Take-Note-14-October
Take-Note-14-October
Take-Note-14-October
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1 4 / 1 0 / 2 0 1 6 | T E R M 4 | N E W S L E T T E R<br />
ISSUE<br />
29<br />
INSIDE:<br />
Welcome Back!<br />
CONCERT AWARDS<br />
INTERNATIONAL TOUR<br />
TO HOLLAND<br />
Welcome back to the last quarter of the year. It is amazing how<br />
time has passed and the next eight weeks are going to be<br />
unbelievably busy, but very gratifying to all concerned.<br />
EVERYONE GETS TO BE A<br />
TEENAGER<br />
Follow me to page 2
MESSAGE FROM THE<br />
EXECUTIVE HEAD<br />
Welcome Back! …continued from page 1<br />
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the School community for producing yet another great MiMs weekend. In particular, I<br />
On the staff front, Mr Geoff Thompson retires and Ms Charlotte Botha has decided to further her doctorate studies in the USA<br />
would like to thank all the boys for their tremendous resilience, dedication and professionalism during the preparation and the event<br />
next year. Both staff members have been invaluable in their own way, and we will certainly miss their presence in 2017.<br />
itself. We<br />
This has created the opportunity to make some changes next year. Mr Kenny Kabak replaces Charlotte as assistant conductor.<br />
Kenny comes from the USA with a Master’s degree in choral conducting from the university of Missouri, loads of experience for<br />
someone so young and a passion for choral music. Kenny joins us on a one-year contract which we know will have great benefit<br />
for our choir and school.<br />
Theresa Mbatha is joining us as conductor of the New Boys choir. She is an experienced opera singer and will join Mrs Krüger in<br />
their daunting quest in training our nearly forty new recruits of 2017. I am very excited with this new addition to the staff.<br />
Keegan Bentley (Academic), Greg Bath and Karabo Sekonyela (Music) will make up our intern complement for 2017. We look<br />
forward to them joining us in January next year. I will inform the school community about the English and isiZulu candidates<br />
shortly.<br />
While talking about 2017, our expected big intake of about forty new boys is no small thanks to the recruitment team, staff and<br />
boys who are true ambassadors for the school and choral music throughout the country and abroad. They truly welcome and<br />
encourage the growth of music and peace throughout. We trust that our prospective Dragons will carry on the worthy traditions<br />
of our fine school.<br />
Thank you to the staff team who went overseas for a very successful tour to Holland. I know it was thoroughly enjoyed by the<br />
boys and staff alike. Taking such a tour is an enormous task and responsibility and I would like to thank Steven Wellbeloved for his<br />
superb organizational skills and Chef, Mrs Krüger, Mrs Louw and Mr Botha for outstanding concerts. Well done.<br />
Some of us head out into the mountains (Grades 7/8) this weekend, while others help the local choirs with workshops and the<br />
like. While we are all enjoying the mountains, I trust that you will have a wonderful weekend.<br />
Andrew Stead<br />
2
NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT<br />
CONCERT AWARDS – INTERNATIONAL TOUR AND 12 OCTOBER<br />
New Boy of the Week (and Tour):<br />
Sihle Manonyane<br />
Chorister of the Week (and Tour):<br />
Lengana Mashaphu<br />
Chorister of the Week:<br />
Sipho Mkhize (voice group leader Tenors)<br />
and Connor Lessle (voice group leader<br />
Sopranos)<br />
Commendable performances on stage (and Tour):<br />
<br />
Julio Mamabolo<br />
<br />
Nathaniel Stoffels<br />
<br />
Allistair Wadsworth<br />
<br />
Jonathan Jenkings<br />
<br />
Sipho Mkhize<br />
<br />
Neo Ramalitse<br />
<br />
Lengana Mashaphu<br />
<br />
Khumo Pege<br />
<br />
Obakhe Delubom<br />
<br />
Semiyea Tassaw<br />
Most valuable contributions on stage (and Tour):<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Gustav Klingbiel<br />
