Lonehill March 2024

March 26, 2024

PRE-PRIMARY

Where We Are in Place and Time

Our Grade 0s were introduced to their new Unit of Inquiry while exploring the school grounds for strange, odd looking and some completely unknown objects.

For our younger Crawfordians, a gentle orientation into the meaning of history and historical evidence is essential. This lays the groundwork for developing a deeper understanding of the world around them and sets a crucial foundation for their future learning and development. This Unit of Inquiry also encourages our young students to recognise the connections between past, present and future.

A group of children in red shirts are standing around a bucket.

A girl in a red shirt is holding a rock in her hand.

Library Week

South African Library Week was celebrated this week with the theme, "Libraries Foster Social Cohesion." We are fortunate to have a beautiful library which encourages and inspires a love of reading and learning, enriching all our children's adventures.

We extend our gratitude to active group of moms who ensure that the books are loved and cared for, and always in the correct place on the shelves.

A group of children are sitting on the floor in a room.

A little girl is reading a book called mega

PREPARTORY

Swim-a-thon Supporting Singakwenza

Our annual Swim-a-thon has kicked off, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. The entire school is rallying behind this event, which aims to raise funds for a worthy cause. Each child is sponsored per width they swim, with donations increasing based on the distance covered. Cayden Ireland, a Grade 7 student, remarked, "It was fun; all I wanted to do was swim extra lengths just to contribute more to the charity." Similarly, Robbie Cassel-Ross, also in Grade 7, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I think it was very sporty, and I loved the rewards we received at the end." He appreciated that the money raised was going to charity, recognising the significance of the cause.

"Singakwenza," which means "we can do it," is a Non-Profit Organisation dedicated to providing early childhood education to economically disadvantaged communities.

Our dedicated and supportive moms have been instrumental in ensuring the success of this event. They prepared hot dogs and provided crisps and lollipops to energize the participants. Their commitment to this cause, spanning eight days, is commendable.

This charitable event has instilled in our young students the values of generosity and the importance of giving back to the community. By participating, they have learned valuable life lessons and will be empowered to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Engaging in acts of charity not only fosters compassion but also helps inculcate positive character traits, strengthens community bonds, and fosters gratitude and self-esteem.

In addition to nurturing their spirit of giving, this initiative has encouraged our Crawfordians to embrace outdoor activities, which are synonymous with summer days.

A group of children are swimming in a swimming pool.

A group of women are standing around a table.

Grade 7s’ Leadership Journey Begins

The Grade 7 Class of 2024 has embarked on their leadership journey with grace and determination, as showcased at our recent Leadership Induction Ceremony. From lighting candles symbolising their commitment to taking the pledge of leadership, each student embraced their potential as cha`ngemakers and positive influencers within our school community.

As they step into their new roles, we celebrate their willingness to lead by example and inspire others. We look forward to witnessing their growth, empowerment, and the positive impact they will undoubtedly make during their time in leadership.

A large group of people standing in front of a podium

A woman is holding a candle in front of a group of children

COLLEGE

Water Polo Boys Clinch Gold at Thomas More Tournament

After an eight-year wait, our College 1^st team Water Polo boys achieved gold at the Thomas More Water Summer Festival Polo Tournament. This victory showcases the determination and resilience of our boys, who persevered through challenges.

They overcame obstacles, such as assembling a full team, to regain their position as contenders in co-ed school water polo. Their commitment to representing the school with pride and passion has been commendable.

We appreciate the support of our parents, whose encouragement and dedication played a crucial role in our team's success.

As we celebrate this achievement, we anticipate watching our boys continue to progress. Their triumph highlights the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and determination. Congratulations to our College 1st team Water Polo boys on their victory!

A group of people standing in front of a sign that says welcome congratulations

A group of people are posing for a picture while sitting on a brick wall.

Grade 6 Students Dive into College Life

The transition from Preparatory to College is a pivotal moment in the educational journey of any student. To help ease this journey and to provide a glimpse into what lies ahead, Grade 6 students from our Lonehill and Fourways Preparatory schools had the opportunity to step into the shoes of high school students at Crawford International Lonehill College.

The day was met with excitement and anticipation as the young students were welcomed by Mr de Klerk, the College Principal and Head of Academics, Ms Nel. Mr Piek provided them with an introduction to extracurricular offerings at the College and showcased the Inter-house activities throughout the year.

After the warm welcome, the students participated in an “Amazing Maths Race” with Mr Coppin and the Grade 10 students. They watched the Grade 5-a-side soccer semi-finals while showcasing their own talents on the soccer field. They then moved through numerous rotations of English, Science, EGD (Engineering Graphics and Design) as well as exploring their cultural skills in art and design. These Grade 6 students eagerly absorbed the knowledge being shared by our college teachers.

The day is never complete without the traditional cooldrink and donut while the Exec shared a few of the school’s infamous war cries. We hope that the young Crawfordians feel a little more equipped with valuable insights into college life. We look forward to welcoming them in 2026 into the vibrant community of Crawford International Lonehill.

A man and a boy are standing next to each other and smiling.

A group of children are standing around a table with donuts and drinks

CSI initiative Lonehill College

During a morning spent with the College Community Outreach team at Husky Heaven Rescue, Grade 8 student Kyla Meiring was inspired to take action for our furry friends. Determined to assist, she organized a donation of 400kg of pet food for the organisation. The Husky Heaven Rescue expressed delight as many of the rescues and puppies were need of nourishment.

A pile of trash is sitting on the sidewalk in front of a building.

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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.