At the time of writing this newsletter, the Grades 5 – 7 boys have departed for their much-anticipated camps. While for many it is their first for a long time, for some, it is their first. In the buildup and preparation for it, there was some discourse around the pleasure of some things returning to normal. Contrary to this view, however, I wish that we do not return to normal. And while I am not a scientific expert who can offer a view on the origins and impact of the virus, I think that the normal that we were used to is what lead us to not being able to adapt sufficiently enough to limit the residual impact felt by the pandemic.
Nevertheless, I would like to share about what I am hopeful about. And that is being able to move to a new place – a place where we live in touch with our humanity and not visit it at the occasional funeral or wedding. We have learnt that love and compassion are not luxuries, but they are necessities. I am hopeful, therefore, that we will rise above the narrow confines of our individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. Schools play an integral part in the realisation of our humanity. There are two real emotions that boys, staff, and parents regularly feel that are somehow perceived negatively. They are anxiety and fear. While I recognise my limitations in defining what they are, I do understand that anxiety is what puts us in touch with our humanity because it tells us that something is wrong. And if we are not afraid then we have not grasped what is at stake. The absence of anxiety and fear means that we are not in touch with what is wrong in our world but the presence of it means that we are more in touch with our humanity. The purpose of our humanity in this school, therefore, is to help us fix what we previously broke. Our humanity is not about returning to normal, our humanity is about showing the world what schools should look like – all schools and not just the privileged ones.
It can be difficult to explain human nature, but that does not mean we should lose faith or hope in ourselves or others. Bringing humanity into education, into our school, is about not returning to normal but embracing a new world order. Consider, for a moment, how profound an education is: every human-made object in the world is the result of one. Every car, computer, particle accelerator, thatched hut, hairstyle, soufflé, piano concerto. These are the products not only of the skilled hands and minds of their creators, but the result of whole traditions and systems of education. Change education (change our school), and you change the world.
Spectators at sport events
We are pleased with the recent amendment of the gazette released by the DBE which allows for spectators at school sporting events. We have missed you and I am certain that you missed this aspect of your son’s development as well as the sense of community that it brings. Instead of giving you my personal, philosophical views about the merits of being to watch yours sons play sport, I thought that I would solicit their perspectives, as well as that of the coaches, and present it to you straight from their mouths:
Things that the boys and staff have missed:
The encouragement.
Talking about highs and lows after the match.
Food… bacon and egg rolls.
My nana watching.
Community
The cheers and clapping.
The treats.
Parents cannot record and have fun with me.
Always having someone in my corner.
They miss my good performances.
Things that they have not missed:
Being shouted at by other parents.
Being told I suck.
Reffing and the abuse I got – I am a teacher not an IRB ref.
The tension on the side of the field.
Not getting embarrassed.
The shouting.
Parents not getting upset.
Telling me what to do – I could think more for myself while playing.
When parents try to coach while we are on the pitch.
The pressure and the intensity.
Protocols as spectators
The following health and safety measures must be adhered to when coming onto the campus. Your understanding and support is appreciated.
Face masks must be worn by all persons entering the venues where the activities take place, change rooms or training areas. Boys who are participating in training or matches accompanied by vigorous exercise will not be required to do so while they are playing.
Sufficient quantities of hand sanitisers, with at least 70% alcohol content, will be available for use by all officials, coaches, assistants, participants and supporters.
There will also be facilities for washing of hands with soap and water.
Subject to the requirements of any contact activity, social distancing must be maintained at all times. We appeal to parents to limit, where possible, the number of spectators per boy to three people.
The sharing of drinks and drink containers is not allowed.
There will be a Covid-19 compliance officer at each venue. Please respect the directives given by him/her.
All participants and spectators must undergo health and temperature screening upon entry.
For contact tracing purposes only, a register of all officials, participants and spectators from visiting and hosting schools who are attending a school match or event must be kept by the host school for at least 21 days. A Google form declaration will be sent in advance of each event. A hard copy will also be available for completing at the venue.
We are legally obliged to do this in conjunction with the other regulations. We need to consider physical distancing at certain facilities. This may impact the number of spectators at our pool as an example but details will follow per event
To conclude this thread – a new world by not returning to normal and the coming together in community once again – I encourage us to reflect on the notion that in community we can do more to help someone than what we are able to do as individuals. And where the boys are concerned – most things can be developed in isolation except character. This is about them. I am excited that the village that raises them is growing and coming together again.
The Grade 1’s have been busier than ever. They planted spekboom stalks and sunflowers and collected ‘Clothes for Trees’ in support of the environment and community.
Maths has been delicious this term with the boys doing yummy ‘marshmallow maths’ while creating 2D and 3D shapes. The Grade 1 teachers are so impressed with their writing. Our boys made painted butterflies to learn about symmetry. They had fun writing their own word sums. This always makes for a delightful afternoon read.
GRADE 2’s LEARNT ABOUT ENDANGERED SPECIES
The Grade 2’s have been busy researching endangered species. They spoke to each other about the different animals, their habitats and why they have become endangered. The boys have also brainstormed some ideas for how we can help these animals. The boys enjoyed researching their animals using an iPad and to create an awareness poster about endangered species.
GRADE 2’s SPENT TIME IN THE GARDEN
The Grade 2’s have been hard at work over the past few weeks planting the vegetable garden. The boys brought in seedling trays and seeds which they sewed and planted out. They will be keeping a close eye on their progress and enjoying watching them grow over the next few weeks! With some luck we will have some produce to share before the end of the school year.
MUSIC
The Grade 4’s created music using kitchen utensils to play polyrhythms in a “Kitchen Symphony”.
SCHOOL SHOP NEWS
Did you know that the school shop sells secondhand uniforms? Come in and browse – 100% of proceeds go to Salvazione or The Hope School each year. We do rely on your donations of old uniforms to stock this section, so would love to take them off your hands. Kindly drop off old uniforms with us in the shop, or with the guards marked for the School Shop.
TOUR DE MATHS
We participated in our first live Tour de Maths event since the start of Covid hosted by Pridwin with over 120 participants from schools all over Johannesburg. Six Grade 7 boys from The Ridge participated in this event: William Boland, Oliver Bouilliart, Adam Gardee, Nyiko Mabunda, Zhy Ravjee and Calvin Wagner. Our six boys were split into pairs and were then randomly paired up with two learners from a different school. The teams of four then had 1 hour to complete a 20-question problem-solving paper. In the end our Ridge pair of Calvin Wagner and Adam Gardee, with their partners from Pridwin, managed to achieve 1st place in this exciting challenge. Hopefully next year will allow for a lot more of these in-person events.
INTER-SCHOOL GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
The Grade 7’s participated in a General Knowledge Inter school competition hosted by Beaulieu against Beaulieu Prep, Kyalami Prep and Christchurch Prep… 8 teams in all together. We are very proud of our two teams and the following boys took second place: Ethan Stein, Madimetja Tema, William Boland, Calvin Wagner and third place went to: Nyiko Mabunda, Chris Herman, Connor van der Walt, Zhy Ravjee. Well done boys!
ROBOTICS COMPETITION AT HAMILTON HOUSE
The Grade 6 & 7’s participated in a robotics competition at Hamilton House along with three other schools. The boys had to programme their robots to carry a sick ‘elephant’ to the hospital along the de-marketed path without moving off course. The boys worked well in a team lead by Adam Gardee who showed great leadership skills as the chief engineer. The end result was a tie for first place with Grayston Prep. Well done to Adam Gardee, Yusuf Gangat, Matthew Jennings and Sinalo Danisa.
SENIOR PREP CHALLENGE
Mr Diana challenged both the staff and boys to a 30 day challenge of 30 minutes of exercise each day. Sport participation at school would also count for the 30 minutes of activity. Staff will track the progress of each boy during early morning classroom catch-ups. Family members and friends are encouraged to participate too!
GRADE 7 FUNDRAISER
The Grade 7 Valedictory Dinner Committee are hosting a raffle to raise funds for the Grade 7 Valedictory Dinner. Tickets are R100 and can be purchased through the following the link https://qkt.io/xXRcfz
PRIZE 1
2 NIGHT SAFARI
EXPERIENCE FOR 4 GUESTS AT ONE OF THE MARATABA
CONSERVATION CAMPS LUXURY LODGES
Located at the foot of the Waterberg Mountains, in Limpopo
Province, in a 21 000 hectare section of the Marakele National Park
DONATED BY MARATABA CONSERVATION CAMPS
VALUE: R25 000
PRIZE 2
JAZZ LUNCHEON FOR 4 ATCLICO BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Nestled in the heart of Rosebank Clico offers a tranquil setting for a relaxing afternoon.
Enjoy a wonderful 2 course meal for 4.
DONATED BY JEANETTE SCHWEGMAN
VALUE: R2 000
PRIZE 3
VIP PARKING AT THERIDGE FOR A YEAR
Enjoy the privilege of your own parking spot in the parking lot for a year.
DONATED BY THE HEADMASTER
VALUE: PRICELESS!
PRIZE 4
AMBER SMITH PRINT
Amber Smith is a printmaker from New Zealand who is also well known for her work in ceramics.
DONATED: LIZ WALLIS
VALUE: A LIFETIME OF
ST STITHIANS RUGBY FESTIVAL
OLD BOYS CAPE TOWN REUNION
On 13 October we hosted our Cape Town old boys at Foresters Arms. Once again, the sense of camaraderie and school spirit was evident throughout the evening as old boys exchanged their fondest memories of their time at The Ridge.
CLIMBING CHAMP: RIDGE OLD BOY FAYZAN
Fayzan Adroos has competed in a number of Sport Climbing competitions throughout the 2021.