Kyle Keegan<br />
Sebastian Chowles<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Nivin Pillay<br />
Thando Myeza<br />
Ryan Smith<br />
<br />
Liam Muller<br />
<br />
Lefa Motshele<br />
Voice Group of the concert: Tenors<br />
Voice Group of the tour: Sopranos<br />
3
INTERNATIONAL TOUR – HOLLAND 2016<br />
On Tuesday 6 <strong>October</strong>, fifty-six Drakies and five staff members arrived back in sunny South Africa after a wondrous,<br />
inspiring (and exhausting) fourteen-day concert tour of Holland. We gave concerts in packed concert halls, world-class<br />
theatres and heavenly cathedrals, all to extremely appreciative and engaging Dutch audiences. Our hosts took us on<br />
culinary adventures of cheese, bread, deli meats, stroopwafels, bitterballen, kroketten, hagelslag on bread, Indonesian<br />
chicken drenched in peanut sauce – and some more bread and cheese. A truly memorable time was had by all. We made<br />
many new friends and our deepest gratitude go to Hans Peeters and the Tabor Werenfredus school community in Hoorn –<br />
you left handprints on our hearts. May we soon be able to return the favour here in our majestic mountains.<br />
For more detailed accounts and photos of our adventures in Holland, please visit our Facebook page.<br />
Groetjes en tot gauw,<br />
Junine Krüger<br />
4
CONGRATULATIONS ON RECEIVING<br />
CONCERT STATUS!<br />
Removing their school ties….<br />
…then the “momentous” moment receiving their jabots.<br />
Back row (left to right): Allistair Wadsworth, Gabriel Drew, Zipho Xundu, Sipho Mkhize, Siya Tshabalala, Sebastian Chowles,<br />
Jonathan Jenkings and Johan Piek<br />
Front row (left to right): Seth Brown, Daniel Riceman, Katlego Phetla, Siphesihle Maphumulo, Qhawe Mafika, Caleb Saks, Brian<br />
Zulu, Francois Snyman<br />
5
NEWS FROM THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT<br />
EVERYONE GETS TO BE A TEENAGER<br />
“People spend their childhood learning to be like their parents and their adolescents, learning who they are and how they<br />
are different from their parents.” (Dr. Miriam Kaufmann)<br />
This is an article intended for the DBCS parents and our young Drakie choristers – the purpose is to highlight the adolescent<br />
zone that many of our young men are in and that others will inevitably visit someday soon. Everyone gets to be a teenager<br />
- for some, this can be hectic, for others, a breeze. Adolescents are often faced with challenging social and emotional<br />
changes, all developmentally normal but often disconcerting for those of us who have forgotten. These ‘symptoms’ may<br />
explain why that little even-tempered angel no longer wishes to ‘chill’ with his parents, but rather posts numerous selfies<br />
on Instagram, seems obsessed with electronic games and tends to frequently over-react.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Adolescents need to search for an identity – they embark on a quest to find out who they are and where they<br />
fit in. Ever wondered why teens (and some adults) take all those selfies? Doctor Apter, a psychology lecturer at<br />
Cambridge University, says taking selfies is all about people trying to figure out who they are and project this<br />
to other people, essentially self-definition.<br />
Teens seek independence and crave responsibility. As the pre-frontal cortex (thinking cap and judgement<br />
centre of the brain) develops, they tend to want to exercise these new thinking skills and often seem to be<br />
argumentative. Questions, such as ‘why don’t you trust me?’ or ‘when are you ever going to let go?’, are used.<br />
A preference for friends over family dominates, as the adolescent seeks acceptance from peers and craves<br />
independence.<br />
They are on a mission for new experiences and feel invincible (‘bulletproof’) – teens are known to seek out<br />
