The times we are in remain challenging and uncertain. Based on our experiences in the last two years, we all know of someone who has lost their job, closed their business, changed their school, or succumbed in the most severe way. Our duty calls for us to keep supporting each other, praying for friends and family, adapting, and caring without ceasing.

After a super busy year with all the challenges and opportunities it presented, the wellness of the staff and especially the boys is more important than it has ever been. The love felt by a parent does not automatically translate into love experienced by the child. The same holds true in teaching – what we feel for the children in our care does not automatically translate into that being experienced, unless we are deliberate and practical in our actions. It remains our endeavour at The Ridge to be deliberate in our actions so that all those in our community experience the care we feel. I am certain that the historical record in this magazine testifies to the immense care and effort that everyone in our community has put into making it a special one for the boys. These actions, in many ways, are representative of the ‘fruits’ we are called to grow.

The events, activities and the programme that is outlined in the magazine, is a teaching of the following when one considers growing ‘fruit’.

• The tree does not consume its own fruit. It is produced for the benefit of others. Let our fruits be for the benefit of others – be deliberate in making sure others experience love, patience, goodness… and not assume that they experience it because we feel it.  
• Fruit is not produced the same day the roots take to the ground. Invest daily in the parts of yourself where it is produced. The mind and heart produce what you feed it.  
• Fruits are not produced by the tree itself. If a tree is not producing, we do not look to fix the tree but the environment in which it is planted. If you feel that the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are not being produced in your life – fix the environment.  

I have often spoken about not going back to normal and to create a different quality of life. In doing so, I look to encourage you with these reflections:

• Do not focus on where you must get to – focus on how far you have come. You are better because of it.  
• What you did this year was based on the knowledge you had. Do not judge yourself or others for the actions of this year – they were because of the options available at that time. Now that you know better, you can do better. 
• You may not see it now or tomorrow, but when you look back at this year, you will be awed by how everything added up to take you somewhere more wonderful or amazing than where you were headed. You will be grateful that things did not work out the way you once hoped it would.  
• Mental, emotional and physical health is more important than academic progression. There will always be given time to develop academically. 
• Generally, in life, it has become second nature to complain about all the things we have to do. Without questioning it, we became accustomed to have-to-do lists. It became an essential part of being organised. I hope that we change our mindset – now we have get-to-do lists. This is not playing on semantics – it is a magnificent attitude – we get to go to school, we get to spend time at home, we get to learn, we get to experience new things. We get to… 

Now, go and do.

By Wayne Naidoo

TRIBUTE TO WAYNE NAIDOO BY GLYNNIS MOORE

Wayne joined The Ridge School as Headmaster in August 2021. From the beginning, he worked tirelessly to continue the proud traditions of The Ridge School yet to make it relevant to today’s society and the world in which the boys inhabit. He maintained equilibrium and high standards while the school was in the midst of COVID restrictions and although this was not an easy time, he carefully guided the process of returning to regular schooling. 

Wayne is a visionary who held high ideals for The Ridge School and its future. Although he was here for a short period of time, he made significant contributions in terms of putting structures and policies in place that were well-considered so that the management and functioning of the school could improve and progress.

Wayne was approachable and accessible to the entire Ridge community at all times.  He had an unfailing readiness to listen and the profound ability to empathise and view matters from multiple perspectives. With an air of humility, he managed difficult situations with diplomacy, In staff meetings, he guided discussions deftly and tactfully.  Wayne has an analytical brain and is an adept problem solver. He did not lose sight of the bigger picture and would bear in mind the distant implications of decisions and issues. Decisions were always taken with fairness, wisdom, immense integrity and for the overall good of The Ridge School, the school community and in particular, the boys.

His mantra to the Executive Team and staff was “Deep change or slow death” and his commitment to deep change will have a lasting effect. Wayne has dedicated his life to education and will no doubt continue to make valuable contributions to education as he takes up his new position at WPPS in Cape Town. We will continue to collaborate and share ideas and in so doing, extend our network with similar boys’ schools across the country. 

Wayne is someone with integrity and dedication to his faith and values. His commitment to his family and to family values is honourable. We wish Wayne, Fiona, Abby and Jessie all the best for their journey ahead.

TRIBUTE TO MANDY HEROLD BY THE JUNIOR PREP TEAM

How does one start a tribute for someone who has changed the language around teaching of boys and how they are seen?

It all started 12 years ago when Mandy took up the position of Head of Junior Prep. At that stage she had 2 young children with Ryan and Robyn being toddlers at the time.

It was during her second year at The Ridge that Mandy had a dual role, that of Head and of parent. This was not an easy task, to be sure, but she took it in her stride while always considering what was best for the boys in the Junior Prep.

It was also during her time with us that she met (as she refers to him) “her person”. Gareth has been a pillar of strength for Mandy as the challenges of the job morphed and changed with the needs of the boys. It must be said that Mandy has always been the biggest cheerleader for Gareth for all that he does, learning significant amounts of information about hockey. It was surprising that you were not roped in to coach one of the teams here!

With Mandy’s unshakable belief that the children in today’s world need more coping strategies than ever before, her interest in finding out more took her to America. There are 2 thought leaders that have caused a shift in Mandy’s approach to what is now common language in the Junior Prep. I like to refer to them as the Double B’s. For those who have not had the privilege of reading up or being at a workshop, these Double B’s are Brene Brown and Becky Bailey.

Brene Brown is known in particular for her research on shame, vulnerability, and leadership. Becky Bailey is an award-winning author, renowned teacher and internationally recognized expert in childhood education and developmental psychology.

Together these 2 ladies have had a huge impact not only on how we teach the boys in the Junior Prep, but also on how we engage with each other. Mandy has used the teachings of these woman to build a better team and a greater understanding of boys and how they learn. By implementing Conscious Discipline lessons throughout the Junior Prep the boys have a common language that can be used to express themselves.

Mandy’s investment in the Conscious Discipline way of thinking has led her to be the  first International Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor in Africa as well as member of the Association for Coaching. Her passion has taken her to great heights, speaking on this topic at conferences and workshops. It is ultimately this new window into teaching that has taken her on her new adventures.

With both highs and lows during your time here, you have always worn your heart on your sleeve! Thank you for your passion and commitment to The Ridge School, never wavering in your belief of how beneficial Social and Emotional Learning is to our boys. We look forward to seeing how your new adventure takes you further. I am sure you won’t miss the mundane tasks such as report editing, meeting after meeting and the lost property. Whenever you feel too calm, please visit us to help out in all those areas!  

I doubt that you will need any one of these during the next year. A pretzel, a balloon, a drain or a S T A R because you will already be calm 😊

TRIBUTE TO JOE KOTWAL BY CHRIS VERSTER

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree at Rhodes University, Joe started his teaching career in 2004 at his Alma Mater, Parktown Boys. He quickly climbed the ranks and was Head of Geography, Head of Grade 12, Chief Examiner for Finals and still gave of his time on the sports field. Joe coached the 1st hockey team to win the Aitken Trophy (the most prestigious high schools hockey competition in Johannesburg). Joe could also not be stumped on the cricket field. He took the 1st team which won the Chubb Challenge as well as becoming the u16 Night series champions.

Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions – Author Unknown. In 2012, Joe completed a Post-Graduation Diploma in Management and moved into the role of Director of Marketing whilst still at Parktown Boys. This was a brave move and indeed Joe’s calling. He joined the Ridge at the beginning of 2016 as Director of Marketing in a role that had been created. Another brave move, leaving his Alma Mater and comfortable environment. Joe had no shoes to fill and no experience in a prep school, yet it was a role that he developed and made his own. He made an immediate impact on the school community and the saying of “Does Joe Know” echoed throughout many a Staff, PA and Exec meeting. In 2019, the Marketing Department went to the next level, with the school’s Centenary Celebrations. It was probably Joe’s busiest year ever and his wonderful dry sense of humour and ability to remain calm and unflappable in all situations, really prepared The Ridge for a most happy year-long celebration.

As a colleague, friend, business partner and lover…of red wine, I still don’t know how to fully describe Joe. I found an interesting way around this dilemma and consulted John Platter’s book on the description of wines. There are some informative descriptions that bear uncanny resemblance to people; one sums up Joe Kotwal rather well:

• Pinotage: intensely individual, robust, with potential for refined development, when matured it is luscious.

• Merlot: generally softer and more approachable in youth.

• Cab Sav: Plenty of class and style, worthy of aging. 

The above wines are close descriptions, but to me Joe Kotwal is a shiraz. Shiraz: inspirational, with style and quality, able to express itself most eloquently. It has classic attributes of being spicy, with warm hints of fruitiness, combined with gentle traces of nuttiness.

By his very nature, Joe likes to call a spade a spade and does not appreciate any form of indecision or circumvention. He is a hard and methodical worker who gets the job done. At a recent Exec Meeting, we were asked if we were an animal, what would we be and why? Joe said that he would be a lion. I am not sure why he thinks he would be a lion, we all know that his roar is bigger than his bite! Now if I had to choose an animal for Joe, I would choose a ram. Highly revered as one of those rare creatures that even the most terrifying of beasts would not deal with, rams are easily seen by many as a symbol of grit, determination, and fearlessness. Capable of fighting off a host of big game predators, it inspires us to stand firm and tall in the face of life’s most challenging situations.

So, Joe takes another plunge, from stand alone to a bigger more complex environment in that of St David’s Inanda. That’s again brave, braver than some of us. An apt quote is John Keats: I leaped headlong into the Sea, and thereby have become better acquainted with the Surroundings, the quicksand, and the rocks, than if I had stayed upon the green shore and took tea and comfortable advice: (John Keats, from a letter to J.A Hessey, 8 October 1818.)  

The dog barks and the caravan moves on. Joe, you have made an impact wherever you have gone, and will continue to do so wherever you go. I think you underestimate the difference you have made to the boys, staff and parents. Your moral compass and the fact that you are just a good human being is respected by us all. Go well my friend, The Ridge’s loss is most certainly St David’s gain!

TRIBUTE TO ERICA KINNEAR BY THE GRADE 4 TEAM

Erica, Easy E, Miss K, ma’am. You go by many names but we all know you as the salt of the earth Miss K.

It’s time to bid you farewell. From a colleague to a mentor and now a true friend. We are all going to miss you dearly. Your passion, dedication and commitment to The Ridge School and education as a whole has spanned some 40 years, 18 of which were shared with The Ridge School. You came out to South Africa from the Highlands in Scotland with a gap year in mind. This gap year has now lasted 39 years and counting, and boy have you made the most of each and every one of those years!

From our lively grade meetings, to enjoying a Hansa on your swoop home at Pirates, your time and company are always cherished. The last 4 years have been nothing short of incredible. From celebrating the Centenary Year, to navigating online learning, to finding our feet again in this new normal and now finally for the last dance. 

Your infectious sense of humour and hilarious ‘Little Rocking’ motion when re-enacting a story, are going to be sorely missed. But nothing more than the care, love and passion that you share with not only the boys but us as staff, who have become friends and some even family. E, you are the most amazing educator and I know I can speak on behalf of all the young men and women that have had the privilege of having had you as their teacher. 

Although our ‘dream team’ is parting ways it has been an absolute pleasure being part of the team and the guidance and wisdom that you have both shared with me are so appreciated and I cannot thank you enough!

In closing, some of your finest quotes: “Make a plan and not a fuss”, “You can’t fly on one wing” and finally “I hope I don’t get like you, when I’m your age”. These all speak to your real zest for life, to never sweat the small stuff and to live each day like it is your last!

Thank you for everything, E! We will all miss you dearly. 

TRIBUTE TO LAUREN BAINES FOURIE BY THE JUNIOR PREP TEAM

Lauren Baines-Fourie has been a teacher at The Ridge School since August 2011. She started her time as a locum in Grade 2 and never left. 😊

Lauren worked with Izette Varty, Wendy Schultz, Kathi Rossouw, Tessa McWilliams,Tracy Beukes and the always amazing Ms Miriam Mafunise over the years. Even though the group changed, the humour, fun and support was a constant. Laughter, an anecdote or two about the boys and a cuppa have always been the way to begin the day.

When Covid hit and we were all in a state of panic, Lauren stepped up and provided much needed calm, assistance and moral support with Seesaw, an online learning platform that was used to engage with the boys and parents. Lauren helped us with the tech to record videos, create activities and respond with digital marking. She helped us maintain a sense of humour at a time when we really needed it.     

As a team, we have shared so many happy moments with Lauren. From the time she met her lovely husband Juan, an engagement, wedding and the birth of her adorable daughters, Olivia and Sienna.

Lauren leaves to pursue new ventures and the Grade 1 Team would like to wish her all the love and happiness in the world. 

TRIBUTE TO SARAH BEHR BY MANDY HEROLD

The year was 2015 and we were looking for a Grade 0 teacher to take over from the legendary, Jenny Jones. Bennie du Preez recommended that we interview a young intern from WHPS, so we did! The rest as they say in the classics, is history!

Sarah joined our JP team in January 2016 and very quickly found her feet in and out of the classroom with the staff, parents and boys. She consistently went above and beyond the call of duty for her colleagues and boys. Sarah opened her home in Lawley Road for many a staff gather and always hosted friends in the most generous manner.

In 2019, Sarah moved to Grade 1 for a year and was then appointed as Head of Grade 0 from January 2020.

Sarah has been the most dedicated and avid supporter of The Ridge School, including many, many school functions over the years – Galas, Rugby festivals, Founders’ Day, sports fixtures, cocktail parties and plays. She’s been a key role player in the SP Climbing extra-mural club and supervised the boys at City Rock and on campus.

Two of my highlights with Se were the ECD conference in Rustenburg at Lebone College in March 2017 and our KZN school visits in 2019, where we stayed with her fabulous parents in Durban.

Sarah personifies a contagious positive energy and professionalism. She has been a gift to our school family and from the bottom of my heart, I wish her all the very best on the next step of her journey as Headmistress of The Parks Pre-Primary. I just know that she’s going to inject her ‘Sarah-magic’ into that lucky community. 

Tribute to Cameron Eliot by Erica Kinnear AND Maresce Opperman

Cameron joined the Grade 4 team at The Ridge in 2019. He is a passionate teacher and we are all the richer for having him on the staff. Cameron has been amazing in giving the boys who have passed through Grade 4 during his time, an unforgettable year. As the boys make the daunting transition into the Senior Prep, he is unfailingly kind and caring. He quickly gains their trust, gradually builds their confidence and gives them the tools to go on to enjoy a happy, fulfilling year of growth.

Cameron is always willing to take on any challenge and nothing is ever too much for him. He has enjoyed the opportunity to teach Earth Sciences to the Grade 7s, over and above his Grade 4 commitments. Having experience as an intern, he offered his services to assist with, and enhance our intern programme. Cameron loves his sport and has been fully involved in coaching rugby, football, cricket and hockey to a range of age groups. He has also, happily and successfully, accompanied several sports tours. Over the last four years, we have been fortunate enough to benefit from Cameron’s commitment to immersing himself fully in the life of the school.

Cam, we thank you for all you have brought and contributed to The Ridge. You are going to be sorely missed by boys, staff and parents alike, but you really deserve this wonderful opportunity to make your mark in London. Just remember, they don’t sell Hansas and you need an umbrella! Take care and go well, Cam. We know you will continue to make us proud.

Tribute to Naadhirah Loonat by

Glynnis Moore

Naadirah began teaching at The Ridge School in 2020. It was a difficult time to begin as a new teacher as we were in the midst of COVID and online learning. Yet, Naadirah was a fast learner and showed her resilience by finding ways to educate her learners in as efficient and educationally sound manner as possible.

Naadirah has been a Grade 5 class teacher for the past two years and has also had a focus on teaching English. As a class teacher, she set firm boundaries yet was empathetic and kind towards all her students. She worked collaboratively with parents and was keen to engage with them when required to do so. Naadirah has an interest in children who learn differently and has worked closely with the Lighthouse to assist those boys who require more support. She knows her boys extremely well and is sensitive to their needs and emotions.

In her teaching, Naadirah equipped her learners with the knowledge, skills, ways of thinking and working that are needed for their future lives as leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, innovators and workers in different vocations. 

Naadirah was a part of the Project Based Learning (PBL) team from the second term onwards. Here she demonstrated her ability to work collaboratively within a team of teachers; to innovate; to learn new modes of pedagogy; see the value in it and to facilitate learning in a different way. She also surprised us with her ability to direct boys and bring out the best in them when they were required to present to a wider audience. 

The boys will miss the guidance, support and encouragement that  they received from Naadirah and her kind nature. In addition, she has been a valued colleague. Naadirah leaves us to take up a position at her Alma Mater, Roedean School for Girls and we wish her well in her future career which will no doubt be a bright one.

Tribute to Scott Mallen by Nico Seakamela

To dearest Scott, and this not many people know…

We’ve known one another for years; I’m not just saying that for show.

Quiet, calm, and very unassuming, you are your own man

Caring, kind and often amusing.

The year was 2020 when you came to us.

Dedication, commitment, when it came to the boys there was never a fuss

You leave your mark here, and for this I can attest.

With many parents and boys, stating that you’re simply the best.

Your best attribute is that you see the boys.

The human touch without the noise.

Yet another chapter, now awaits

Like the boys at break, it is open gates.

Mum, sister and now, you

The Ridge Golden thread, it deeply runs through.

Scott the Mensch, you’re a hellava guy

Tot siens, hamba kahle and a fond goodbye.

Tribute to Aiyabongwe Dube by Maresce Opperman

Congratulations on securing a new internship which will create more learning opportunities for the specific teaching phase you have embarked on.

On behalf of the teachers and the special boys at The Ridge School, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to you for the various contributions you have made to The Ridge School. I thank you for your dedication and commitment.