Earlier this year, Fayzan took part in the Gauteng Provincial Championships and National selection event where he achieved first place in the Bouldering discipline, second place in the Speed discipline and third place in the Lead discipline.
He also competed in the Western Cape Provincial Championships against climbers across the country. He achieved an initial tie for first place in Bouldering which led to a close super final and third place in Lead.
Fayzan’s overall placement in these Provincial Championships has resulted in him being ranked number one in his age group in South Africa for the Bouldering discipline, as well as the number one ranked climber for the Lead discipline!
Fayzan recently participated in a Gauteng Boulder competition open to all age groups and achieved second place in the mixed category.
On this episode of The Ridge OnAir we’re going to be meeting the brand new Head of the Lighthouse Learning Support Center, Mrs Penny Meyer. Penny has a wealth of experience and a special interest in teaching children, join us as she talks about hidden dyslexia. We’ve also got fantastic music for you, two incredible sports stories and news from the Maths Department, but season 2 kicks off with us getting to know the new Headmaster, Mr Wayne Naidoo a little better.
In my first two months at The Ridge School, I got to reflect on celebrating Women and our Heritage. I am not sure if there was an intention to have those follow each other but women are intricately linked with our heritage. Not only are they the ones responsible for our birth but our morality, sense of attachment and belonging is deep rooted in our relationship with them. While we explore the role of influential women in our lives and examine our Heritage, we will find clues about our past and how society has evolved. It is an opportunity to examine our history, traditions and be enabled to develop an awareness of ourselves. We can, therefore, get closer to understanding why we are the way we are.
This is especially important as schools are our social anchors and the people in it are the agents of change. Schools have experienced significant change in the last few months but on matters important, it is vital that we lead the change. The growth and change that the boys and we as staff experience may cause us to alter our views for a moment or sustain us in the future. When one considers, therefore, what we hold in the context of heritage, it is our duty, as a school, to develop the narrative from inclusion to belonging. In the event that you need belonging, you don’t converse with the people you know. You converse with those you don’t.
We are a country of 59 million people, 26 million eligible voters, over 100 000 species of plant and animal life, 287 municipalities, 11 official languages, 9 different provinces, and you – you have the power to make people belong.
As challenging and beautiful as this sounds, I must also remember that last week I lost a battle with a five-year-old about wearing nail polish and lipstick to school. Nevertheless, we must pick ourselves up and continue to try.
Connecting
During the first few weeks of the term, I hosted a series of online meet and greet sessions with all parents to begin the partnership that is so essential. I also had the opportunity to have some face-to-face sessions which were tagged onto various information mornings. It was wonderful having the parents on the campus again and to meet many of you. I still have many parents to meet. The main talking points with the parents was to give further insight about my personal life, journey and experience in education and speak in depth about relationship building and authentic conversations.
I look forward to further engagements. Be on the lookout, therefore, for the plan regarding the release of podcasts and written newsletters. To that end, your voice is important and I would like to include it in process.
Engagements with staff
I am pleased with the growing authenticity and openness with the engagements with the staff. At the beginning of the term, we interacted in fun and engaging ways to solicit ideas about the following:
Using the medium of short skits, we explored who the ideal Ridge boy is.
Reworking the lyrics of our favourite songs to explain the aspects that we appreciate about working with each other.
Each person spoke about the song that we would use as the theme song to a movie made about our lives. This developed our understanding about the people in the room.
We also considered the idea if school was an invention as of today, what staffing structure we would construct for the effective leading of it.
Then we wrote a gratitude chain – of all the people we would thank for us to be at this point in our lives. The realisation that so much of our success depends on the significant contribution of others, lead us to acknowledge the magnitude of the good in the world around us.
In recent weeks, the following topics were the basis for discussion:
In considering the need to address forms of prejudice we spoke about the personal journey that we need to undergo, the interpersonal skills that need to be developed, andinstitutional and structural changes that need to be made.
The emotional process of change.
The cost of us meeting and the value of the outcomes to equate to that cost.
Management of COVID
COVID is not a new circumstance, and we commit ourselves to being creative and reimagine how things can be done. We are consulting with medical and legal experts to ensure that we are compliant and making good decisions for the well-being of the boys, parents and staff. We are also engaging with the regional rep of ISASA and their legal department for support in affecting policy making at the DBE level.
We are leveraging the change in regulations to have parents attend functions on site but in a safe manner. Most events are held outdoors, and all protocols remain in place. The intention is to reignite the sense of community.
In addition, to minimise the disruption to teaching and learning we will ensure effective track and tracing procedures so that only close contacts of a person who tests positive will need to isolate. In order to effectively implement this, we implore parents to allow us to use the identity of their son in the process.
Grades 3 – 7 camps
I am certain that you found great value in the information mornings regarding the logistics and preparation for the boys going on camp. The fact that for many boys this will be their first and for the others it has been a while, the anxiety and apprehension they and parents may feel is not lost on us. I wish to assure you of the following steps we have taken to support the staff and your boys:
Every camp site had a pre-visit by a member of the executive team.
We contacted the camp directors and got copies of their policies around safety, training of their staff and all protocols they have in place.
We briefed them about the expectations we have about their interaction with The Ridge Boys.
I will drive out on Thursday and spend the day with the Grades 5 and 6 boys.
I will stay with the Grade 7s on Thursday night and spend Friday with them.
In addition, we are in the process of developing a positive mindset about camp culture. The following initiatives are underway:
Mr Bezuidenhout, Mr Seakamela and Ms Fletcher are having sessions with the respective classes and Grades about standards of behaviour that we expect.
Josh Ramsey will be flying up from Cape Town and facilitating conversations about positive behaviour, anti-bullying and pro-social skills amongst other topics. The boys will contribute to their set of camp rules – they will then have ownership over it. We will also talk about steps that the boys can take if anything untoward happens.
Infographics about these will be put together and sent home. You are encouraged to go through it with your son before he departs for camp. The same infographics will be stuck up in their accommodation as a visual reminder of the commitment they made.
Watching of Sport
The frustration pertaining to the restriction on the watching of sport is massive. Essentially, the two gazettes, which are mandated by separate government departments do not talk to each other. We are working with ISASA in engaging with the DBE to look at ways to get the gazettes aligned and to change the restrictions imposed on schools – particularly those with the capacity to effectively manage the protocols associated with safety around COVID. In the meantime, please understand that we need to be legally complaint but we will continue to push hard in this regard.
Celebrations at National level
Our Grade 7s competed in the final Tour de Maths competition for the year. In total there were 30 020 questions attempted by 767 students – I think you get the sense of gravity of this competition. The boys from The Ridge performed exceptionally well and it is an absolute pleasure to give you the results of the completion:
TOP 3 PREPARATORY SCHOOLS FOR 2021
The Ridge
St Stithians Boys’ Prep
St Stithians Girls’ Prep
TOP 3 PREPARATORY SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR 2021
Soham-Zhy Ravjee (The Ridge School)
Calvin Wagner (The Ridge School)
Oliver Bouilliart (The Ridge School)
I congratulate the staff and the boys for this amazing accomplishment.
Next steps
While the focus of the term is to finish of the year strong and ensure operational efficacy, plans are well under way to prepare for 2022 and beyond. The staff and the executive team are working on the following:
Critically analysing various policies, particularly our anti-racial policy, anti-bullying policy and Code of Conduct.
Interviews for the positions of Deputy Head – Innovative Learning Strategist and Head of Senior Primary.
The Grade 6 and 7 Debating boys have come a long way in a short time. This is under the guidance and mentorship of Coach Itumeleng Mohanoe from the Coach Itu Academy.
The following boys Felix Jackson Grade 6, Finn Berman Grade 6, Lafika Mabandla Grade 7 and Lithalethu Tuku Grade 7, participated in the Gauteng Provincials, they placed 17th out of 80 schools, our school being the only Primary School to participate. This competition took place during the August break.
Our Debating Club is currently participating in a ‘Best of 5’ against St. Marys Preparatory School (Waverly), and we have already won the first two rounds. Our young lads have had to prepare motions in both Opposition and Proposition on topics such as ‘This House would like the Legalising of Graffiti in Public Spaces ‘and ‘This House Believes that Elected Politicians should use only State Services’. The case studies and preparation for these motions require in depth study as well as understanding of both sides. It has given our boys the opportunity to see different perspectives even if they don’t necessarily agree with the motion. It is truly wonderful and interesting to witness our boys in action!
HOOKED ON BOOKS
With crazy stories, amazing titles and imaginations tickled pink, the boys were lucky enough to have two shows – one for the Senior Prep, and one for the Junior Prep. The JP also had a Book Character Dress-up day, which made for a very colourful audience.
There was a book rush in the library after the show, it was inspiring, to say the least.
TOUR DE MATHS
Tour de Maths is an inter-schools Mathematics Problem Solving Competition open to learners in both primary and high schools throughout the country. All the events post-Covid have taken place online, and there have been five of these events this year. The following Grade 7 boys took part in this year’s competition: Soham-Zhy Ravjee, Adam Gardee, Matthew Jennings, William Boland, Nyiko Mabunda, Oliver Bouilliart, Connor van der Walt, Adam Stoutjesdyk, Calvin Wagner and Ethan Stein. We were delighted to hear that The Ridge was the top placed primary school in 2021. We also had all the top 3 prep school students for 2021: 1st place: Soham-Zhy Ravjee, 2nd place Calvin Wagner, 3rd place Oliver Bouilliart.