adrenalin-boosting adventures and engage in risk-taking behaviour. For most parents, this is the most alarming<br />
trait, as the possibility of consequences is often ignored during this time of experimentation. Perhaps it is the<br />
adrenalin fix that they are after, when obsessed with an electronic game, possibly less harmful than chemical<br />
options. Competitive activities, such as sport, are healthier alternatives, but not as readily available.<br />
An individual set of values and morals develops, as adolescents begin to think more about ‘right’ and ‘wrong’.<br />
There becomes a tendency to question ‘things’ that were once taken for granted.<br />
A growing sense of self and self-esteem prevails, but a tendency to be more self-conscious is also evident.<br />
Self-esteem is generally affected by appearance, or by how teenagers think they look. Wanting to be ‘buff’<br />
epitomises teenage boys. Teenage boys generally prefer to fit in, rather than stand out, unless this is owing to<br />
being muscle-bound.<br />
Sexual identity is explored - dating and ‘hooking up’ is prevalent and cyber-relationships become the norm. To<br />
adults, technology means convenience and entertainment. For teenagers, technology means life - most of<br />
them spend every waking hour hooked up to it in some form or another. It is how many learn, how most<br />
communicate and how they relax.<br />
Moods seem unpredictable and there appears to be a greater sensitivity to others’ emotions and actions,<br />
often misreading facial expressions or body language. Teenagers display strong feelings and intense emotions,<br />
often leading to conflict with peers and family.<br />
There is not much that we can do to prevent this inevitable development but, I think parents can be supportive rolemodels,<br />
show an interest and listen to what is said, both verbally and silently.<br />
Sharon Dixon<br />
Do not miss next week’s <strong>Take</strong> <strong>Note</strong>, prize giving results and photos to be included.<br />
6
FINAL EXAMINATIONS<br />
Date<br />
Tuesday<br />
Subject<br />
Life Orientation<br />
18 Oct<br />
Tuesday<br />
25 Oct<br />
Tuesday<br />
1 Nov<br />
Tuesday<br />
8 Nov<br />
Wed<br />
9 Nov<br />
Thursday<br />
Afrikaans Creative Writing<br />
English Creative Writing<br />
Mathematics P1<br />
Music Appreciation<br />
Congratulations to Matthew Robinson and Alex Brits – these<br />
boys have been awarded Silver Certificates for their<br />
performance in the final round of the SA Mathematics<br />
Challenge.<br />
10 Nov Aural Training Theory<br />
Friday<br />
11 Nov<br />
Saturday<br />
12 Nov<br />
Monday<br />
<strong>14</strong> Nov<br />
Tuesday<br />
15 Nov<br />
Wednesday<br />
16 Nov<br />
Thursday<br />
17 Nov<br />
Friday<br />
18 Nov<br />
EMS (7 - 9)<br />
Technology (7 - 9) / PE Practical (4 - 6)<br />
Mathematics P2<br />
Creative Arts<br />
English<br />
Social Sciences (4 - 6)<br />
History<br />
Afrikaans<br />
Natural Science & Technology (4 - 6)<br />
Physical Science (7 - 9)<br />
CELEBRATIN WOMAN’S DAY AT DBCS<br />
Aural Training Practical<br />
7
NEWS FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT<br />
RETURNING BACK FOR THE LAST TERM<br />
Always happy to see each other again.<br />
Drakie mothers there to support each other.<br />
Ready to face the next term!<br />
Thank you Drakie parents for always being<br />
there for us.<br />
8
9
Welcome back! Motshwane Pege, Kimon Pienaar, Nathan Julius, Mr Jaco Dippenaar (Choirmaster), Nthato<br />
Padi, Jacob Chidawaya and Daryl Kwaramba from Hilton College. At Drakies we cherish welcoming old boys<br />
and staff members back even if it is just for a visit.<br />
Siphesihle Sigwebela in action<br />
10
SNIPPETS FROM THE SAN<br />
With the commencement of the fourth term, my big challenge has been to mute the endless sounds of “Onward<br />
Christian Soldiers” that I hear. It has been playing at considerable volume on an involuntary loop in the recesses<br />