It is always difficult to say goodbye, but it gets easier when we know that you are ready for your forthcoming journey and that this experience is going to be worthwhile and rewarding. You, as a person will grow tremendously as you are all set to move out of this zone and explore more of the world and yourself.

I would like to impress on you to always see yourself as an ambassador of this school and never allow selfish interests to blemish the integrity that you have nurtured over your years here. Be kind and good to people you meet on your way. Allow the words of your elders to guide you as you journey on to greatness. Dream big and be optimistic. Be the change you want to see in the world!

Tribute to Tafadzwa Matariro By Maresce Opperman

Four years ago, you came to the Ridge School as an enthusiastic and naive young man and today you leave as a mature individual ready to face the real world. The time has come when you are required to become serious about life and make important decisions that will determine your future. When I look at you today, I see a leader of tomorrow. Someone who will make a difference by sharing what he has learnt.

I would like to thank you for all you have done for the Ridge School, its teachers and most important of all, the boys!

You have got all the potential and now you must find the right platform to express your talent and make your dreams come true.

Tribute to Siya Makinana by Cameron Eliot AND Maresce Opperman

Siya, it has been a pleasure getting to know you and working alongside you this year. Although your stay at The Ridge was brief, your contribution to the school is so appreciated.

Particular mention is to be made for your commitment and involvement in the hockey season, travelling down to
Rondebosch with the boys, coaching them and umpiring whenever you were called upon.

I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, although this may not necessarily be in teaching, I am sure you will continue to succeed in your field of coaching. Thank you for everything and I wish you all the best for next year!

REMEMBERING MAX MOYO

We hosted a special tea to commemorate the unveiling of the plaque in memory of Nabazayo “Max” Moyo, who served The Ridge community with a gentle enduring spirit, warmth, and kindness.

We had the pleasure of welcoming 46 Old Boys from our Grade 7 Class of 2017, and their parents to a special assembly. Our honoured guests reconnected whilst reminiscing about their time here at The Ridge. After the assembly, a few of them visited their former teachers and even spent time with our boys, sharing advice and of course stories of their days at The Ridge.

Congratulations to the following Ridge Old Boys at Hilton College, Oliver Joyner has been named McKenzie Head of House for 2023, Ben Kok has been named Head of Academics for 2023, and Matthew Peters has been named Newnham Head of House for 2023 and Captain of Rowing. Christopher Harty received full academic colours, Flynn Newell received honours for academics, Ross Short received full academic colours (A levels), Luke Holden received a Merit Certificate for Soccer, Thomas Roy received half-colours for soccer, and Murray Brink received half-colours for rugby 7’s.

Congratulations to Daniel Bloom, Head of Ochse House (St Alban’s College) and to Sean Ruwodo, David Ball and Leruo Mophatlane , Espin House prefects at St Andrew’s College. May you continue to proudly fly our flag.

Congratulations to the following Ridge old boys on becoming prefects and heads of their various houses at Michaelhouse. David du Toit – Head of Baines House, Oliver von Klemperer – Prefect of East House, Marc du Plessis – Prefect of Ralfe House, Oliver Walters – Prefect of Pascoe House and Cameron Fleming – Prefect of Farfield House. We are proud of all of you gentlemen. Keep striving for excellence.

Not often do young men like Sebastian Bouilliart come around. As a young boy at The Ridge he was amazing, as a young man, he is exceptional.Sebastian has been named the Dux Scholar at St John’s College for 2022.
He received the subject prize in the following subjects at the recent Valedictory Mass,
AP Mathematics, English, French, History, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Orientation

We are very proud of our Ridge Old Boys: Weston Davis, Lebusa Mokhele and Sam Wearne, who have been elected as prefects for 2023 at St David’s Marist Inanda. Further congratulations to Charlie Dewar who has just received his South African colours for Polo.

We would like to congratulate Courtney Jamnik at Southern Cross in Hoedspruit on his election as the Head of the boarding house and also the house captain for Bateleur House. We are proud of you.

SENIOR PREP OVERVIEW

On your marks, get set and GO! The year 2022 was always going to be an action packed one. Having lived under strict COVID protocols for close on three years the school was bursting at the seams to come back to life. 

One of the things we strive to achieve is to build a dynamic learning environment that engages our students, promotes deep understanding, and nurtures a love of lifetime learning and inquiry. One of the ways that The Ridge is trying to engender this mindset is through the introduction of PBL (Project Based Learning) 

It goes to reason that, if we support students in becoming active creators, initiators, problem finders and community members while we as teachers focus on coaching, mentoring, and being community navigators; then students’ understanding, engagement, curiosity, and self-direction will increase.

We are once again pleased to note that our boys remain highly valued and prized by many of our leading Colleges around the country. Whilst we passionately believe that the process of learning should be more valued than the outcome, it is with a great degree of pride that we announce that our boys were offered no fewer than eighteen scholarships this year.

The school is most alive and vibrant, when we open our doors and invite our community in. After a long hiatus, we were able to welcome back many of our traditional events. Founders’ day is one such occasion with the excitement being palpable as the days drew closer. The day as has become custom was an enormous success. 

This day, more than most, highlights what makes this school so incredibly special. Whilst the clothing and food stores can keep one occupied and fed for hours and the music performed keeps one entertained. It is the people, “our community” and the generosity of spirit coupled with friendship and laughter that makes this a red-letter day.

Speaking of things that lift the spirit, another personal highlight was when we hosted the premiere of the Mission Joy movie, featuring The Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This documentary was a celebration of the human spirit, the power of the “human touch” and how leading with kindness can spread joy.

Having last had a music tour in 2016, it was with great excitement that the school embarked on a tour de force to KwaZulu Natal. The boys played with passion and enthusiasm and fully embraced the opportunity to spread joy through their musical gifts. Our boys were well received whenever we performed and more importantly, they conducted themselves in a manner of which our community could feel proud.

Music touches us emotionally where words alone cannot. The boys and music department fortunately for us, took this to heart. Back in full swing, parents and staff were treated to musical soirées, Carols by Candlelight, and a most fabulous return to the Linder Auditorium where we hosted both the Junior and Senior Choir Festivals.

The academic year never feels complete without a school production, and the Grade 7 adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk proved to be just the tonic and an enormous success. It has been said of this particular year group “That when they are called upon to show the Right Stuff and need to perform, they never fail to deliver,” and our boys should be proud of that. The boys and the production team deserve an enormous amount of credit for a most enjoyable and slick production.

Not to be outdone, our fabulous PA team was in full force once again. They came together and gave of their love, commitment, and time to put together a host of scintillating events. We had Lumo Dances, Night Runs, Golf Days, Cake Sales and even the occasional art auction. 

Sport plays a huge role in a young boy’s life and we at the Ridge use this as an opportunity to inculcate strong values. Sport allows us to be intentional in displaying empathy, resilience, respect, authenticity, and a sense of belonging.

It feels like we toured every inch of the country this year, from Knysna, to Cape Town, Mpumalanga to Durban. Nowhere was too far for us to travel in search of competition and the boys jumped at the opportunity to travel and play competitive sports once more.

Besides the obvious health benefits and mental well-being that sports provide, it presents opportunities to strengthen bonds and ties with other schools near and far. The Ridge School is renowned for being fantastic hosts and this year was no different. 

We hosted the Independent Schools Cricket Festival which feels like a school’s mini World Cup, such was the competition and number of schools that came through our gates. The festival provided opportunities to rekindle friendships and play competitive cricket in a festival environment. Where involvement and personal and collective growth is the measure of success not merely results.   

There was also a welcome return of grade camps for both boys and staff. The camaraderie, team-building, socialisation and grit these camps provide for the boys should not be underestimated. For the staff, the hidden curriculum comes into play beautifully, and provides another lens in which to see our boys. 

The year was action packed from start to finish and we would not have it any other way. As we lean towards the finish line, I wish you all a blessed and restful festive season and a reminder to lead with empathy and kindness in all that we do. 

By Nico Seakamela

JUNIOR PREP OVERVIEW

I write this with a heavy heart as it is the last time that I will be doing it as the Head of the Junior Prep at The Ridge School so this is mostly a reflection of the 2022 school year and partly a farewell to my beautiful school.

Schools are the most hyper-connected human spaces and 2022 has given us a plethora of a year of ‘getting back to normal’. We are delighted that our boys have been able to participate in sport events, outings and concerts.

Our Parent Association has had an extraordinary year of events including the Lumo Dance, Neon Night Run, Founders’ Day, Soap Box Derby and the Grade 6 & 7 Social.

More than half of 2022 was spent in the dreaded masks! I had an interview on eNCA in May about why masks are so bad for all of us, especially our children. The voices of some of the Grade 3’s were included in the interview saying the following:

• “Masks are taking away the joy of being able to see our friends’ faces”
• “I can feel the lines on my face because I’ve weared a mask for so long”

• “I don’t understand why the government hasn’t listened because it’s been scientifically proven that masks don’t help”

• “Masks hurt the earth and they’re not even helpful, whatsoever”

It was with much joy and gratitude that we celebrated the end of mask wearing on 23 June!

I did tell the boys that we could have a bonfire to mark the occasion but as one particularly thoughtful Grade 3 boy pointed out “Mrs Herold, is that not disrespectful to those families who still chose to wear masks!”

Term 3 saw the re-introduction of Task Money. This is an amazing opportunity for the boys to be of service at home and then pool the monies to donate to a worthy cause. Princess Alice Adoption Home is the recipient of this term’s Task Money.

I’m going to miss everything about the day-to-day ‘buzz’ of our school. No two days are ever the same. My dream for The Ridge School is that we continue to be a dual-purpose educational institution where we not only focus on academics, but also the emotional wellbeing of all the humans in the space.

My gratitude is deep and sincere. Thank you to each and every person who has played a role in my journey over the last 12 years. You will forever be in my heart. I wish you well. 

By Mandy Herold

MUSIC OVERVIEW

The Music Department has had a Rockin’ year in 2022! The ensembles and choirs have gone from strength to strength, and we’ve had a few new additions onto our calendar of yearly events.

Marcus Wyatt joined our team as our new Brass instrument teacher and has brought quality tuition into the department. The Jazz Band has done exceptionally well this year under his tutelage, and we look forward to watching this musical team grow. Highlights of the year included a vibey Founder’s Day stage performance and a confident showcase at the St Mary’s Ensemble evening; which showed their resilience in being able to continue despite the loadshedding interruption mid performance.

We have enjoyed the collaborative delights of singing together with our wider Ridge community; St Katharine’s and Auckland Park Preparatory School. We hosted our Annual Ash Wednesday and Ascension Day Services on the Hersov field, where the combined choirs filled the Westcliff with their beautiful singing.

Each term the individual music students have an opportunity to perform at the relevant Assemblies and Soirées. The department has grown in number with boys taking individual music tuition and we look forward to watching these boys continue on their respective musical journeys.

The Choirs have flown the Ridge flag high this year at a number of internal and external events. The most outstanding Senior Choir performances include the Kingsmead Junior Choir Festival in Term 2 as well as their formidable performances at Founder’s Day and The Ridge Choir Festival at the Linder Auditorium. Our smallest choir in the school, the Amtoti Choir, has managed to produce some of the highest quality choral music, through difficult technical arrangements and dedicated boys.

The Junior Choir, under the directorship of Irene Morrick, have had several notable performances. The Grade 3 Assembly, Special Easter service, Founders Day, The Sound of Children Choir Festival, Carols by Candlelight as well as a unique opportunity to perform for invited guests and dignitaries for the African Premiere of the Movie Mission:Joy. This incredibly moving documentary tells the tale of the friendship between Archbishop Desmond Tutu and The Dalai Lama. The Junior Choir boys also took the time to do some community engagement in sharing their musical talents with the residents of the Eventide Home for the Aged in Emmarentia.

The Foundation Orchestra has continued to grow this year having performances at a few Music Assemblies and was a highlight at the Carols Service with their rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’. These boys have also collaborated with the Senior Orchestra on a few occasions, giving them the opportunity to play in a musical team with other strong, confident young musicians at The Ridge.

Our Marimba bands are always a firm favourite at many different events. The Grade 5 Band has performed especially well this year, having opportunities to perform at the Kingsmead Ensemble Festival and also for the arrival of dignitaries for the Movie Premiere held on campus. The Grade 6 and 7 Marimba Band combined to form the Tour Band for our music tour and brought the house down with their vibrant energy. The Grade 4 Band has gone from strength  to strength performing at our home Ensemble evening as well as for the Junior Art Auction later in the year.

The Senior Orchestra has developed in quality and finesse under the baton of Khanyisile Mthetwa. This ensemble has produced a wide range of repertoire from Classical to Pop and is our most well-established ensemble on campus. The boys continue to work hard, week on week, to be able to perform at any function or occasion.

We introduced a new Ridge Ensemble Evening in Term 2 where all our musical ensembles showcased their efforts and hard work to our Ridge community. This event was highly successful and will definitely become a regular event in the future. Some smaller ensembles were also able to showcase their talents here, including the Senior Guitar ensemble and our Senior Rock Band.

The Music Tour to KZN was an absolute highlight of 2022! The Tour boys were incredible in their performances, in their willingness to help with all the setups and breakdowns from one performance to the next and were fabulous ambassadors for The Ridge. Our Tour included special community concerts around Mandela Day at Caister Lodge, Garden Grove and La Domaine. School concerts were hosted by Highbury Prep and Clifton School, and the boys had an incredible collaborative performance with the Internationally renowned Kearsney College Choir.  Our newest ensemble was also showcased here, the Drumline. I have a hope of a Ridge Marching band in the years to come and we have started with the rhythms of the drums. The 2022 Music Tour was a resounding success, and our Ridge boys certainly did us proud!

The boys from Grade 0-7 have had wonderful opportunities this year to enjoy the magic of music outside of the choirs and ensembles. The Grade 0s presented a heart-warming showcase at the annual Grandparents Day early in the year and wowed the community with their SPACE spectacular for their end of year concert. The Grade 1-3 boys were absolutely delightful in the presentation of this year’s Nativity, where the Junior Primary staff also made a cameo appearance. The Grade 4-7 boys have been a part of many of the special assemblies held this year, including a whole school showcase for our Heritage Day celebrations. The Senior boys culminated the year with their confident, well-rehearsed Christmas music for the Carols by Candlelight.

Music is flourishing here at the Ridge, and we commend all the boys and staff on their dedication, hard work and continued commitment to excellence in the Performing Arts.

By Carol Ackermann

ART OVERVIEW

As we close off another year of Art, and on the back of so many changes at The Ridge and in our broader context, it’s good to step back and take stock of what we actually do with our boys in Art class. In the words of veteran Art Educator and publisher, Maryanne Kohl “Art is as natural as sunshine and as vital as nourishment”. The journey of an individual through art begins at The Ridge School in Grade 0. From Grade 0 through to Grade 3 boys are busy with the building blocks of art-making. This is a time when exploring colour and representing objects begins. By Grade 3 they are using more complex ways of describing their world, and they begin to get to grips with the language of Art. By Grade 4 boys enter the Senior Prep Art studio – the most spectacular Art studio in the country! Here they start to use techniques with more confidence and awareness, and they are able to produce more original work. In Grade 5 they begin to grapple with how to use materials in unique ways in order to achieve their vision. By Grade 6 boys are able to understand that art is also about the idea, and they learn how to use it as a tool for communication, particularly through Graphic Art. The Grade 7’s bring it all together in their projects, marrying their technical skills with their conceptual abilities- and their work never fails to impress.

No matter the age or the stage, our boys are not afraid to tackle whatever artistic challenge is thrown their way. In addition to learning about artists and techniques, Art class is about using one’s imagination, finding multiple solutions, patience, humility, respect for others, and appreciation for diverse cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. Boys realise that their Art making is not only about producing something amazing to look at, but that many skills can be applied to the world more broadly. The thought processes involved in creative endeavours influence and enhance all other spheres of learning. In an ever-changing world where AI and IT dominate, it is the things which make us uniquely human and machines can’t replace, which we have to develop and nurture. Such things are compassion, critical thinking and creativity. Art classes at The Ridge make a substantial contribution to equipping our boys with these ‘softer’, but soon becoming ‘core’ skills. I have seen how, over their time in the studio, boys become more curious, they develop their intellectual courage, they explore, problem solve and collaborate, becoming more adaptable, resilient and committed! Many old Ridge Boys return to the studio to tell me about their Matric Art, or Fine Arts degrees, or even how Art has influenced technical subjects like Engineering and Sciences.

Art classes give boys a wonderful space for innovation and imagination. There should not be a formula for producing art. The American abstract sculptor, Louise Nevelson said “I think all great innovations are built on rejections.” Having the freedom to make mistakes and seeing them as opportunities to create something new, is my guiding philosophy, which gives boys the courage to make beautiful creations and interesting innovations. I am always surprised and always inspired by what they do.

By Nicci Kurz

Pastoral Care FEEDBACK

Strong Pastoral Care underpins everything we do at The Ridge, knowing that a happy and confident boy will flourish and achieve wonderful things. We believe that a boy’s wellbeing is paramount and therefore, foster a truly strong partnership between parents, learners and staff; as one Ridge Family.

Pastoral Care is woven into the fabric of every subject and activity; with all boys understanding and modelling the responsibilities of looking after one another; celebrating and sharing in each other’s successes, and more importantly, helping each other get there. This forms a key part of encouraging relationships built on trust, kindness, and respect.

A good moral compass guides our boys to become the best version of themselves they can be. We believe that instilling the importance of morals and values through our SALT and House systems, under the guidance and support of SALT teachers and Heads of Houses, boys are allowed to feel uniquely valued, both as an individual and as part of the Ridge School Family.