TENNIS TOUR
Undoubtedly, the highlight of the tennis calendar each year is the annual weekend-long Sun City Tennis Tour. This year, we took two open teams to compete. The A team comprised of N Vogelzang, J Stapleton-Smith, A Ball, A Muralidhara, M Hume and D Van Niekerk. The B Team comprised of J Heeger, S Sargent, C Wagner, C Herman, A Bleazard and S Slettovold. Both teams competed in a number of singles and doubles matches against some familiar schools (St. Johns, St Stithians, St Peters, St Davids) as well as some unfamiliar school (Reitz, Kyalami Schools, Cornwall Hill). The boys had a wonderful time gaining valuable experience and competing against so many schools, as well as having fun at The Valley of the Waves in between fixtures. I am proud to announce that our A Team finished sensationally in second place in the A section, losing in the final to a very powerful St Stithians side. Our B team also competed superbly and finished in third place. Well done to the boys – their grit, determination and sportsmanship did our school proud. Mr A Pretorius
GRADE 0’s HAD A BUSY WEEK
The Grade 0’s had wonderful time this week learning about the wonderful birds that live in South Africa, they spent some time building puzzles and also improved their maths skills with simple addition.
BASKETBALL TOUR
Our basket ball team participated in The Kearsney College Centenary Basketball Festival. They played a number of challenging fixtures and placed 4th in the tournament. Well done!
CARE TO LEARN ASSEMBLY
We had the opportunity to host Jo-anne from the Princess Alice Adoption Home in our Care To Learn Assembly. The boys learnt more about what the home does, and the babies they care for.
Princess Alice is extremely grateful for the Ridge’s ongoing support, especially over the last two years. Our Grade 1 and Grade 5 boys collected an incredible donation of nappies, formula and toiletries for the babies as part of our Action Day drive, and were also able to hand over a cheque to Princess Alice for R6350. Well done boys!!
GRADE 4’s LEARNT ABOUT DISTANCE
During their maths lesson the Grade 4’s learnt about distance. They were required to measure various distances including the distance from the school to the traffic circle on the Valley Road.
HOCKEY VS ST STITHIANS
JP HERITAGE DAY CELEBRATIONS
On Heritage day the Grade 3’s learnt about each other as they shared interesting information. Afterwards they did beading and painted biscuits to celebrate!
NEWS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE
October is global dyslexia awareness month, so the Lighthouse has been shining a light on Dyslexia. This year the focus was on “Invisible Dyslexia”, exploring the entire theme of visibility within our community. The reason for highlighting this “invisibility” is because dyslexia itself is not always a visible learning difference, so students with dyslexia can feel unsupported, unseen and invisible. We also want to encourage everyone to value the importance of dyslexic thinking.
Awareness days and weeks are so important – but what makes a real difference is being included and having a sense of belonging every day.
“If we are to solve the big problems of our time. We need innovators, storytellers and entrepreneurs more than we need a world free of spelling mistakes.” – Asma Elbadawi, poet, activist and dyslexic. Please take a moment watch her powerful poem in this video link:
“We encourage you to share this video for some child-friendly insight into what it might feel like to live with dyslexia, from the perspective of a person with dyslexia. The video is based on the real-life story of Nessy creator and best-selling author, Mike Jones.” – Jacqui Haddow.
“Below is a fact sheet is a quick reference guide to understanding dyslexia and supporting students with dyslexia.” – Zoë von Klemperer.
OLD BOYS ASSEMBLY CLASS OF 2016
On Friday 1 October we welcomed back the Grade 7 Class of 2016 and their parents. We wish our Old Boys well as they sit for their matric finals in the weeks and months ahead.
Congratulations to old boy Uzayr Ballim (2017) on his appointment as the Second Prefect of St John’s College.
Congratulations to old boy Nick Lane (2017). We wish him well in his leadership role.
Congratulations to Thomas Roy (2017) on his appointment of Head of School at Hilton College for 2022.
Spring has certainly SPRUNG in Grade 1. Our boys have started this new and VERY BUSY term with enthusiasm and joy. The first few weeks were dedicated to the ‘Spring Theme’, warmer climate and the joy of ‘ditching’ all the layers of clothing.
It has been so much fun watching them apply their knowledge in all our learning areas. From learning about symmetry in butterflies and painting their butterfly cookies (YUM) and using various mediums to create beautiful art for the classroom displays. There was so much excitement with the Spring celebrations and the Grade 1 hats were a hit across the Junior Prep. With all the fun and excitement, the Grade 1 team is so proud of all our boys. They work hard and give of their best every day. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the term brings.
READING BREAKFAST
Our reading breakfast was a great success and our new Headmaster, aka Prof Dumbledore, popped down to share in the reading magic!
SALT
The theme for SALT was linked to Heritage Day and the boys had a discussion in their groups about the structure of a tree. Just like a tree gets what it needs from its roots, each boy had to decide what he gets from his heritage that is part of who he is.
The boys then used what their family has instilled in them to grow and develop their own interests and build on skills, culture, language and how they use what their family has taught them.
GRADE 4 AND 7 SCIENCE EXPO
The long awaited Grade 4 and 7 Science Expo was a great success. The weather played its part and the boys loved show casing their projects. Our SP parents also had an opportunity to view the projects, mingle with other parents and enjoy some snacks.
EARLY MORNING TEA
The Grade 0 parents enjoyed a morning together with teachers and our new Headmaster. The meet and great was received with great success and our parents were excited to be back on the property.
DEBATING CLUB
The Grade 5’s prepared and presented a class debate. They passionately argued for or against being taught by robot teachers. Their convincing arguments were based on both fact and opinion. I am relieved to report that the teacher’s jobs look secure, for now!
GRADE 0’s LEARNT ABOUT LIFE CYCLES
The Grade 0’s spent the morning looking for tadpoles around the Ridge grounds, getting their hands dirty and just being boys. They have caught some tadpoles and are going to watch them grow into frogs over the next few months.
GRADE 0’s LEARNING ABOUT NATURE
For this term the Grade 0’s are looking after the silkworms they collected, by collecting leaves every morning and feeding them daily.
GRADE 1’s LEARNT ABOUT DRESS CODES
The Grade 1’s learnt about spring dress codes and made beautiful paper flowers.
GRADE 0’s CELEBRATING SPRING
The Grade 0’s celebrated Spring by creating magnificent flower arrangements. The boys arrived with a single bunch of flowers, and left school with gorgeous creations made from a collaboration of shared flowers among the class.
GRADE 0’s SENSORY PATHWAY
We have recently added a sensory pathway in the Grade 0 garden. The boys are delighted with the new addition in their garden. Exploring the different textures through their bare feet has resulted in many squeals of excitement!
GRADE 6’s LEARNT ABOUT RATIOS
During their maths lesson, the Grade 6’s were challenged to make the perfect Strawberry Milkshake. They were provided with the recipe and then had to calculate the ingredients using ratios and proportions. The boys worked exceptionally hard to strive for accuracy and developed their mathematical understanding. The maths group had a real buzz for learning, and this made their teacher really proud!
HERITAGE DAY
SPORT
Congratulation to the U9 Ridge Rebels team who recently participated in and then claimed victory in their winter league T20 cricket tournament last weekend. A win over Wanderers Gold saw them raise the trophy. An excellent achievement, well done boys!
OLD BOYS NEWS
Congratulations to Matthew Maccelari who is an Old boy, Class of 2016.
Congratulations to Luthando Masinda (LIV, Clarke) who has been selected to represent the U15 Central Gauteng Lions High Schools Cricket East Area team. #SJCCricket#LuxVitaCaritas
Congratulations to Kago Masote (LIV, Nash) who has been selected to represent the U15 Central Gauteng Lions High Schools Cricket East Area team. #SJCCricket#LuxVitaCaritas
Michael Van Heerden (Remove, Fleming) competed in the 2021 Swim South Africa (SSA) Regional Northern Junior Champs which took place 26 to 28 March 2021, where he collected a gold medal in the 50m butterfly, silver in the 50-metre backstroke and bronze medals in the 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly.
Michael’s times placed him in the top 5 in the country for his respective age group. Michael is currently the second-fastest butterfly and backstroke swimmer in South Africa for his age group, just behind the current South African Junior record holder.
Michael also competed in the U14 / U15 age group of the EGA Senior Winter Champs which took place 14 to 15 August 2021 where he won silver medals in the 50m butterfly, backstroke and freestyle, and a bronze in the 100m butterfly. He has secured his spot as the number one ranked swimmer in Gauteng for his age group in the sprint butterfly, backstroke and freestyle. A fantastic achievement, Michael. #LuxVitaCaritas
Term 2 2021 at The Ridge School will be remembered for a few reasons:
At 15 weeks it was one of the longest terms we’ve had;
We went from being at school full-time to blended and then to fully online and back again to full-time face-to-face school! No wonder boys, teachers, parents were spinning!
Teachers all received their COVID vaccinations;
Every Grade 7 boy got into their first-choice college and;
It was one of coldest terms in some time!
But ultimately what this term will be remembered for is that it is the final term with our much-loved Headmaster, Richard Stanley. And so, the first half of this edition of Horizons is a dedication to him through tributes from the staff that have worked most closely with him during his time at The Ridge.
The second half of Horizons is dedicated to our next group of leavers who have only one term left at The Ridge, our Grade 7s! I hope you enjoy the wonderful insight into our school teens, or almost teens. Unsurprisingly their words show how intelligent, resolute, funny and wise our current school leaders and soon-to-be college boys are.
Wishing everyone in The Ridge community a safe and wonderful August break!
By Anton Pretorius
Dear Parents,
As Lucinda and I come to the end of a memorable and happy second chapter here at The Ridge School, we do so with so many mixed emotions and with our hearts full to the point of overflowing.
As we deal with and manage these cluttered feelings, we are aware that, with farewells needing to be said, we are able to communicate our heartfelt gratitude and sincere thanks to so many wonderful people who have walked this part of our life’s journey with us, and to The Ridge School family for so many happy and forever memories.
