Crawford International Sandton

Karabo Molokomme • November 3, 2023

Johannesburg Junior Council Fellowship Dinner

Crawford International Sandton College recently hosted the annual fellowship dinner of the Johannesburg Junior Council. The event brought together current and potential members for a night of networking and reminiscing about the council's past activities.

Our JJC councillors, Bohlale Molokomme and Jenna Purkiss, addressed the audience eloquently. Bohlale, the co-mayor for 2022-2023, shared the council's outreach activities, while Jenna, the environmental committee chairperson, highlighted successful projects, including a unique fashion show.

We congratulate Bohlale and Jenna for their outstanding leadership, compassion, and dedication in representing the College. Their commitment to community service is truly commendable. Thank you for your remarkable contributions.

A large room filled with people sitting at tables and chairs.

A man and two women are posing for a picture in a parking lot.

A woman in a graduation cap and gown stands at a podium

Gauteng Provincial Debating Tournament Report

Gauteng Debating is renowned for its high level of competitiveness, and the Gauteng Provincial Debating Competition was no exception. Both our junior and senior teams displayed impressive skills, winning 4 out of 6 debates each. The juniors made it to the main break, while the seniors qualified for the plate break. The topics varied from policies to philosophy, showcasing our debaters' versatility and strategic prowess.

In the quarterfinals, the juniors faced a tough challenge against St. David's Marist Inanda and unfortunately didn't advance. However, the seniors reached the finals, where they competed valiantly but were narrowly defeated by Saint Stithians Boys.

We commend both teams for their outstanding performance, once again making us proud. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated coaches, Mfumo Bamuza and Andile Kubheka, for their exceptional guidance and support.

A group of people are sitting in a lecture hall.

A group of young people are standing in front of a large stone building.

Treats for Furry Friends

On 20th October, we organised our final animal interact event of the year, creating a delightful experience for both humans and pets. Participants had a great time crafting homemade dog treats and toys, fostering memorable moments.

We eagerly anticipate the joy these treats and toys will bring to our furry friends, hoping they find as much delight in them as we did in creating them.

Two people are sitting at a table working on a project

A woman in a green nike shirt is standing at a table

Glo Festivities

During last week's GloFest, Foundation Phase pupils warmly welcomed their families and guests to showcase their school achievements. The event highlighted various activities, from classroom projects to engaging puppet shows by Grade 3 students. The captivating 'GloTunnel' exhibition demonstrated how luminous artwork came to life under the lights, showcasing the creativity of the students. The event also featured music, ballet performances, and a library treasure hunt, making it a diverse and enriching experience. Families enjoyed picnics under the stars, fostering connections and appreciation for the school community.

A group of people are sitting on the grass in a park at night.

A room filled with tables and paintings on display.

A hallway filled with glow in the dark paintings

Navaratri

In the spirit of celebrating diversity, some of our Hindu staff members recently marked the joyous occasion of Navaratri, a festival that reveres creation and nurturing. This vibrant celebration involved the donning of colourful attire that corresponded to each day of the festivity, creating a rich tapestry of tradition and culture. It's no surprise that our non-Hindu colleagues couldn't resist feeling a touch of FOMO. In the true spirit of togetherness, some of our teachers from diverse backgrounds joyfully joined in the celebration, further exemplifying the beauty of unity in our community.

A group of women are posing for a picture in front of a fence.

A group of women in green shirts are posing for a picture in a grassy field.

Bryanston Grade 0s visited Sandton in Preparation for Grade 1 in 2024

We welcomed the Grade 0s from Crawford Bryanston on Friday morning to come and spend a few hours getting to know our campus a little better before moving across to join us in Grade 1. They ran across the field, splashed their feet in the pool, danced a few steps in the Ballet studio before visiting the Queen of the Library in the ‘Royal Reading Room.”

They popped into the Grade 1 classes and completed a fun activity out on the Piazza before having time to play in the Adventure playground. A busy morning for all of them and then Walter drove them safely back to school on the bus! What a fun morning we had!

A little girl is crawling through a green tube.

A group of children are sitting on the edge of a swimming pool.