A positive approach to behaviour management, led by our Pastoral Care team, ensures the boys are encouraged to reflect on the causes and effects of good and bad decision making. Teaching the boys to take responsibility for their decisions or actions is an integral part of how we shape the boys as they progress through the school; resulting in well-mannered, respectful, and chivalrous young gentlemen we are all proud of.

By Ryan Bezuidenhout

SPORTS OVERVIEW

2022 started with much excitement and anticipation as we were finally allowed to start our official Sports Programme without having to worry about COVID. We were finally allowed to participate in inter-school events and participate in all sporting codes.

Term One saw us back in full swing with swimming, cricket, water polo and basketball starting. What a busy start, but after two years of no sport, we were ready to go. Polo matches happened on Thursdays, galas on Fridays and cricket & basketball on Saturdays. 2022 saw The Ridge hosting the Prep Schools Cricket Festival for the first time ever. The festival was a great success with 12 different schools participating. The festival was also the founding member, Mr Rory Wood’s last festival, thus fitting that we made it an unforgettable one for him. This was also a very good festival for The Ridge who didn’t lose a game.  At the end of term one our first team rugby boys were already prepared for the St Stithians night festival and the St John’s Easter festival. Our basketball boys also participated in the St John’s tournament whilst our second team water polo boys participated in the Knysna Chukka Festival hosted by Oakhill. Our U10 B & C, U11 B & C and second to fourth teams also had our annual Clifton inbound and outbound tours. Thus, a very busy First Term.

Term Two was rugby, cross country and tennis from the start with football starting after half-term. Another busy term lay ahead for all our boys with tennis fixtures on a Thursday, cross country events on a Friday and then rugby on Saturdays. This year saw the Prep Schools Rugby Festival hosted by Bishops and our boys performed well and enjoyed all that Cape Town had to offer. The rest-day saw Cape Town showing off all its true beauty as the boys enjoyed an open top Red Bus tour, a boat trip through the harbour and Waterfront, a trip up Table Mountain, fish and chips in Houtbay and then ending with a visit to the beach. Amongst all of this the boys still played some really attractive rugby ending the tour with a convincing win. 2022 also saw the return of a much-needed football tour to Nelspruit, hosted by Penryn for our first and second teams. This year also saw our third and fourth teams attend a football festival at Camp Discovery. The boys thoroughly enjoyed the season with some tight and competitive fixtures during the season. During the August holidays our first and second team tennis boys attended the annual Sun City tennis tournament, a really well-run tournament which the boys love attending. A week later our first hockey team were on their way to Cape Town to participate in the Prep Schools Hockey Festival hosted by Rondebosch. A tough, but great, pre-season for our Ridge boys facing some stiff opposition who were at the ends of their respective seasons. The Ridge was the only Johannesburg based school to win a fixture at this festival.

Term Three started with compulsory hockey for all our Gr 3 – 7 boys. This is an extremely busy season with our boys being bussed to various schools with Astros to practice. For a school without an official astro our boys take some time getting used to the surface and we punch well above our weight in this code. This term also saw our First team basketball attend the Kearsney basketball tournament, narrowly missing out on a quarter final spot. Hopefully the introduction of two courts at The Ridge will see our basketball become a formidable force in the next few years. The Ridge also attended the annual SACS water polo tournament in October, this year having 28 schools participating. The Ridge ended the tournament as the 4th best ranked Gauteng school. Half-term saw The Ridge host the second edition of the Camp Discovery Festival. This year saw it adjusted to a T20 format  with 5 fixtures scheduled for the weekend. The boys truly enjoyed the weekend and produced some exciting cricket. This will remain an annual event on our calendar going forward. At the end of the hockey season our boys had a very short and compact athletics season, with the inter-schools event scheduled to be hosted by The Ridge and St Stithians being cancelled due to inclement weather. We were however able to complete our first inter-house athletics event since 2019. At the time of writing, we were still busy with field events so could not provide the results. This event was also a special event as it was Ms Erica Kinnear’s final Saturday sport event in 43 years of education, 17 of them at The Ridge. What a legend and I wish her all the best for the future.

To all the staff who made this year’s sporting programme a success I must give a huge thank you, as without you, our boys wouldn’t have the opportunities they had.

Finally, this will be my final end-of-year article, as I will not be at Ridge this time next year. My journey at The Ridge started in 2007 being appointed as a Senior PE and Maths teacher. In 2010 I was asked to take over as Head of Sport. This has been an incredible journey with many ups and downs along the way – however, a most memorable journey. The Ridge is very well respected amongst all the Johannesburg and many coastal schools, and I hope the relationships that have been built will be maintained. I have seen many boys and staff come and go during my time at The Ridge and yet we have always managed to punch well above our weight in all that we attempt. There have been so many highlights along the way, far too many for me to mention without leaving one off a list or forgetting about one. The Ridge is a special place and will always remain dear to me. I look forward to following The Ridge’s progress in the years to come.

Wishing you all a wonderful break and time to relax and reflect on the year that has passed. Celebrate the many blessings received, and wishing you a prosperous 2023.

By Bennie du Preez

SENIOR PREP LIBRARY FEEDBACK

The Senior Prep Library was a hive of activity this year. Boys flocked to the library for books to read when they had some time, in between all the rest of their activities. We introduced a Library Lovers Award at the end of October for boys who read the most during the month. This will be continued into the future. The competition is fierce!

Our Reading Breakfasts (Term 1 and 3), were a huge success. The first one happened on the 4^th of March to celebrate World Book Day and on the 16^th of September we celebrated Roald Dahl’s birthday (13 September 1916) with another wonderful Reading Breakfast.

Families joined us on the Hersov field to picnic and reconnected over coffee, snacks and loads of books. Boys and staff (and some parents!) dressed up as their favourite book characters, bought books from the Book People, coffee and snacks from the Grade 6 mums and celebrated reading and books in a way that makes every librarian’s heart beat just a little faster.

Did you know… 

• The BFG was Roald Dahl’s favourite story

• The Peach in ‘James and the Giant Peach’ was originally a cherry!

• Roald Dahl wrote his stories in a shed, in his garden, using HB pencils and yellow note pads

• ‘The Enormous Crocodile’ was the first book illustrated by Quentin Blake in 1978

• Roald Dahl is responsible for adding over 250 words to the English language

• Roald Dahl could speak three languages: English, Norwegian and Swahili

The Second Term ended with Literacy Week 2022. It was a week filled with fun and all things Literary. This happened from the 1^st to the 5^th of August. We had authors coming to talk to us; teachers sharing their favourite books with us; shows including Hooked on Books, On Cue Theatre and The National Children’s Theatre; the chance to accessorise and dress up (or down); a fabulous book sale hosted by Exclusive Books and ended the week with an epic General Knowledge Quiz. The focus of this week was to give boys the opportunity to rediscover the joy of books and stories as well as broaden their horizons so that they can embrace all the aspects of Literacy with enthusiasm and excitement. If you looked around the school at the piles of books being carted around, listened to the excited chatter and witnessed the boys’ wide smiles… I think we achieved our purpose!

The 2023 calendar is already filled with fun book-related events and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back into our special library space!

By Hanlie Glanz

TRANSFORMATION AND DIVERSITY

Transformation, Diversity and Inclusion

The Preamble to the South African Constitution bears these powerful words:

“We the people of South Africa,

Recognise the injustices of our past;

Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land;

Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and

Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.”

At the Ridge School, we believe that Education plays a central role in bringing about a fair, just and inclusive society and that our boys have an important role in achieving this.  A school is a reflection of society and while we grapple with the challenges that our country and world face, we try hard to make The Ridge a welcoming and nurturing place for all boys, staff and their families.  The Ridge School commits itself to building a community that respects human rights, celebrates diversity, encourages inclusivity, and develops pupils and staff who are comfortable with debate and discussion by providing a safe space within which pupils and staff can explore differences while recognising our common humanity. We strive to build an environment where each individual feels welcomed and affirmed and where each person is encouraged to explore and develop their racial, cultural, and religious identity.

Diversity and Transformation form an integral part of the vision of The Ridge School.  We strive to:

• live the values of the Christian faith, humbly and courageously
• respect, nurture and value each person
• embrace and celebrate diversity in the communities of our school and nation.
• inspire individuals to open their minds and hearts, and to reach their dreams
• offer a world-class, all-round education fully up to date with the best educational and technological advances
• address global issues including the sustainability of the environment both as part of the curriculum and as demonstrated in school operations

The School has adopted various policies over the years to bring about the desired transformation of the school in line with current South African realities and values, as contained in the Constitution. This year was an opportunity to revisit those policies which culminated in a revised anti-discrimination policy, anti-bullying policy and Code of Conduct. Intolerance and discrimination on any ground, including race, culture, language, religion, nationality, sexuality, or ethnicity, have no place in our School.  Implementation of these policies is therefore key.   

We encourage all Ridge families to help us realise the vision of creating a welcoming, inclusive and positive environment for boys to grow. 

By Wayne Naidoo

ENVIRONMENTAL FEEDBACK

Environmental awareness at the Ridge has continued to grow at The Ridge in 2022. While we have come to realise that a shift towards environmental sustainability is the only way forward, we have challenged our community to think about their own mindset. 

We joined forces with Whole Earth recycling earlier in the year. This ensures that waste generated at our school is minimised and that it lands up in the right places. Our boys and staff have been encouraged to ‘think green’ when disposing of various waste items at school. We are looking forward to decreasing our waste footprint and adopting even more sustainable habits going forward. 

In June, we celebrated World Environmental awareness month. Each Grade was challenged to take on a project or run with an initiative to help create awareness or make a positive impact on changing mindsets. 

The Grade 1s created bird feeders using pine cones and peanut butter. They learnt about the importance of a habitat and the need for us to provide this important space for wildlife in urban areas. 

In Grade 2, the boys were lucky enough to be visited by Mrs Coetzer, who taught them about earthworms and how they play a vital role in soil decomposition. The boys built a Grade 2 class worm farm and now deposit their apple cores and banana peels in there for the worms to feed on instead of throwing them in the bin. 

In Grade 4, the boys learnt about the value of water and what a precious resource it is. They even took up the challenge of carrying around their own 5l water bottle for a day, just to get a sense of what it is like for many people who must travel great distances each day to access clean water. 

The Grade 5s took on the Clothes to Trees Drive and got the whole school on board with bringing in their unwanted clothing and shoes. This is the second time we have partnered with Clothes to Trees, and it was another successful campaign. 

The Junior Primary Art Auction raised significant funds to support our Rhino’s in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Many thanks to all the parents who came out to support the event and who gave so generously to the cause. Thank you to the PA Moms who organised the event. 

As we end another year, I appeal to all our community to make time to consider your carbon footprint and the legacy you are leaving future generations. When you are setting your goals for 2023, think about how you can make small changes in your life to better support the environment. By working together, we can be kinder to our planet. 

By Holly Ferrar 

GRADE 0 OVERVIEW

It has been a busy, fun, and adventure-filled year in the Grade 0 block. It has been wonderful to observe as the boys have settled into The Ridge School, made new friendships, become accustomed to different experiences, and learn in a boy-centred environment. The Grade 0 teachers and interns have had such fun getting to know these special little people who provide hours of entertainment, quirky humour, and an enquiring outlook on life.

Some of the highlights of the year have included catching tadpoles from The Ridge ponds, enjoying a delicious braai and boerie rolls in celebration of our South African theme, whizzing around the Lawley Road car-park for Bike Day, and most fondly, celebrating 100 Days of School. For this occasion, the boys came dressed as 100-year-olds and there was much laughter to be heard when seeing each other donning grey beards, glasses, and even some walking sticks! The teachers took part too, much to the boys’ entertainment.

Our Grade 0 Mums were treated to a Mother’s Day morning, whereby they were pampered with manicures and had the chance to create some gorgeous, beaded bracelets together with their sons. The Dads were invited to come in for a more physical morning, where they had the chance to show off their woodwork talents and build boats with their sons in preparation for the annual Grade 0 Boat Race in The Ridge School pool.

After many Music lessons and working hard with Mrs Ackermann, the Grade 0 boys put on the most fantastic performance of ‘A Trip to Space’ in the Nicolson Hall. With shiny silver helmets, and impressive NASA badges, the boys took the audience on a journey through Space. Parents and special guests were entertained with a variety of songs and dances. We are so proud of our boys for all their hard work that went into putting on such a wonderful show.

To end off an exciting and fun-filled year, the boys showed off their sporting talents at the Inter-House Athletics and Gala. Their fitness levels are something to be admired, and thanks to the Sports coaches for all the guidance to get their boys to this point. 

There is no place quite like Grade 0 at The Ridge School. Classrooms filled with colour and creativity. A playground offering explorative opportunities and a sense of adventure. Teachers who are passionate, kind, and fun. And boys that are happy, mischievous, and hungry for knowledge. What a year 2022 has been!

By Sarah Behr

GRADE 1 OVERVIEW

What an amazing year we have had in Grade 1 this year! The boys experienced an uninterrupted year of learning and fun.

It was so encouraging to watch them learn and play together and have the freedom to be mask free and able to interact with teachers and peers alike. Playing on the jungle gym, in the playground and with the construction toys is the highlight of their day. For the teaching team, the ability to see the smiles and expressions on our boys’ faces has been priceless.

The boys enjoyed so many ‘firsts’ in terms of experiencing traditional Ridge celebrations, like Founders’ Day, The Lumo Dance, Reading Breakfasts, Grade 7 Market Day, cake sales and various themed ‘dress up’ days. Our outing to Random Harvest Nursery was a firm favourite, although it is the teachers’ opinion that the bus ride was the most exciting part of the day.

Initially, the introduction to a formal learning routine can be daunting for these little chaps. As their teachers, we are always so proud to see them grow in ability and confidence. Humour is always found in their illustrations and their ideas for their ‘News’ sentences and independent writing. We are confident that they are going to enjoy Grade 2 just as much. Well done, boys!

Tracy Beukes

GRADE 2 OVERVIEW

What an exciting year to be a Grade 2 boy! Being the first full contact year after the COVID 19 pandemic, it has been action packed and full of adventure. 

Term 1 started off with a bang as we began our Art, Gardening and Games extra-murals. The boys gained so much knowledge about how to care for nature, how to use different mediums and how to work as teammates to create and play games. Then came the celebration of Shrove Tuesday. They enjoyed some pancakes on the terrace and themed activities about the significance and history of the day. By far the most exhilarating experience for Term 1 was the outing on the Big Red Bus where the Grade 2s got to explore our beautiful city of Johannesburg. 

We started discussing the cultures of people in South Africa and the food that they eat at the beginning of Term 2. Thanks to a generous mum, they got to watch the process of ‘braai broodjies’ being made and eat them! They also enjoyed some peppermint crisp dessert to finish off the meal. What a treat! As the Grade 2s gained independence, Mrs. Coetzer taught them how to become more responsible for their environment. She helped the boys to make a worm farm for the creation of compost. This worm farm is still going and the boys do their bit by adding their banana peels and apple cores. We are so proud of them!

Term 3 was the busiest term by far. The boys engaged in Project-Based Learning activities to introduce and consolidate some tricky concepts in Mathematics. They thoroughly enjoyed using information from previous lessons, iPads, and their teammates ideas to solve problems related to Time and Capacity. 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 some shows by Hooked on Books and On Cue Theatre as well as a special reading by a young girl who wrote her own book. This was inspiring for the boys and many of them began to create their own books thereafter. 

During the year, the boys relished many of the school events. Some of which were the World Book Day 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 absolute ambition and enthusiasm. The boys gave their all during the Tag Rugby season and competed against St Peters School. While the excitement for Tag Rugby was met with some disappointment, the boys showed their fighting spirit during Soccer matches against St Peters, St Stithians and Pridwin in Term 2. When the Cricket season approached, the boys already learnt how to play to each other’s strengths and work as a team. They displayed this teamwork when playing against St. Davids, Pridwin and St. Johns in Term 3. It has been so wonderful to watch their sporting growth over the year. 

It has been such a stimulating year filled with experiences, exploration, skills development, and a whole lot of learning! We are so proud of all our boys! 

By Jhulan Govan

GRADE 3 OVERVIEW

The Grade 3 boys, together with their teachers, have certainly made the most of their last year in the Junior Prep. Not only have the Grade 3’s learnt a lot but we have been involved in a variety of wonderful educational opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

In the first term, the boys were involved in learning about themselves and Pirates. This meant a Mr Men day where boys could dress as any character that showed something about themselves. We saw many talents, skills and interests being represented. We also learnt about Shrove Tuesday and Chinese New Year. This widened our knowledge of others and the important traditions celebrated. The Grade 3s hosted an Easter Picnic, inviting estate, security, admin and teaching staff. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know significant role players within the school. As we finished the theme of Pirates, the boys completed a collaboration project building boats.

The second term was filled with lots more learning,  particularly about animals. The lifelong learning during this theme, broadened the horizons of how each individual can help the world going forward. We celebrated World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. As part of the learning the boys had the opportunity to create an ocean diorama and write a speech on an animal, ocean pollution or how we can assist in looking after this invaluable resource. It was also during this term that we celebrated Founder’s Day and the Grade 3 boys loved every minute of this important tradition

The final term saw the boys spend time together on their first school camp. Being out in nature provided many opportunities to learn about teamwork, responsibility and independence. The boys also enjoyed Roald Dahl Day and dressed up as their favourite character. Our last theme was linked to World Cup Soccer. Sportsmanship, countries and players led to many wonderful discussions. Grade 3s also took on the role of the main parts in the nativity play.

A year filled with lots of fun, learning and getting ready for the Senior School.