But before getting on to the thanks and farewells, I will take a moment to touch on a few final thoughts that I share in love and with an open heart.
A Final Word
Mahatma Gandhi is known to have said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’. He was a man who lived out and exemplified this deep wisdom throughout his life. If this great leader and humanitarian were alive today it is a pretty safe bet that he would be offering the same sage advice but with even more passion and voice.
It is my humble opinion that our schools ought to be equipping and empowering children with a far greater urgency to become resilient and mindful change agents and global citizens as they receive a depth of educational preparedness that will reach into their hearts as much as their minds.
These moral, emotional and social learning reflections need to awaken for them all a clearer understanding about what their role in society will need to look like into the future. It cannot simply be enough any longer for schools, teachers and parents to be hell-bent on their children achieving that one ‘all-important’ school leavers’ certificate that essentially. only measures intelligence through a narrow academic filter.
Schools will, in my view, need to be tasked to assist parents to bring to life even more within the children a purposeful depth of character, conscientised levels of integrity, sincerely felt instincts to serve and support humanity, and a built-in desire to connect with and meaningfully embrace what at The Ridge we refer to as the ‘Right Stuff’.
The world is crying out for us all to show our children the way. As another great leader, Nelson Mandela is known to have said, ‘We must use time wisely and forever realise that the time is always ripe to do right.’
As I reflect on what I have learnt in my 41 years of boys’ primary education and on what stands out for me in this twilight stage of my career as the essence of foundational learning, I would have to say that it is for teachers and parents to find better ways to unlock for our children what being truly human, purposefully relational and instinctively empathetic, kind and compassionate really means and what it needs to look like. If this is to be achieved and so set our children up to ‘be the difference’ that the world needs as they strive to make a difference, they will only truly catch these values if they are shown them each day by example-setting adults in their lives … their parents and their teachers.
Thank you and Farewell
It was in March 1989, that Lucinda and I, together with our very young children, Nicola and Joshua (Samuel was still only a twinkle in the eye), were first introduced to the beautiful Westcliff neighbourhood and, in particular, to this wonderfully unique boys’ prep school. Thirty-two years on (with a memorable and significant twenty-year Highbury Prep adventure separating the two six-and-a-half year tenures), it is now time to say goodbye.
On behalf of Lucinda and me, as we say farewell, my heartfelt thanks to:
• The Ridge boys who have breathed their boundless energies, free spirits and broad love of learning, in so many unique and individual ways. Your collective zest for life brings the school alive each day, lads, and has done so even at a distance, as experienced all too often during these past eighteen months;
• Our dedicated and wonderfully talented team of educators. It has been a privilege and a special honour to have observed each of you bringing to life a myriad magical boy-centred moments. Together we have shared in, grappled with and overcome daily challenges and have found time to celebrate your professional individualities, purposes and passions;
• Members of my faithful, devoted and hard-working Exco management team who go the distance and beyond every working day – and so often at other times – to navigate safe passage, to lead, manage and guide, to keep reliable channels of communication and information open, and to look after and care for boys, colleagues, parents and others;
• Members of our admin, marketing, secretarial and finance team who go about
their workday responsibilities in ordered, ‘behind-the-scenes’ ways that bring calm, add
value and help to instill trust;
• Our cheerful and loyal service and support staff teams, in the form of Housekeeping, Gardens and Grounds, Maintenance and Upkeep, and Security, who add so much into so many operational aspects of school life each day;
• The fine young interns and student masters who play such important roles not only as assistant teachers and coaches but in many other areas of daily operational support;
• Past Chairman of the Board, James Clucas, current Chairman, Itu Kgaboesele and their teams of governors who, as custodians and guardians of best practice, financial sustainability, and good governance, have continued to provide the oversight, the wise counsel and the legal knowhow throughout my seven-year tenure;
• Liz Wallis who has been, quite simply, a gift from heaven for me throughout my time back at The Ridge. There are good private secretaries, there are amazing PAs, and then there is Liz Wallis. This beautiful human being exudes each and every day warmth, love, sincerity of heart, kindness, and sensibility; all as underpinning virtues that amplify her efficiency, work ethic and love of all that falls under the banner, The Ridge School;
• You Ridge parents, past and present. I have said on a few occasions in recent months that amongst so many other lessons learnt, Covid-19 has reminded us all in education just how much we, the adults in our children’s lives need each other. I have missed so much the person-to-person contacts, the earnest debates about everything from boys’ lunches and lost property to sports’ team selections and the standard of coaching. It will be more important now than ever before, for school and home to be aligned for the sake of our boys;
• Thank you to so many for having placed your trust in me as Headmaster of The Ridge, for your collegial and professional support, and for so many friendships forged.
• To Lucinda who has stood by me through good times and the not so good, she has been my rock, my confidant, my shoulder to cry on, my counsel and my encouragement at time when the loneliness of the job meant that there was no other person in the world for me to turn to.
• Finally, my humble praise and thanks to my Father God, my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to the power of the Holy Spirit, without Whom all my efforts would have been nothing worth.
As I sign off, I do so with a beautiful verse of promise, peace and hope from the Scriptures that I pray over The Ridge and its family:
Thank you all for the memories. I shall cherish them all.
Go well, God bless you all and may His Spirit guide, guard, bless and keep you and your loved ones now and into the years ahead.
Richard Stanley
Headmaster
Richard Stanley Tribute by Nick Diana
With a heavy heart, we bid farewell to an inspirational leader, one who always put others first and whose servant and humane leadership remains unquestionable.
A man who continues to instil and see the best in all who he comes across and interacts with, a man with a heart of gold and selfless goals. Having had the privilege of working very closely with Richard, it was evident that he made you feel like the most important person in the room. His admirable way of dealing with difficult parents, opening his door to staff and embracing each and every boy makes him someone who will be very difficult to forget.
A man whose assemblies inspired us, whose knowledge of birding awed us and whose messages and conversations (off the cuff) wowed us. Richard’s leadership is not a case of hard work, it’s a sentiment of ‘heart’ work. This is what makes our school, The Ridge School, an environment in which we (boys, parents and staff) feel safe, secure and loved.
Richard’s leadership style is similar to that of geese. It’s not necessarily the quiet, tranquil way in which these birds fly delicately and admirably above you, spreading their wings in tandem to create a picturesque setting, but rather the way in which they:
Communicate often
Cooperate effectively to speed up progress
Share leadership roles
Encourage each other
Protect each other
Use this wisdom to pass onto others
And with these specific attributes, Richard, we thank you for the dedication and commitment you have given us, your ‘gaggle’, over the last seven years. Without you, many of us would not have had the courage to spread our own wings!
We now wish you and Lucinda all the best as you spread your feathered plumes and migrate to your beautiful family. Although you will be sorely missed, don’t forget that all you need to do is think of us here, at the Ridge School, where we all learnt, under your steady leadership, to fly!
A poem for Richard Stanley By Nick Diana
And so here we are, this day has come
We sadly bid farewell
To a gentleman, and servant leader
But I’ve got a story to tell
Mr Stanley joined in 2015
A brave and courageous head
Always putting others first
Ubuntu is what he said
In 2016 we learnt that
Birding was his game
Not one to shy away from lengthy assemblies
We still enjoyed them all the same
2017 saw a man who
Used the head, hand and heart
To unpack the importance of who we are
It’s a catchy phrase, quite smart
A year later we saw, what we eagerly awaited
The preparation for the hundred
Luckily he had experience with this
And the bursar helped him fund it
The centenary year brought with it
Fun, flair and vigour
Thanks to our good old head
This was a year to remember
And with 2020 came a new direction,
COVID was its name
Our head was calm, cool-headed and without a fault
He was happy to play this game
And as he did so, we came to learn
That decision making wasn’t easy
What’s in the best interests of the boys
Is where his heart lay, quite breezy
You see this is a man, who understands young boys
And has continuously moved with the trends
There’s nothing that has stood in his way
Of this, we cannot pretend
So we bid farewell to our humble leader
He leaves us in twenty-twenty one
There will be no other like him
With Richard Stanley, The Ridge has won
By Nick Diana
Richard Stanley Tribute by Mandy Herold
Where do I begin to pay tribute to this incredible human being? The following words come to mind: humble, trustworthy, empathetic, honourable and kind… SO KIND!
You are a family man and always talk about your beloved Lucinda, Nicola and Ian, Sam, Joshua, Benjamin and Jack with so much love and affection. I’m beyond delighted that you’re going to be closer to them. Benjamin and Jack are so blessed to be your grandsons!
You relationship with your Heavenly Father is so special. Thank you for always keeping Him front and centre, and for sharing your thoughts and inspiration from your quiet times. I’m going to miss the reference to pertinent scriptures in your Monday HM bulletins.
Thank you for gifting me with the autonomy to run the Junior Prep. Your faith in me has helped me to grow both professionally and personally. You have loved and cared for the JP staff, parents and boys, always making time to listen to me when I needed a sounding board.
I’ll also never forget travelling to conferences and workshops with you. You would always open the car door and make sure that I had a refreshment. Those chivalrous habits are few and far between in this day and age.
We drove past you taking Layla for a walk the other day. Robyn turned to me and said, “I’m really going to miss Mr Stanley, mom. He is always so kind to me.”… after taking a deep breath and biting back my tears, I said, “Me too Robs, me too!”
Richard, I have loved working with you and I can’t wait to see what the next steps of your adventure will entail. Hamba Kahle, Mr Stanley.
By Mandy Herold
Richard Stanley Tribute by Gillian Dippenaar
I have been extremely lucky to be blessed with some exceptional bosses over the years, but none quite as exceptional as Richard, who has to be one of the most upstanding, humble, learned Saints I have ever met!
