant portion of the presentation was linked to the thought leading, innovative practice which is becoming increasingly embedded at The Ridge. We are delighted for our Grade 7s who have finalised their Grade 8, 2024, College placements. Congratulations are also in order for the 16 Scholarship awards that were offered to our Grade 7 boys who are part of the class of 2023. This is a remarkable achievement. While I acknowledge the stress that often comes with the College application process, the placements and scholarship awards of our Grade 7 boys should serve to give parents additional comfort that boys from The Ridge continue to be sought after by all the leading colleges.
For the purposes of this newsletter, the focus is on our commitment to innovation. There is no place for mediocrity in schools that wish to thrive and to survive. Innovation initiatives embed this truth and they also role model to our boys what we hope their primary future visions for themselves will be. I sincerely thank our Staff and our Parent community for their support in this Ridge ideal.
What follows is a summarised breakdown of some of our innovative processes over the course of 2023:
We are thinking creatively about future CAPEX projects. The particular focus areas, currently, are a revamped Pavilion, a revamped OSIC centre and a revamped aquatics area
The voluntary, out-of-school-hours Grades 6 and 7 RidgeUp initiative continues to offer our boys a rich and deeply impactful thinking experience where discussions and cognitively enriching learning processes are happening around a range of powerful texts. Grade 6s considered the poetry of Langston Hughes as an introduction to their studying of the play, “A Raisin in the Sun”. Grade 7s have been studying a range of South African voices (Athol Williams, Tatamkulu Afrika, Ingrid de Kok, Ingrid Jonker, James Matthews) and boys enjoyed presenting on their paintings (which visualized key messages underpinning studied poems,themes/messages). Using extracts from Adichie’s “Americanah”, they have also studied the seminal text,“The Danger of a Single Story”.
Our English Department is planning a recreated Grades 4-7 curriculum where the core English offering will be supplemented, for 2 lessons a week, with Master Classes presented by different members of Staff, In Grades 4 and 5, the focus will be on reading for meaning and the curriculum will be co-designed by our Lighthouse. In Grades 6 and 7, the 3 classes will be divided into 4 groupings who will experience each of the 4 English Master Classes on offer. In Grade 7, for example, mine will be entitled, “Oral communication strategies through the lenses of Shakespeare, Sontag and Serote”. We will share details of this initiative and the various Master Classes as soon as possible
Our recently published Code of Conduct is a record of our values as a community. Its focus is on ensuring that we have restorative and constructive journeys. A comprehensive set of infographics has been designed to visualize this code. It will be shared with parents and will be displayed around our school to remind our boys of expected codes of behaviour and conduct
Differentiated learning experiences for individual boys remains a key priority for The Ridge. The Junior Primary has, for example, successfully implemented a rotation stations programme where boys can experience learning in different ways at different learning stations (each with a differentiated focus on learning a particular ‘thing’)
Our Project Based Learning (PBL) experience in the Senior Primary phase is ensuring that boys are learning collaboratively and creatively, drawing on a range of modes of learning within their learning groups. A future PBL vision is that groups of boys are tasked with a complex question/problem and then have to present their solutions after a rigorous and collaborative thinking process
The recreated Headmaster’s Leadership programme for Grade 7 is resulting in significant engagement and the leadership of an array of powerful leadership projects (most of which are focused on hearing and growing ‘the other’).
The creation of a new tradition of an exit, rite of passage overnight, farewell camp for our Grade 7s is being finalised and promises to be a meaningful initiative for our 2023 and future Grade 7s
In conclusion, the link below contains a deeply moving and thought provoking text entitled, “How to be More Alive: Hermann Hesse on Wonder and the Proper Aim of Education”. It is such a worthwhile read for all of us and, should you get the chance to read it, I hope you will enjoy.https://www.themarginalian.org/2023/07/06/hermann-hesse-wonder-butterflies/ I wish each boy and each of our families a happy and rejuvenating end of Term break.
2023 is turning out to be a very good year for our school and I thank each of you.
By Frank Rumboll
Mojalefa Mtimkulu
I am Mojalefa Clifford Mtimkulu, first born in a family of three, one brother Nhlanhla and an only sister, Lerato. I hail from the revered township of Soweto and an offspring of parents whose love for education and belief system have carried and sustained me from the dusty streets of Jabulani to the hallways of schools and prestigious institutions of education.I started my primary school at St Matthews Primary School and matriculated at St Matthews High School where I was introduced to the Catholic Education Systems.
The ethos of kindness for all, especially those neglected, was a mainstay of my upbringing and I have carried this with me over the years. At St Matthews I was under the firm arm and tutelage of the educationally recognised ageless Sister Francis who to this day has kept my former High School, an oasis of Soweto.
I graduated from Wits University with a Bachelor’s in Education and joined McAuley House School in 2008 and rose through the ranks to being HOD of Inter-Sen Phase the position I held prior to joining The Ridge School in May 2023.
I am first and foremost a perpetual learner who also brings a fountain of experience in teaching Grades 4 to 7 in IsiZulu, Technology and Mathematics. I hope to continue learning from my colleagues.I have a deep passion for sport inclusion in the all-round development of our young learners. According to Nelson Mandela “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand”. I believe our Ridge Boys have the world in their hands and through education and sport they will be well-rounded and well-equipped to change the world.
I am also passionate in the holistic guided development of young people. I was one of pioneer members of the Kwanele-Kwanele (Enough is Enough) a silent protest or campaign aimed at raising awareness on the abuse of children and women held regularly at McAuley House to try and bring an end to this scourge in our communities. I hope to enlighten our boys here too, to never be perpetrators but to provide a solution to this perennial problem.
I aim to contribute in raising boys who will strive to serve the needs of the South African community with dignity, humility and integrity.
