La Lucia August 2024

September 2, 2024

Pre-Primary 


Grade 000 Bus Ride 


This term, our Pre-Primary Grade 000 students at Crawford International La Lucia embarked on an adventurous PYP Transdisciplinary Unit. As part of their unit on "How We Organise Ourselves," students enjoyed a bus ride around the campus. Their excitement was evident as they sang "The Wheels on the Bus" repeatedly! 


The central idea of their theme, "Transportation systems help us move from one place to another," was explored through this hands-on experience, making learning both engaging and practical. 


Clothes to Good Collection 


Our Pre-Primary students participated in a social and environmental awareness programme in partnership with Clothes to Good and H&M. This initiative aligns with our IB PYP goals, focusing on sustainability and the impact of the fashion industry, the second largest global polluter. 


Through their efforts, an impressive 70 bags (equivalent to 700kg) of donations were collected from students and families. These items will be recycled by Clothes to Good. We are proud of our students’ commitment to environmental care and their role as change-makers. 


Preparatory 


Clothes to Good ECD Toy Making 


In collaboration with Clothes to Good, our La Lucia Preparatory students engaged in a toy-making project to support Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in low-income communities. 


The handmade educational toys, including visual shakers, sensory caterpillars, threaded worms, skipping ropes, and sensory storybooks, were designed to be sensory and educational for preschool children. These toys will be donated to Focus on iThemba, a non-profit organisation in Hillcrest that supports around 600 Pre-Primary children in The Valley of 1000 Hills. 


French Week 


Our French Week at La Lucia Preparatory concluded with a vibrant French Food Festival, transforming the school hall into a lively French market. 


The event featured the delicious aroma of freshly made crêpes, with Grade 5, 6, and 7 French option students preparing 24 crêpes each. Alongside these, a delightful array of French snacks and treats was enjoyed by the entire school community. 


Students also embraced the festive spirit by dressing in the French flag colours—blue, white, and red. 


A heartfelt “merci” to our French option students for their creativity and hard work, and to their parents for their support. We are proud of how our students have embraced the French language and culture with such enthusiasm. 



College 


College Dance Show – Rock Bottom 


In early August, our Dance Department presented "Rock Bottom," the annual dance production featuring over a hundred dancers. The show highlighted a range of styles, including contemporary, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and Bollywood. Grade 11 and 12 students showcased their talents through both choreographic solos and group performances. 


Congratulations to all participants, and a special thank you to the Grade 12 dancers for their exceptional performances and for inspiring our younger students. 


White Honours Blazers 


The White Honours Blazer is the highest accolade at Crawford International College, awarded to students who achieve Senior Full Colours in three areas across four disciplines: Academics, Sports, Culture, and Service. Continued excellence and participation through Grade 12 are required. 


Congratulations to the following students who have met the criteria and earned this prestigious award: 


  • Diya Ambaram 
  • Shannen Cox 
  • Vrsabhanu Ramson 
  • Jaden Stock 

We commend these students for their dedication and hard work in attaining this coveted honour. 