Richard and I started here at The Ridge at the same time in 2015, although for Richard it was his second time – this time as Headmaster; and me as the new Bursar. From day one we were on the same page on all manner of levels, from financial control, our outlook on life and how to form meaningful relationships whilst getting the job done.
Richard has remained a teacher throughout, the vocation which remains closest to his heart and his reason for being here, always putting the boys first, as well as his staff. Always genuinely caring for everyone and always putting himself last. I say he has remained a teacher throughout because I have personally learned a great deal from him – his people skills are unmatched, his levels of empathy should put some of us to shame and his kindness is endless. Besides quite a bit of financial acumen from looking at things from a different angle, he has taught me life lessons which will remain with me forever and a level of empathy which I thought I possessed, but didn’t. Hopefully those levels have improved.
From the financial side, I have to comment on what has been achieved due to Richard’s leadership. He sees the big picture at a glance. He slowly and gently put an end to unnecessary expenditure, to extravagance, and made sure the reins were tightened just as gently, without ever compromising our core business. And look what we have today, at the end of his tenure: a fantastic, seamless Centenary celebration and all that went with it (a year before Covid, thank goodness!), fundraising for capex, bursaries and Outreach through reconnection with Old Boys the world over, a magnificent new state-of-the-art JP building (Richard’s vision), renovations or rebuilding of almost all staff residences in some form or another, a beautiful revamped music quad (remember those old criss-cross paths in a field of hard sand!), completion of all our indigenous gardens, upgrades and additions too numerous to mention. All carried out with the minimum of fuss and with no attention drawn to himself.
My hope is that every one of us has learned something from Richard in how to treat others and how to show kindness before all else.
I have enjoyed a wonderful friendship with Richard and Lucinda and will continue to do so. Everyone at The Ridge will surely miss them and I wish them all the very best for their new, exciting chapter. May the future hold the most wonderful, blessed times with your precious family and may you enjoy and cherish every moment. The Ridge will miss you madly and you will certainly never be forgotten. God Bless.
By Gillian Dippenaar
Richard Stanley Tribute by Elizabeth Wallis
This is probably one of the saddest moments in the twenty-two years I have worked at The Ridge School – to have to say good-bye to our beloved Headmaster, Richard Stanley.
I have known Richard since 1992, and it has been my enormous privilege to have been his personal assistant since 2015.
Richard has always inspired, motivated and trusted us all to be the best possible people we can be. He has always seen the good in every boy, parent and staff member, and his passion and commitment to The Ridge is extraordinary and selfless. He is a deeply devoted Christian and is guided by his faith in all he undertakes to do.
Richard gave ‘cohesion’ a new status when he joined The Ridge as he took it upon himself to unify the staff into one big family as never before. As I page through the function file so many happy and fun memories emerge; Be a Winner – August 2015; special teas with the staff, the lost property Mums, School shop Mums, Mums who gave endless time to school functions – no one was forgotten or unappreciated. We have all enjoyed Richard and Lucinda’s gracious annual hospitality in their home. The long table lunches Under the Oaks and looking forward to ‘red letter’ day and all the invitations to the end of year functions. “Schools’ Out” lunches at the end of each term; Buck’s Fizz & Bagels; National Teachers Day and Administrators/Secretaries Day get togethers. The fun and laughter as we tore around the track for The Grand Prix, and who will ever forget the Potjie Competition in 2017; Numerous Frolicking Fridays at the Zoo Lake Bowls Club; Walking on Sunshine through Johannesburg; a Blast from the Past and the Covid Nineties Revival Evenings. Croissants and Cappuccinos; Coffee and Muffins; Celebratory Teas; Welcome Teas for new staff members, the opportunity to celebrate and be together has never been underplayed.
Richard always know how much you are loved and appreciated.
I will miss you more!
Big hugs.
By Elizabeth Wallis
Richard Stanley Tribute by Janet Fox van der Poel
When Itumeleng (Chairman of the Board) asked me to say a few words about Richard, I was hugely honoured, and then I thought, “Oh my word Richard, where do I start?” Recently, at the dedication and opening of the Music Fountain on Friday, I realised that we have known each other professionally and socially for over 35 years!
We first met at St Stithians in 1984. You and Cindy were newly married and you were by far the most glamorous, admired and best looking couple for miles. You were definitely one of the most popular teachers, and Standard 4S was the class to be in! You coached the unbeatable swimming team, and I’m reliably told that the swimming mothers didn’t miss a swimming training session either. We worked very happily together for those 7 years. You left to take up the Deputy Head position here at The Ridge, and I left…. to have James.
When Alan Wyborn asked me to become Director of Music at The Ridge some 4 years later, I thought: “Well, this could be fun!” I would be teaching with you and Alan. You had now joined the legendary Ron and Trishie Parker, and so many other fabulous and passionate Ridge teachers. These were incredibly happy days.
At The Ridge, apart from being Deputy Head and acting Head for a while, you also coached the ‘A’ Swimming team and the 1st soccer team. What formidable teams they were. The Soccer team had been unbeaten for several seasons and again in 1994. Incredible for the small school it was! They did have a brilliant coach of course!
Unsurprisingly, you were appointed Headmaster of Highbury in 1996 and you had 18 wonderful years there. Hillcrest must surely be one of the best places to raise children, and this was where Nicola, Joshua and Sam grew up. You were loved, respected and admired by all at Highbury. You left a huge gap when you returned to The Ridge as Headmaster in 2015.
I was absolutely delighted when you returned as Headmaster. You have often talked about the ‘Golden Thread’ and you always used this analogy in the annual Grade 7 Induction Service. Your returning to The Ridge spoke so much to ‘this Golden Thread’. This thread continues as we see many of our former pupils’ children join The Ridge. In your speech at The Centenary Founders Day Service in 2019, your theme, ‘The Circle of Life’ was equally inspirational, apt, poignant and of course musically inspired.
Over all these years you have always shown extraordinary and unwavering support for the Music department. You believed intrinsically in what we did. You embraced, supported and were part of our much anticipated combined music tours. You’ve always allowed us the independence to make our music our own, in our unique way, and, come ‘show time’, with your support, everything else at school stopped. Every child was going to shine on that stage!
Your focus has always been the children, and unashamedly, they have always been your priority. You are the most empathetic, supportive, humble and remarkable man. It is never about you, you are extraordinarily generous with your praise and appreciation, and you always make everyone else feel important, honoured and respected. You did that for your staff and for me every day. I loved working with you, and if ever I became too excited, (which was often) you would just laugh and say… yes Mrs Fox, and you just let me be me.
Your unwavering faith is of course the most important part of your life. Whenever we sang the Hymn “I the Lord of Sea and Sky”, I always thought, “This is you, and this is how you live your life.” The boys have always loved this hymn, and have sung it with all their hearts, as if they knew. I am going to end with words from that hymn, and as you know, a hymn is really words set to music, after all:
Here I am Lord,
Is it I lord?
I have heard you calling in the night,
I will go Lord, if you lead me
I will hold your people in my heart.
Go safely special friends, enjoy being with your beloved children. You will be sorely missed.
By Janet Fox van der Poel
Richard Stanley Tribute by Angie Chapman
On behalf of all of the current parents at The Ridge School, and specifically the Grade 7 parents (as we have travelled and all sadly aged on this current school path the longest with you…), I’d like to say that it is hard to believe that both our chapters at this wonderful school are drawing to a close.
Your relationship and history with the school of course goes back far longer than ours. But it was in 2015, when Paul Channon retired at the end of 2014 and you were brought back to take over the reins of this great school that our combined narrative began. Your mandate was, amongst many other things, to ensure that the Ridge’s Centenary was celebrated in a meaningful and mindful manner, creating a strong community and culture where everyone, not only the boys, were made to feel comfortable and at home.
I will never forget in our son Christopher’s Grade 1 year, being called into your office out of the blue. This is never a pleasant experience for a child or parent especially at the start of one’s school career and most especially with a new Headmaster! My first thought was that Chris had done some terribly deed like pea shoot a tadpole at a teacher and that we were being asked to leave.
Instead of asking us to leave, you kindly asked me to put together a team and strategy to appropriately celebrate the legacy of 100 years at The Ridge School. Approximately 988 meetings, and 460 samosas and koeksisters later (thanks to the lovely Liz), we pulled it off, ageing only 150 years in the process. Let’s not forget the many cortisol-inducing moments along the way such as Ridgie leaping out a helicopter ably escorted by Melissa Mussett on the dustbowl that was the Hersov Field at the time, and James Pitman swooping down just a little bit lower than anticipated (and briefed) in the parking lot at the opening ceremony. But Richard this was not your first ‘Centenary rodeo’, so to speak, having led Highbury so ably through their Centenary a few years before, so we all felt completely safe in your solid and steadfast leadership.
I had the privilege of monthly meetings with Richard for 5 years. Coming from the corporate world at Ernst & Young, I had been used to working with business leaders and CEO’s, and sadly many inflated boardroom egos. What I experienced in the boardroom and halls of The Ridge, however, was the polar opposite. In fact it’s what this country and the world needs more than ever right now – true servant leadership. Richard embodies this. He is a leader who adds true value to the people he leads, who works for the benefit of others and not just his own personal gain. He inspires and motivates rather than intimidates and manipulates. He lives with people to know their problems, and lives with God in order to solve them, and he follows a moral compass that points in the right direction regardless of trends.