Cindy OLIVER
By doing what you LOVE, you INSPIRE and awaken the hearts of others.Learning can be fun! Learning can lead you into a creative and fun world. There is so much around us that we have not thought about, learnt about or even questioned. Creating this love for learning should start somewhere…and that is what a driven teacher does.I had a Grade 5 Science teacher who showed me how to explore, have fun and embrace new knowledge. She created a loving and fun learning environment. She awakened the love for teaching in me at a very young age.My biggest aim is to bring change into our classrooms where the learners can feel free to express their ideas, learn to love Afrikaans and to have fun while learning.I am an energetic and passionate teacher who believes in creating a love for the subjects I teach. I always strive to create room for curiosity, innovation and laughter. When learners experience love for the subject they are more open towards receiving information, questioning the information, and nurturing curiosity.I am a mother of two. My son joined The Ridge in Grade 1, and my little girl is attending Blue Bird pre-primary. I graduated from North-West University obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and started my teaching career in South Korea teaching English to different age groups. I learnt about different cultures, different ways of teaching and that fun plays a big role in education. I have taught Afrikaans, Natural Sciences, Life Orientation and Robotics, which I have been able to do because of my passion for teaching. I had the opportunity to fill the role of Phase Head of the Intermediate and Senior phases at Curro Rivonia for three years.I have now joined The Ridge family as the Head of Afrikaans. I will strive to always do my best and share my passion to help grow the Afrikaans Department where the learners can enjoy learning and appreciate the language.
TRIBUTE TO PENNY BY JANE LAMB AND MELISSA SMITH
The tribute paid to Penny Meyer by Jane Lamb and Melissa Smith on behalf of the Lighthouse Team at the Staff farewell function on 18 July, 2023.Penny, this is for you from your Lighthouse Team. Firstly, thank you for all you have done for the Lighthouse. And for all we have gleaned from your wide, extensive knowledge regarding Inclusive Education and Neuro diversity. As an aside, Penny is currently working on her Masters in Inclusive Education. We wish you good luck as you complete this magnum opus. The concept and implications of Neurodiversity are now familiar jargon at the Ridge School, thanks to Penny who has fed us all pertinent and useful information on a regular basis. We are now able to discuss Neurodiversity with confidence and great interest. When Penny arrived at the Lighthouse there were many loose ends. She has spent hours, weeks, months meticulously tying all these loose ends together. It’s been a huge task. Well done and thank you, Penny!Penny, now to “Your Boys”; they have loved and respected you as you have guided them through their barriers of learning into new, exciting territory where a light is beginning to shine for them. YAY!No “Boy – Problem” was ever too much trouble for you. You always explored the options. Penny, with your combination of skills, what you have to offer the world is of huge value.It is now our fervent wish that this new, important step in your career will bring you great happiness, deep fulfilment and good fortune. Hamba Kahle, dear Penny.
By Jane Lamb
May the road rise to meet you, dear PennyAs you embark on a new path with grace.May the wind always fill your sails,Guiding you to success in every place. May the sun shine warmly upon your face,As you chase your dreams and embrace new lands.May your heart be filled with joy and peace,As you follow the call of your own demands. May you find happiness in every endeavourAnd may your spirit remain forever strong.May the impact you’ve made be everlasting,And the memories of the Lighthouse live on. So farewell, dear Penny, with a grateful heart,We bid you adieu but not goodbye.May your future be bright and your journey blessed,As you spread your wings and soar high in the sky. May luck and prosperity be yours always,And may the blessings of the Irish be your guide.With gratitude and fondness we say farewell,Your legacy in the Lighthouse will forever reside.
By Melissa Smith
Congratulations to The Ridge Old Boys, Charlie Dewer, James Dewey and Weston Davis for making the South African Junior boys polo team. Wishing them good luck with their tour to Zambia. Do us proud boys.
Congratulations to one of our Ridge Old Boys, Oliver Johns for making the U16 Eastern
Province Grant Khomo Team. We are very proud of you!
Congratulations to one of our Ridge Old Boys. Michael Van Heerden, congratulations on your outstanding swimming achievements. During the April holidays, he competed in both the SA Schools National and the SA Senior National Championships. From the 21st to the 23rd of April, Michael represented the Gauteng Province at the South African National Schools’ Swimming Championship in Durban. He received Gauteng Provincial Colours in recognition of his selection to the Gauteng Schools Swimming team in 2023. He won six gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal at the Gauteng Champs, as well as the Senior Victor Ludorum trophy for his efforts.Michael’s outstanding results qualified him to compete in the Senior National Aquatic Championship in Gqeberha
Congratulations to Hamilton Wende a Ridge old boy for winning the 2022 National Press Club’s Journalist of the Year. Print/Online Features/ Investigative Journalism award.
Old boys Rory Steyn and Ben Cheales are part of the Michaelhouse Competition Marimba Band that won the recent International Marimba & Steelpan Festival. They came first overall; first in the High School Large Ensemble Strictly Classical section; first in the High School Prestige section; and second in the High School Large Ensemble Battle of the Bands. Rory was also awarded best High School Drummer out of 42 schools. Their marimba and drumming journeys began at The Ridge!
SENIOR PREP OVERVIEW
Academics at The Ridge School is continually under review and strengthening as we strive to provide the best possible education for our boys. The Ridge School achieved outstanding results in the International Benchmark tests (IBTs) for English, Mathematics, and Reasoning skills. We are proud to report that our boys performed above average both nationally and internationally in these areas. In fact, in some specific aspects, our boys performed significantly above the national and international norms. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our boys and teachers.
However, our commitment to excellence does not stop there. We believe in a growth mindset and continually seek areas of improvement. The information gathered from the IBTs is being used to inform our teaching practices and curriculum development. By analysing the results, we can identify the specific areas where we can enhance our boys’ learning experience, ensuring they are well-prepared for future academic challenges.
To gain a broader understanding of our boys’ performance and adjustment to high school, we conducted surveys among the schools they attend after leaving The Ridge School. The overall feedback from these surveys was highly positive, with the majority of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that our boys are doing well. With new Heads of Department in both isiZulu and Afrikaans, as well as other initiatives, we hope to prepare our boys even better for their education beyond The Ridge School.
Another significant change we are implementing is the restructuring of our assessment process. We want to shift the focus from a more summative approach to formative assessment, emphasising the learning process rather than the final product. In this regard, we have renamed the examination process as “Summative Assessment Week,” where we have reduced the number of exams and introduced different assessment methods.
Our aim is to gain a more comprehensive and insightful evaluation of our boys’ progression and abilities in various subjects. Additionally, we have provided professional development training to our staff on different modes of assessment to ensure its effective implementation.
At The Ridge School, we recognise the importance of professional development for our staff. Most staff members are making significant progress on the PurpleZA professional development platform, and we have devoted several of our weekly professional development sessions to enhance staff learning in the pedagogy of Project-Based Learning (PBL); we’ve had discussions around gender and have been given feedback from conferences that staff have attended. The PBL sessions were designed as interactive PBL projects, allowing staff to experience it first-hand and create innovative projects for implementation in their classrooms. The response from our staff has been remarkable, with a great deal of innovation and excitement about the learning process.
