ACTION DAY – The Ridge School Blanket Appeal for Salvazione School

As part of The Ridge Action Day ‘learn to knit project’ in 2019, The Ridge community were challenged to create 67 blankets for Mandela Day.  Owing to the generosity of our wonderful extended Ridge family we handed over 76 blankets in July 2020!  Carolyn Steyn, the Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day appealed to our amazing community for scarves, and by September, we delivered 515 scarves, 21 more blankets, 15 beanies and 1 pair of knitted gloves!

It was decided that our challenge this Winter should be closer to home and in March 2021, we once again called on our extended Ridge family to give each pupil and staff member at Salvazione School (251) a knee rug.  The blanket barometer took on a life of it’s own, as the overwhelming generosity and kindness from our beautiful community poured in.  I am delighted to tell you that we have reached our target of 251 blankets and they have been delivered to Salvazione, the extra 75 blankets will go to the Princess Alice Adoption Home.

Thank you to all who have contributed and through your generosity will bring warmth and light into the lives of children this Winter.

THE GRADE 1 BOYS SHOWING THE RIGHT STUFF

The Grade 1 boys were excited to deliver their blankets to Mrs Wallis’ office for the Salvazione Blanket Drive.

THE GRADE 1 BOYS LEARNT ABOUT REPTILES

The Grade 1 boys made salt dough snakes as part of the Reptile Theme. The results were realistic and creative. The boys had the best time moulding and painting.

CHESS PRACTICE

The SP boys had an opportunity to improve their chess skills before they went online.

GRADE 5 SHOW AND TELL

The Grade 5 boys were tasked with making a dish or drink of their choice. In a bid to expose the boys to more speaking and presenting in Afrikaans, while incorporating technology in the classroom.

Boys had to source their own recipes as well as background music to add to their video presentation.

GRADE 4 CHATTER BOX SPEECHES

With the sudden switch from a formal setting to an online space the Grade 4’s have managed to deliver their speeches from the comfort of home rather successfully.

THE GRADE 0 BOYS LEARNT ABOUT OPPOSITES AND COLOURS

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The Grade 0 boys learnt about opposites and the colour wheel. They than created gorgeous paintings of different fruits using complimentary colours!

STAFF VACCINATIONS

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Many of the staff members have embraced the call for all teaching and support staff to be vaccinated. The process for the Ridge team started last week and a number have been for their vaccinations.

GRADE 5 Hieroglyphics

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The Grade 5 boys have been researching communications methods and languages used in ancient Egypt. Once the research was completed they were tasked with writing their name in Hieroglyphics on home crafted “ancient” pieces of paper.

The Ridge School Blanket Appeal for Salvazione School

332 Blankets!

As part of The Ridge Action Day ‘learn to knit project’ in 2019, The Ridge community were challenged to create 67 blankets for Mandela Day.  Owing to the generosity of our wonderful extended Ridge family we handed over 76 blankets in July 2020!  Carolyn Steyn, the Founder of 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day appealed to our amazing community for scarves, and by September, we delivered 515 scarves, 21 more blankets, 15 beanies and 1 pair of knitted gloves!

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It was decided that our challenge this Winter should be closer to home and in March 2021, we once again called on our extended Ridge family to give each pupil and staff member at Salvazione School (257) a knee rug.  The blanket barometer took on a life of it’s own, as the overwhelming generosity and kindness from our beautiful community poured in.  I am delighted to tell you that we have our 257 blankets and they will be delivered to Salvazione this week, the extra 75 blankets will go to the Princess Alice Adoption Home.

We are overjoyed by this outpouring of warmth and love from our remarkable community and take this opportunity to thank you all sincerely for your continued support towards this worthwhile and important endeavour to keep the boys and girls at Salvazione warm in their classrooms.

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A project of this nature needs to be driven and managed and, above all requires someone with a visionary, and compassionate spirit who is dedicated to keeping the spirit of giving alive.  On behalf of all, my sincere thanks to Liz Wallis who has not only demonstrated passion and energy in support of breathing life into this worthy cause, but has herself knitted a few blankets.  Your inspiration dear Liz, is contagious.

Thank you to all who have contributed and through your generosity will bring warmth and light into the lives of children this Winter.

Bless you all.

