Lonehill March 2025

April 1, 2025

Grandparents Day

Grandparents hold a very special place in our hearts, and last week, we celebrated the love, wisdom, and joy they bring into our children's lives. Our little ones were thrilled to share songs, laughter, a picnic and special moments with their beloved grandparents, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you to all the wonderful grandparents who joined us at our Pre-Primary – your love and support mean the world to our children!

David Foley Visit

Our Grade 0’s were treated to a visit from some real life heroes that are making a difference in people’s lives.
Currently they are exploring the concept of how their unique abilities and the choices they make influence their development and shape how they become heroes. The children have learned about fictional superheroes and the things they have in common with everyday heroes, the ripple effect of their actions and used Malala Yousafza and Nelson Mandela as case studies. They are now inquiring into how they can become heroes.

Community involvement is essential in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) because it enhances student learning, strengthens real-world connections and international-mindedness, and encourages students to take action in their communities. Working alongside parents, teachers and the wider community helps create a supportive network that benefits all stakeholders.

Our real life heroes were: -

Darren Riley (parent) is a professor of organic chemistry at the University of Pretoria. He and his team are working on developing medicines that are more cost-effective, readily available and environmentally kinder to the planet.

Dr Odette Truter (parent) is an anaesthesiologist who helps people during surgery by ensuring they stay healthy and comfortable and also by helping calm nerves before operations.

Mrs Debbie Lynch is the deputy head of the foundation phase at our Crawford Lonehill Prep. Teaching is considered the mother of all occupations!

Councillor David Foley is the ward 94 local councillor and has recently launched the “One Paper, One Person” drive. Imagine over 60 million people in South Africa picked up one piece of paper / litter or even better, never threw it down in the first place!

When the heroes had left, the Grade 0’s used their critical thinking skills by considering new perspectives, applying their knowledge across multiple contexts and deepening their understanding of how they can make a change!

Congratulations to our top achievers!

We are incredibly proud of our Option Music Enrichment students who have been recognized by Trinity College London as top achievers in South Africa for scoring 95% and above in their 2024 music examinations!

Genesis Colling (Grade 7) – 95% (Grade 1 Theory, May) & 93% (Grade 2 Theory, November)

Sechaba Dukada (Grade 6) – 97% (Grade 1 Theory, November)

Yajur Juggernath (Grade 6) – 97% (Grade 1 Theory, November)

Victor Zeelie (Grade 7) – 95% (Grade 2 Theory, November)

Well done to all four of you for representing our school so brilliantly in these international music exams!

Swimathon

Swimathon 2025 An incredible annual tradition where CPL students make waves for a great cause! Huge shoutout to everyone who swam, supported, and contributed to our outreach initiatives. Well done!

Grade 6 College Experience

Exciting Visit from Our Future Stars!

During Term 1, we had the pleasure of welcoming a group of enthusiastic Grade 6 students from Crawford International Lonehill and Fourways preparatory! They got a taste of college life, explored our facilities, and participated in fun and interactive activities in English, Design, EGD (Engineering Graphics and Design), Robotics, Drama and Phys Ed.

It was wonderful to see their curiosity and excitement as they learned more about what awaits them in the future. A big thank you to our staff and our Student Exec who made the visit special!

We look forward to seeing these bright young minds join our college family in 2027.

Inter Crawford

One of the standout moments in Term 1 at CCL was the the phenomenal performance at the Inter-Crawford Festival. More than just a series of fixtures, this event showcased our students’ discipline, skill and unwavering school spirit. Beyond these incredible results, what truly set CCL apart was the ‘gees’ – the energy, camaraderie, and respect that our students demonstrated towards one another, their teachers, opposing teams, and visitors.

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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.”

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.