To further support staff development, we have introduced a coaching programme, inspired by the Google Coaches Certification programme. Staff members will identify areas they want to improve, and coaches will work with them to develop strategies for growth. Our ultimate goal is to have several staff members trained as coaches, ensuring the programme’s sustainability and ongoing improvement of teacher practice.
As part of our commitment to staying abreast of the latest international trends in education, several members of our school community will be participated in the IBSC International Conference. Anton Pretorius began a cycle of Action Research, Glynnis Moore presented at the conference and Daniel McLachlan attended as a delegate.
We had the opportunity to attend various workshops and presentations, sharing insights and learning from educators around the world. In addition, the networking opportunities were invaluable. We believe that such exposure will enrich our teaching methods and further contribute to our boys’ overall growth and development.
In addition to academics, we place significant importance on the social-emotional well-being of our boys. That is why we continue with the Attachment Awareness Schools (AAS) programme in the Senior Primary. This programme enables us to view discipline differently and provide appropriate support to children with poor attachment styles who may be facing behavioural issues.
Research indicates that addressing attachment issues can positively impact academic progress and social-emotional learning. To further enhance learning experiences, we have embraced Project Based Learning (PBL) in the Junior Prep. Through engaging projects, such as the Crime Investigation in Grade 5, we aim to foster higher-order thinking skills, critical thinking, 21st-century skills, self-directed learning, and a love of learning among our boys.
Moreover, we believe in the power of shared learning experiences between Junior Prep and Senior Prep. Collaborative interactions between our two phases provide unique opportunities for learning and personal growth. This semester, we have piloted joint classes between Grade 2s and Grade 4s, as well as Grade 2s and Grade 7s and the Grade 5s and Grade 2s. These interactions have proven to be successful and enriching for our boys.
As we continue on this journey of growth and improvement, we are confident that our commitment to providing a nurturing and academically enriching environment will yield positive outcomes for our boys and contribute to their overall success in life. Together with our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and enthusiastic boys, we are excited about the future of The Ridge School and the positive impact it will make in the lives of our boys.
By Glynnis Moore
JUNIOR PREP OVERVIEW
At the end of another successful term, the Junior Prep boys have so much to celebrate. They can certainly be very proud of the way they have taken on all the challenges, growth opportunities and experiences offered during this busy term. Lots of striding, not much shuffling!We welcomed two new families to The Ridge this term. Tsepang Monyamane joined us in Grade 0 and Zack Olivier joined us in Grade 1. We wish both these boys, and their families a very happy Ridge journey! Perhaps a highlight of the term for many of the boys will be the unusual and yet truly magical snowfall we experienced in July. Absolute elation and excitement (which included the adults!) heard in the corridors and out on the fields and pathways left me feeling so incredibly lucky to be part of this special place!
Highlights extended to Cross Country, Rugby and Soccer Seasons, which included many fixtures both at home and away for our Grade 2 and 3 boys, watching the SP production, visits to our classrooms from the Headmaster, shared learning experiences with classes from the SP, 100 days of school in Grade 0, outings to Croc City and the Magaliesburg, Happy Chappies, celebrating special Moms and Dads, a fair few birthdays, making new and special friends, Music assemblies, World Environment Day pledges, SALT sessions, cake sales, family picnics, a wonderful Junior Choir performance for the Eventide Old Age Home, traditional food demonstrations in Grade 2, safe and unsafe touch talks for the boys, task money collections for The Hope School, Project Based Learning, a fabulous History week where the boys learnt all about the school’s rich heritage and Literacy week where we were treated to innings like Hooked on Books, Pajama day, On Cue Theatre, books sales and author talks. Phew! It’s quite a list!
The Ridge Boy Attributes have been explored by each of the boys in their Grades. We have discussed, thought up examples, and related these attributes to our everyday lives at school and beyond. Each boy in the Junior Prep completed the self-assessment for the mid-year reports. He identified himself as a novice, apprentice, or master for each. We will continue to place emphasis on these attributes as they are the foundations of the strong set of values we hope to impart to each boy during his Ridge journey.
The recent visit from OISESA (Office of Independent Schools Evaluations, South Africa) has provided us an opportunity to look critically at everything we do here at The Ridge. Our inspectors spent three days in our classrooms, meeting with staff, boys and parents and getting a genuine feel for what happens on our campus. The boys made them feel right at home with their warm welcomes and kindness. We look forward to being able to share some of the wonderful feedback they gave us. Raising children (and teaching them) in our highly competitive world of instant gratification, with information at our fingertips, has its challenges.
In an article I read recently from the Institute of Child Psychology, entitled ‘Turn down the Pressure Valve: Turn up the Magic of Childhood’, it spoke of the nostalgia that many of us feel of “just being a kid” as an increasingly endangered dream. The societal demands to fill every minute of every day with scheduled activities is the great poison facing our children. What our young children crave more than anything is meaningful relationships, presence, and unstructured time. Play (the work of children) is particularly threatened. Through play, our children learn countless life lessons. They learn about themselves, about others, how to face fears, get better at something, and nurture resilience. On that note, I wish all our Ridge families a wonderful, restful holiday filled with meaningful family connection, unstructured time, and lots of play!
Happy Holidays!
By Holly Ferrar
SOCIAL JUSTICE OVERVIEW
Halfway through our busy year I can confirm that The Ridge School is a community that prioritises fairness, justice and diversity. Our school places respectfulness at the forefront of lessons, interactions and fixtures and, as a result, our boys stand out and are exemplary amongst their peers. Our assemblies have been intentionally aimed at educating our boys about the importance of upholding the values our school encourages.
The staff at The Ridge play a key role in ensuring that principles of inclusion are lived out and felt in all experiences. We support our staff by making it possible to attend various seminars which deal with the realities of schools within South Africa and abroad. Staff report back on these experiences in professional development sessions, which are beneficial in guaranteeing that we are speaking in a unified voice, with a common purpose.
Our relationship with other schools is one that we can be proud of, having had numerous visitors from other schools this term. We had teachers and students from schools across the country who have been complimentary of our school and our ways of being. The revitalising of our relationship with Salvazione Christian School has been amazing. We have hosted Chess and Soccer days to strengthen interactions with students who can learn from one another. On a school level, we hope to embark on joint outreach ventures in Term 3.
