La Lucia June 2024

July 2, 2024

Inter-Crawford Sports Festival

 

Crawford International La Lucia hosted the Inter-Crawford Winter Sports Festival for the first time since 2015, from Tuesday 25 June to Thursday 27 June. The Festival brings together all Crawford International schools for friendly matches in netball, soccer, and hockey, showcasing the unity and spirit of being Crawfordians.

 

Such sports festivals provide a valuable opportunity for students to learn and create lasting memories. They also strengthen the unique sense of community shared across all our Crawford International schools. The event was a great success for everyone involved

A group of young boys are playing soccer on a field.
A group of young boys are playing soccer on a field.
Two women are playing field hockey on a field.
A group of young girls are playing netball on a court.

Client Experience Training at Crawford Schools


During the recent recess period, we facilitated a comprehensive Client Experience Training for all security, cleaning, and maintenance personnel across Crawford schools. This training is designed to enhance how we interact with our visitors, ensuring every guest on campus receives exceptional service.



Our goal is to have all client-facing staff embody the Crawford DNA, creating a consistently positive and welcoming experience. By focusing on these core values, we aim to reflect our commitment to excellence and care, making every visitor feel valued and supported throughout their time with us.

A group of people are standing in a room holding certificates.
A group of people are sitting around a long table holding certificates.

Father’s Day Celebrations


Father’s Day holds special significance at Crawford International La Lucia as we celebrate the contributions of our dads to their children's lives. It was important for us to show them how much they mean to us and to capture precious moments together.

Our Pre-Primary dads were treated to a small gift and enjoyed a photobooth session with their little ones (for once not being the one behind the camera!). Meanwhile, our Preparatory dads received a small treat and participated in a fun run/walk with their children around our school’s beautiful campus grounds and conservancy.


A group of people are walking down a street holding hands.
A man is sitting in a red car holding a driving license.
A man is sitting on a stool with two children holding signs.
A man and a little girl are sitting on a bench holding a sign that says `` best dad ''.


Pre-Primary


Paramedics Visit Grade 0’s


To end our Pre-Primary IB Primary Years Programme Transdisciplinary theme on “Community Helpers”, we had a special visit from the Netcare 911 Paramedics.


Our Grade 0 students had the exciting opportunity to walk through and peruse the inside of the ambulance. They were able to explore all equipment as well as receive a demonstration of a few important equipment items, and even had the chance to pretend to be an injured person being laid on the stretcher. A fun, interactive, and informative morning all around!

A special thank you to Gary Paul, Shaun Paul, and their team from Netcare for all that they do for our community. 


A collage of photos shows a man carrying a person on a stretcher
A group of children are sitting on the ground in front of an ambulance.

Pre-Primary Students Take to the Voting Stations


As South Africa descended into Election time for our Country and Province, our Pre-Primary students were very excited to participate in their own elections by voting for either their favourite storybook or favourite animal (how to choose?!)

All our little voters had to queue with their valid “ID cards” their teachers made for them, make their mark next to their choice in their individual voting station, and cast their votes in a secret ballot box.

It was a great morning and our students loved learning all about the elections. 


A young boy is putting a ballot in a box with the south african flag on it.

Nature's Symphony

Breathtaking colors of our planet
A group of children are sitting at tables in front of a south african flag.


PREPARATORY 


Crawford International La Lucia creates awareness for the Endangered Pangolin


Leà de Bastiani, a Crawford International La Lucia Preparatory student, wrote and had printed her own book through our school entitled “Ming the Endangered Pangolin”. Since then, we have had the privilege of becoming a school chosen to pilot educational material developed by Pangolin Africa, an organisation that is solely driven to educating others and saving this highly critically endangered species.


In relation to their current Sharing the Planet Transdisciplinary Unit, The Grade 3’s were treated to a puppet display of “The Great Pangolin Mystery” written by Rob van Vuuren (a well-known South African comedian) and his wife, Danni from Cape Town. We then shared information and facts about the pangolins’ lives, habitats, and why they are so endangered. Children were then required to research and share additional facts, and some even designed their own non-fiction book about pangolins - with the hope of sharing them with the Grade 1s and 2s.


The course ended with a quiz and our students were each presented with a certificate and beautiful Pangolin badge, which confirms that they are now proud ambassadors for the pangolin species. Their mission: to educate others, with the hope of helping save this beautiful critically endangered mammal species. 


A group of children are posing for a picture in a classroom holding certificates.
A group of children are posing for a picture in a classroom holding certificates.

Serena Nip’s Clean Sweep


Congratulations to one of our Grade 7 Crawford International La Lucia Preparatory students Serena Nip on her music and dance achievements.

Serena is an all-rounder, excelling in anything that she sets her mind to – with a smile. From sport, to academics, art, music, and dance; you can count on Serena being in the top of the crop.

Recently, Serena achieved two distinctions as well as placing 1st overall in the Crawford International La Lucia Dance Festival. She then went on to share the ISP Rising Star trophy as one of the top 3 musicians who has stood out with their solo and recital performances. She was also the Top Grade 4 Level Performer, achieving the top average mark for this exam level.

Outstanding performances Serena – we are so proud of you! 


A young girl is sitting at a table with trophies and medals.


COLLEGE 


Isabella represents South Africa


We are proud of one of our matric student, Isabella Ingram, who has been selected to represent South Africa in the U23 Indoor Netball team.


Isabella has always loved the sport, and to be able to represent her Country (and her school) is “a dream come true”. She has worked hard, representing our province in past years and once again this year. When the invitation for try-outs to represent South Africa came her way, she eagerly embraced the opportunity and rose to the occasion. Being the youngest on the team (17-years old) has its challenges she tells us but is also a chance to play with those more experienced and learn from them.

Congratulations Isabella! 


A girl in a school uniform is standing in front of a building.

College Chess Champions


Our Crawford International La Lucia College Chess team took on Durban North College boys and girls in a riveting game hosted at our school.

Tensions were high and the room was quiet with concentration as the pieces were moved and timers were punched.

Our team boasted a phenomenal 7 ½ - 2 ½ win on the day, ensuring smiles all around!

Well done to our team, we are proud of each of you.



A group of people are playing chess in a room.
A man in a suit is sitting at a table playing chess.

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.”
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One to one correspondence

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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.
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A young boy in a plaid shirt is giving a thumbs up.

Determining Your Childs' Personality Type

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