RICHARD STANLEY

HEADMASTER

MOMENTS: HERE TODAY,GONE TOMORROW

It is easy to fall into the trap of living a busy life by constantly reflecting on the past and thinking of, and working towards, the future.

Now, more than ever, we need to stop (literally) and smell the roses and spread faith, hope, and love by appreciating what we have right now. Before we know it, we will be too old to enjoy certain things in life. Our children will grow up, leave the house and no longer need us to kick a ball with them, share their day with us or allow us to read them a story.

After all, life is about moments, experiences, relationships. To truly appreciate these, one must sometimes be fully present at the time and take a break from thinking about what could have been and what would be.

It’s not that we don’t have to work hard to achieve our goals or plan for the future, quite the opposite. However, we have no idea how long any of us has in this world, so surely it makes sense to appreciate the here and now.

So let’s take our foot off the accelerator now and then. Let us slow down, switch off, and focus on our loved ones and our surroundings. Appreciate every moment we spend with our friends and family.

 Let our biggest regret in life not be what we didn’t do, and the moments we didn’t spend with ourselves and the people we love. “Beware the barrenness of a busy life” – Socrates.

(Adapted from an article by James Welch-Thornton)

Ryan Bezuidenhout

THE GRADE 2 BOYS MAKING DAIRY PRODUCTS

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The Grade 2 boys learned about South African products and brands. They then learned how to make butter using fresh cream and it used a lot of their energy! They shook their jars and were amazed at the magic and the delicious taste of homemade butter! Such fun! 

THE GRADE 2 BOYS LEARNT ABOUT BECOMING MONEY SAVVY

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The Grade 2 boys learned about money. What better way than to get the knowledge hands-on by going on a shopping spree. They learned how to total their shopping carts, calculate their change and save up for the expensive items at our ‘shop’. They had a blast!

THE GRADE 7 BRAAI

After many weeks of intensive revisions, studying, writing tests the Grade 7 boys were treated to a well-deserved time off. The Grade 7 boys were treated to a braai to end their weeks of test and to enjoy some togetherness.

THE GRADE 5 CLASS competition

The Grade 5 boys held a competition testing their speed skills. The boys competed to see who could solve their Rubik’s cube the fastest.

THE RIDGE FAMILY SUPPORTING OUR SA HOCKEY TEAM

The Ridge family participated in a fundraiser for the SA Men’s Hockey Team to help them get to the Olympics in Tokyo!

SP TRIBUTE FOR THE SA HOCKEY TEAM

The Grade 6M boys supported the SA Hockey team by taking off their takkies and enlisting them as the key players in a brilliantly creative stop-frame animation with a special message.

Jonathan Schwegman, Joshua Hall, Neo Selibe, Zuko Dongwana and Nicholas Barberini were the chief instigators…

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THE CLIMBING BOYS BRAVING THE COLD

The Ridge Climbing boys supported one another and worked as a team while they braved the cold on the climbing wall.

THE GRADE 6 BOYS LEARNT ABOUT 3D SHAPES

The Grade 6 boys learned about 3D shapes. Their challenge was to use their knowledge of 3D shapes and construct object/s using 3D shapes only. Examples of the objects is a robotic teacher, a house, a scene from The Ridge that you like, a robotic sportsmen, a car, a favourite toy, a scene from Minecraft, and a spaceship.

SP PERFORMING ARTS

The Grade 6 boys learned about the Flamenco dance during Performing Arts with Mrs. Morrick.

RIDGE RIGHT STUFF AWARDS MAY- GRADE 7

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Grade 7 – Lee-Roy Mochan, Samuel Sletteveld and William Boland

MESSAGE FROM SA HOCKEY TEAM CAPTAIN

Dear Ridge Staff, Parents & Boys,

On behalf of the South African Men’s Hockey Team, I would like to thank you sincerely for your support of our Olympic journey. It has been humbling to see the support we have received as a team, and it has given us even more motivation to outperform ourselves at this year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo. Yes, we have had our challenges, as with everyone, during this pandemic but we are determined as a Squad not to let these obstacles control how we prepare and perform. 