Our Students’ Social Justice Committee has worked tirelessly and with enthusiasm, meeting every week to discuss accomplishments and challenges that our boys are faced with. The level of engagement has been commendable and as a result we hosted our first evening of dialogue where parents were invited to attend and participate. The evening was a great success, and we look forward to hosting the next one. Mandela Day was an astounding success which reminded our boys that there is something positive to be gained from working collectively to achieve a greater good. All our grades came together and contributed towards a cause.
I am sincerely appreciative to our community for the full support received thus far and trust that we can continue to encourage values and attitudes that can become habitual to our boys as they develop. I look forward to a sustained partnership as we inspire future leaders at The Ridge School. Wishing you all a Happy Women’s Month and our families a well-deserved break.
By Songezo Malangeni
MUSIC OVERVIEW
What a magical, musical term it has been!
Concerts abound with choir festivals and community singing and culminated in the boys showcasing their talents on our very own stage for this year’s musical production of Oddz, Sodz and the Greek Godz.
This year’s school musical production was such fun! The best part was to see the boys enjoying themselves in the rehearsal process and finally on stage for each performance. The Grade 7s worked incredibly hard and it has been a pleasure to see them grow in confidence throughout the process. A huge thank you to all involved for your support in bringing this production to life!
We have shared the joy of music amongst our own school community and enjoyed collaborations with our wider school connections with APPS and St Katharine’s. Our Ascension Day service was a real celebration of togetherness when we joined forces with our sister schools. The spirit of togetherness was continued through into the tiny details of a shared message from the Heads of schools, the combined choir arrangement on the day and of course the long anticipated ‘social-time’ at the end of the service.
We have also begun some new musical relationship building with St John’s and WHPS, helping to create some exciting opportunities for our boys. A new concert added to the calendar included a collaboration with Pridwin and St John’s for the St John’s Three Schools Concert. The Senior Guitar Ensemble and the Senior Orchestra represented us well and the evening finished off with a combined orchestra of the three schools where I had the privilege of conducting one of my own musical arrangements. We were warmly welcomed to the WHPS Centenary Choir Festival this year in June. They hosted a wonderful Festival where we sang alongside WHPS, St Peter’s and Pridwin. Our boys most certainly did The Ridge proud and we also performed altogether in a massed choir item singing ‘Together we are Stronger’.
The individual music boys showcased their talents at The Johannesburg Festival of Music. Numerous boys have received outstanding results, including top honours of Diplomas and have represented our department with aplomb.
Our special congratulations are extended to Joshua Cook for receiving the Eugenie Chopin Trophy for the most promising Male Singer. Well done, Josh!
The Junior Choir boys hosted an afternoon outreach project for the residents of the Salvation Army Eventide Home for the Aged. The boys performed with enthusiasm and gusto and a lovely afternoon was had by all who attended. A Special thank you to Mrs Morrick and her team of choir moms for all their efforts in making this a successful event!
Our individual music boys continue to go from strength to strength, and this is evident in their confident performances in the Junior Music Assemblies. The Grade 2s showcased the start of their musical journey with fervour and energy, learning from the Grade 3s who performed a few weeks earlier. Well done to all the boys for their efforts – we are so proud of you!
Our Senior boys always bring their A-Game for the evening Soirees and this term was no different. We are so excited to see the Grade 4 and 5 boys enjoying their music so much, that these are always our most subscribed performances. Each Ridge boy gave his best and we have two very successful evening Soirees.
Well done to all the boys and staff for all their musical efforts this term, it most certainly has been a full calendar of events and a wonderfully magical musical term!
By Carol Ackermann
ISIZULU OVERVIEW
Ngiyanibingelela nonke mphakathi wase, The Ridge School(I would like to greet the entire Ridge School community) and thank you for welcoming me with warm hands in this winter season.
We started Term 2 by quickly identifying boys who would benefit from an IsiZulu programme called “IsiZulu Sethu”. The aim of this after school programme is to identify boys who we felt would benefit from having a small group where individual attention would be given and skills would be reinforced.
An invitation letter was sent out to the boys and parents, the classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays of every week. Our boys are committed to their isiZulu lessons and we are using everyday experiences to develop their language use. We started writing book reviews of stories that had been read over the years or are currently being read. The reviews are in isiZulu and boys are exposed to a variety of stories. I encourage boys and parents to use as much Zulu as they can especially when greeting and allow boys to have small chats with other individuals they come across, who can speak the language.
We working very hard to equip our boys with the necessary vocab and understanding to have a basic conversation and that can only be possible if the opportunity avails itself. We transformed the isiZulu JP class by putting up posters, props and making it a language based class.
This has been well received by the boys who have their lessons in that venue. I managed to have a meeting with Limulab (an online language app), together with our management, we agreed to pilot their app with our Grade 3 and 6 boys in Term 3. On the 18th of June the much-anticipated Shaka Ilembe was aired on television.
OzithobayoMnu. Mojalefa Mtimkulu
By Mojalefa Mtimkulu
ULWAZI OVERVIEW
Our Quiz team had the privilege of hosting an Inter-School Quiz at The Ridge School on the 22nd of May. We had 7 schools (13 teams) participating and Miss Wellard was a fabulous MC for the event. The final podium standings was in our favour, with The Ridge Grade 7 team coming in first place, Christ Church in second and St Peter’s Boys Grade 7s in third place.
The rest of the term, Mrs Glanz and Mrs McLellan were hard at work planning another fantastic Literacy Week, which kicked off on the last Monday of the term. Literacy Week was filled with all things literary, carefully chosen to inspire boys to read. Monday the 31st of July, the Grade 0s and 1s had Augustine Mulenga, an author coming to chat to them and the Grade 2s, 3s and 4s had Nancy Gaylard with her book, Ayen’s First Day, which raises awareness around our 12th official language, SASL.
The Senior Prep had their Inter-House Quiz trials, causing much excitement around the House Teams! On Tuesday the 1st of August, we were all snug and warm in our pyjamas and had so much fun with the Hooked on Books crew as well as the teachers sharing their favourite books with the Grade 4s to 7s. Wednesday the 2nd of August saw another round of authors. Grade 6 and 7 had Hannes Barnard, a YA author and sales manager for Penguin Random House Publishers, explain how to get a book from conceptualization stages to finally having it on the shelves of bookstores. Lori-Ann Preston entertained the Grade 3s, 4s and 5s with an energetic presentation of her books.