A group of children are posing for a picture with a woman in a library.

Crawford Cares

Established in 2009, the Cradle of Hope provides crucial support to vulnerable women and children facing hardship and abuse. This organization offers shelter, education, and community feeding programs, among other vital services. We express our gratitude to the generous families of Crawford International Pre-Primary for their donations, enabling us to procure essential foods for the House of Restoration. Your support directly aids this organization in their mission to provide shelter and sustenance to those in need.

Our Crawford Community also contributed to our Bakers Day drive, supporting the South African SPCA's efforts in animal welfare. Funds collected were used to purchase essentials such as blankets, food, treats, and grooming tools, helping animals in distress find care and new homes. Your kindness brightens lives and makes a meaningful difference.

Pedalling into Fun

Our recent Bicycle Day brought immense joy to our community, with families coming together for a day of laughter and shared moments. From little riders to experienced cyclists, the event celebrated togetherness in the great outdoors. The smiles on our faces and the wind in our hair marked a day filled with unforgettable memories. We appreciate our Crawford community's enthusiastic participation, turning the day into a true celebration. Beyond the wheels, it strengthened bonds and created lasting memories. Looking ahead, we're excited for more adventures, more family moments, and more shared experiences. Stay tuned for upcoming events that promise more good times together.

A group of children are riding bicycles on a brick sidewalk.

A boy and a girl are standing next to each other on bicycles and scooters.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Teacher Spotlight: Mr Chris Herbst Afrikaans Teacher at Crawford International Sandton

April 25, 2025

A Lifelong Educator Mr Chris Herbst has spent 41 years in the classroom. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of the Witwatersrand, he has taught countless learners over the decades. He joined Crawford International Sandton in 1999 and currently teaches Afrikaans to students from Grade 8 to Grade 12. His role spans across five different year groups, a challenge he embraces. “I have my hands full as I navigate the excitement and challenges of teaching an additional language to five different grades,” he says. Why Teaching Still Matters For Mr Herbst, teaching is not a job. It is something he feels deeply connected to. “Teaching is my great passion and calling. The classroom is where I find my motivation and inspiration,” he shares. “When we have a really good lesson and I see our students leave having learned something new, or figured out a challenging concept, then I am motivated and inspired all over again.” These everyday moments keep him grounded in his purpose. They are the quiet victories that reaffirm his place in the classroom. Freedom to Teach with Meaning Mr Herbst values Crawford’s approach to learning, particularly the way it supports teacher agency and student-centred learning. “I love the fact that the focus is student-centred, and that as teachers we have the freedom and the responsibility to create a teaching and learning environment that works best for every learning need,” he says. He believes this flexibility allows for learning to become more meaningful. “If I identify that a particular topic or poem has piqued the interest of my class, I have the freedom to delve deeper and really explore the subject matter without being bound by rigid syllabus rules and time frames.” Connecting Language to the Real World Teaching Afrikaans in a school where it is often an additional language means finding ways to make it resonate. Mr Herbst understands that for many students, the subject may not come naturally. “For many students, learning another language may initially feel like a requirement rather than a passion,” he explains. To bridge that gap, he brings the language to life through content that students can relate to. “It’s important to integrate engaging, real-world content such as music, movies, and stories that align with the students’ interests.” These tools, he believes, help students see the language in context and build an emotional connection to it. A Teaching Legacy Over the course of his career, Mr Herbst has taught more than one generation in the same family. It is a milestone he reflects on with pride. “I have taught students who are now parents, and I am teaching their children today. It doesn’t get better than that.” But what stands out most for him is being remembered. “By far my biggest kick is when a past student recognises me and comes over to strike up a conversation and talk about their life and work after school.”

10 Reasons Why Early Childhood Development is Important

By ADvTECH Group • April 15, 2025

The 10 reasons why the first six years of a child's life are crucial when it comes to early childhood development, read all about it in this article.

One to one correspondence

By Ashmita Mistry • April 8, 2025

Crawford schools blog article on one-to-one correspondence in early development and the importance of this developmental skill that adults take for granted.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

March 28, 2025

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.