By Di Wellard

GRADE 4 OVERVIEW

The Grade 4s have had an amazing year! They entered the Senior Prep in January, wide-eyed and a little apprehensive about what lay ahead. However, they were full of energy and showed an enthusiasm to embrace all the new opportunities and challenges.

The year started with a week of orientation which incorporated different activities to introduce the boys to life in Grade 4. One of the highlights was the ‘Capping Ceremony’ during which the Grade 7 boys each cap a Grade 4 as a mark of recognition of their promotion to the Senior Prep.

Some exciting new subjects were introduced, including Social Science, Natural Science, Design and Technology, Digital Literacy and Life Orientation, each offering their own set of skills and capturing the boys’ interest. They have particularly enjoyed the additional practical aspects of these subjects.

There were also new opportunities in the extramural programme. Climbing, canoeing and water polo showed their popularity on the sporting front, whilst marimbas, debating, orchestra, chess and drama attracted boys to the cultural programme.

Grade 4 places a great emphasis on the importance of reading, and the incentive of a bar of chocolate and a book voucher awarded in assembly when they reach their target, works exceptionally well! Some Moms and Dads have also been able to offer their services and join their son’s class once a week to assist with the reading programme. 

Project work has also been a highlight. The boys have been engaged in a Minecraft project, centred around the design of a zoo, following research on the habitats of selected animals. They covered a wide range of topics in their Science Expo projects and thoroughly enjoyed all the presentations. ‘The Importance of Water’ was the subject for their Environmental investigation and this included each boy carrying a 5 litre bottle of water for a day in appreciation of all the children in the world who do this on a daily basis to obtain water. This water was then donated to Ashraful Aid Charity who transported it to the Eastern Cape. The Grade 4s also participated in teams in the Travel Game in the 3^rd term. This year the game took them to the FIFA World Cup, finally ending in Qatar. Each team had to earn ‘money’ to travel to countries participating in the World Cup by doing good work and deeds, as well as involving themselves in activities. Similarly, money could be lost! The boys also had to research and gather information on the countries they visited.

Outings included an informative walk in the Melville Koppies, investigating the plants and grasses as well as learning about the fascinating history of the area. A day at Gold Reef City proved to be extremely popular. As well as learning about the history of gold in Johannesburg and the trip down the mine, the Grade 4s loved the opportunity to test their nerves on the rides. They were definitely braver than some of the staff…..the innocence of youth! 

Camp Konka in September was a wonderful success. The boys grasped every opportunity to challenge themselves physically and enjoyed working together in teams to solve problems. However, the ‘Mudstacle’ course and the tuckshop won the day as the most popular activities!

And so, it has been an incredibly busy year for the Grade 4s, but it has also been full of fun and camaraderie.

To the Grade 4s of 2022, you have grown beyond measure and made your teachers proud. We look forward to watching your onward journey, as you continue on your road of success through your years at The Ridge.

By Erica Kinnear

GRADE 5 OVERVIEW

It was wonderful to be back in the classroom for the entire year in 2022. It’s hard to believe that the year is already over, but this is unsurprising since we have been so busy in the classroom, on the sports field, singing and playing instruments, debating, playing chess, chatterbox, and immersing ourselves in our project-based learning. 

Our Egyptian exploration was stimulating, interactive, and fun! In the Third Term, we took a similarly exhilarating expedition exploring Mars. In English, the three set works this year were The Witches, Kensuke’s Kingdom, and Wonder. Themes arose and were discussed, such as external appearances, seizing unexpected opportunities, and kindness. We continued to transcend the CAPS Curriculum in Maths and several Grade 5s acquitted themselves well at the provincial Maths Olympiad. In the FAL languages, boys were consistently challenged to use their theory to go beyond the written word and become authentic Zulu and Afrikaans conversationalists. This was evident on our excursion to the Voortrekker Monument. These core subjects were always accompanied by a wide variety of artistic, musical, and dramatic offerings. I am most proud of the notable representation of Grade 5s in the school choir and orchestra. A particularly worthwhile event was the lunch our boys prepared for the service staff – a great day was had by all.

The Grade 5s of 2022 beat to the rhythm of their own drums. I will watch them keenly as they progress in the Senior Prep. I would like to thank Ms Loonat and Mr Seakamela and all the Grade 5 staff who go beyond the call of duty every day. 

Scott Mallen

GRADE 6 OVERVIEW

It is always daunting to be starting off a new school year. Post Covid, we were overly cautious and always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Our Grade 6 boys were determined to make the most of their opportunities by creating wonderful memories and celebrating each other’s achievements. 

As with any other year, there are always challenges, be it on the sports field or in the classroom. The boys have acquitted themselves well with everything they had to face, and most times put on a brave face. Each sporting code had its pros and cons, especially those early Saturday mornings we had to endure while we played rugby and football. I had the privilege of being with this group for almost all the sporting codes and I have never met a group of boys who displayed such enthusiasm just to be in each other’s company. There was never a quiet bus drive to hockey, without the boys singing their hearts out.

The latter part of the year flew by with many exciting activities. We spent three wonderful days in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The weather was beautiful, and the boys thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors with their friends. We returned earlier than the rest of the grades and spent some time giving back to our community. The boys (and parents) generously donated towards the Princess Alice Adoption Home. It took us quite some time to pack and organise everything before it was dropped off. We got to spend some time with the little ones and the staff, before meeting the rest of the boys at Hope School. The rest of the morning was spent reading to the Grade 1s to 3s, sharing a snack and playing a few games with them. 

This experience has allowed the boys to recognise differences and accept people for who they are. Enriching their lives and others with little acts of kindness. This year has flown by, with the busyness of it all and this year group is commended for their grit, friendliness, empathy towards others and always wanting to do their best.

By Deidre Leibrandt

GRADE 7 OVERVIEW

The Grade 7 boys experienced a full calendar-year of events without having the disruptions of Covid. The year started with the traditional Induction Assembly, which officially introduced our boys to the greater school community as leaders of the school. The assembly often serves as a reminder to the boys of their responsibilities as leaders and the opportunities that lie ahead. With the challenge set, boys were encouraged to make the most of the opportunities afforded them and were urged to work towards having a happy and rewarding year.

As leaders of the school, they were fully committed to the life of the school. The boys successfully represented the school at various sports tours and festivals, and displayed incredible maturity in managing a busy school life. They took the lead in important events such as the Grade 7 production and hosting the Remembrance Day assembly; they showed The Ridge community the magic they can deliver when they work together as a team. Using the Headmaster’s Leadership Programme, boys worked independently to develop their own skills and helped the community as well. The boys dabbled in the business world and became budding entrepreneurs for their Market Day project. The profit from the sales was used to purchase a gift for the school, which is a well-loved tradition. As seniors of the school, the boys participated in assemblies and marketing initiatives, and the Grade 7s proved to be invaluable and dependable. The Grade 7 boys must be commended for their exceptional year in and out of the classroom. 

The class of 2022 was a relatively small group of boys, and each boy was on a journey. It was wonderful to see boys working towards reaching their personal goals, challenging themselves to venture out of their comfort zones and displaying incredible personal growth. It was a busy year filled with many successes and wonderful memories. The boys can be proud of the work they have done, both individually and collectively.

Innovation and Research OVERVIEW

At The Ridge School we acknowledge the need for a high standard of education with consistency of curriculum delivery that comprises an innovative and forward-looking education and pedagogy. The aim is for a future focused education that creates solution architects  with a strong sense of social justice and responsibility. 

To this end, collaborative work is being done by the staff on the curriculum and learning processes. Learning is to be student driven with pedagogies that support this. In doing so, we aim to provide a personalised learning journey for each boy. Differentiation and inclusion is an area of focus and is required to be a part of every lesson. A student centred approach that is inquiry based and requires problem solving, is in the process of becoming our mode of instruction. An aim has become to create learning that is fun, engaging, authentic and to instill a sense of wonder, curiosity and a love of learning so that our boys can become lifelong learners. 

We have begun to explore such learning through the implementation of pilot projects which include:  Philosophy for Children (P4C) in Grade 4; Robotics and Coding in Grade 4; Project Based Learning (PBL) in Grade 5 and Applied Drama in Grade 7. The PBL (Project Based Learning) programme in Grade 5 has been successful. Boys were excited about their learning, thoroughly engaged, used critical thinking skills, collaboration, inquiry-based learning, creativity and their learning was self-directed in many ways. Most importantly, they had fun whilst learning.

We plan to extend the pedagogies that have worked in the pilot projects to other subject areas next year.  With continual research, staff development and an iteractive process whereby we analyse the effects of our innovation, academics at The Ridge will thrive.

By Glynnis Moore

SOAP BOX DERBY

INTER-HOUSE ATHLETICS

Climbing OVERVIEW

Once again, we had full commitment from our climbing boys this year.  Two of our Senior climbing boys, Jack Heenan and William McIlleron made the 2022 Gauteng Climbing Squad and attended Nationals in Cape Town in March 2022.  Congratulations go out to both boys for obtaining their Provincial Colours in acknowledgement of this wonderful achievement. 

The boys participated in a friendly inter school climbing competition held at City Rock in October. They participated in both the bouldering and top rope disciplines. The boys did themselves proud. The competition was tough, but they persevered pushing themselves to the limit while displaying appropriate Ridge Behaviour.

The journey of both the Captain and Vice-captain

Captain: William Mcilleron

It has been an awesome experience climbing at The Ridge School. I have gotten to know many people older and younger. I have become stronger physically and emotionally and have done things I would have thought impossible. I have been on this journey for over three years, and it is a hobby I hope to continue for many years to come. Climbing started in Grade 4, when we were still learning how to tie a knot and now, I am here, climbing routes that I thought only the best of the best could do. It has been an incredible journey. I have had so much fun climbing, talking and joking around with the rest of the climbing group and coaches. I would like to thank everyone involved for the amazing experience and I wish The Ridge Climbing Club luck for the coming years.

Vice-Captain: Mustafa Adroos

Wow, what a time! My climbing adventures at The Ridge have come to an end and I can

certainly say that I have grown from climbing, in many ways. I have learnt discipline, grit and

resilience through climbing and it will definitely be a fun and enjoyable sport to all who

decide to give it a try.

The feeling of finally getting to the top of the climbing wall, while doing a route that I have

been struggling with for a while, is one of the best feelings, if not the best feeling ever.

Through my many experiences with climbing, I have learnt that failing is only the path to

succeeding. Climbing is a sport that stands out from many other sports where you can

always come back and try the same route again the next day.

I would like to thank Mrs Ram and all my coaches for introducing climbing to me and helping

me all along the way throughout these special years of climbing at the Ridge.

By Shanitha Ramsurwaj

DRAMA CLUB

Drama is an extracurricular activity that allows students to express themselves through their acting abilities. For Drama this year, we focused on improvisational acting, spontaneous decision making and team building exercises.

For the improvisational component of what we did in drama this year, we were given our activity for that day, for example doing a commercial on a product, followed by a demonstration of said task. Continuing the commercial example, we would be sent outside or were allowed to stay inside to practise our piece with a group, either chosen by the teacher, or of our own choice, for around 5 minutes. By the time we came back indoors, we took turns as groups presenting our projects, and after we were done, the teacher would analyse our performances and tell us what we did right, what we did wrong, and how we could improve.

As for the spontaneous decision-making aspect of drama, the teacher gave us complete creative control of what we could do, provided we went along with the given requirements. When we did improvisations, we would go outside for around 2-3 minutes, which was only enough time to get a basic concept of the performance and to do a little bit of preparation. Once we came back, the whole act would mostly be improvised because of the aforementioned time restrictions. The teacher would then rate how well we improvised and worked together, then tell us what we could improve on for when we did an activity like this again. They would especially emphasise the use of our imagination in the acts we did, as well as using the environment to the fullest.

Lastly, for our team-building aspect of drama, we would do reactionary exercises, such as games of Bang, Broken Telephone, Charades, Musical Chairs, and Splash before a lesson. All of these games were to get us ready for the lesson we were about to do, and to get us in the acting and improvisational spirit.

Drama was very interesting and fun this year. We learned a lot of new things; we’ve had experiences that we’ve never had before; our confidence and collaboration skills developed and we played a lot of fun games that got us into the Drama spirit. 

By Lelo Mofokeng and Umi’Phakade Gwala

THE RIDGE SCHOOL SOCIAL

THE RIDGE SCHOOL GOLF DAY

We hosted our annual Golf Day at Parkview Golf Club. What was meant to be a grand afternoon of golf, mother nature turned into a fun, festive and competitive Pub Quiz. We’d like to thank our parents and sponsors for all the wonderful prizes, the PA and the staff for helping organize the event, and finally, thank you to all the players who stayed and made the quiz a memorable afternoon.

SWIMMING OVERVIEW

nd just like that we were back in the pool, enjoying early morning training sessions with Covid a not-so-distant memory. Both staff and boys alike embraced each training session, especially if hot chocolate and sometimes a warm shower was on the cards.

After almost two years of no competitive league galas, we had sufficient teams to allow our boys to be part of all three league galas, which took place weekly. Very few were called off due to bad weather and this gave the boys an excellent opportunity to show their grit and determination. Due to the busyness of the term, and our grade 6s and 7s also participating in other sporting codes and tours, we often had to double up and move teams up. The boys held their own, even if it often meant that they were swimming in each race for their age group.

Travelling to and from venues each week, also gave the boys opportunities to build friendships and camaraderie while competing. The Grade 7 boys are to be congratulated for always stepping up to the plate and ensuring that the younger boys were looked after and ready for their races.

We were also privileged to be able to compete in the inter-school gala held at KEPS this year. Both the A and B teams fought brave battles against some stiff competition but still held their own. A long day of competitive swimming meant that some of our boys waited a few hours, only to have a few seconds in the pool. They are commended for their enthusiasm and commitment, with both teams ending in 5^th position out of the 9 and 10 teams they competed against respectively.

The swimming season for term one ended on a high, with our boys enjoying the much-anticipated inter-house gala. The Grade 7 house captains and their team of boys (together with some moms) ensured that each area for their house had been decorated colourfully. The spirit captains ensured that there was endless cheering to spur on the boys who were competing for their respective houses. The title of ‘Inter-House Champions’ was well-earned by Rose house, as they cleaned out and excelled in each race, despite having some tough competition. Well done to all the swimmers and coaches for ensuring we had a happy and successful season.

As I end off my report, I’m a little sad as we are saying goodbye to a stalwart of The Ridge and someone who epitomises what we do on a daily basis. Miss Kinnear has been a significant part of the development of swimming and coaching of many young boys in her time at The Ridge. Both staff and boys alike have benefitted hugely from her vast knowledge. She has never hesitated to tackle the bull by the horns, especially if we have found the boys struggling with a particular stroke. Miss Kinnear is a dedicated and passionate coach who will be sorely missed by all.

By Deidre Leibrandt

INTER-HOUSE GALA

TENNIS OVERVIEW

Term 2 is the traditional start of Tennis season amongst the preparatory schools in Johannesburg, and 2022 was no different. Boys were extremely eager to get going in their tennis fixtures and there was a lot of jostling for positions on the tennis ladder. The Open teams, in particular, had a lot of very strong tennis players, so there was a lot of effort to get places in the various teams. 

We started our tennis fixtures as normal, doing extremely well. As per our usual Ridge standard, we competed tremendously well in every one of our Open team fixtures, but unfortunately only attained mixed results. Our U11s showed a lot of promise and grew stronger and stronger as the season progressed. 

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 multiple trips to Valley of the Waves were a hit, as well as the opportunity to meet peers from different schools. Unfortunately our teams didn’t do as well as hoped, with our 1st team coming 7th in the A division and our 2nds coming 8th in the B division. 

I look forward to another very successful tennis season in 2023! 

By Anton Pretorius

GRADE 3 CAMP

GRADE 4 CAMP

The anticipation and excitement for the two- night trip to Camp Konka reached a crescendo on Wednesday 7 September, as we climbed onto the bus and headed out of Jo’burg. Whilst it is only a two hour journey, after 20 minutes the cry of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ had already started!

On arrival, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the river was full and the birds were singing. It was all a perfect start to three full days of exciting and challenging activities. We stayed in the dormitories at the top this time which were conveniently next to the swimming pool, although a slightly longer walk to the activities. Once again, Konka laid on a great range of activities that incorporated some physical challenges, including the high wall, canoeing and the Hexa Challenge. Alongside the physical activities there were games that required teamwork and problem-solving, as the blindfolded boys tried to pick up magnetic letters  to create a word, and build a bridge using planks that weren’t quite long enough! During the breaks, the swimming pool proved to be a welcome form of relaxation followed by the ice cream, cool drink and sweet treats from the ever-popular tuckshop. However, the ‘Mudstacle’ course and the thrill of the ZipLine once again won the day as the favourite activities, followed closely by the spaghetti bolognaise on the meal front!

On the morning of the 3^rd day, we walked to see the lions which are now 10 in total. Whilst observing from a distance, Bazooka arrived and took us around the perimeter where we were treated to some real close ups! Later that morning, we sadly had to board the bus and head back to Jo’burg. This time the journey was almost silent as the exhausted, but happy and fulfilled, Grade 4s made their way home. Well done to every boy for throwing themselves into all the activities with energy and enthusiasm and rising to each and every challenge. You made us so proud. 