By Karabo Ntsoane January 16, 2026
The journey to building global leaders begins long before Matric year. For the Crawford International Class of 2025, it reflects three years of focused preparation, academic support and personal growth through the Crawford Matric Preparation Programme. In the 2025 Independent Examination Board National Senior Certificate examinations, Crawford International students achieved a total of 1 428 distinctions across the group. Twenty-one students recorded overall averages of 90% and above, placing them among the country’s top performers, while a further 126 students achieved averages between 80 and 89%. Among the group’s top academic performers are: Manzil Harikaran Giandev from La Lucia with 11 distinctions, including a 100% in Engineering Graphics Design Sashen Ramlal from Lonehill with 10 distinctions. Shweta Singh from Lonehill earned 9 distinctions. Dristhi Ramsumer from North Coast and Celia Wentzel from Sandton earned 9 distinctions. Sanjana Rajkaran from La Lucia earned 8 distinctions. Tayur Lushen Moodley from North Coast: 8 distinctions. Talia Govender and Keith Makadzange from Pretoria: 8 distinctions. Justin Sher and Mthokozisi Buthelezi from Sandton: 8 distinctions. Together, these students represent the highest individual academic achievements across the group. Beyond individual results, Crawford International students also earned national recognition through the IEB. Seven Commendable Achievement Awards were awarded to students ranked in the Top 5% nationally across five or more subjects. Eight Outstanding Achievement Awards were secured by students ranked in the Top 5% nationally across six or more subjects. Dr Siza Majola, Managing Director of Crawford International, shared: “Congratulations to the Matric Class of 2025. This milestone marks the culmination of years of commitment, perseverance and personal growth. You have faced challenges with resilience, embraced learning and demonstrated the determination required to succeed. As you step into the next chapter, remember that your Crawford education has equipped you with the confidence, leadership skills and values to navigate a world full of opportunity. Your achievements are also a reflection of the unwavering support of parents and teachers who walked this demanding journey with you. Their guidance and belief have played a vital role in your success. Well done, Matric Class of 2025. We are proud of all you have achieved and excited to see what lies ahead.” While these outcomes are academic in nature, Crawford International places equal value on leadership development, sport, service and collaboration. Students are encouraged to lead on the sports field, in cultural spaces, through student leadership structures and within their communities. This approach ensures that students leave school not only well prepared for tertiary study but equipped to contribute meaningfully to diverse environments. Distinctions by Campus: Crawford International Sandton College 370 distinctions Average of 3.6 distinctions per candidate Crawford International La Lucia College 316 distinctions Average of 3.19 distinctions per candidate Crawford International Pretoria College 219 distinctions Average of 2.55 distinctions per candidate Crawford International North Coast College 130 distinctions Average of 2.50 distinctions per candidate Crawford International Lonehill College 253 distinctions Average of 2.16 distinctions per candidate Crawford International Ruimsig College 140 distinctions Average of 1.75 distinctions per candidate Crawford International congratulates every student, teacher and family who contributed to this collective success. We wish the Class of 2025 the very best for the future.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ROXANNE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN Crawford International Lonehill | Class of 2009 From the banking halls of one of South Africa’s most prestigious financial institutions to the stages and studios of New York City, Roxanne Van der Westhuizen’s story is one of courage, reinvention and the pursuit of purpose. Chasing the Calling After matriculating from Crawford International Lonehill in 2009, Roxanne was accepted into the Psychology programme at the University of Cape Town. A sudden family crisis and financial hardship brought her back to Johannesburg, where she began working to support her family. Years later, determined to finish what she started, she enrolled at Varsity College in Sandton. Balancing motherhood, full-time employment and a rigorous academic load, she earned her degree with distinction, graduating at the top of her class. Her career began at Investec Bank, where she rose through the ranks, first in client services and later in data analytics. Her success came through persistence, grit and repeated setbacks that ultimately redirected her. A moment of deep personal reflection led her to reconnect with a long-suppressed calling, storytelling through performance. In a bold leap of faith, she left her corporate life behind and relocated to New York to pursue acting. There, she studied under renowned acting coach Terry Knickerbocker, known for mentoring names such as Sam Rockwell and Daniel Craig. She was named Student of the Season at his studio. Today, Roxanne stars in stage and screen productions across the U.S., including her lead role in the upcoming film Emancipation of the Past (July 2025), and a standout performance as Regina in Not to Be Played With (available on Tubi and AppleTV). She is also developing her own series, which she plans to take to festivals and production houses. Achievements and Projects Lead role in Emancipation of the Past (2025 release) Featured in Not to Be Played With on Tubi and Apple TV Collaboration on Spicy Bob alongside Pete Simpson of Blue Man Group Student of the Season at Terry Knickerbocker Studio Creator and writer of a new series currently in development  Roxanne reflects on her journey and earning one of her biggest roles yet, “this is the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do, but also the most enriching. The vulnerability required in acting is daunting, but it connects me to myself and others in ways I never imagined. Despite the false starts and failures, I am exactly where I am meant to be.”
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