Exclusive Books had the most amazing selection of books on sale, for the entire week. Even staying late on Monday during the soiree and on Thursday during the Science Expo. We definitely consider Refiloe and her team as a part of The Ridge Family!
We ended the week on Friday, with a very exciting Inter-School Quiz Final. Each house had 4 team members, one from each Grade. For the first time ever, we had a Teachers’ team as well! The final score was: 5th – Nicolson 4th – Dunn 3rd – Teachers 2nd – Cheales 1st – Rose The Ridge Ulwazi Assistants received their badges, after many months of training, testing and confirming whether in fact, they think being an Ulwazi assistant is the right fit for them. Congratulations to Oscar Berman, Jamie Berridge, Pranav Bhana, Imran Budlender, Nick Goussard, Jamie Grantham, David Marais, Avumile Nguqu, Brunello Schierenberg, James Short and Thor Tipping, for their dedication and commitment to making Ulwazi the special place that it is.
We are looking forward to another term of reading and celebrating books, in Ulwazi.
But first… a holiday to relax, put your feet up, and read another book.
By Hanlie Glanz
JUNIOR PREP LIBRARY OVERVIEW
For Term 2, all sorts of learning and excitement has happened in the JP Media Centre.The Grade 0s have been learning about various authors, local and international and how different libraries are run. They love choosing their books each week and being responsible for them.
We have also been talking about plastic and the environment, which included the lovely book “The Tale of the Toothbrush”. This story is about a toothbrush that lands up in the ocean but has a little twist near the end!In Grade 1, the boys have been introduced to the new picture books and they have been eagerly trying to read them by themselves. I have encouraged the boys to take out books in the green section but a lot of them are still fascinated by snakes and dinosaurs! The most popular book this term,seemed to be the brand new book called The Bowerbird by the amazing Julia Donaldson.
The Grade 2s were given the challenge to read as many red section books (chapter books) and then were all allowed to take a yellow book from the Grade 3 section. I read the book The Legend of Spud Murphy to them and changed the title to The Legend of Spud McLellan (my surname). The boys loved the fact it was about a ninja librarian and their teachers were mentioned in the story.
They could not wait till the last word in order for me to reveal the “true” book. Lots of fun and discussion on this including how books get published.
In Grade 3, the boys have been exposed to local authors, many different series and discussions of what happens in a library. The boys were also introduced to graphic novels of which they loved the Dog Man and InvestiGators series. With all that happens in the library, I have also included the General Knowledge quizzes which include True or False questions or moving up and down the outside stairs according to the right or wrong answers (the best fun ever)!In the Last week of this Second Term, the boys get to celebrate another Literacy Week. Exclusive books will be selling their books the whole week.
On Monday, the JP will have two authors visiting with age-appropriate books. Tuesday is the firm favourite of Hooked on Books and they get to wear their pyjamas that day! Grade 3s will join the Grade 4s and 5s for another author tale and on Thursday, the whole school will be watching On Cue Theatre performing Around the World in 80 days. A load of fun for the last week of school.It has been a very busy term but seeing the delight that the boys take in the library lessons has resulted in many treasured moments. Thank you to one and all for all the amazing support.
By Suzanne McLellan
SPORTS OVERVIEW
As we approach the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to express my excitement about the upcoming break and for your opportunity to spend some quality down time with your boys. This term has been filled with dedication, hard work, and remarkable achievements in sports, and now it’s time for well-deserved rest and relaxation.
The sports programme has hit the ground running with a perfect blend of enthusiasm and rigour. We have been diligently working towards expanding networking opportunities beyond our school’s confines, fostering a diverse range of experiences for our boys.
I am delighted to share that our sports programme has shown promising results. The dedication of our boys has been commendable, and it is evident that they are driven to excel in their respective sports. Their commitment to hard work, resilience, and teamwork is a testament to the character of the young men we are nurturing at The Ridge.
I must extend a heartfelt thank you to our remarkable coaching staff. Their tireless efforts, expertise, and commitment to developing our young talents have been instrumental in driving our sports programme forward. Their dedication has produced some outstanding results, and I am confident that with their guidance, our boys will continue to flourish in their sporting endeavours.
As we reflect on the rugby season, we are thrilled to share some of the exceptional achievements and exciting developments within our rugby programme. The dedication and passion displayed by our boys, coaches, and supportive parents have contributed to a highly competitive and successful season. Our A and B teams have been outstanding, achieving remarkable results. Their commitment to the sport, along with their exceptional skill and teamwork, has been evident in every game they played. We are immensely proud of their achievements and the positive spirit they have brought to the field.
We are equally delighted to see the growth and progress of our C and D team boys. Playing two games has provided them with invaluable experience, improving their overall rugby knowledge and skill. Witnessing their development has been a rewarding experience, and we commend their dedication to learning and improving their game. One of the most gratifying aspects of this season has been the increased parental support for our rugby programme.
Your active involvement has had a profound impact on our boys. It has created a supportive and vibrant rugby community, where the players feel encouraged and uplifted by the presence of their families in the stands.
In a landmark moment for The Ridge, we were proud to have co-hosted the u11 Youth Day Festival for the first time. This event is a wonderful opportunity for young rugby enthusiasts from various schools to come together and celebrate the sport they love. Our u11 boys have showcased their talent and sportsmanship, and we are confident that this experience will be a stepping stone for their future rugby journey.
The Ridge took part at this years Independent Schools Rugby Festival hosted by WHPS. This year marks their Centenary, adding even more significance to the occasion. Our 1st Team competed against some of the top Independent Schools in the country.
Tennis: Throughout the season, The Ridge tennis teams showcased a high level of commitment, competing weekly with enthusiasm and dedication. It was truly heartening to witness our boys’ passion for the tennis programme.We are pleased to announce that the tennis programme has recently welcomed two excellent coaches, Georgina Dougall and Callum Brand. Their coaching skills and expertise have significantly elevated the training and development of our tennis players. Under their guidance, our young athletes have made remarkable progress, improving their skills and techniques on the court. Their dedication to the sport has been invaluable in nurturing a strong foundation for our tennis programme.
Cross-Country: Our Cross-Country boys showcased commendable performances throughout the season, participating in various events hosted by different schools. The season concluded with an exciting Inter-Schools event held at Rietvlei Zoo Farm, generously hosted by St. John’s. Our runners rose to the occasion and demonstrated their dedication and skill on the course, making us incredibly proud of their achievements. A special mention must go to our u9 team who placed 1st.