We are fully aware that we represent so many people when we play for our country, and as a squad, we have all agreed that this is an incredible privilege which none of us will ever take for granted. Regardless of our results in Tokyo, we hope you, the parents and teachers in South Africa will be able to say to your boys when watching us play, that is the way to represent your country! If we can achieve this, then it will be an Olympics to be proud of.

Thank you again for participating in the Civvies Day. Every SA Men’s player truly appreciates the awareness and support for our Olympic journey. 

Kind regards,

Tim Drummond

SA Men’s hockey captain.

CLUBS – PHOTOGRAPHY

The Photography Club is a group of seriously enthusiastic and committed photographers bound together by our love of photography and the photographic arts. Photography is much more than just having a camera and taking pictures. Boys in this club have opportunities to hone their skills by understanding and learning about what makes a good photograph, from composition to artistic expression. Students are encouraged to practice their skills while photographing our beautiful school grounds as well as sporting events. Our weekly sessions are planned and designed to teach and learn new photography skills. The aim of the Photography Club is to give The Ridge boys the opportunity to share ideas, to discuss their mutual interest in photography in a social atmosphere and to improve their photography overall. This term the boys spent most of their afternoons outside, photographing our beautiful school gardens.

THE GRADE 1’s LEARNT ABOUT REPTILES

THE GRADE 6’s LEARNT ABOUT FOOD CHAINS

The Grade 6 boys researched different ecosystems and food chains that exist therein. Once the research was complete boys were than tasked with creating a visual of the ecosystem they had researched.

THE GRADE 0’s EXPLORED THE OCEAN

The Grade 0 boys have been learning about the ocean and the beautiful underwater landscapes. Boys were then tasked to draw and colour in paintings of themselves as scuba divers.

GRADE 5 STEAM

Grade 5L researched water systems in ancient Egypt for their STEAM lesson. Boys learnt about how water was stored and transported in those days. Thereafter boys were tasked with building a shadu used to carry water in ancient Egypt. 

GRADE 4’s SPENDING TIME IN THE SUN

The Grade 4 Boys had an opportunity to enjoy the lovely winter sun whilst reading their favorite book, The Twits by Roald Dahl. 

THE GRADE 0’s LEARNT HOW TO BLEND WORDS

The boys learnt how to blend and build words using sound cards.

GRADE 1 ART

William in Grade 1BF loved watching the SP boys Moving 2D Art videos Facebook. He then made his very own moving object! Well done, William!

GRADE 0’s SENSORY TROUGH

The boys learning through play in our sensory trough.

GRADE 7 AFRIKAANS SPEECHES

Boys had different topics to choose from for their Afrikaans speech, Will Boland’s topic was “If he was the coach of Bafana Bafana”, Etienne Weyers and Max Pitman chose “If I was the head of Eskom”.

RIGHT STUFF AWARDS MAY – GRADE 4-6

Grade 4 – Milo Lochhead, Grade 4 – Mikael Govender, Grade 4- Samuel Bregman, Grade 5– Nicholas Goussard, Grade 5 – Pranav Bhana, Grade 5 – Yusuf Minty, Grade 6 – Lloyd Francis, Grade 6 – Nicholas Vogelzang, Grade 6 – Uzayr Bodat

ACTION DAY 5 JUNE 2021

Action Day will take place on Saturday 5 June and is a compulsory school event for all boys in the Junior and Senior Primary.  Action day will take place on The Ridge School grounds.  The Junior Primary will attend from 8h30-10h30, and the Senior Primary from 11h00 – 13h00.  

Your PA representatives will provide you with further information on the specific needs per charity/ organization, as well as the banking details for cash donations.

The field event will be held in accordance with strict COVID regulations, and each class will get 30 minutes on the field to Run, walk or jog as many laps as possible.  While not on the fields, the boys will be in their classrooms completing a meaningful task such as writing to a pen-pal at Salvazione school, making a card for a Senior Citizen at Park Care Old Age Home or composing a get well message to the children at Baragwanath hospital.

Let’s take ACTion and show we care!

Let’s make a difference!  Let’s be the difference!

Congratulations to old boy Jayden Pakkiri (2018) on his selection for the SA U16 Boys Tennis Team. He will compete at the African Junior Team Championships (AJTC) in Egypt from 22 to 26 June 2021.