Erica Kinnear

GRADE 5 CAMP

In the first week of the Third Term, 60 excited boys and seven teachers set out for Camp Discovery in Dinokeng Game Reserve. For many of the boys, in the context of the pandemic, this was the longest stint they had been away from home. We were very proud of the manner in which the boys conducted themselves over the three days. It was an invaluable opportunity for staff and pupils to spend time together in a different and stimulating setting. Highlights included the “mudstacle” course, FBI, survival shelter building, and the pool party. Of particular interest was the game drive where the boys gained some fascinating insights into the importance of ecosystems, conservation, and being sustainable custodians of the planet. Hearty thank you to the following staff for giving their time and making it such a worthwhile trip for all involved: Mr. Spilhaus, Mrs. Ramsurwaj, Mrs. Moore, Ms. Loonat, Mr, Seakamela, and Ms. Mashobane.

Scott Mallen

GRADE 6 CAMP

With the end of the August holidays looming, we were looking forward to starting the third term with our annual camp. The boys were lugging their heavy bags onto the tennis court on the morning of the 6^{th of} September. Many boys were wearing colourful clothes, super excited for camp. The drive to Golden Gate Highlands National Park didn’t seem as far just before we left.

The beautiful Maluti Mountains made the long drive worthwhile. We were surrounded by nature and the boys enjoyed three days filled with activities. As usual we had the early risers as well as late sleepers. The activities included an early morning hike with Mr McLachlan, vulture spotting, canoeing, abseiling, and enjoying the outdoors with their friends.  This was no different to other camps where boys were challenged both physically and mentally. We were in awe of our beautiful surroundings, and we often forgot how long, or far we were walking. Our last day was spent at the Basotho Cultural Village. Here the boys were immersed in the traditional arts, food, and way of life of the Basotho People.

And all too soon we were on our way back home, richer after spending a few days with friends and teachers alike. Ready to tackle the third and final term head on. It was once more a fantastic opportunity for both boys and staff alike to forge relationships and continually explore that hidden curriculum. A special note to this special year group. They have continually prided themselves on making the most of every opportunity that has come their way, and this grade camp was no exception.

By Deidre Leibrandt

GRADE 7 CAMP

Design and Technology OVERVIEW

Design and Technology is part of the Senior Primary curriculum. It is a stand-alone subject in Grade 4 and in Grade 7. In Grade 5, it is combined as one of the PBL subjects and in Grade 6 it is part of STEAM. The boys use the engineering design process which is a series of steps that engineers follow to find a solution to a problem. Using creativity and imagination, the boys design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. The subject stimulates learners to be innovative and develops their creative and critical thinking skills. It teaches them to manage time and material resources effectively, provides opportunities for collaborative learning and nurtures teamwork.

JUNIOR PREP LIBRARY OVERVIEW

Here is to another busy, successful year in the Junior Prep Library in 2022.

The boys have loved being exposed to all the lovely, new books that have been bought this year. They particularly enjoyed seeing the books that local authors have produced. In amongst this, they have been doing General Knowledge Quizzes and have really kept Mrs McLellan on her toes!

We celebrated the Reading Breakfast in the First and Third Term. This last one being able to celebrate Roald Dahl and dressing up as one of his characters from his books. Sitting with family on the Hersov field and enjoying the sunshine and book sales. For the Junior Prep, they especially love this.

In our Second Winter-Term we celebrated Literacy Week at the end of the busy period. The boys saw three different shows namely; Under The Baobab Tree performed by the National Children’s Theatre, Hooked on Books and Beauty and the Beast performed by On Cue Theatre. On the Hooked on Books performance day the boys were allowed to come dressed in their pyjamas and bring a favourite cuddle toy. It was winter and it was chilly, so a good time to be snug. In that week, we had two authors come to The Ridge School to read and talk about producing their books. The first author was Bailey Bezuidenhout who wrote “Hello, Trees”. A very beautiful book and a good present to give to any child. The second author was Richard James Edwards who spoke to the Grade 3s, 4s and 5s about his Puzzle Train series.

In the Third Term, the Junior Prep had the delight of having nine year old Aara and her mum, Bhavna coming to talk about the book that Aara wrote. She has a nut allergy and decided to write about her allergy to make more people aware. The book is called No Nuts, Nani.

It has been lovely to see the energy and “the love of books” from all the boys in the Junior Prep. I want to take the opportunity to thank all the parents for their support this year.

By Suzanne McLellan

HERITAGE DAY

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

READING BREAKFAST

We celebrated Roald Dahl’s birthday with a wonderful Reading Breakfast.

Families joined us on the Hersov field for a picnic and reconnected over coffee, snacks and loads of books. Boys, staff and parents dressed up as their favourite Roald Dahl character. We celebrated literacy in a way that would have made Roald Dahl proud!

GRADE 7 PRODUCTION – JACK AND THE BEANSTALK AND FRIENDS

Roald Dahl is a well-loved author who has entertained young and old audiences. His storylines are clever and witty and always have a healthy dose of mischievous fun. Dahl also ventured into the world of fairytales and wrote his famous revolting rhymes. He took traditional fairytales and made them into entertaining and comical poems that are unconventional.

This year, our Grade 7 boys are putting on stage their very own version of the Revolting Rhymes: Jack and the Beanstalk and friends. The story follows three friends: Jack, Red and James, all characters from Dahl’s stories. Jack is given three magical beans, which lead him and his friends to a Giant’s castle. The friends go on a quest to find the golden eggs. However, no quest is made easy, and the three friends have equally keen competitors, a Giant and his sidekick. The Golden Goose is a sassy and cheeky character who keeps everyone on their toes by sending all the characters on a challenging quest. The quest exposes the characters to bears, wolves, and many other loved fairytale characters, and through their encounters, the characters learn about friendship and sharing. As with any production, a huge team works behind the scenes. I would like to thank all Grade 7 parents for their support during the term.

The fantastic team of mums who helped with the incredible makeup and sourcing the stunning costumes and props, thank you for all your time, effort and hard work. The boys looked amazing on stage, and I couldn’t have done this production without you. Thank you to all the staff at The Ridge for all that you do so willingly. Mr Pretoruis and Mrs Morrick thank you for your guidance and support. Lastly, to the boys, the stars of the show, to the cast and crew, thank you for engaging and committing to the play from the very start. The boys dedicated many hours to the play, at rehearsals and outside school. It was wonderful working with the boys who were willing to learn and displayed incredible growth and maturity.

GRADE 0 CONCERT

MARKET DAY

NATIVITY PLAY

Photography Club

The Photography Club is a unique club designed to provide a supportive environment for all boys interested in photography at The Ridge. It has given the boys an opportunity to share ideas, discuss their mutual interest in photography as well as improve their photography skills. This club allows every boy to discover the artist within them and paint their ideas into reality. The Photography Club meets once a week to learn new skills and practise their photography skills. This year we aimed at developing the boy’s camera skills, by completing weekly projects. Each project was designed to practise the skill taught in the previous session and evaluate the boys abilities and assess their understanding. The boys also learned all about stop-motion, which is an animated technique in which a camera is repeatedly stopped and started, frame-by-frame, in order to give inanimate objects and figures the impression of movement. Once they had understood this technique, they mastered it by producing several stop-motion films. 

By Ashley Keene

PRIZE-GIVING

GRADE 6 BOYS VISITED HOPE SCHOOL

The Grade 6 boys spent some time at the Hope School reading to their Grade 1 – 3s. It was a lively morning and their laughter could be heard down the corridors. They spent priceless time together, forming friendships and nurturing their love for reading.

GRADE 6 BOYS SHOWING THE RIGHT STUFF

The Grade 6 boys did a collection for Princess Alice’s Adoption Home. In an effort to give back to their community, they collected items that Princess Alice had on their wish list. It was a wonderful opportunity for our boys to continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

ROBOTICS AT THE RIDGE

The Grade 4s were tasked with developing solutions to one of society’s current problems during their robotics lesson. The boys chose pollution as their problem and agreed that recycling was the solution. The robots were then programmed to collect recyclable trash or food.

SENIOR PREP BOEK BUDDIES

The SP boys were treated to an exciting Afrikaans Boek Buddies show in an effort to expose our boys to Afrikaans outside of the classroom and in an interactive manner. Redhead Productions put on the show, which featured popular Afrikaans songs. Not only were the boys encouraged to sing along to the songs, but they were also encouraged to learn Afrikaans words that appeared on the screen with English translations

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

The Ridge Quiz teams participated in a General Knowledge Inter-School Quiz, hosted by Kyalami Prep. It was Grade 5’s first time competing but they were not officially part of the competition. The boys did really well and did us proud, achieving 2nd place (Grade 6 team), 6th place (Grade 7 team) and an unofficial 8th place (Grade 5 team).

DEBATING CLUB

Our debating team participated in the annual Gauteng Provincial Debating Competition at Cornwall Hill College. There were 48 schools in the competition which took place over 2 days and The Ridge, being the only prep school, broke 9th. Our team performed exceptionally well winning 4 out of 6 debates. The team consists of Finn Berman (Captain), Felix Jackson, Katleho Ramatsoso, Imran Budlender, Muhammad Casoojee and Oscar Berman.

GRADE 1s ENJOYING SPRING TIME

There has been so much excitement in Grade 1 thus far. It is also the busiest Term of the year with much to do, experience and accomplish.

The boys dressed up with the usual enthusiasm for Roald Dhal day and Heritage Day.

The favourite of the term though has been our spring theme, as boys love bugs and have loved discovering facts they never knew, about the bugs they see every day. We, as their teachers, loved the look of wonder on their faces as they watched their beans sprout and grow. They were so proud to take them home and hopefully plant them in a good spot for some beans.

We are looking forward to the last stretch of Grade 1 and know that our boys still have so much to achieve. They are amazing!

GRADE 0 OUTING

The Grade 0 boys had a great time at Montecasino Bird Gardens! There was a lot of anticipation for their first bus ride, packed lunch, and outing with close friends.

THE JOHANNESBURG MUSIC FESTIVAL

Every year our boys showcase their musical skills at a prestigious festival. 2022 was no different with boys showcasing their talents on the violin, piano and in singing.

The Johannesburg Music Festival has been in existence for decades and provides a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to perform and receive feedback on their musicianship and performance skills. The festival remained online this year, and the children watched their recorded performances over Zoom in July with live adjudication. Many of our boys received excellent feedback and two of our boys were invited to perform at the live Gala Concert on Sunday 18 September.

Luke Goldstein and Bradley Legg were presented with incredible accolades at the Gala event.
Bradley Legg who is taught by our very own Mrs Irene Morrick performed with aplomb and won the Eugenie Chopin Trophy  for the Most Promising Male singer of the Festival.

In the string section, Luke Goldstein was awarded the South African Suzuki Association Trophy 10 years and under (shared with Hiroyuki Numasawa) AND the Diana Neille Trophy for the Best Performance of a Violin Recital, which he also won in 2021.

Well done to all our budding musicians, we are very proud of you!

CHESS FINALS PARENTS VS BOYS

It was a memorable night for The Ridge Chess team, who were competing in their final chess tournament against their parents.
It was a difficult match for some parents who got their King Piece trapped, resulting in a loss or defeat.
This brought a lot of joy and happiness to all of the players who only needed to learn one or two moves to win the game.

GRADE 0 2024 PLAYDATE

We arranged two playdates for the Grade 0s of 2024. It was lovely to meet future Ridge boys and their parents. The young men greeted Ridgie with charming smiles, waves, and hugs.

BASKETBALL TOUR

Our 1st Team Basketball attended the Independent School Stayers’ Basketball Tournament hosted by Kearsney College in KZN. The boys played a total of 10 matches against some very tough opposition, displaying competitive spirit, grit and impeccable manners. Our boys finished in 8th position out of 13, well done boys.

CHATTERBOX

The boys in Grades 4-6 took part in the interschool Chatterbox Festival at Pridwin. Congratulations to our boys.

FRUITY FRIDAY

The Fruity Friday collection was another indication of the amazing generosity of our parents, boys and staff. Thank you for supporting the children of The Hope School.

GRADE 0s ROTATION STATION LESSONS

Our Grade 0s do rotation stations each morning. At each station, the children work on a different skill with 5 stations in total: literacy, numeracy, fine motor skills, perceptual skills, and puzzles.

GRADE 2s LEARNT ABOUT STOP MOTION

The Grade 2s are busy learning about Stop Motion. Stop Motion is an animated filmmaking technique in which the subjects are physically moved in small increments between individually photographed frames. When strung together, a movie is created and the boys then add a voice-over to their movies. There has been loads of fun and excitement. Here’s to future film directors!

DIGITAL LITERACY

Our Grade 2s had an introductory lesson in what to expect in Grade 3 Digital Literacy. The boys learned the fundamentals of operating a desktop computer and tested out the Microsoft office suite.

GRADE 3 HOCKEY VS ST DAVID’S

GRADE 7 SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

The Grade 7s conducted a science experiment to investigate the distinction between kinetic and potential energy. Using a marble, a ruler, and a paper cup to determine whether an object’s height affects the distance that a cup can travel.

CANOEING AT THE RIDGE

Our Canoeing Team had the honour of training alongside the best of the best. Clinton Cook and Hamish Lovemore are the current South African K2 Marathon Champions, with Hamish also holding the U23 K1 Men’s World Championship title. Clinton is a member of Dabulamanzi, a club in which our Ridge boys also participate, he finished second in the Fish River Canoe Marathon in October.

MATHS OLYMPIAD

All Senior Prep boys at The Ridge participate in the national Maths Olympiad, which is organised by the South African Maths Foundation and AMESA. This year we had close to 100 boys from Grade 4 to 7 who made it through to the Second Round of the challenge. Today we recognised the significant achievement of 28 boys that achieved bronze certificates and 11 boys that achieved silver certificates from the Second Round. Special commendations were given to Robin Grantham, Thomas Faber and Luke Goldstein whose exceptional performances resulted in them being invited to the prestigious Third Round of the competition.

GRADE 4s LEARNT ABOUT MATTER

The Grade 4s investigated ‘Changing States of Matter’ in Science by making Oobleck and observing how you can change it from a liquid to a solid and back.

JUDO CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the Hajime Judo Club for 31 years of teaching Judo at The Ridge. This year, The Ridge managed to win 4 of the 8 trophies. It was the first time in history that a single school not only won 4 trophies but also both Grade 0 trophies. We are extremely proud of the boys.

HOCKEY

To cap off the hockey season, the coaches and 1st team hockey squad played a friendly game against one another. It was a highly contested game and everyone was in good Ridge spirits.

GRADE 3 EISTEDDFOD

Congratulations to our Grade 3 boys who participated in the Eisteddfod drama competition, which was held at our school over the past two days. For their efforts, all of the boys received certificates..

CONGRATULATIONS TO KHANYISILE

We are so excited to share this news. Congratulations, Khanyisile Mthetwa on your outstanding awards at the 2022 SAMAs held at Sun City. In addition to winning Best Classical/ Instrumental album Khanyi also won the award for Best Newcomer of the Year! Simply amazing.

The Ridge Music Department has been busy this month. The incredible South African Jazz Musician, Marcus Wyatt, who is part of our team, was invited to conduct the Metropole Orkest in the Royal Albert Hall. Closer to home, the 2nd World Sound Concert held at the Joburg Theatre featured Irene Morrick’s compositions with Khanyi Mthetwa as well as a performance by our vocal coach Ziza Muftic.

We could not be more proud of our Music Department.

PURPLE ZA STAFF TRAINING

We are excited to announce that all of our teachers now have access to PurpleZA – a world-class professional development platform to empower our teachers to effectively leverage technology for teaching and learning as well as implement progressive pedagogies such as inquiry-based learning, project-based learning and design thinking. This self-paced teacher learning allows teachers to build their own learning paths, grab micro-credentials and earn incentives on the way. It is jampacked with amazing teaching resources and contains discussion forums where our teachers can connect to other South African PurpleZA schools, share ideas and resources and help each other level up.

GRADE 0s LEARNT ABOUT AVIATION

The Grade 0s combined Maths and Aviation into a fun PAPER JET competition. With squeals of excitement, the Grade 0s launched their creations and then carefully measured how many steps it took to reach their planes from the Hersov Field steps.

GRADE 6 GAME OF LIFE

The Grade 6s have been participating in the “Game of Life”. They must apply for jobs, build houses, and manage their portfolios on a weekly basis in order to earn a living. The boys have learned various real-life skills over the last few weeks.

The Grade 6s played in a 5-a-side tournament at Marks Park as part of the ‘Game of life’. This was a fun and competitive outing.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY AT THE RIDGE

Our boys celebrated the diversity of their cultural backgrounds in order to gain a better understanding of the many different cultures represented in our country. They studied their family histories and researched historical events that were significant and shared their findings with their classmates

REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY

GRADE 7 FINAL WEEK OF PREP SCHOOL

In what is their final few days of prep school, our Grade 7s have enjoyed a fun-filled week. They went back to their old Grade 0 classes and spent time playing with the boys, they did graffiti art of the school badge in the corridors, went on a trip to FNB stadium and visited Sakhumzi on Vilakazi Street in Soweto. They ended off their week with a 5-a-side football game at Marks Park.

The power of words 

Words are not simply sounds caused by our mouths shaping air passing through our larynx. Words have real power. This has been the basis of my teachings in the assemblies this term. The scripture I used to introduce and develop this theme was taken from Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Words do more than convey information, they have an impact on people. Although our words do not have the power to manifest in physical forms, they certainly manifest in the emotions of the person who hears them. We have often unpacked with the boys the words that build up and the words that break down. Are they being filled with hate or love, bitterness or blessing, complaining or compliments, encouragement or destruction? Words are tools that can make life better. 

In conversations with the boys, they certainly have the sense that one kind word can change a person’s entire day. In reflecting on this, we further unpacked that our words come from an overflow of our heart. Our state of being, feelings and the condition of our hearts have more to do with our choice of words than our literary influences. 

Words, when put out there, can only be forgiven and not forgotten but they can also be treasured and life giving. Mother Theresa has been quoted as saying, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” Our impact can be endless if we choose our words wisely. 