U9: 1st place U10: 7th place U11: 4th placeU12: 7th place Open: 8th place Climbing: Our climbers have delivered extraordinary performances this season, and it brings us immense pride to share the remarkable achievements of Jack Heenan. He demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, securing first and second positions in the disciplines he entered. As many of you are aware, Jack’s exceptional skills were on full display during the Gauteng competition, where he claimed top honors in two separate disciplines. His outstanding performance earned him a well-deserved spot in the Gauteng u15 climbing team for the South African National Climbing Federation competition, held two weeks ago. Despite being too old for the u13 category and no u14 section available, Jack’s dedication and passion for climbing have propelled him to new heights, and we couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishments.
Canoeing: I am thrilled to share with you the outstanding achievements of our paddlers in both the GCU Sprint Trials and GCU Marathon events!
Congratulations to all the paddlers who competed in the GCU Sprint Trials at VLC, Germiston on Saturday, 4th February 2023. Your dedication and hard work have paid off, and we are incredibly proud of your performances.
Furthermore, a big round of applause goes out to the paddlers who participated in the GCU Marathon events held at ERK, Homestead dam on Saturday, 3rd, and Sunday, 4th June 2023. Your skills and determination during these events were truly commendable.We are especially proud to announce that the following paddlers have earned Gauteng Representation in the 2023 SA Sprints & SA Schools Sprint Championships at VLC, Germiston in April 2023. Gauteng Representation List:
Asher William Wilson u10
Mathew Kuhl u12
Benjamin Carmichael u12
Caden Wilson u12
Your achievements in both the junior GCU Sprint Trials and GCU Marathon events are a testament to your talent and commitment to the sport. You have made our school community proud, and we are excited to see you represent us on the national stage.As we look ahead to the upcoming championships and future events, let’s continue to support and encourage our paddlers. Your passion and dedication to paddling exemplify the true spirit of sportsmanship and excellence that we strive to foster at our school.
We congratulate these boys for their unwavering dedication and commitment throughout the season, leading them to this fantastic achievement. Additionally, starting from half-term, all our boys have been actively engaged in compulsory football. We have concluded our season, and we are pleased to see impressive results across the board. This year, our Grade 7s had a football tour,with the A and B sides heading to Penryn and the C and D sides going to Camp Discovery.
Hockey: Moving on to hockey, we have recently held trials to select a side to represent The Ridge at the annual Prep Schools Hockey Festival hosted by KEPS this year. We extend our best wishes to the 14 boys selected, who will be facing tough opposition nearing the end of their season, while we embark on the beginning of ours.
Basketball: Basketball trials are underway. 12 boys will be selected to participate in the Annual Kearsney basketball tournament. We wish our boys well as they prepare for this.
Waterpolo: During the Winter season, our boys in Grades 5, 6, and 7 demonstrated remarkable dedication by participating in the Winter League waterpolo. This additional commitment led them to exciting Friday afternoons, where they competed against provincial and school teams. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was evident that their hard work paid off as we performed exceptionally well against some of the finest polo players in Gauteng.
During this term, we are thrilled to celebrate the exceptional achievements of four boys at The Ridge. Among them, two boys earned provincial representation, showcasing their remarkable talents and dedication. Additionally, two other boys proudly represented The Ridge school in five different first team sports, embodying the true spirit of our sports program. A massive congratulations goes out to these boys for their outstanding accomplishments. Their hard work and commitment have not only brought honour to themselves but also added to the pride and excellence of our school’s sports community. Well done, and we look forward to witnessing more of your success in the future! Sports honours award
Yousha Gani (Southern Gauteng Hockey)
Jack Heenean (Gauteng Climbing)
Nick Goeller (five first team sports)
Maddon Elliot (five first team sports)
I would like to extend my gratitude to all parents for your continuous support and encouragement. Your involvement in your son’s sporting endeavours makes a significant difference and adds to the sense of community and pride at The Ridge.
As we head into the holiday season, let’s take a moment to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and remarkable achievements of our boys in sports. It is through their passion and commitment that The Ridge continues to foster a culture of excellence and sportsmanship.
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, relaxation, and quality time spent with your families. May the upcoming break rejuvenate our boys, and may they return to school with renewed vigour and enthusiasm for the sporting challenges that lie ahead.
Thank you once again for your support, and I look forward to welcoming our boys back for another exciting term of sports at The Ridge.
MARKETING OVERVIEW
The 2nd term of school was busy but fun.
The boys learnt math and played in the sun.
Youth Day was celebrated, and boys donated their time.
To making sandwiches on Mandela Day, the boys were sublime.
During the school day the boys leant English and History But who can forget the snowfall, that will always be a mystery?
The Senior Prep boys performed the “Oddz, Sodz and Greek Gods” play.Where boys practiced and sang their hearts out each day.
The boys played cricket, rugby and chess but don’t forget the cake sales.
They are always the best.
Term 2 was busy but fun!
By Jenni Caister-Carbonari
LIGHTHOUSE OVERVIEW
The Lighthouse has experienced a busy Term 2. The first half of the term saw some of the Grade 2 boys begin with the RAVE-O reading program with much enthusiasm.
RAVE-O (Reading through Automaticity, Vocabulary, Engagement and Orthography) is a literacy programme based on the science of the brain and reading. It is an evidenced based intervention for learners struggling to read in Grades 1 to 5 and has shown to be effective across socio-economic, cultural and home language backgrounds.There has also been some staff movement in the department, with the Head of Learning Support, Penny Meyer, leaving us at the end of the term.
Zoë von Klemperer will be taking over as the new Head of Learning Support from 1 September 2023. We know that the Lighthouse and our boys are in good hands with Zoë and wish her all the best as she takes on her new responsibilities.
By Penny Meyer
GRADE 1 OVERVIEW
Our Grade 1 boys have made it through the coldest and longest term! The Second Term at The Ridge lends itself so well to the teaching of the seasons. The changing colours and falling leaves, wearing of tracksuits, and playing tag rugby all herald the onset of Autumn. The boys used all their creativity and autumn colours to decorate trees and create an Autumn feel in their classrooms.
The boys made grand crowns to celebrate the coronation of King Charles II and began their sentence writing journey recording this historic event. We all felt privileged to be a part of this wonderful event and witness the pomp and ceremony that the British do so well.