The Ridge has often been described as a values-based, boy-centric haven of teaching and learning. Richard has always passionately advocated the importance of a values-based education and on instilling the correct values in order to raise boys who will hopefully become great men in our society. This has been especially appreciated by us parents during these dark and troubled times, so thank you Richard. We also thank you for the peace of mind of knowing that deeply rooted at the core of every decision you have made, is ultimately what is best for the boys at this school. A warm and caring Ridge community has been created by this humble, down-to-earth leader who always has the boys best intentions in his heart.
It is safe to say that the past 18 months have been the most challenging times for any educator. Many have equated the job as a school leader to walking a tight rope without a safety net; or sailing a tall ship into a storm with no navigation or sail. But you have navigated the way through these stormy waters with Ridge values and community intact, having made decisions that have been best for the boys and their families and have made us feel safe.
Richard if we were able to today (and if we thought that you would have approved) we would, with Janet Fox’s support, had the full Ridge Marimba band here playing their finest tribute to you! We would have enlisted a brass band, South Africa’s finest praise singers, the orchestra, you name it! We would have got James Pitman back with his blue and cerise pink plane, Ridgie would have jumped out of a helicopter for you one last time, and we definitely would have brought back hundreds, if not thousands of old boys to the school to pay tribute to YOU and the role that you have played in shaping their lives and their destinies. We also would have brought back all of the colleagues and teachers you inspired during your remarkable career, including, of course, the young aspiring women and men from the Ithemba Community Early Childhood Development Programme that you started during your years as Headmaster at Highbury and more recently the hopeful young trainee teachers taking part in the Partnership of Hope programme that aims to empower and inspire future teachers thanks to your vision and leadership.
Richard, you are physically leaving not only the school, but South Africa, and that is sadly a huge loss all round. But our loss is the UK’s gain and we wish you and Lucinda all the happiness you deserve in your exciting next chapter in the UK with your precious family. We thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment, not only to making The Ridge the remarkable school it is today, but also for the role that you have played in shaping education in South Africa as a whole, and for all of the lives that you have touched in your roles as teachers, mentors, friends and leaders. Your legacy will always live on.
I leave you with these words by Paul Berchtold:
You Live On!
You live on in days retired,
In the pupils that you inspired,
You lit the flame they carry high,
Now see it over the world fly.
You live on in parents’ hearts,
Together well you did your parts,
To see with growing satisfaction,
Training up this generation.
You live on in students’ lives,
Who have become husbands, wives,
Some are parents with children dear,
You have a part, deserve our cheer.
You live on for generations,
What you teach is building nations.
The seed you’ve been busy sowing,
Will day by day keep on growing.
You live on in memory deep.
Your legacy is what we’ll keep.
If every church needs a preacher,
Every person needs a teacher.
You live on in our grateful mind,
How hard it is the right words find.
To thank you for your work done well,
Where it will end, can scarcely tell.
You live on in grateful spirit,
May you rejoice when you hear it,
You’re an angel, a shining star,
May your light shine near and far.
Paul Berchtold
By Angie Chapman
We asked the Grade 7s to give us some feedback about their time here at The Ridge, as well as a bit of insight into their futures.
Alex Conradie
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Stithians College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The sport and the academics offered at Saints.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Everybody is so accepting, regardless of your strengths and weaknesses. Just be yourself.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Walking the whole of inter-house cross country!
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
It is like a second home to me.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Don’t worry about what other people think or do.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Being successful in whatever I’m doing.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Be kind and thoughtful.”
Ahmed Hassan
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St David’s Marist Inanda
What excites you the most about going to this college?
A new environment.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
About being myself.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The people and kindness shown by everyone.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Never stop working – it will pay off.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
You never know, you can’t predict the future…
What’s your quote of the year?
“Life is like a roller-coaster – can be scary but ultimately it is a lot of fun.”
Christopher Herman
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
To see what high school is like.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
To work hard.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
2019 Centenary Founders’ Day
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
Everyone at The Ridge is very nice and supportive.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Set goals.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
A successful Engineer.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Hard work pays off.”
Luke Holden
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Hilton College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I am boarding and I have always wanted to board.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt to value my friendships and learn important values in life.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Too many to list!
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The Ridge is a place where you make lots of friends and they prepare you for life outside of school. It is really a special place.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would tell them to enjoy their time here and try your best at the time at the school.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself working hard and hopefully being successful in life.
What’s your quote of the year?
“You must persevere through times and give it your best.”
Matthew Jennings
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Meeting knew people.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Social Skills.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Meeting my current friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The teachers and facilities.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Do your work.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Computer hardware engineer.
What’s your quote of the year?
“What we call the beginning is often the end.”
Langalethu Langeni
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Kearsney College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Not being in Johannesburg.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Perseverance and teamwork.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Founders’ Days.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The availability of sports grounds, music instruments and private lessons.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Make sure you do your English homework in Grade 7!
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
At home with a beautiful wife and kids.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Tough times never last, only tough people do.”
Lafika Mabandla
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Basketball and boarding.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Greatness takes time.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Founders’ Day 2017.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
It is a school like no other.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Do your best for everything.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Hopefully a successful rapper in the USA.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Success doesn’t come easily.”
Simon Mussett
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I’m looking forward to the sports and the making new friends.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
How to be a better human being.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Getting the Swimming captaincy.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
All the wonderful people around me.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Listen to teachers because they have your best interests at heart.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
A good job living in Saxonworld.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Mistakes are a fact of life, but the way we respond to these errors is what counts.”
AbdurRahman Navlakhi
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Making new friends and experiencing something different than The Ridge.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt to push through tough situations and have the “Right Stuff.”
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Being on camp with all my friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The Ridge feels like my second home.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Work hard!
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Living happily.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Tough times never last only tough people last.”
Lethukukhanya Ndhlovu
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Alban’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The Engineering club.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
The importance of hard work.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
All the camps.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The school isn’t too big or to small and the teachers are nice.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Be patient and have fun.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Having a nice job and relaxing more.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Always have fun and don’t be too serious.”
Matthew Samuels-Duvel
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Northfields (Mauritius)
What excites you the most about going to this college?
It’s a school on a small island with no need to go to online school.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Basic social skills.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Sitting at what is now the “Garden of Reflection“ and just eating and arguing with my friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The many special memories that I have made here.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Adults tell us that these are the best years of our lives, and I can’t really say because I haven’t gotten as far as they have yet, but I have had a ton of fun so far, I hope you do too.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Probably as some sort of editor with barely enough money to get by! Or working in a graphic/logo design company. One of those is more likely than the other though!
What’s your quote of the year?
“In all disorder there is a secret order, so when life seems tough, just remember that there is a reason for what’s happening.”
Mulalo Selamolela
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St David’s Marist Inanda
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The new people I will meet.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Teamwork and leadership.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Winning the talent show!
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The meditation garden and the excellent education.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Don’t feel alone because people are always there for you.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Voice acting.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Don’t care about what people say.”
Mondli Shibambu
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Johns College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I will be with my friends and it was my first choice.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
To have GRIT.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Founders’ Day with my friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The bond you have with some teachers.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Don’t get in trouble and have the most fun that you can.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
In a mansion with my family.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Make the most of your memories.”
Sam Slettevold
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Meeting new people.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Try new things because it can be more fun than you think.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
All the camps we have been on.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
How all the people are so kind.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Don’t be shy,
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Travelling the world and experiences new things.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Don’t be a follower, be a leader.”
Anthony Tillim
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Redhill School
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Going to a co-ed school.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Independence
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
When I received the Headmaster’s Award at the end of Grade 5.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
My brothers have been coming here for 17 years.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Don’t choose another school.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Hopefully driving a Lamborghini.
What’s your quote of the year?
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
Lithalethu Tuku
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s Colege
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Being in a new environment with new people.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
If you see someone who needs help, help them that person could make a lifelong friend.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Playing with friends at all the Founders’ Days.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
It’s a close-knit community.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Be kind.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
In a big secure house, happy with my family, wealthy and either an artist or a lawyer.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Reach for the moon that way if you fall you’re still above the stars.”
Andrew Turck
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. Johns College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Meeting new people and making new friends.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
That you don’t always get what you want and to not be selfish.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
When we all were at Centenary Founders’ Day in 2019 and I was with all my friends and we just had a lot of fun.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The teachers and all the facilities.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Be confident and always do your best.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself as an architect.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Do not walk in front of me, I may not follow. Do not walk behind me, I may not lead, but walk next to me and be my friend.”
Connor van der Walt
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The sport, academics and my friends there.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
How to be a better and more enjoyable human to be around.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
There are way too many to list here!
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The Ridge is a special place for me because I have great friends and teachers, the atmosphere is incredible and I have spent most of my life at this amazing school.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Be yourself and have fun.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself doing something I love and enjoying my life to the fullest.
What’s your quote of the year?
“The only way to predict the future is to create it.”
Thomas van Onselen
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Redhill School
What excites you the most about going to this college?
It is a very different school compared to most of the private schools in Joburg. That excites me.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Work hard gets results, being kind to others, learning respect, learning to be tolerant, understanding other people cultures. To be the best you can.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
I’ve had a lot of very good memory’s. Starting in Grade 0 when me and a few others made a fort and we would have the most fun there. I’ve loved every single nativity play that we have done. One of my best memories at The Ridge is Grade 5 camp. The most fun thing that I’ve ever done at The Ridge. One of my latest one’s is performing drums at The Ridge music soiree. I got really nervous but I had the most fun.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
What I like is that they zero tolerance for bullying and many other things.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Be yourself.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself in 20 years’ time running a huge social media company worth lots of money.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Small steps in the right direction can turn out to be the biggest step of your life.”
Christopher Allen
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. Stithians College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
It’s close to home!
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Self-Suffiency
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Finding a “paradise” in the middle of Grade 5 camp.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
Founders’ Day and climbing practice on Mondays.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Make friends and hold on.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
30 metres up on a climbing wall during my break between being an astronaut.