After focusing on the power of words for the first part of the term, we developed it into how our words influence our actions. The expression ‘actions speak louder than words’  is thought to date far, far back. It essentially means that how people act is more telling than what they say. It is a saying often used when someone’s actions don’t match what they have said they would do, what they promised or how they claim to live their life. This results in their words, what they say – becoming weak, untrustworthy and worthless.

Confucius said, “The superior person acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.”

I implore us all to bring our words and actions into alignment, to bring life and hope, and to build up and not tear down.

By Wayne Naidoo

SIYA MAKINANA

Greetings to all

I am a student teacher who is qualified in Transportation Managament which I obtained at The University of Johannesburg. I have worked in corporate and realised my passion lies with the young ones.

I have been in the sports industry for six years and I was given an opportunity to work in schools like St John’s and St Stithian’s. I was also part of our Johannesburg Provincial hockey staff ( Southern Gauteng Hockey Association) as a coach for two years and the experience I gained has been exceptional.

I decided to join The Ridge Family for many reasons: such as the respect the boys display, the boys’ work ethic and the warmth the staff have shown. I would like to make a difference by growing and shaping the boys.

My experience at the school thus far has been great and I am excited to start playing my role in making a difference.

RELEBOHILE PHERANE

Hi, my name is Relebohile Pherane, but everyone calls me Lebo. I was born in Lesotho but grew up in Cape Town. In 2016 I decided to pay Joburg a visit and six years later I am still here and loving it. I am very passionate about education (Mathematics in particular) and sports…. yes, in that order.

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean & Atmosphere Science from the University of Cape Town. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2014 and thereafter I volunteered for an after-school programme called Year Beyond (YeBo). Basically, I was placed in a school from one of the disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape. I assisted the learners with their homework, assignments and reading. I was then recruited by Teach South Africa a year later to be their Mathematics Ambassador and I was placed in J.B. Matabane Secondary in Ivory Park, Tembisa where I taught Mathematics and Technology. I completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Education at UNISA in 2020.

I have been involved in some cool education projects in the last 6 years such as Columba CAP/Ngenhloso (Cognitive Acceleration Programme Through Mathematics). I have been in the education sector for over ten years now. I really enjoy working with and mentoring young people. After all, the future of our country rests upon their hands and it is our duty to equip them with the right tools.

I love nature and exploring our beautiful country. I love taking road trips with friends and family. I plan to explore every corner of South Africa and hopefully Africa in the near future. I love music (though I cannot sing to save my life) and I hope by the end of this year I have learnt to play the guitar that I got as a birthday present five years ago.

ANDREW SLAWSON

Hello everybody, I am Andrew, the new Finance Manager for The Ridge School. I have now been here for just short of four weeks and to see how a school operates from the “other side” has definitely been a revelation. I have been welcomed with open arms (this might have something to do with the fact that I pay the salaries) and I have been made to feel part of the family from day one. I attended the Founders Day ceremony for the first time, and it was inspiring to see the effort everybody, including the PA, went to to make this day the success that it was.

I have experience in the corporate world, having worked at ABSA, Nedbank and Naspers for many years in various finance related roles. I also have some SME experience having started my career at a small engineering, property and steel retailer group. I am a qualified Chartered Accountant and I have been working for over 30 years. As part of my giving back to the community, I am the treasurer for my Church, and I also audit the financial records of four other parishes in the Anglican diocese of Johannesburg.

I am originally from Pietermaritzburg but have been in Johannesburg for all of my working career. I live in the south of Johannesburg with my partner and our teenage son who is currently in Grade 11 at KES. I love visiting the Kruger National Park and go as often as my work and family commitments allow. In my spare time I like to read fiction novels for relaxation.

Your Ridge journey has come to an end, and we bid you farewell. May your future see you soaring to heights in the years to come.

 TRIBUTE TO NDILEKAN(THABI) DUMA BY MARTHA

We sometimes wonder why young people are being abandoned by their loved ones, especially their children, while they are still so young. But God said that everyone has a time to live. God’s word both creates and comforts us.

Thabi was a wise, intelligent, and very active lady who was very passionate about her work. For many years, she worked in the kitchen at The Ridge School.

She was my friend, my younger sister, and we worked hand in hand together, though she has now left us at a very young and beautiful age.

May her soul rest in peace.

Three Generations of Hersovs at The Ridge School 1935 – 2016

Basil Hersov (b 1926)is currently the oldest living Ridge old boy. He turned 95 in August and in September he and Antoinette celebrated their 64^th anniversary. From the Ridge (1935-1939), Basil went on to Michaelhouse in 1940. He wrote matric in 1943 and then did six months post-matric because he was too young to serve in the military. When he turned 18 in August 1944, he immediately joined the SAAF and trained as a pilot. He later joined the Airforce Reserve and flew with them until the late 1950s. After the war he went up to Cambridge University. He returned to SA on the death of his father in 1949. He spent his entire career in Anglo Vaal, the mining and industrial group that his father Bob had co-founded in 1933. As the last chairman and managing director from 1971 – 2000, he led the restructuring of the group in the late 90s whereafter he retired. He was for many years chairman of Barclays Bank/FNB and the SA Foundation. Aviation has been an enduring passion and he continued to fly as a private (qualified commercial) pilot until the late 2000s. He has been an Honorary Colonel in the SAAF for over 35 years. When asked about The Ridge in his time, Basil reminisced: “The only sport I did well at The Ridge was swimming – I got my colours and was made captain. We played soccer … cricket I disliked, because I was invariably playing silly mid-on or silly mid-off, and the batsman invariably drove the ball straight into my stomach. I was in a house called Botha and my brother Ronnie was in Rhodes. There was a pupil we called Mad Ritchie. He was always making guns and guillotines. When we were playing marbles, if you lost, you had to put your finger in his little guillotine and you had to get it out quickly, because it actually worked. He went on to become a very well-known gunsmith in SA.”  Basil also fondly recalled his years as a governor of The Ridge and then chairman of the board from 1976-83.

Basil’s brother Ronnie (b 1928)attended The Ridge (1936-1941) and he too went on to Michaelhouse. He moved to Portugal and then to the UK. He has lived in various European countries and now spends a large part of his time with his wife June in southern Spain. Ronnie’s son Charles (b 1963) spent two years at the Ridge (1970-1971) and then attended school in the UK. He now lives with his wife Deborah and their two sons Jago and Milo in southern Spain.

Basil’s elder son Rob (b 1960), attended The Ridge (1967-1973) and went on to Michaelhouse, completing A-Levels in 1978, followed by UCT, National Service in the army, a couple of years banking in NYC and then Harvard Business School. After an early corporate career in the US and Europe he launched a series of entrepreneurial ventures, whilst living in London with his first wife Kim and two sons Alexander and Luke. With several businesses well-established and after 31 years abroad, he returned to South Africa in 2017 and has since founded several more businesses. He lives in Cape Town with his second wife Kate and his two younger children Inara and Finn.

Basil’s younger son James (b 1964),followed the now well-established family tradition of attending The Ridge (1971-1977) and Michaelhouse. He then went on to Cambridge University, followed by two years of National Service in the SAAF. After co-founding a trading business in southern Africa he then joined Anglo Vaal and remains a NED of AVI. After a varied entrepreneurial career, as well as producing award-winning documentary films, he moved with his wife Elisabeth and their boys to the UK in 2017. He has since co-founded a financial advisory business and an innovative tech business and is chairman of the Lee R Berger Foundation for Exploration, supporting scientific discovery and research in Africa. James remembers, “acting as Second Baby Rabbit called Lucy in The Wind in the Willows; fighting battles with grass sods on the kopje during break whilst looking out for scorpions and snakes; sharing an Art Prize in Grade 2 with Beezy Bailey; Major Johnson barking orders on the sport fields; gentlemanly Mr Rose and the construction of the Rose Pavilion; and Mr Cheales’s larger than life personality, explosive temper and size 14 slipper.”

James’s elder son, Jasper (b 2003), completed Grade 7 as the Dux at The Ridge (2009 – 2016) and went on to Eton College, where he is now in his final year. He was awarded an Oppidan Scholarship and this year has been selected to Sixth Form Select, a prestigious prefect body established in the 1830s, “when the twenty ablest boys at the top of the school were taught by the Head Master in his schoolroom.” One of the roles of Sixth Form Select is to make speeches to the school (a few of which are still conducted in Latin or Greek) and there are five performances a year. He is Keeper of the school’s Shackleton Society for Exploration and Editor of the school’s online Science website, EtonSTEM. Jasper plays tennis for the Open Team and still loves to perform on the piano whenever he has the opportunity. His fondest memories of The Ridge include “the excitement of Friday afternoon swimming galas; Mrs van der Poel’s enthusiasm on Senior Choir tours and at Music Soirees; and the inevitability of Cheales (his house) winning the house cup at the end of the year.”   

James’s younger son Max (b 2006) left the Ridge at the end of Grade 4 (2012-2016). On arriving in the UK, he attended Lambrook Prep for two years, where he was put forward to write Eton College’s scholarship exams and won a King’s Scholarship. He is currently in his third year at Eton. Like his brother he obtained his Grade 8 in music and plays the clarinet in the school’s junior orchestra and senior concert band. He too loves tennis and represents the school team in his age group. In addition, he plays some sports specific to Eton, such as the Wall Game, Eton Fives and the Field Game. When asked what he remembers of The Ridge, Max replied: “The festive vibe of Founder’s Days; cricket matches on the Hope field (which were rather more glamourous than matches on the Hersov field); and playing in the Jazz Band.”

By Janet Fox

Wishing Old Boy, Ben Kok (2018) well as he departs on his trip to NASA in Houston, USA.

Congratulations to Old Boy, Kabir Budlender (2020) on winning the Speech of the Day prize at a recent isiZulu Oral Competition hosted by St Mary’s DSG in Pretoria.

Michael Van Heerden (LIV Fleming) has had a very busy year, achieving incredible honours and records in his junior swimming career. He managed to break six records at the Inter-House Swimming Gala in the first term followed by qualifying for the South African National Junior Championships and earning himself three firsts and three seconds.

On Thursday 12 May we welcomed Old Boys from as far back as 1951 to as recent as 2021 to our annual Johannesburg reunion. Thank you to our guest speaker, Doug Gain (1989) for his insight into independent schooling in Johannesburg and his passion for The Ridge School and for what it stands for.

Thank you, also to James Carmichael (1989), our Old Boys Chair and parent, for his excellent hosting skills and running, together with Doug, a rigorous and robust debate.

SENIOR PREP OVERVIEW

What is it that we want of our boys once their journey at The Ridge School is over? This is a question that we as educators often ask ourselves. We understand that giving our boys a sound educational base is a primary objective. I could spend hours talking about the various ways in which schools try to achieve these goals with each one claiming to offer the best, most sophisticated method of unlocking a child’s potential.

I look around the country and the educational climate that we find ourselves in, and I am concerned. Whilst schools churn out impressive school results and puff out their chests at the number of scholarships achieved. It brings to mind the question of how we measure success.

On one hand, parents want to know that their child will be afforded the best opportunity to succeed and thrive in life and to that end, academic excellence is a strong driver. The process of learning should count more than the outcome, and how we measure growth, through encouraging a growth mindset should be the cornerstone of what we do as educators.

Academics will always play a critical role in what we do at The Ridge, and it should. We take this opportunity to celebrate the boys that achieved academic recognition and honours – two and three terms of an 80% and more average is no mean feat. We congratulate all our Scholarship winners and recognize that their discipline, focus and time on task have also reaped great rewards.

Private schools are becoming more diverse in their makeup, and this is a beautiful thing, but can we rely on our old model of how things were done to equip our boys of the skills they will need for the future. Creating cultures of thinking and inclusivity should be what all progressive schools strive to achieve, and these outcomes should go hand in hand with the vision and values of a school. We should be intentional in displaying empathy, resilience, respect, authenticity, and a sense of belonging to all who enter through our gates.

One of the many highlights of the semester was when The Ridge School hosted the premiere of the Mission Joy movie, featuring The Dalai Lama and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This documentary was a celebration of the human spirit, the power of the “human touch” and how leading with kindness can spread joy.

Having last had a music tour in 2016, it was with great excitement that the school embarked on a tour de force to KwaZulu Natal. The boys played with passion and enthusiasm and fully embraced the opportunity to spread joy through their musical gifts. Our boys were well received whenever we performed and more importantly, our boys conducted themselves in a manner of which our community could feel proud.

The role that sports plays in our schools cannot be underestimated.  Besides learning and honing one’s skills in a particular sporting code, sport has the power to mould young men of character and integrity, and it instills accountability, discipline, and teamwork. Boys should be encouraged to play hard and fairly, giving their all for the team but once the final whistle blows, it should the enjoyment and love of participation that is remembered and not merely the end score.

To emphasise that very point, our first team rugby boys participated in the Independent Schools Rugby Festival hosted by Rondebosch in Cape Town. Though the results did not always go our way. the boys were congratulated on their style of play and grit by many of the other traditional rugby schools. What the boys remember are the sidesteps, mauls, and moves that finally worked and led to tries, not the huge hits received and final scores. What the boys remember are the bonds strengthened and new friends made and that is the beauty of sports.

The Great Debaters is a drama starring Denzel Washington based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school’s first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. Whilst we haven’t quite reached those lofty heights, the debating class of 2022 can be proud of putting The Ridge School firmly on the debating map.

Our Debating Team participated in a series of seven meets which culminated in the Antheneum Debating League, finals in which our boys earned first place in our category. Even more impressive is that we were the only junior school that managed to reach the finals and then win against high school students.

Some of the benefits of learning debating are improved critical thinking skills, articulation, greater empathy, and emotional control, these skills are sorely lacking in our world, and are vital in navigating the challenges we face today.

“Hear ye hear ye!” after a lengthy absence, the Grade 7 school production is back. Scripts have been written, cast assembled and rehearsals are underway. An adaptation of Jack and the Beanstalk is what we can look forward to as we come back for the final Semester.

Drama and the Arts are one of the vehicles used to build creativity, improve confidence and encourage teamwork and collaboration and we look forward to these skills being put on display for what will surely be a memorable few nights of theatre.

What our robust school curriculum shows and tries to achieve is a teaching method in which complex real-world problems are used as the vehicle to promote student learning of concepts and principles.

The formalized introduction of Project Based Learning (PBL) helps to promote and reinforce the development of critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication once again. It also provides opportunities for working in groups, finding, and evaluating research materials whilst also reinforcing the joy of lifelong learning.

The school year never really feels whole without our Founder’s Day celebrations, and it rings true that absence truly does make the heart grow fonder. The Ridge Family came together after a two-year hiatus to celebrate the Founder’s Day celebrations in person on our grounds. The day proved to be a huge success where the community and loved ones could share in laughter, unwind, and enjoy the festivities. This day helps to remind us that it is our diversity that makes us stronger together.

As we reflect on what has been a Semester full of activity and learning, we should take this time to evaluate our past, live fully in the moment, and look to lead into the future with kindness. This should fill us all with hope and joy for what our future leaders can achieve.  

By Nico Seakamela

JUNIOR PREP OVERVIEW

 It’s hard to believe that part of Term 2 2021 was spent online, and now, just a year later, we have been able to re-introduce all the in-person academics, performing arts, sports and extra mural activities back into our daily lives.

Term 2 is traditionally a cold, long term and this year wasn’t made any more cheerful with the Stage 4, 5 & 6 load shedding. Thankfully, we live in Johannesburg where even when there is no power during the day, the sun is still shinning and warming the beautiful teaching spaces on The Ridge campus.

Here are some of my highlights from Term 2 2022:

JP ASSEMBLY

“I’m helpful, I’m brave, I’m kind” – These are our JP Assembly mantras and positive affirmations, these help us focus on how we want to show up and challenge any negative thoughts. When you repeat them often, and believe in them, they become our second nature.

Every Thursday morning, we come to the Nicolson Hall with our Junior Prep School family. This is a time of formalities and fun, notices and celebrations. Towards the end of every assembly, we take a few moments to say these 3 short phrases together:

I am helpful.

I am brave.

I am kind.

What we focus on, we get more of and what we offer to others, we strengths in ourselves.

A light-hearted moment in our assemblies is when we incorporate some dance or movement into the proceedings. We particularly enjoy DJ Raphi’s YouTube channel. DJ Raphi a Johannesburg-born beatboxer, dancer, DJ and recording artist currently based in Jerusalem, Israel. When I tagged DJ Raphi on the video below he said he was delighted to see the JP Ridge boys enjoying one of our favourites, ‘Follow the Leader’.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE – Parent workshop on 25^th May

I had a meeting with a Junior Prep Mom in Term 1, and she was saying how truly isolating the pandemic had been for her and her family. She picks up most of the responsibilities of day-to-day parenting for her son and his younger brother. She is still getting to know the other Ridge families and so does not yet feel comfortable to ask for help with practical things like playdates, lifts or lunchboxes. She was the inspiration behind this parent talk. I opened the session with a welcome and opportunity for parents to introduce themselves to each other. Candice Fletcher then spoke about the after effects of the pandemic and then Mr Naidoo wrapped up with his dad’s perspective of having young children and how asking for help gives other an opportunity to ask for help too. The best moment of the session was when Mr Naidoo took off this shoe and sock and showed us how his daughters had painted his toenails pink and purple!

GRADE 0 & 1 – PARENTS AND SONS SPORT – 9^th & 16^th July

As a school, we are proud of the achievements we have had on the sports field over a number of years, and therefore we are always striving to keep improving our programme. We believe the success of the programme relies on continued support from both the boys and parents.