CELEBRATING Afrikaans day

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The Afrikaans department commemorated Afrikaans day last week Friday. This day is celebrated every year on 8 May. Afrikaans is a very young language and at one point South Africans referred to it as “kombuistaal” and it was not seen as a prestigious language. Afrikaans only became an official language on 8 May 1923, Afrikaans is now 96 years old.

The Grade 5’s commemorated the day by hosting the prolific and famous Afrikaans writer Jaco Jacobs. Jaco is a best selling children’s writer in South Africa and his books are prescribed at government and IEB schools. He has won numerous awards and has written more than 180 books, two of which have been turned into films and many of his books have been translated into different languages.  The Ridge was honoured to be able to host him virtually in the Nicolson Hall. Boys also had an opportunity to purchase books on the day.

eid talk BY grade 3 BOYS

The grade 3s had an Eid and Ramadan talk last Friday. The Muslim boys shared their different experiences with the rest of the grade and then gave us a taste of their dates and milkshake. The boys really enjoyed it.

Grade 4 BOYS LEARNING ABOUT HEALTHY FOODS

During the first week of term, the Grade 4s worked on a ‘Healthy Eating’ project during which they worked in groups to carry out surveys, created graphs and designed a menu for a day. The results were delicious, if not always that healthy!

Senior Library

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The Ridge School Senior Library is excited to share our new colour-coded genres.

We are in the process of adding coloured stickers to different genres to make it easier to spot the genres that our readers prefer. We have also merged some of our genres together in order to get boys to cross over into previously-not-preferred (in their minds at least) genres. Series are now in easily accessible containers to make finding the next book in the series so much easier.

Although we are nowhere near finished, we are hoping that the boys will be as excited as we are once the library is fully opened again.

In the meantime… don’t forget to reserve books online, as per the instructions on the R4M Google Classrooms (grade 4-7).

grade 2 boys SHOWING RIGHT stuff

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Amila Malevu showing the Right Stuff by sharing his umbrella with Mason Diana.

MOTHER’S DAY VIDEO BY THE JUNIOR PREP BOYS

GRADE 0 MOTHER’S DAY TEA

Our grade 0 moms were invited to join their boys for a Mother’s Day tea. The boys had an opportunity to have some memorable moments with their mom at school, a very special day.

ascension day SERVICE

survivor challenge day

Towards the end of Term 1 the Senior Prep boys took to the fields to participate in the first Ridge School Survivor Challenge. Working in teams the boys had to complete several challenges which required teamwork, problem solving and cooperation. A great day was enjoyed by all. Special thanks to Urvasi Naidoo for all her planning around the event.

soccer VS ST PETER’S

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GRADE 1’s Learning about seasons

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The Grade 1 boys learnt about Autumn, doubling, building words and creating beautiful cards for their special ‘Moms’. They are also enjoying their reading programme!

get to know your head of grade

Congratulations to Thomas Roy who has been awarded the Sir Henry Strakosch Scholarship (for excellence in Mathematics and Science). Well done Thomas.

coding club

During the First Term, as part of the Coding Club project, the boys were asked to re-create a Landmark using the Minecraft App.

They had to provide ten facts without actually telling Mr Mistry or Mrs McLellan what the landmark was. The teachers then had the exciting task of watching their final video’s and working out what the Landmark was!

The boys used their creative, fact finding, attention to detail, problem-solving and Minecraft skills for their design. They were very excited and took up the challenge with great enthusiasm.

The top four boys were:

Umi’Phakade Gwala , Pranav Bhana, Kachi Amaonwu and Spencer Gilchrist

The winner was Umi Phakade Gwala , as his attention to detail was incredible and kept us guessing for quite some time. Well done to all the boys and the concerted effort that was made.

APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW HEADMASTER OF THE RIDGE SCHOOL

We are pleased to announce that following an extensive search process, Mr Wayne Naidoo has been appointed as the new Headmaster of The Ridge School with effect from 1 September 2021.

Wayne’s career in education spans almost a quarter of a century and has been built on a love for teaching and strong Christian values. He honed his teaching, management and leadership skills at St Charles College in KwaZulu Natal, which he joined in 1998. During his 18 year career at St Charles he occupied several roles, including Chaplain, History Teacher and Head of the Middle School. On the sporting front, he coached the college’s 1st team football, as well as cricket and rugby. He also coached provincial cricket and football.