What’s your quote of the year?
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Adam Ball
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. Andrew’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Boarding
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Friendships are the most important thing.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Meeting my close friends Khashane and Ikenna.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
I like the teachers and the warm vibe.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Enjoy it while you can.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
In a game reserve working with animals.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Enjoy it while you still can.”
Alexander Bothner
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Michaelhouse
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I am excited to start a new chapter in my life.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt that if you have the Right Stuff you will get far in life. I have learned about loyalty and fairness.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My favourite memories are making all my friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
I like that it is a place where I have many friends and it is a place where I can always be happy. I also love all the sport.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Remember and cherish your Ridge moments while they last.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself as a successful businessman that has a loving family.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Sometimes you will never know the VALUE of a moment, until it becomes a MEMORY.” – Dr. Seuss
Oliver Bouilliart
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I am excited about having a fresh start, where others can see you in a way you might not have seen yourself before. Besides the reasons that I have chosen this college, which pertains to academics and the general all-rounded program, I am also excited to be part of a group of people that belongs to a community which is steeped in tradition.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt most that you never give up, and you always try your best. This defining value as been instilled in us for as long as I can remember. From LO lessons to Mr Stanley’s inspiring assemblies.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
In a school such as The Ridge, it is hard to pinpoint one moment, especially when you are surrounded by teachers and friends who have your best interest at heart. In general, all the little moments between me and my friends has added up to an extensive collage of memories and fun times. One moment that has always stuck with me was when I hurt myself in rugby practice, and all my friends gathered around me to support and comfort me in my time of need. For me, this instilled the true essence of The Ridge and why it is so special to be a part of it.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
In a place of education, I think teachers are the roots of any branches. I was fortunate enough to have AMAZING teachers whose care and affection have shaped me into who I am today. This has made my experience at The Ridge infinitely more special. With this comes the childish foolishness for one’s friends which makes every moment more special.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would say that if you want to grow, and thrive in this environment, make the most of your opportunities. Take every one of them that you get and use it to make you a better person. But most importantly, don’t wait for opportunities to fall into your hands, go find them, forage if you need to, but never stop looking.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself trying to make the world a better place.
What’s your quote of the year?
“If you have a dream, chase after it… and NEVER stop.”
David Chorley
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Andrew’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I’m excited about boarding and being with my friends 24/7.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
The Ridge ‘Right Stuff”.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The atmosphere is just incredible from academics to music and my favourite sport.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would tell them if you are down never be afraid to go and talk to a teacher.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself either working at my dad’s company or either becoming a farmer.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Never be afraid to strive for you big goals.”
Adam Gardee
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St David’s Marist Inanda
What excites you the most about going to this college?
“Gentleman. Scholar. Sportsman.” This really resonates with me.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I’ve learnt to trust my instincts and believe in myself.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Searching for Edna Dunn’s ghost at the koppie at dead of night…
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The people at The Ridge are very special. Also all the outreach activities we have participated in over the years.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
As Ms Kinnear once wisely said: “Make a plan, not a fuss!”
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself Healthy, Wealthy and Wise, and of course always remembering that I was a Ridge Boy!
What’s your quote of the year?
“Live by choice not by chance.”
Sechaba Gude
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Hilton College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Making new memories with new friends.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Grit and determination.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
When we went to Golden Gate for our Grade 5 camp.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
You can express yourself and just be yourself.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Be yourself and be who you want to be.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Playing cricket for the Proteas.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Be who you want to be.”
Liam McElroy
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Alban’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The sport.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
To be kind.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
The whole of Grade 5.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
My friends and the sport.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Always try your best.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Working in a good job.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Never give up.”
Ehzan Merali
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Redhill School
What excites you the most about going to this college?
It’s a co-ed school.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I’ve learnt how to be disciplined and how to be a role model for the Junior grades.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
It was when we had the Soap-box Derby race in Grade 5.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The fact that every boy at the Ridge shows manners and respect to any adult whether it may be a teacher or a parent.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
To be calm, participate in class and have fun with the friends that you make.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself becoming a world-renowned CEO and having an HQ in a skyscraper.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Dare to dream, dare to take action, and success will be yours!”
Lee-Roy Mochan
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Michaelhouse
What excites you the most about going to this college?
More time with friends and more competitive sports.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Learning so many things from the all the great staff.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
U11 WHPS Rugby Festival, 2017 Founders’ Day.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
Great all round school.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Playing professional rugby or football.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Life is like riding a bicycle – to keep your balance you have to keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
Jude Pretorius
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Meeting new people and gaining new experiences.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Acceptance and how to love learning.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Being with friends and trying new things.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
All the experiences that we are given for us to try.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Try new things and meet new people.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself laughing at what I thought I would do 20 years ago.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Try things you don’t know, no matter how scary because you never know if you’ll ever be able to try it again.”
Soham-Zhy Ravjee
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The fact that it is going to be a whole new experience for me.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt that being yourself is one of the most important things.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My favourite was in Grade 2 where in our class we always used to do fun stuff and activities, like survivor.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
It is special because it is unique, the staff is awesome and so are the facilities.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Grade 0 – 2 is easy but when you get to grade 3 it gets tough, grade 4-6 should be a bit tough but it will be fine. Grade 7 you will pass with flying colours.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Living overseas, having started a family, and involved in sport as a career – either as an athlete or as a manager of a sports team.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Sometimes the only way to move forward is to revisit the things in your past that were holding you back. You have to deal with them head on, no matter how scary they may be. Because once we do, you will see that you can go further than you ever imagined.”- Barry Allen “The Flash”
Griffin Schroder
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Alban’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
To go make new friends and learn new things.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Learning how to be a good citizen of society.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Having friends that have stayed friends with me throughout my school career.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The teachers are always happy and are always willing to help if a boy needs some help.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Have lots of fun when you can because the time flies by before you know it.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Hopefully saving the planet for the future generations to enjoy it.
What’s your quote of the year?
“If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.”
Sizwe Sibotishwe
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Michaelhouse
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Making new friends and being in a new environment.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
How to be humble.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Grade 5 camp.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The friends that I have made at The Ridge make it a special place for me.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would tell them to stay in their lane and stay out of trouble.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself either playing basketball in the NBA or in D1.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Don’t let people bring you down.”
Joshua Stapylton-Smith
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Andrew’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The boarding experience
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
You can’t stress to much about little things.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Lumo dance!
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The boys and the teachers.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would tell them to make sure they are responsible.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Ideally I would like to be playing tennis professionally.
What’s your quote of the year?
“You will make mistakes then you will learn and you will get in trouble but you shouldn’t get in trouble again.”
Ethan Stein
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Redhill School
What excites you the most about going to this college?
New friends, new environment and new opportunities.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
You always have someone to support you through the hard times.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Being with friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The Ridge is special because it’s basically where I have spent most of my life when not at home and pretty much all of my current friends I met here.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
The Ridge is fun place that you have friends and a safe environment to be in so make the most of it!
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Helping wild animals.
What’s your quote of the year?
“No dream is too big if you have the right attitude. Dream big, work hard.” — JJ Watt
Adam Stoutjesdyk
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Saint Stithians College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Meeting new people, making new friends.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
How to make friends.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Each and every Founders’ Day.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
We have lots of fun.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
It’s an adventure.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Either an architect or a pro rugby player.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Success isn’t just what you accomplish in your life it’s about what you inspire others to do.”
Andrew Turvey
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Andrew’s College.
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Seeing my friends from different schools and seeing what it’s like in a different environment.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
That the endings won’t end you.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Probably playing sports with all my friends and making special plays to beat our opponents, or all the laughs with all your friends and just having the time of your life.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
Knowing that teachers actually put a special thought in to you about academics and sports.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Do your work and then you will get free time to go wild and have fun.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Living my life in a foreign country doing one of my favourite jobs, maybe with a family.
What’s your quote of the year?
“The endings won’t end you.”
Calvin Wagner
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Stithians College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Seeing new people.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learned to do the ’Right Stuff’.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
The sports fixtures.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The entire community.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Calm down and have fun.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Doing well in a career of my choice surrounded happily by many friends and family.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Yesterday was the past, tomorrow is the future, but today is a gift, that’s why we call it the present.”
Adam Bleazard
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
A new experience.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt that I am extremely privileged and should be appreciative.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My first Founders’ Day.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
That everyone is a family.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Make the most of your time you will regret it if you waste it.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Travelling the world.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
William Boland
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Being with most of my friends, meeting new people and learning new things.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
That no matter how doubtful you are, there is always a place or activity that you can do and enjoy.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
The 2019 Drama Eisteddfod (I won the Best in Grade award as well as Prestige Diplomas for all of my performances) and playing soccer at break with my friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
I like the wide variety of activities that are available to do, like music, academics, sport and a lot more.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Make as many friends (with teachers as well as boys) as you can. It’s good to have people that you trust nearby.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I am not sure yet.
What’s your quote of the year?
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Chris Chapman
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Making new friends and spending time with my friends that are older than me.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learned to do the ’Right Stuff’ and to be kind and loyal to my friends.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
When participating in the KEPS Waterpolo festival in 2019 – it was fun, exciting, competitive and good friendships were formed all round.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The boys, sports and the teachers.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would tell them to work hard, listen in class and always be kind.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
In 20 years time I would like to see myself having a happy family and being successful.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Always do your best!”
Leruo Chikapa-Phiri
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I’m most excited about the new environment that I’m going to be in and I’m excited about the fact I will be able to be more independent.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I’ve learnt unity, friendship and patience.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Basketball tour.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
I like the values that have been instilled in us at The Ridge.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Appreciate every moment.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself in 20 years being successful in whatever career I’ve chosen.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Your future needs you, the past doesn’t.”