of my cerebellum since the boys returned. As earworms go, I suppose it could be worse though – the tune is<br />
rather catchy and the lyrics are rousing stuff.<br />
The noise in my head (remember, everyone is different) has distracted me a little from other pressing matters.<br />
My quest for the perfect Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) placebo continues. With some reluctance, I have made a<br />
small compromise in the meeting of baseline characteristics. Actually, I have long thought that those scientific<br />
types are way too anal about detail anyway.<br />
While the placebo will certainly meet other stringent standards, it will no longer be of entirely inert make-up.<br />
However, to mitigate any nasty innuendo regarding ethical and scientific integrity, substances that share<br />
compounds with ACV will be excluded from the study. Unfortunately, this puts battery acid off the menu so it’s<br />
back to the drawing board for me!<br />
Sister Lianne<br />
11
HAPPY BIRTHDAY<br />
Luke Jansen van Vuuren<br />
15 <strong>October</strong><br />
Max Tanesse<br />
17 <strong>October</strong><br />
Kamohelo Motlhasedi<br />
18 <strong>October</strong><br />
CHRISTMAS IN THE BERG 2016<br />
It is with great excitement that we launch our Christmas in the Berg 2016 concert programme. This year we have an exciting<br />
line-up of concerts, performed exclusively by the Drakensberg Boys Choir.<br />
Tickets for the concerts go on sale to parents and families of the boys on Tuesday 25 <strong>October</strong> after which we will open them<br />
to the public on Friday 28 <strong>October</strong>. There will be a promotional code available to parents which will entitle you to a 10%<br />
discount on your bookings – this code will only be valid from 25 to 31 <strong>October</strong> 2016.<br />
Please remember to book your tickets early and don’t rely on tickets being available at the festival, as the concerts tend to<br />
sell out quickly.<br />
We are also excited to inform you that the catering at the festival will be provided by three trendy Food Trucks called ‘Naked<br />
Bones’, ‘Maddison Bakery’ and ‘Love Coffee’. All three of our Food Trucks are established and renowned for their tasty<br />
meals that they prepare at festivals and events around the country.<br />
We look forward to welcoming you all at Christmas in the Berg and celebrating the festive season with you.<br />
Steven Wellbeloved<br />
12
13
<strong>14</strong>
15
16
Happy Birthday!<br />
DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR<br />
Calendar <strong>14</strong> <strong>October</strong> - 23 <strong>October</strong> 2016<br />
DATE EVENT TIME<br />
<strong>14</strong> <strong>October</strong> Grade 9 Outing<br />
Durban Holocaust Centre, Durban<br />
<strong>14</strong> – 15 <strong>October</strong> Legacy Project Focus Groups<br />
<strong>14</strong> – 16 <strong>October</strong> Outward Bound Grade 7 and 8<br />
16 <strong>October</strong> Chapel<br />
SCA<br />
10:00 – 11:00<br />
18:30 – 19:30<br />
17 – 18 <strong>October</strong> IMC Round 2<br />
17 <strong>October</strong> Prefects Tea 10:20 – 10:40<br />
18 <strong>October</strong> Life Orientation Exam 10:40 – 11:40<br />
19 <strong>October</strong> Wednesday Concert 15:30 – 17:30<br />
20 <strong>October</strong> Assembly 10:40 – 11:00<br />
20 <strong>October</strong> UNISA Theory Exam (Grade 3 and 5) <strong>14</strong>:30 – 17:00<br />
21 <strong>October</strong> UNISA Theory Exam (Grade 4) <strong>14</strong>:30 – 17:00<br />
22 <strong>October</strong> Academics<br />
Entrepreneurs Day<br />
23 <strong>October</strong> Chapel<br />
SCA<br />
08:30 – 12:30<br />
13:00 – 15:00<br />
10:00 – 11:00<br />
18:30 – 19:30<br />
PRIVATE BAG X20 | WINTERTON 3340 | KWAZULU-NATAL | SOUTH AFRICA<br />
Tel: +2736 468 1012 | Fax: +2736 468 1709 | Email: administration@dbchoir.com | www.dbchoir.com<br />
INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION NOT FOR GAIN - NPO 002-106