In 2016, Wayne moved to Western Province Preparatory School as Deputy Headmaster where, amongst others, he played a key role in introducing innovation around teaching and learning and transforming the system of discipline from retribution to a more restorative approach.

In January 2020, Wayne was appointed founding Principal of Trinityhouse College Glenvista Prep and High School which he leaves to join our school.

WORLD BOOK DAY

We celebrated World Book day by dressing up as our favourite characters from our favourite books. With music filling the air and the sound of laughter and fun, the morning was spent reading and enjoying being outdoors on what was a beautiful day

GRADE 7’s LEARNING ABOUT EARTHQUAKES

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The Grade 7 boys had a lesson this week testing their theories on earthquakes and the challenges engineers face when designing and constructing buildings to withstand these natural disasters. The groups designed and built their structures using toothpicks and jelly tots; and  then tested their structures in a container of jelly to see how earthquake-proof their designs were.

GRADE 1’S CONSTRUCTING 3D BOXES

The Grade 1 boys have worked so hard this term and have had lots of fun. The boys designed and made their own creations using a range of 3D boxes. We loved up-cycling and being creative (and messy!)

U11 HOCKEY TEAM

The under 11 hockey team played their final game of the season this week and beat their opposition 11-0. Well done boys!

BOYS HAVING FUN IN THE SUN

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GRADE 0’s BOYS BEING BUSY BODIES

The grade 0 boys have been really busy these two weeks. They have been learning about how to build puzzles, learning how to build words using sound cards,improving on their handwriting skills,sharing all about houses and homes.

GRADE 6 STEAM

In Steam boys studied nutrition and food packaging. They were tasked with designing their own cereal boxes taking all design elements into consideration.

CLIMBING BOYS

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The Ridge School climbing boys practicing their rope skills on-site with Coach Steve.

JP MUSIC

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The Grade 0 boys have been learning about different sounds and have been learning about the Symphony Orchestra. The boys have recently made their own shakers and have played along to the orchestra with their hand-made percussion instruments.

The Grade 1s have played a musical instrument called the Boomwacker and have learnt to follow notation and patterns in order to create music.

The Grade 1s 2s and 3s have an African Music lesson once a week and have been learning to play the marimbas in their lessons with Mr Kupeta.

MUFFIN AND COFFEE GET TOGETHER

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Muffins and Music was held on the Music Department lawns on the day of the official announcement of our new Headmaster, Wayne Naidoo. Beautiful Music to accompany the moment was presented by the talented Irene Morrick and Khanyisile Mthetwa.

SP ORCHESTRA Rehearsals

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The Senior Orchestra is back in full swing. The boys rehearse together outside the music department in the mornings before school, and they are working towards a performance at the Music Assembly at the end of March.

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GRADE 7’s LEARNING ABOUT Vertebrates and Invertebrates

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The Grade 7 boys have continued on their exciting journey of discovery. This week we have covered the topic of vertebrates and invertebrates and comparing the differences between these types of animals. It was concluded with the dissecting of fish in order for them to observe what we have discussed during our lessons.

Grade 7 Academic Badges 2021

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Congratulations to the Grade 7s who received their Academic Badges.

Music Assembly Friday 26 March

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On Friday 26 March the Music Department treated the School to an assortment of musical pieces. With mist on the Westcliff Ridge the setting could not have been better for a morning filled with the wondrous musical notes from our very own Ridge Boys.

Grade 7 Induction SERVICE

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The Grade 7 Induction Service was a first of its kind, having always been combined with the Grade 4 Capping Ceremony. One of the highlights of the morning was that staff could interact with our Grade 7 parents once again under the umbrella of the new norm. We are reminded of the warmth of relationships that are shared with so many parents and in doing so bring life into the school. This wonderful event is another example of that all-important energy, spirit and support that only a parent can offer.

Grade 4 Capping Ceremony

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The Grade 4 Capping Ceremony was a stand alone event compared to previous years been combined with the Grade 7 Induction Service. As we have found on many occasions, some of what we are doing in default due to health and safety restrictions, we are actually enjoying. This very meaningful event was no exception. The weather proved to hold up and boys looked stunning in their Blues.