Our coaching staff focus on developing the necessary physical skills, as well as learning about the importance of good sportsmanship, like shaking hands after a match of parents vs boys!

My heart was bursting when I walked down to the field on a chilly morning in July to see the incredible turnout from the Grade 0 and 1 parents and sons.

SALT – Sharing and Learning Together – 10^th June

 I really look forward to and enjoy these SALT sessions with the boys. During this SALT meeting, with a South African theme, we played a game of ‘Snakes & Ladders’ with different tasks and instructions.

Grade 7 boy: “What do you love about South Africa?”

Grade 1 boy: “Cape Town”

Grade 7 boy: “What do you not like about South Africa?”

Grade 1 boy: “Guineafowls!”

When I grow up, I want to me more like a child. I often say this, and I really mean it. No two days are the same when you work in a school. The boys are interesting and hilarious and honest and eager. They teach me more than I teach them and being with them fills my heart with joy.

By Mandy Herold

LIGHTHOUSE OVERVIEW

It takes a village … supporting boys with neurological developmental differences

“In a world like ours, accepting ourselves as neurodivergent is the hardest thing to do. It often feels futile, as if there are a thousand barriers standing in the way. We are taught, intentionally or unintentionally, to think that any form of disability is a bad thing. From teasing at school, gung-ho attitudes about our capability, media displays of inspiration porn, right down to lackluster classroom accommodations and social stereotyping, we are taught that disability is somehow not okay.” This is a sad, but real, account of the neurodivergent experience from a former Matric student of mine. In truth, the general perception that neurotypical people have of people with neurodiversity is complete and utter nonsense. The task of changing these perceptions in schools is challenging, but not insurmountable.

Research was undertaken in 2021 with the aim of understanding the interactions neurodivergent people experienced within the educational environment, and what barriers and enablers were present for neurodivergent inclusion and participation. Results from that study show that positive relationships are enablers to inclusion, and assumptions made by teachers based on labels, competence, stigma, or stereotypes are barriers. Positive relationships with teachers are forged:

• when teachers listen and proactively respond to an Autistic student’s known needs, whether the needs are explicitly stated or otherwise communicated.
• when teachers who are sensitive to the student’s needs, enable the student to blossom, which in turn leads to that student developing confidence to self-advocate.
• when teachers avoid making assumptions, passing judgement or stereotype their students.
• when teachers actively dismantle stigma associated with neurodiversity. 
• when teachers foster two-way communication that includes self-advocacy 
• in a robust way to ensure that an educational environment is inclusive for every individual.  
• when teachers have a presumption of competence,  
• When as well as dismissing the deficit-based assumption surrounding Autism, one can also foster inclusive educational environments and offer positive educational experiences for Autistic people.

My experience of inclusive education in three different countries and in a number of   different schools has shown that academic inclusion doesn’t always look the same, it varies depending on how inclusion is defined, and how much inclusion support is actually provided by schools – in some cases, none at all. Education should be inclusive and accommodating for all students wanting to go to school. Every educational setting is different in the way they approach inclusion of neurodivergent students, but it is essential to incorporate support for social and emotional wellbeing, behaviour, communication, and sensory needs.  

It is important to remember that our boys who have neurological developmental differences such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or are autistic/have autism do not engage in willful disobedience. Their behaviour is not determined by too much sugar or too much Minecraft, and symptoms are not “just a tantrum”, a character flaw, or down to poor parenting. Neurological differences won’t be cured by sports or discipline.

Children with neurological developmental differences experience a range of challenges at school. Sometimes these challenges stem from differing styles of communication and social differences that result in difficulties in relationships. Accumulating research and evidence indicates that neurodivergent children are more likely to be bullied at school. Neurological developmental differences do not equate to low ability or low intelligence. Without neurodivergent brains, it is unlikely that we would have explorers, entertainers, pioneers, innovators, entrepreneurs, athletes, musicians, computer engineers, and creatives. “There are neurodivergent people in EVERY walk of life and in EVERY profession, and learning how to engage positively with ALL people from a very young age is a life skill that we must all learn.”

By Penelope Meyer

SPORT OVERVIEW

This year was the first year that we have officially trialed a switch in winter sports to align with rugby with the Easter Festivals. We also introduced TAG rugby as an alternative to contact rugby which the boys really seemed to enjoy. Our rugby season as a whole was quite a tough one but our boys’ showed lots of grit and determination, especially against the larger Boys Prep Schools. The culmination of the season was the highly anticipated Independent Schools Rugby Festival hosted by Bishops for our 1^st side. Our boys really did us proud during the three matches they played against WPPS, Woodridge and St Andrew’s. The boys really played awesome rugby and the victory on the last day was exactly what the boys deserved. The boys also experienced an awesome tour of Cape Town on their rest day; doing a harbor cruise, going up Table Mountain, an open top Red Bus tour of the city, local fish and chips in Hout Bay and finally some fun time on the beach. The boys also enjoyed a round of putt-putt in Sea Point and a trip to the Waterfront.

During the term we also had boys playing tennis, running cross country events, climbing in competitions and canoeing.

Our tennis boys are still currently playing fixtures which will end during the last week of term. They have had some stiff competition during the season but have punched well above their weight and produced some impressive results. The Ridge has also entered two teams to participate in the annual Sun City Tennis tournament during the August holidays. We are looking forward to this event and know our boys will do us proud.

Our cross-country boys performed well in the various events that were hosted and the season ended in an Inter-Schools events hosted by St John’s at Rietvlei Zoo Farm. This was a great event and our runners performed well and our teams finishing as follows out of the 8 participating schools:

• Grade 3 – 5^th
• Grade 4 – 5^th
• Grade 5 – 7^th
• Grade 6 – 2^nd
• Grade 7 – 2^nd 

Our climbers also performed well this season and we ended up having two boys selected to represent Gauteng at the Cape Town Nationals. Congratulations to both William McIlleron and Jack Heenan on being selected. A very special mention needs to go to Jack who finished 3^rd in the Lead section for U12 boys. Both these boys can be extremely proud of their achievements and are commended for their time and dedication to the sport.

Our canoeing boys trained every Friday in Term 1 and this paid off for three Ridge boys who went on to represent Gauteng at the SA Marathon Champs held in KZN this year. These three boys flew The Ridge flag extremely high and achieved the following results:

• Boys U8 – Asher Wilson finished 1^st
• Boys U10 – Ben Carmichael finished 1^st  Edward Carmichael finished 2^nd

This was a fantastic achievement and we would like to congratulate these boys on the dedication and commitment they have  shown during the season.

As from half-term all our boys started playing compulsory football. At the time of writing this report, the boys had already played 4 fixtures and there have been some impressive results across the board. This year we will be taking the entire Gr 7 group on football tour with the A and B sides going to Nelspruit and the C and D sides going to Camp Discovery.

We have held hockey trials to select a side to represent The Ridge at the annual Prep Schools Hockey Festival hosted by Rondebosch this year. We wish the 13 boys selected all the best as they play some really tough opposition, who will be nearing the end of their season, whilst we are only starting ours. 

Lastly, I would like to thank all the coaches who have been involved in making this term’s sport run as smoothly as possible. To all the staff that have given up their time to go on tours or who are still going on tours, a very big thank you for the time you have given up to create memories that our Ridge boys will hopefully never forget. To the Estate and Catering staff who ensure that the fields are marked and maintained, and the tea, coffee and snacks are being served to parents and visiting schools I also need to say a huge thank you to our parents. It is wonderful to have you back on campus supporting your boys. Lets keep encouraging and cheering for our boys at every opportunity we get.

As we approach the final term, I wish all the Ridge staff and coaches a wonderful and deserved break and safe travels if you are going away or on tour. Return well rested for an exciting final term.

By Bennie Du Preez

INNOVATION FEEDBACK

Innovations this term included the introduction of: Philosophy for Children (P4C) in Grade 4, Project Based Learning (PBL)in Grade 5; Robotics and Coding in Grade 4; and Applied Drama in Grade 7.    

P4C encourages the development of reasonableness, practical wisdom and good judgement. It develops clarity of language, open-mindedness, and precision of language. In addition, It addresses central human concerns such as fairness, responsibility and truth. The four C’s of P4C thinking include: critical thinking, creative thinking, caring thinking and collaborative thinking. It teaches children to think more deeply and philosophically through a variety of activities based on questioning, collaborative enquiry and dialogue. 

Project Based Learning (PBL) in Grade 5 integrates the subjects: Geography, History, Design & Technology and Science. It is a learner centred approach that promotes skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, problem-solving, perseverance, collaboration, information literacy, and the integration of technology. It was wonderful to observe the boys’ excitement and enthusiasm for this approach. 

This term, our driving question was: What might we learn from Ancient Egypt that would help us to develop a better today? The boys began the engagement process by planning their own trip to Egypt where they were given a budget and parameters for the duration and nature of the trip. They then went on to explore the roles of various people during that time. They continued the exploration through the incorporation of design and technology aspects by creating, in groups of four, models of “A Day in the Life of Ancient Egypt”. Amongst other things, the models needed to include:  a pyramid, a River, a Shaduf, a sarcophagus, a crop; a Rosetta Stone, an Obelisk and artifacts of their own choice. Thereafter, they looked at lessons learned from the Ancient Egyptians that could assist us today, in order to answer the driving question. The project culminated in an Egyptian Evening where the boys showcased their learning to their parents.

Drama in Education (DIE) provides a stimulating context in which students are able to think and reason with reference to moral dilemmas. Drama has been known to have a positive effect on attitudes such as self-confidence, commitment, sensitivity and the desire to learn and develop understanding. It provides learners with the opportunity to absorb realities that differ from their own, to create, to perform and reflect upon that performance and to engage in emotional commitment within those realities.  It may be used as a means of educating through the immersion of participants within complex situations. The boys explored subjects such as: bullying, social scenarios which may arise in High School and how to respond to these and how to act when difficult or awkward situations arise.

In terms of teaching and learning, research was done into the relationship between curriculum and pedagogy and we have begun to implement alternative ways of teaching and learning. We are examining the ways in which assessment takes place by considering assessment for learning, assessment as learning and assessment of learning. The focus is to be on assessment on the process rather than of the final product only. We have explored ways in which to provide a personalised learning journey for each boy by taking into account the different learning needs of each boy. The aim is to offer more than a curriculum-based education so as to develop an individual’s sense of self and worth in their context. Learning should be fun, engaging, authentic and instil a sense of wonder, curiosity and a love of learning so that our boys can become lifelong learners. 

Ultimately, we would like to provide our boys with the knowledge, skills and habits of mind for a forward thinking, sound education that is personal and that supports our strategic vision within the school.

Caption for pictures:  Grade 5 boys working on their Egypt models.

By Glynnis Moore

ENVIROMENTAL OVERVIEW

The Second Term has seen The Ridge take on and participate in a variety of Environmental initiatives. We were lucky enough to have Mr Kevin Moore address the boys and staff at Assembly during World Environment Awareness Month in June to speak about his work in conservation at SANParks. He reiterated the importance of water conservation and taught us some interesting things about alternate water sources. They boys were intrigued and motivated to be more mindful of their own water consumption. 

The Grade 4 cohort studied the topic of water. They investigated the significance of water in our lives as well as the survival of all living things. The boys were asked to bring a 5-litre bottle of water to carry around for the day in honour of the many people who must travel several kilometres every day just to collect fresh water. The water was then collected by Ashraful Aid Organisation and delivered to the Eastern Cape, where it is desperately needed. 

The Grade 1’s took a trip to Random Harvest Nursery where they learnt about indigenous plants. They spent time in the soil learning about the many living organisms that contribute to making healthy, fertile soil in which plants can grow. The Grade 1’s also collected pine cones and made their own bird feeders which have attracted a variety of birdlife to school and home gardens. 

The Grade 2’s tended to their vegetable garden which has involved a lot of soil prep and weeding. They planted winter vegetables such as spinach and carrots as well as flat leaf parsley and cabbages. The birds have proved a challenge to the garden this winter and so the boy devised ways to protect their crops. In lessons the boys have learnt about the farm to table process that the food we buy goes through. This culminated in the boys making their own butter from scratch. A tiring and rewarding exercise. Mrs Coetzee came in to help the boys set up our own worm farm which will provide our vegetable garden and soil with excellent nutrients to see it into Spring. 

The Grade 5’s took over the organisation and running of the Clothes to Good drive. All members of the school community were encouraged to bring in green bags filled with clothes and materials that they no longer use. There are so many wonderful benefits of this organisation. The aspect of reducing, reusing and recycling is at the core of everything they do and the benefit of empowering women in their own small businesses makes it even more meaningful. Please visit https://clothestogood.com/ if you would like to learn more. 

As a school community continue to make Eco-Bricks which are collected at the Parker Block. The bricks are given over to Khensani’s Collection in Diepsloot where they are used to build classrooms. Every Eco-Brick is a triumph as it contains the small pieces of plastic that cause damage and destruction to our wildlife. Please keep them coming in! 

The school is committed to recycling our waste and reusing where we can. We have active compost heaps and we have reinstated our Bokashi Bins since the reopening of the school kitchen. Recyclable waste is collected by WholeEarth recycling once a week. We are always looking for more effective ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. 

By Holly Ferrar

GRADE 0 OVERVIEW

With winter around the corner and brand-new tracksuits ready to be donned, the Grade 0 boys entered into Term 2 with excitement and awe. One of the most wonderful privileges of being a Grade 0 teacher is the joy that comes with the simplest of new experiences through the eyes of 5-and 6-year-olds. 

Term 2 has been a hive of excitement for The Parker Block! It is quite possible that some of the most memorable days were the ones where parents offered to share their passions and occupations with our boys. This was a new project, and we are so grateful for how well it was received. The boys learned about a range of jobs from policewomen and lawyers to cookie bakers and doctors. A research scientist provided much fun and entertainment as the boys learned about sound waves, and witnessed real-time hypotheses being created. 

Another highlight of Term 2 was celebrating 100 Days of School. The significance of this celebration is to recognise 100 days of learning, whilst incorporating the understanding of the concept of the number 100. The boys began their week of celebrations by bringing in bags of 100 items in the hopes of a better understanding of how the number can be represented in many different ways. For example, a bag of 100 rice grains looks very different to 100 marshmallows. The boys then learned about making 10 groups of 10, as well as counting in 10s, in a practical and fun way. We concluded the week with a visit from Ridgie and Mr Naidoo and each boy received a certificate congratulating him on completing 100 days at The Ridge School.

We have enjoyed the reintroduction of Parent and Sons Sport, and what a happy sight it has been to see so many boys and their folks filling the Cheales field on Saturday mornings. The boys and their parents have braved frosty fields to home in on their soccer skills and get to know one another in a different environment. 

After the hype and excitement of Founder’s Day it was a downhill slide to the end of Term! We are so looking forward to welcoming the boys back to a warmer Third Term after a well-deserved holiday.

By Sarah Behr

GRADE 3 OVERVIEW

It has been an exciting term for the Grade 3 boys. Not only did they learn a lot about the world around them, but they developed an understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship.

The theme for the term was “The World around us”. This allowed the boys to find out more about animals that interested them and highlighted our role as humans in the world. With World Environment Day as well as World Oceans Day in June, we discussed how we can influence the environment in which we live. Learning about habitats, food chains, animal classifications and sustainability allowed the boys to deepen their understanding of the Animal Kingdom.

The theme culminated in a project where the boys were able to merge their creativity and animal knowledge. They made an Ocean Diorama that represented the habitat in which their chosen animal or animals lived. The boys then prepared a 2 minute speech on the chosen animal or animals. The standard was very high and the creativity shown in making their dioramas showed unique ideas. It was a huge success and the learning that took place was amazing to witness.

A wonderful addition to our timetable this term was that of Art. The boys worked on both theme related ideas as well as learnt more about famous artists. The boys developed their spatial skills and their understanding of colour. The term ended with a paper mache project making a model of the Earth, which developed their understanding of the continents.

The rugby and soccer seasons provided many opportunities to  develop the boys fitness levels and to work together in a variety of teams. The greatest lesson learnt was how to deal with disappointment and regroup as a team, developing resilience for the next game.

We look forward to the last term of 2022 and hope that the lessons learnt during Term 2, about how to look after each other , as well as the Mother Earth are with our boys for many years to come.

By Di Wellard

GRADE 4 OVERVIEW

The Grade 4s have had an extremely busy term and have enjoyed being fully involved in many aspects of school life, from the classroom to the sports field and Music department. They started the term with a project-based style of learning that incorporated many of their core subjects. First of all, the boys worked in pairs to design a zoo on Minecraft. The excitement and enthusiasm for this was immeasurable! They chose 4 animals, researched their habitats and designed each enclosure to incorporate all the necessary features required for their animal to survive in their habitat. The boys were then required to draw a map and create an poster advert for their zoo, as well as present a radio advert in Afrikaans and design an invitation in Zulu. Following on from this project, the boys learnt about how animals and plants have adapted to their environments and they each created a wonderfully entertaining presentation on Chatterpix, describing the adaptations of a selected animal.

After a long gap resulting from the Covid restrictions, we have been able to resume the Reading Programme where we ask parents to come in and read in small groups with the boys once a week. Both boys and parents are really enjoying this opportunity to read together and for the boys to develop their reading skills. 

The rugby season was a highlight for many, including some of those who weren’t so sure about the game at the beginning. We ran several ‘contact’ teams and a couple of ‘tag’ teams. It was great to see the improvement as the weeks progressed and the Grade 4s are to be complimented on some very promising results. We are now in the throes of an extremely busy football season having transferred their skills from their hands to their feet!