Cameron Coetzer
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
A new experience.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
That we are very privileged and we should be grateful for what we have.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My first Founders’ Day at The Ridge.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The people.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Make the most of your time here- it flies by really quickly.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Travelling the world.
What’s your quote of the year?
“If you can’t do great things do small things in a great way!”
Dean Davis
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St David’s Marist Inanda
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The big space and the nice people.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
To always do the ‘Right Stuff’ and to be kind.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Going on the Knysna Waterpolo tour in 2020 – it was a great experience and I learnt so much and had tons of fun.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
My friends and teachers.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would say to them that they are going to enjoy your next 8 years and always be kind.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Probably some sort of career at Nedbank.
What’s your quote of the year?
“You never have to be the best just believing in yourself.”
Joshua Heeger
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
A new start at a new school is very exciting.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Leadership
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
The Grade 7 ‘after exam’ braai and treats.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The people – friends, teachers – everyone.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Be kind to everyone.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Working in a stable job.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Believe you can and you are halfway there.”
Sam Kleinhans
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Meeting new people and making new friends.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Having friends is the best thing ever.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Playing and spending time with my friends.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
My friends.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Make friends, if you don’t then you might not be accepted, get ahead while you can.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Charted accountant, or a veterinarian.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Challenge your limits don’t limit your challenges”
Nyiko Mabunda
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Hilton College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The amazing campus.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
The value of teamwork.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
It was when playing the Game of Life in Grade 6, I rapped for the grade to thunderous applause.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The amazing friends I made.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Keep the friends you make because you will value them in the long run.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Winning a Grammy for best rap album.
What’s your quote of the year?
“School is hectic make the most of your friends at break!”
Lwazi Mabuza
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
They are quite serious about music and I love music a lot so I feel I will be very comfortable.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
Grit and determination!
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My first music soirée.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The way the teachers and staff are so kind.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Make as many friends as you can and build trust with others.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
In some sort of music career or an accountant.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Music is the soundtrack of your life.”
Khashane Maenetje
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Michaelhouse
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I am very excited that it is a boarding school. This is because I will have a higher level of independence I am also excited for the new chance at new relationships amongst students and teachers alike and the new opportunities that come my way whether it be academics or sports and I am just excited to be part of the Michaelhouse experience.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt to always be as understanding as possible because usually people don’t have bad intentions.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My favourite memory was our last game of the football season when we needed to win to go unbeaten in our Grade 4 football season for the A team and we won the game.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
I love the atmosphere of The Ridge how inviting and accepting everyone is and how caring everyone is and everyone’s willingness to help and listen to everyone person in the family like community.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
It would be to always be open minded and to always try new things.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself as a professional footballer.
What’s your quote of the year?
“In the end we only regret the chances we didn’t take.”
Alex Magowan
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Stithians College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Meeting new people.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I’ve learnt the Right Stuff.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
The Grade 5 pool party.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
I like the people and the atmosphere.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would say don’t miss out on anything and take every opportunity.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself having some sort of interesting job.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Always be kind.”
Zukhanye Matjila
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St Alban’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Basketball and that there will basketball tournaments against other school.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
How to be a leader.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Playing the ‘Game of Life’ in Grade 6.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
Friends!
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Have fun.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Working as a chef in a kitchen at a great restaurant.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Live for today and let tomorrow come later.”
Azad Muralidhara
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The facilities are amazing.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt how to be a well-mannered young man.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Getting nominated for vice-captain for Cheales house.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The entire community.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Always be kind to others.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Designing tennis shoes for Nike.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Stress is artificial, but relaxation is natural.”
Jonathan Parent
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Bishops Cape Town
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Boarding
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
How to be social and my education.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Capping one of the Grade 4’s
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The way that everyone is treated equally and how everyone is like family.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Don’t be shy to make friends.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Practicing as a doctor.
What’s your quote of the year?
“One with all.”
Max Pitman
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The great education.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
The Right Stuff.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Beating the record for house relay race in Grade 5.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The incredible education and sport.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
Always do the right thing.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
Professional footballer.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Life is not about waiting for the rain to pass but learning to dance in the rain.”
Sam Sargent
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St. Stithians College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Meeting new people.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have learnt how important friendships are, as the friendships you make at The Ridge last forever.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
Playing soccer at break with the teachers.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
It is special and everyone is kind to everyone else.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would tell them that they must live every year to the fullest as it is going to be the next best 8 years of their life.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself inspiring others.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Live the way you want to be remembered.”
Matthew Smith
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Radley College (UK)
What excites you the most about going to this college?
I am very excited to board.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I have definitely learnt that having grit is important.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
My favorite memory was on the second last day of grade two. The whole class went to the field and we played a really nice cricket match.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
I love the Ridge because it feels like a home from home.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
I would tell a grade 0 to not worry. I would tell him that it will take time to adjust but it would all work out.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
I see myself working at a law firm. I would have many friends and two dogs.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Small steps in the RIGHT direction can turn out to be the biggest steps of your life.”
Madimetja Tema
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
St John’s College
What excites you the most about going to this college?
The Sport and Academics.
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I’ve learnt respect and Right Stuff.
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
When playing a soccer match against KEPS this year (Grade 7), I ‘skilled’ an opposition player with style and huge applause from my team-mates.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
The Football games.
What advice would you give to boys coming into Grade 0 at The Ridge?
To be polite and try your hardest academics and sport.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time?
As a philosopher and a physicist.
What’s your quote of the year?
“Weak people revenge. Strong people forgive. Intelligent people ignore” Albert Einstein
Etienne Weyers
Which college/high school are you going to in 2022?
Michaelhouse
What excites you the most about going to this college?
Being able to sleep there and spent the night with all my friends every night .
What have you learnt most at being at The Ridge?
I learnt respect and Right Stuff.
What makes The Ridge a special place for you?
I like how it has a lot of different sports to play .
What has been your favourite memory of your time at The Ridge?
All the camps we went on because it makes your friendships stronger with people you didn’t know so well.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in Grade 0 at The Ridge?
To just have fun and try not to make a bad impression.
The Grade 5 boys have enjoyed interpreting visual comprehensions during English lessons. The Calvin and Hobbes comic strips series have been a firm favourite. Drawing inspiration from the Calvin and Hobbes series, the boys were tasked with creating their own comic strip. They needed to base their cartoon on a funny event that took place in their life. Overall, the boys produced the most outstanding comics. They used creativity, intuition and humour to entertain their class.
WELCOME BACK CELEBRATION
The staff missed their boys so much that they decided to host a Welcome Back Party, with Ridgie, colourful clowns, balloons and, of course, hot chocolate as a special treat.
GRADE 7 AWARDS
Congratulations to the following boys who were awarded Academic Excellence for achieving 80% or more for 2 semesters:
Congratulations to Ethan Stein who was awarded Academic Recognition for achieving 80% or more for 1 semester:
GRADE 5 Fractions vs Decimals bake off
Mrs Wilson’s Maths class competed in a “Fractions vs Decimals” bake off. The boys had to choose whether they wanted to follow the recipe for “Chocolate Cake in a Mug” using fractions or decimals. We are still not sure which team were the winners, but apparently the results were delicious!
GRADE 4 MAKING AN APPLE PIE
The Grade 4 boys were tasked with baking an apple crumble pie during their online Life Skills lesson. They were given the recipe with the prescribed ingredients and instructions to follow. Future chefs in the making!
MANDELA DAY CELEBRATIONS
Some Grade 4 boys made sandwiches and bought groceries for those in need to commemorate Mandela Day
GRADE 4K HAVING A LITTLE BIT OF FUN
To add some fun to online learning, the boys had an opportunity to see what their “older self” would look like. The boys had to be creative and enjoyed every bit of it.
JP TEACHERS WORKING ONLINE
Our Junior Prep Staff in action online! It takes a special teacher to make learning fun yet meaningful and we seem to have a whole bunch of special teachers! Well done, team.
CENTENARY GIFT TO APPS
To celebrate Auckland Park Prep School’s centenary and the long standing relationship The Ridge and St Katharine’s share, we presented “The masked weaver in a upside down world” sculptured by Robert Leggat. This bird is known for its sense of community resilience and of been family orientated in nature. The Ridge and St Katharine’s wish’s APPS good fortune and prosperity as they celebrate their centenary in these challenging times.
JP PYJAMA PARTY
The JP pyjama party has always been at school but due to the Covid restrictions, the recent one had to be hosted online, with the boys at home and the teachers at school.
GRADE 1 ART
The boys learnt about the ocean and all its inhabitants. Thereafter, the boys were tasked with creating their favourite sea creature. The famous clown fish, Nemo seemed to be a favourite amongst the boys.
EARLY MORNING SCREENING JP
The JP staff have braved the early morning cold to ensure all our boys are screened as they come in. Well done team. Left to right – Zoe Zuke, Symon Karan, Mokgantsho Matsela and Masana Maringa on Grade 0 early morning screening duty!
GRADE 2’s LEARNT ABOUT TIME
The boys had an exciting consolidation exercise on the concept of Time by jumping around the floor clock to show the time. This exercise also proved to be the best way to warm up on a chilly morning. They had such fun!
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.
THEGRADE 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.
THEGRADE0 BOYS LEARNT ABOUT OPPOSITES AND COLOURS
The Grade 0 boys learnt about opposites and the colour wheel. They than created gorgeous paintings of different fruits using complimentary colours!
STAFF VACCINATIONS
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
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 over76 blankets in July 2020! Carolyn Steyn, theFounder of 67 Blanketsfor 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 (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.
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.
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
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
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 CLASScompetition
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 HOCKEYTEAM
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…
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
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.