Shrove TUESDAY

The Grade 3 boys enjoyed a belated Shrove Tuesday. They learnt how to flip a pancake and follow a simple recipe. The boys also made hot chocolate. Hmmmm pancakes and hot chocolate – delicious!

SENIOR PREP BOYS CELEBRATING VALENTINES DAY

The Senior Prep boys created key rings called a ‘ucu’ in isiZulu. It is also known as the ‘Zulu love letter.’  It was made by Zulu women in the olden days who had loved ones who worked far away to tell them that they love and miss them. These colours have positive meanings. E.g. red would mean ‘deep love’ and white would mean ‘purity and faithfulness.

THE RIDGE SCHOOL HOUSE CAPTAINS

Head of Cheales House: Mr Ryan Bezuidenhout , House Captain: Oliver Bouilliart, Vice Captain: Azad Muralidhara, Head of Spirit: Chris Chapman and Nyiko Mabunda

Head of Dunn House: Mr Daniel McLachlan , House Captain: Khashane Maenetje, Vice Captain: Simon Mussett, Head of Spirit: Griffin Schroder and Hal Graham-Ozanne (absent for photo)

Head of Nicolson House: Mr Anton Pretorius , House Captain: David Chorley, Vice Captain: Lee-Roy Mochan, Head of Spirit: Joshua Stapylton-Smith and Samuel Slettevold

Head of Rose House: Ms Erica Kinnear, House Captain: Andrew Turck, Vice Captain: Sizwe Sibotshiwe, Head of Spirit: Adam Stoutjesdyk and Andrew Turvey

SENIOR PREP TWO DIMENSIONAL ART

The SP boys were given a brief to create two-dimensional artwork with moving parts on a subject of their own choice. These are presented in a stop-frame animation to the sound of the Grade 7 Marimba band. 

GRADE 7 EARTHY SCIENCE PROJECT

The Grade 7 boys have created their own Bio-domes to see if they could recreate a self-contained environment for their plants. The boys will be observing their self-contained enviroments progress over the next four weeks.

Grade 7 maths Olympiad recipients

CLIMBING AT CITY ROCK

The Senior Prep climbing boys were at City Rock last week. They’re delighted to be back on the high walls and are working hard with their training and improving their technique with Coach Sonja.

AFTERNOON CLUBS

The Ridge School has embarked on a new and exciting journey with regard to extra-murals in the Senior Prep. A variety of clubs have been created for boys in Grade 5 to Grade 7. The boys are able to choose a club that caters to their interests. The clubs on offer are: Photography, Coding, Debating, Chess, Drama and Homework.

This week’s focus is on the Coding Club, where 30 enthusiastic boys attended on different days. They were tasked with decoding existing codes from around the world.

You could hear a pin drop as the boys set off to meet their challenge. The school corridors at 15:00 in the afternoon are now synonymous with chatters about the different club experiences.

GRADE 0’s LEARNING ABOUT THEIR BODIES

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The boys had an opportunity to learn about their body and skeleton. This turned out to be a lot of fun as they were able to be creative and at the same time learn valuable facts about their bodies.

GRADE 1’s FIRST DAY BACK AT SCHOOL

We were so excited to welcome the Grade 1 boys back to school! They all looked so handsome on their first day wearing their Ridge Blues. They have settled with ease and are working like champs! We have made beautiful tigers, learned to write words starting with ‘n’ and are enjoying the new Think Equal programme. Our story this week was Me, myself and I. We are  celebrating what we love about ourselves! We are so happy to have all our boys back at school and they can be super proud of themselves!

HOCKEY TOURNAMENT vs ST STITHIANS

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The Grade 5 boys participated in the hockey 5’s tournament last week at St Stithians. The Ridge won 5-4. Well done boys

GRADE 7’s IMPROVING THEIR HOME ECONOMICS SKILLS

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Our Senior Prep boys learnt how to thread a needle, knot it at the end and sew patchwork pieces together using a fine running stitch: first one plus one and then two plus two to make up a set of four.

GRADE 7’s OBSERVATIONAL DRAWING

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The boys were tasked with drawing the Johannesburg skyline from the balcony of the Nicolson Hall. Sketching onto a long strip of paper with pencil, then adding in detail with fine-liners and marker pens, and finally moving into using chalks or watercolour paints. 