The choir boys had an opportunity to display their musical talents when they endeared themselves to the audience at the premier of ‘Mission Joy: Finding Happiness in Troubled Times’.

As our theme for ‘Environmental Awareness Month’ in June, the Grade 4s investigated the topic of water and the crisis hitting various corners of the earth. We learnt about the importance of water, studied the water cycle and carried a 5 litre bottle of water around for a day in appreciation of the millions of children in the world who do not have access to fresh water and have to travel many kilometres to fetch some. The water bottles were then donated to Ashraful Aid who transported them down to the Eastern Cape where the people are in dire need of fresh water.

The history of The Ridge was learnt by means of a ‘treasure hunt’, where the boys had to find sources of evidence around the school to gather information about the last 103 years. This was definitely an action-packed challenge which found Grade 4s racing around the premises in all directions!

We would like to acknowledge and offer hearty congratulations to Ben and Ed Carmichael who finished 1^st and 2^nd respectively in the South African U10 4km Canoe Championships, and to Antonio Isidro who has been selected to represent South Africa at the Tillotson T4 Nations Cup for Go Karting to be held in Spain in September. Well done, guys!

And so, as this busy term draws to a close, we are proud of all that the Grade 4s have achieved. They are a pleasure to teach, full of energy and enthusiasm, and they have certainly earned a restful, happy holiday. 

By Erica Kinnear

MUSIC OVERVIEW

Woo-hoo for Term 2!

After the incredibly successful Term 1, I wasn’t sure if we would be able to top it, but the boys defied all expectations to present another amazing selection of performances throughout Term 2.

We started off the Term by hosting the Ascension Day Service here at The Ridge, and it was an absolutely joyous celebration alongside the APPS and St Katharine’s girls. The school hosted the South African Première of the film Mission: Joy – a collaborative film about the friendship between the Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu. What a privilege to be part of such a wonderful event, with an incredibly important message of togetherness. The Grade 5 Marimba band welcomed the guests and dignitaries upon arrival and the Junior Choir opened the evening’s formal proceedings with an energetic rendition of Give a Little Love by Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers.

We hosted our second Ridge Ensemble Evening on Monday 6 June, and it was a very successful evening with performances by all our Marimba bands, the Senior Orchestra as well as début performances by the Senior Guitar Ensemble and the Jazz Band, under the direction of Marcus Wyatt. 

The Senior Choir participated in the Kingsmead Choir Festival, giving the boys an opportunity to showcase their well-rehearsed choral programme, alongside the choirs of De la Salle and Kingsmead. The boys did The Ridge proud and managed to deliver a high-quality performance after a long afternoon on the sports field.

This year’s Music Tour to KZN was a resounding success, with community concerts held at the Caister Lodge and Garden Grove retirement homes, as well as at Le Domaine retirement estate. We also presented school concerts at Kearsney College and Clifton, and to a wonderfully energetic audience at Highbury. The boys worked hard, performed exceptionally well, and had a number of fun activities to enjoy too. They represented the school adeptly and our hosts thoroughly enjoyed their polished performances.

This year marked our first Founder’s Day since the Centenary Celebrations in 2019. The Music Department showcased the Foundation Orchestra at the start of the formal service and then combined with the Senior Orchestra to officially kick off the proceedings with a South African flavour, performing a piece called Kwêla. The Junior Choir and Amtoti Choir were also featured here, as well as a combined item with the Senior Choir and Orchestra of Sisi ni Moja which means We are One, in Swahili. This was a wonderful, celebratory service with the whole school community in attendance.

The afternoon Founder’s Fun Day celebrations provided a stage for the Rock Band, Jazz Band and Staff bands to demonstrate how incredibly versatile our Music department is. Great fun was had by all!

Grade 2 and 3 Music Assembly provided an incredibly important platform for the Individual Music students to display their growing talents. Much improvement has been made since the Term 1 concert, and the boys are commended on their continued efforts in polishing their musical skills.

The term ended with a community engagement performance at the Salvation Army Eventide Home for the Aged, where the Junior Choir boys performed their whole repertoire and also brought treats and goodies to host a tea for the residents. A special thank you to all the moms who helped make this opportunity a possibility.

The Senior Soirée was an utterly joyful way to end the term on a musical note. I look forward to all the musical gems taking place in Term 3. See you at the next concert!

By Carol Ackermann

MUSIC TOUR KZN

FOUNDERS DAY

On Saturday 23 July we celebrated Founders’ Day and our 103rd birthday. The day kicked off with an assembly on Hersov field, as we enjoyed words of encouragement from Mr Reginald Lucky Seane, our guest speaker (Old Boy 1998). The festivities continued on Rose and Cheales late into the afternoon.

ART OVERVIEW

As we close off another term of Art, on the back of so many changes at The Ridge and in our broader context, it is good to step back and take stock of what it is we actually do with our boys in Art class. In the words of veteran Art Educator and publisher, Maryanne Kohl “Art is as natural as sunshine and as vital as nourishment”. The journey of an individual through art begins at The Ridge School in Grade 0. From Grade 0 through to Grade 3, boys are busy with the building blocks of artmaking. This is a time when exploring colour and representing objects begins. By Grade 3 they are using more complex ways of describing their world, and they begin to get to grips with the language of Art. By Grade 4 boys enter the Senior Prep art studio – the most spectacular art studio in the country! Here they start to use techniques with more confidence and awareness, and they are able to produce more original work. In Grade 5 they begin to grapple with how to use materials in unique ways in order to achieve their vision. By Grade 6 boys are able to understand that art is also about the idea, and they learn how to use it as a tool for communication, particularly through graphic art. The Grade 7s bring it all together in their projects, marrying their technical skills with their conceptual abilities, and their work never fails to impress.

No matter the age or the stage, our boys are not afraid to tackle whatever artistic challenge is thrown their way. In addition to learning about artists and techniques, art class is about using one’s imagination, solving problems along the way, patience, humility, respect for others, and appreciation for diverse cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. Boys also learn that their art making is not only about producing something amazing to look at, but that the lessons learnt can be applied to the world more broadly. In our fast-changing world where AI and IT are dominating, it is the things which make us uniquely human that machines can’t replace, which we have to develop and nurture, such as compassion, critical thinking and creativity.  Art classes at The Ridge make a substantial contribution to equipping our boys with these ‘softer’, but soon becoming ‘core’ skills. I have seen how, over their time in the studio, boys become more curious, how they develop their intellectual courage, how they explore, problem solve and collaborate, becoming more adaptable, resilient and committed! Many Ridge boys have returned to the studio to tell me about their Matric Art, or Fine Arts at university, or even how Art influenced technical subjects like engineering or sciences. 

Art classes are about giving boys a wonderful space for innovation and imagination. There should not be a formula for producing art. The American abstract sculptor, Louise Nevelson said “I think all great innovations are built on rejections.” Having the freedom to make mistakes, seeing them as opportunities to create something new, is one of my guiding philosophies, which gives boys the freedom to make the beautiful creations and interesting innovations they do. I am always so proud of their achievements, always surprised and always inspired by what they bring to their works of art.

By Nicci Kurz

NIGHT RUN

The PA Neon Night Run, back on the calendar after a couple of years, proved to be as popular as before with nearly 700 attendees. The golf course was alive with all things bright and bold as young and old tackled the 2km and 4km routes, both proving to be tougher than first thought. Congratulations to the PA, the event was a great success in bringing together The Ridge community to share in a fun and healthy evening out.

RUGBY TOUR: CAPE TOWN

SCIENCE EXPO

THE GRADE 4s VISITED GOLD REEF CITY

Our Grade 4s recently went to Gold Reef City on a heritage tour, learning about the history of Johannesburg “Egoli” the place of gold. The boys went into the old mine shafts to experience and learn about life as a miner and ended off the day with some fun and exhilarating rides.

MOTHERS CELEBRATIONS

The Grade 0 mums joined their sons for a special morning in The Eagle Room. The boys showcased what they had been learning in their Music lessons with Mrs Ackermann, which included a memorable mother-son dance to ‘Special Star’ at the end of their performance. The boys then pampered their mums with a beautiful manicure, and some were even brave enough to expose their toes to the freezing cold! The boys and their mums then showed off their fine motor and beading skills, and produced stunning pink bracelets as a keep sake from the day. It was the perfect morning for the mums and sons to make memories together, as well as an opportunity for the mums to connect with one another over a cup of tea and delicious eats.

MISSION JOY

On Wednesday 1 June, The Ridge, in partnership with the Anglican Dioscese of Johannesburg were privileged to host the South African premiere of the much anticipated international film Mission: JOY.

Mission: JOY is the moving and laugh-out-loud funny documentary about South African icon Archbishop Desmond Tutu and His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s friendship and their secrets of finding joy in troubled times.

The film shares the humour and wisdom of two of the world’s most beloved icons as these two Nobel Peace Prize Laureates united for one final mission: to show the world how to live with JOY.

SENIOR PREP LIBRARY OVERVIEW

Term 2 was a busy term. We hosted an exciting Inter-School General Knowledge Quiz in the beginning of May, with 13 teams (7 schools) at The Ridge School in May. The first one at our school since 2016!

Boys started flocking to the library for books to read when they had some time in between all the rest of their activities. Borrowing statistics for the 2018/2019 year was 3527 books, this increased in 2020/2021 to 4358 books (including the lockdown) and currently, for the 2021/2022 year we are breaking records with a staggering 7864 books that boys borrowed from the library. This just proves that “between the pages of a book is a lovely place to be”!

The event we looked forward to the most, this term was our Literacy Week. This happened from the 1^st to the 5^th of August. We had authors coming to talk to us (Bailey Bezuidenhout and Richard James Edwards); teachers sharing their favourite books with us (all available in the Library; shows including Hooked on Books (Books available at Exclusive Books), On Cue Theatre (‘Arthur the Black Panther’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast and the Happy Prince’) and The National Children’s Theatre (Under the Baobab Tree); the chance to accessorise and dress up (or down) and a fabulous book sale hosted by Exclusive Books.

The Inter-House General Knowledge Quiz in the Nicolson Hall on Friday morning, was the grand finale of our fun-filled week. We had House Team tables set up on stage, complete with colour-coordinated buzzers. The categories were: Random Facts, Geography, Literature, Food, The Arts, Sport, Myths & Legends and finally… Dinosaurs!

The audience participated at the end of each category, when we asked an audience question. The final score (after a nail-biting tie-breaker) was:

Rose in 4^th place with 370 points

Cheales in 3^rd place with 390 points

Nicolson in 2^nd place with 480 points

Dunn in 1^st place with 490 points

Well done to House representatives who made up the teams and thank you to the audience and staff for their enthusiastic support!

The focus of this week was to give boys the opportunity to rediscover the joy of books and stories as well as broaden their horizons so that they can embrace all the aspects of Literacy with enthusiasm and excitement. If you looked around the school at the piles of books being carted around, listened to the excited chatter and witnessed the boys’ wide smiles… I think we achieved our purpose!

By Hanlie Glanz

STAFF SOCCER DAY

To end off the football season, our academic, coaching and administrative staff played a friendly match against our estate staff. It was a fierce battle for a year’s worth of bragging rights, but when the dust settled it was the love of the game that triumphed. Thank you to our parents, boys and staff who came to support.

THE RIDGE SCHOOL WINTER APPEAL

Our Winter Warmth Blanket Drive has been a wonderful success thanks to our incredible Ridge community.

Dr Marjorie Manganye, aged 91, the Founder of Itlhokomeleng Old Age Home received the blankets that were then handed over to the 100 residents. The joy and appreciation of these elderly folk was heart-warming and humbling. We are also delighted to have supported the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day organisation again with knitted and crocheted blankets, and One Small Act of Kindness with 178 blankets.

Sincere thanks to Liz Wallis for coordinating and driving this initiative and to our generous parent, boys and staff for their donations.

Climbing

Despite the chilly second term, climbing boys were unrelenting in their commitment to the sport. They soldiered on embracing every challenge set out for them with vigour and verve. This mindset went a long way to help them improve their fitness levels as well as their technical ability and skill (whole body strength and finger strength). This in turn helped build their overall climbing confidence. A few of the advanced climbers were given the opportunity to learn about route setting. The focus of this skill was to help them to improve their problem solving ability when climbing different routes. Boys also assisted the coaches with setting out and packing away of gear, which in itself is an important skill.

Congratulations also goes out to the following 2 boys for the leadership roles:

• William Mcilleron – Captain

• Mustafa Adroos – Vice Captain

GRADE 1s LEARNT ABOUT SPACE

What a lively conclusion to Term 2. The Space theme was a big hit with our Grade 1 boys and we are very proud of all of their projects completed primarily with recycled materials. They followed all of the instructions and discovered that they could make the most interesting items out of things they already had at home. Excellent work boys

GRADE 0s CAREER DAY

The Grade 0s had so much fun learning all about different careers and jobs over the past two weeks. They have been fortunate enough to enjoy presentations from a range of parents who have come into share their knowledge and passions. We have heard from a police woman, engineer, architect, business manager, attorneys, investment banker, doctors, research scientist, cookie baker, and a pianist. What lucky boys! To end of this fun theme, the Grade 0s came dressed up as their dream job and had such fun sharing their ideas with their classes.

GRADE 0s 100 DAYS

The Grade 0s celebrated 100 days of school. They dressed up as an older person or a representation of 100. Ridgie joined as their special guest and Mr Naidoo handed each boy his certificate. Congratulations Boys

GRADE 2 WORM FARM

Mrs Coetzer, a previous grade 0 teacher, visited the Grade 2s and explained the importance of worms for the soil and their role in recycling food waste. She brought a jar of red wrigglers and assisted the boys in establishing their own worm farm. We learned what we should and should not feed them. The boys (and their teachers) are in charge of feeding the worms and keeping the worm farm in good condition. As we prepare for spring planting, we hope to be able to use the nutritious worm ‘tea’ in our Grade 2 vegetable garden

GRADE 4 PRESENTERS

As part of their Minecraft Zoo PBL cross-curricular project, the Grade 4s presented a radio advertisement during their Afrikaans lesson to promote their zoos. They spent the weeks before learning about zoo vocabulary and writing the advertisements by following a detailed brief.

The boys had such fun with their recording booth and recommend that every boy’s zoo is visited by the public!

CHATTER BOX

Several boys in Grades 4-7 took part in a public speaking competition last night at Kingsmead College. For their remarks, they each received a certificate.

Speaking in front of an audience is a gift. You’ll develop the self-assurance and poise needed to be anything you want to be.

GRADE 7s VISITED JHGC

The Grade 7 boys went on an educational excursion to the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre (JHGC). This excursion formed part of the cross-curricular approach as the boys read The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas in English and they will also be looking at the topics of slavery and South African history this term. The JHGC runs a programme that is specifically tailored for Grade 7 learners and covers issues of identity, personal as well as group and national identity. The tour included a discussion around diversity, difference, “othering” and how these result in the dehumanisation of minorities.

THE GRADE 7s LEARNT ABOUT VERTEBRATES

The Grade 7s had an opportunity to look inside a fish as part of Earth Science. The boys dissected a fish whilst studying vertebrates and had to identify the different organs inside the fish.

DEBATING CLUB

Congratulations to the following boys, Felix Jackson, Finn Berman, Katleho Ramatsoso, Muhammed Casoojee, Imran Budlender and Finn Berman who, as a team, finished in first place of the Antheneum Debating Competition. Our team competed in the Junior Divison against teams in Grade 8 and 9 and through hours of hard work and dedication pulled off an emphatic win. With thanks to their coaches Itu and Thato for their guidance and Mrs Patel for her unwavering support.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE U12 & U13 HOCKEY BOYS ON THEIR DISTRICT HOCKEY SELECTION

U12 Hockey boys – Iain Thompson & Yousha Gani

U13 Hockey boys – Neo Selibe, Nicholas Vogelzang, Hamza Kaka, Tom Rivett-Carnac

U8 & 10 CANOENING

Paddling their way to the top! Congratulations to Edward and Benjamin Carmichael and Asher Wilson on their performances this past weekend at the South African Canoeing Marathon Champs. Asher placed 1st in the U8 2km event. Benjamin placed 1st and Edward placed 2nd in the U10 4km event.

SALT

SALT session focused on Mandela Day, giving back to the community and the value of good leadership.

SALT (Sharing and Learning Together) is a mentorship initiative that is structured to form a ‘family’ unit from Grade 1 to 7. The ‘family’ gets together at set times, twice a term. A teacher coordinates and assists each ‘family.’ We are family.

THANKSGIVING LUNCH

Gratitude opens the door to the fullness of life. It multiplies what we have into more than enough. On the 2nd of August, the Grade 5 boys prepared and served a three-course Thanksgiving lunch to our service personnel. Thank you for demonstrating The Right Stuff and for contributing to a shared vision of community building, where everyone is seen and appreciated.

CHESS AT THE RIDGE

The Senior Chess Team welcomed Safe Study, a local NPO, to The Ridge to play a friendly chess match. The morning was spent enjoying playing chess and making the most of their shared interests. After everyone enjoyed lunch, our boys handed over donated blankets to each of our guests.

JUNIOR CHOIR

On Monday afternoon, our Junior Choir brought some joy to the residents of the Eventide Home in Emmarentia. The boys sang with lots of enthusiasm, bringing smiles, and some tears, to the retired folk who live there. Since we were unable to sing for them on Mandela Day, due to our Music Tour, we went this week. Donations of groceries and delicious eats were also given to the home, which falls under the Salvation Army. The boys were thrilled that Mr. Naidoo also joined us.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

GO-KART RACER

Congratulations to Antonio Isidro (Gr4) on his selection for the South African go-kart racing team. Antonio will travel to Spain later this year to represent his country. Wishing him and his team the best of luck.