As the culmination of our Reptile theme, the Croc City outing was an enormous success. The boys behaved well and listened to the Guide with interest and asked relevant questions. The bus rides, well-equipped playground, picnic snack all added to the event. Learning all about Space is another favourite theme for the boys. They were amazed by the fact that without satellites, there would be no internet to play their online games.
The Senior Prep Musical Production was a highlight. The boys waited eagerly for the Matinee, and found the singing, dancing, and seeing familiar faces on stage enthralling. They loved naming the boys they knew from their SALT groups.
Grade 1s wait on the playground for their SALT leaders to fetch them for the SALT session. They find the activities fun and come back from the gatherings full of bounce and stories. The boys love going to the computer laboratory with Mrs. Mafunise. They spend 30 minutes growing their mathematical skills using the Cami Maths Programme.
Junior Prep assembly is another weekly highlight, loving the birthday celebrations and the announcement of the task money collected for The Hope School. R5 covers a wide range of tasks. Pets benefit from these tasks: fed, taken for walks, bathed, played with, given clean water, and occasionally just loved. This is all for R5.
At Assembly, Happy Chappy is for the Grade 3s but Grade 1 waits with anticipation for the next Happy Chappy and are as enthusiastic at the announcement of the recipient, as possibly the boy himself.
The snow created great excitement and it was a moment of wonder as the snow fell silently all around the school. The boys were mesmerized and thrilled to be seeing and touching snow, many for the first time. A very well-planned phonics lesson introducing the sound “ow” blow the snow fortuitously coincided with a flurry of snow on Monday 11th July causing extreme excitement and wonder. So many questions arose that the careful planning for the day was sidetracked as we learnt more about snow.
The boys made sandwiches for Mandela Day and enjoyed taking part in this activity. We are ending the term with our much-anticipated Founder’s Day celebrations to end on a high note!
The Grade 1 Team
GRADE 3 OVERVIEW
The Grade 3s had the most enjoyable time in Term 2. The theme was Animals and they started off the term with a trip to Magaliesberg for a practical experience in the river whereby the boys looked for various insects that indicated the ‘river health’. Two moms joined our team and the one mom, a Freshwater ecologist, guided our boys in this activity.
The boys also had an opportunity to deliver speeches on an Animal of their choice. They worked hard and did quite a bit of research. The boys spoke confidently with cue cards, made good eye contact and shared interesting facts with their classmates. During our computer time boys could use their knowledge of animals and present it in a typed project inserting photos, changing the font and adding extra features. They enjoyed this project thoroughly. In Mathematics the boys covered the concept of money and visited Snazzy Max on the school property.
They brought a certain amount of money to buy items at Snazzy Max and afterwards had to work out the change. Obviously, the eating part was the most favorable. Our second theme after Half Term was Sport with special focus on Tour De France. We had a dad speaking to us about cycling and the ins and outs of Tour De France. The boys learnt all about the different jerseys, stages like the Queens stage etc. sticky bottles and even our very own ‘Tours De South Africa’, which is The Cape Argus and 94,7 Cycle race. We followed the stages daily and the enthusiasm grew as the names of the front riders became more familiar. The boys had to design a bicycle, thereafter, using different textures and add some special features to it. They had loads of fun.
As we were approaching Founder’s Day at school, the Junior Prep participated in a history week of The Ridge School. Jenny Herman, our school’s archivist, took our Grade 3s for a day of fun, sport and history around our school. Boys learnt about the different headmasters, how they used to start their day with sporting drills, a visit to the Dunn Koppie and ending off with a 1920 Sports Day at The Ridge. Wow, the way they dress was a sight to see, Durban July has seen nothing.
On the last day the boys visited Holy Family School in Parktown and experienced a day in the life of a 1920 classroom with ink wells, desks and cursive handwriting. Boys dressed up in olden day school wear and spent the day in the attic and around the school. The boys had a good learning experience at school this past term, both academically and practically. The classroom came to life and we hope that these memorable experiences will never be forgotten.
By Carmin Groenewald
GRADE 6 OVERVIEW
“Slow and steady wins the race.” This is how I would describe the journey our Grade 6 boys have undertaken thus far. The last few months have been filled with challenges and growth, and the boys can be so proud of how far they have come.
Success has come in various forms, from the sports field to our boys being recognised for their achievements in music and choir as well as, most recently, the Grade 4 to 7 production. Despite the busyness of the term, our boys have prided themselves on each task and approached each week with enthusiasm, winning a coveted pizza party as a reward. Sports fixtures with our local rivals have led to great teamwork and camaraderie.
The boys have learnt valuable lessons about losses and victories. These lessons ranged from teamwork, discipline, connection with coaches and their peers, and to embrace their full potential. As part of our Mandela Day Activities, we spent a happy morning, writing cards and putting beautiful gift bags together for the staff of Princess Alice Adoption Home.
The well-received donations will also have a huge impact on the little ones being looked after at this wonderful place of safety. We are encouraged to see that the boys are happy and willing to foster empathy, instilling in them a sense of pride and fulfilment.
The Grade 6 boys have been on a rewarding journey of growth and learning. It is important to acknowledge their efforts both in and out of the classroom and we look forward to seeing how they build meaningful friendships, find their sense of belonging and make connections with both staff and peers in a meaningful way as the year continually unfolds.
By Deidre Leibrandt
GRADE 7 OVERVIEW
We are extremely proud of our Grade 7 boys, who have managed a busy term with such maturity and enthusiasm. The boys were the lead roles in the Senior Prep production and displayed great talent and teamwork. The college application process can sometimes be daunting for our boys, and they managed the process with such resilience and grit. We had 16 scholarship offers this year, and we congratulate the boys on their wonderful achievements. Many of our boys continue to do amazing work with the Headmaster’s Leadership Programme, and we encourage them to continue working on their components. The boys hosted a tea for the residents at Park Care Centre for Mandela Day, and our boys displayed kindness and patience. The boys put together a special morning for the residents, and in doing so, they were able to appreciate the importance of spending time with and creating joy for others. The Grade 7 boys have had a meaningful and productive term and we look forward to a happy Term 3.
By Urvasi Naidoo
The Ridge School hosted its very first football match against Salvazione. It was a fun day filled with friendly football matches. The children displayed competitive football skills, good sportsmanship and passion for a sport they all enjoy. Our school fields were bursting with energetic, enthusiastic and budding young footballers who played with grit and passion. We are proud of both schools.
SALVAZIONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
You may have heard again of our outreach school Salvazione Primary in Mayfair – this unique school offers a safe learning environment for 219 children from Grade 0 to Grade 7 who are not able to attend local schools due to their financial and personal circumstances.