WELCOME GRADE 0’s 2021 TO THE RIDGE FAMILY

The newest members of The Ridge family had their first day of big school a few weeks back and they loved every minute.

GRADE 7 ART

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“One-word-art”, this is part of a longer project in which the boys learnt to work with patterns by cutting shapes out of black and white paper. Here, the boys were challenged to think of one word that characterised their experience of lockdown in 2020.

GRADE 2G BOYS CREATING PABLO PICASSO DRAWINGS

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The Grade 2 boys were given instructions to create a Pablo Picasso drawing of a face. They were given the choice between various types of eyes, noses and mouths to draw. I think the results were very artistic and well-thought-out! We are so proud! 

GRADE 4’s ONLINE LESSONS

The Grade 4 boys enjoyed their last online lesson 2 weeks ago. They are now happy to be back to school in the form of the “new” normal.

GRADE 4K NATURAL SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

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Grade 4K had their first Natural Science experiment for the new year. The boys enjoyed making balloon rockets in the sun.

Grade 4’s Doing The Right Stuff!

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This week the Ridge Grade 4s gifted masks to the Salvazione Grade 4 pupils – something fun for them to wear over the holidays!  

In addition, boys donated from their pocket money and raised over R800 for Salvazione to put to good use as pupils start the new 2021 learning year!   

“When you are kind to others, it not only changes you, it changes the world”.  Awesome stuff Grade 4s!

GRADE 1’s SANTA SHOEBOX

The Grade 1’s are getting into the spirit of Christmas! Making baubles, Drawing Angels and making Santa Shoe Boxes

SENIOR PREP SANTA SHOEBOX

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GRADE 3’s SKILLS LESSONS

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Grade 3’s in their IT lesson were brushing up on their typing skills and getting prepared for Grade 4. They were also learning the Kahoot online General Knowledge challenge.

THE RIDGE SCHOOL SHOP

Emily and Sue have been working hard preparing the packs for our 2021 Grade 0’s.

Grade 6 OUTING TO THE Melville Koppie

The Grade 6s went for a hike in the beautiful Melville Koppies. They learnt about the vegetation, which is almost entirely indigenous and a remarkable example of the richness of highveld grasses, flowers, and trees so close to a city center. They also saw evidence of Stone Age man as well as more recent Iron Age remnants, such as an excavated iron-smelting furnace. They were also taken back on a three billion year journey to explain the geology of the area in this fascinating Johannesburg City Heritage Site

GRADE 7 VIRTUAL SCIENCE EXPO

It is with great excitement that we are able to launch The Ridge’s first, Grade 7 Virtual Science Expo for 2020. Two young Grade 7 men, Kabir Budlender and Thomas Dewar have put together a website to showcase this exciting event for their grade. Feel free to explore the wonders and insight that our boys have shared by perusing through their videos, or reading through their Scientific Method.

Please click on the link below to view:

https://sites.google.com/ridgestudent.co.za/science-expo-2020/home

THE RIDGE CYCLE DAY

On Friday 20 November the Grade 0 boys arrived at school ready to show off their skills on two wheels for their Bike Day. We were blessed with gorgeous weather as the boys impressed their teachers with many laps around the Lawley Rd carpark.

SP CAROLS SERVICE

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JP CAROLS SERVICE

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Grade 7 – Farewell

The Ridge OnAir Podcast – Episode 5 and 6

EPISODE 5

https://www.buzzsprout.com/902317/6472420-the-ridge-onair-ep5

Did you know that Parental Burnout is a real thing? 
On this episode of The Ridge OnAir, Head of Junior Primary, Mandy Herold, addresses Parental Burnout and gives us solid strategies on how to deal with it. Ridge boys from Grade 0 to Grade 6 tell us about their favourite parts of this year and what they are looking forward to next year. Felix Jackson gives a brilliant rendition of Elton John’s “Electricity” from the musical Billy Elliot. And finally, Deputy Head Academics Nick Diana reflects on how the challenges of 2020 have redefined our thinking about how children learn and what is really important. You can even read the article Nick Diana wrote for the Independent Schools magazine about the subject here : https://www.isasa.org/books/summer2020/46/ 
Sit back, turn up the volume and enjoy!

EPISODE 6

https://www.buzzsprout.com/902317/6616468-the-ridge-onair-ep6

In the  final episode of  The Ridge OnAir for 2020, our boys might be  wearing masks and social distancing, but they are still singing their hearts out,  speaking their minds and showing bucketloads of the Ridge Right Stuff! 

While parents thought they would have to miss all the wonderful end of year traditions like carol services,  and tribute songs from the junior grades to the Grade 7 leavers  – we’ve brought them to you on the podcast instead. 

In an episode jam packed with boys voices, we hear what some of the Grade 7’s consider their best memories of the school, what they have learned as Ridge boys, and what they are most looking forward to in high school. The little ones tell us about their plans for the holidays and we have very special messages from Headmaster Richard Stanley and Chairman Itumeleng Kgaboesele. 

Sit back turn up the volume and get ready for some great music and insightful musings from The Ridge School!

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THE CHESS CLUB PARTICIPATED IN A GLOBAL CHESS TOURNAMENT

Message from Kendal English School – CHILE

“I want you to know that as a school we are very proud to know that so many children and young people were part of this school event. Demonstrating that chess sport can bring togetherness virtually, regardless of borders or distances. Schools and players who knew how to leave everything on the board.

You, the new generation, encourage us to believe that the future can be better, for your bravery, for your ability to think for themselves and because every chess movement is a decision of its own that will teach you in adult life to have common sense, balance and judgement of justice.”

Congratulations to the following boys who raised The Ridge School flag high, the only boys’ school from South Africa who participated and did well in this Online International School Chess Tournament on the 10th October 2020 playing against various countries such as Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Canada, New Zealand , Colombia, Mexico, Croatia, Peru etc.

Overall participation was:  Middle B: 300 & Primary B: 500. 

Players listed according to position achieved:

Nikolaus Willfort PB #18 overall

Thor Tipping PB #34 overall

Daniel Stoutjesdyk PB #47

Connor Van De Walt MB #14 overall

William Boland MB #17 overall

Chris Herman MB #24 overall

Matt Herman MB #25 overall

Adam Stouthesdyk MB #27 overall

Luke Hartmann MB #29 overall

Nicholas Barberini MB #35 overall

JP LUMO FUNDRAISER

The Junior Prep hosted a Lumo Dress-Up Day to support the Grade 7 Farewell function. A beautiful day filled with colour and loads of fun!

CREATIVE THINKING CLASS

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Creative Thinking classes took advantage of our sunny weather last week. We sat in discussion circles and contemplated the idea of an objects PURPOSE- on one hand, objects can be defined by what they can do, by their uses. On the other hand, we could define an object by what it is originally designed for. Boys grappled with ideas of the nature of something, which is either changing and contingent or fixed and ingrained.

GRADE 5’s PERFORMED STANDING JUMPS

The Grade 5s did a ‘Standing Jump’ challenge in Maths this week. Boys had to use the ‘Measure’ app on their ipads to measure the distance each boy was able to do a standing jump. They were then required to calculate the mean, median, mode and range of their own jumps in order to determine the class winner.

GRADE 7 DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

The Grade 7 boys created a miniature 3D version of a house. They focused on design elements and geometry skills such as shapes and developing their own nets to create furniture and also adding a natural source of energy for their house. The boys also had an opportunity to explain their project to prospective parents who were visiting our wonderful school.

Grade 6 Game of Life

For many years the Grade 6’s at The Ridge have participated in class projects called “The Game of Life”. This past week the boys needed to build model houses for their classes game board. The game will culminate in a mayoral election, which will conclude with a democratic vote next week.

RIDGE OLD BOY AWARDED PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIP

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is delighted to introduce one the 2021 Mandela Rhodes Scholars. Andrea Tonelli is part of 30 exceptional young leaders in the Class of 2021 who hail from 12 African countries.

All of the scholars will undertake postgraduate studies in South Africa, in fields ranging from Biomedical Engineering to Theatre and Performance Studies. They will further their education while becoming part of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of transformative impact through our Leadership Development Programme.

Andrea will be doing a Masters in Medicine at UCT concurrent with his MBChB.