Salvazione will in the coming weeks launch its Friends of Salvazione fundraising programme and is also looking for volunteers to participate in the literacy and numeracy programmes at the school under the auspices of The Link Literacy Project which is held on Thursday mornings between 8:15am and 10:15am for literacy and 10:30am and 12:00pm for numeracy for Grades 2 and 3 (see https://www.thelinkliteracyproject.co.za/our-centres/salvazione/ for more details. No experience is needed other than your enthusiasm, so please consider lending a hand to this incredibly worthwhile and fulfilling cause!
There is a lot of good work taking place at Salvazione and many initiatives are underway thanks to volunteers and donations. Please email Eleonore on fundraising@salvazione.org to hear more about how you can make a difference.
FOUNDERS’ DAY CELEBRATIONS
SCIENCE EXPO
TEACHERS VS ESTATE STAFF
Our Ridge coaches and some of the teachers played a soccer game against our estate staff to cap off the season. After a very competitive but enjoyable game, the estate staff defeated the coaching staff 6-5. This victory will go down in history because the coaches have not been defeated in the last ten years. Congratulations, Gentlemen
RIDGEUP
The Grade 7 RidgeUp boys created, in groups, A3 drawings, each of which is linked to one of their South African poems. Each poem had been studied and discussed. This was followed by groups being allocated one poem and then visualising its key messages. Groups then had to present an analysis of their poem using the visual as their base.
HISTORY WEEK AT THE RIDGE
The JP is participating in The Ridge School, History Week. The boys are learning about their previous Headmasters, buildings and Founders of our school. Mrs Jenny Herman, the coordinator and school archivist, prepared amazing interactive activities, including tasting cod liver oil. This History Week allows the JP boys to experience school in the year 1920, where pens were swopped for ink wells and how handwriting was practised back in the day.
Mandela Day Celebrations
The Ridge Coaches vs Pridwin STAFF
Congratulations to The Ridge Coaches and their victory over their main rivals Pridwin Preparatory School. The game was played last Saturday in good spirit and camaraderie amongst fellow coaches. Thank you to all that came to show their support.
Coaches training session
Assistant coach from the Univerisity of Pretoria Nicholas Stothard hosted a coach-the-coaches session with The Ridge School Football coaches. He shared his knowledge about coaching and how to improve our football skills. Thank you Nicholas Stothard.
Play Practice
Our Senior Prep boys have been working hard in preparation for their Senior Production of “Oddz, Sodz, and the Greek Gods.” The production week has arrived. “Teamwork makes the dream work”.
Grade 2 Soccer
The Grade 2s hosted St John’s Preparatory for a friendly soccer game. It was a delightful afternoon with both schools having a good time. Congratulations to the boys for displaying good sportsmanship and The Ridge spirit.
Grade 3 Tour de France
The Grade 3s theme “Sport” focused on the Tour De France. They learnt about the different jerseys, watched the different stages and followed the winners daily. A Grade 3 parent came to talk to us about cycling and mentioned our own 94.7 and Cape Argus cycle tours. It was very informative and fun, and the boys enjoyed picking up his 7,6kg bicycle
Sports Honours
Congratulations to Nick Goeller and Maddon Elliot for being awarded sports honours. This is a remarkable accomplishment in representing The Ridge in five different first-team sports and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Academic Recognition Awards
Congratulations to these boys on their Academic Recognition for 2 semesters of 80% and above. Academic Honours for 3 semesters of 80% and above. Both starting in their Grade 6 year. Keep up the hard work boys
The Ridge Attribute Awards
We would like to celebrate Mufunwa Tsatsawane for receiving the attribute of “respecting the learning process”. For fully engaging and always giving 110%.
Congratulations to Matthew Kuhl, for showing the Right Ridge attributes and receiving an award for being respectfully bold.
Congratulations to Sinesipho Sibiya for receiving the award for having the Right Ridge attributes. For always choosing INTEGRITY over everything
Student Social Justice Community
Congratulations to our first-ever Student Social Justice Committee. This committee will address student concerns and devise solutions to improve The Ridge community.
Scholarship Awards
Celebrating 100 days
What an exhilarating day it was for our Grade 0 boys! They had reached the milestone of spending 100 days at The Ridge School, and to make this occasion even more memorable, we were blessed with snow. The unexpected snowfall was an added extra touch of uniqueness which made it a very special day.
Hockey Champs
Congratulations to these boys who represented the Provincial and Regional Hockey teams. Yousha Gani U13A, Southern Gauteng won a silver medal and Iain Thomson U13 Southern Gauteng District 9, a gold medal. We are proud of you boys.
Karate Champ
Congratulations Hugo Cantrell in Grade 3, who entered two events at the South African KWF Karate Championship and won gold and silver medals. Well done
Cross-Country Awards
Congratulations to these Grade 6 and 7 boys who were awarded their Cross-Country Badges. They placed in the top 20 at an Inter School event, demonstrating a consistent contribution throughout the entire cross-country season.
our amazing estate team
Always the first to arrive and last to leave, from cleaning the classroom to serving us tea and cake. Tending to the beautiful Ridge Gardens and freshening the paint work, all done with a smile, behind the scenes. We appreciate and love all the estate and kitchen staff. Thank you for being a part of our Ridge family.
THE GRADE 1s HAD A BUSY TERM
The Grade 1s put a lot of effort into their academic work. They use art to spark their imaginations. They also participate in sports, working on their ball skills and beating on drums during music….another great day in Grade 1.
Salt
SALT stands for “sharing and learning together”. During today’s SALT session, the entire school participated in an activity discussing unity and creating a Unity Wall at the school. Important questions included “What unity means”, “What positive qualities enable unity” and how a Ridge Boy can encourage unity at the school.
Proudly South african
The Grade 2 parents had a South African-themed food demonstration for all the Grade 2 boys. The boys had an amazing time making koeksusters and vetkoek as well as tasting mielie bread and boerewors. Their busy morning ended off with a cup of rooibos and a delicious rusk. They not only introduced the boys to new and delicious foods but also to the rich and diverse cultures of South Africa.
Grade 7 Boys learnt about vertebrates
Having completed the section on biodiversity, the Grade 7 boys culminated this section of work by dissecting a fish, which depicted the characteristics of vertebrates.
for making these kinds of lasting memories!
, Sunshine , Fun 
