Lonehill

As the academic year ends, we proudly celebrated our Grade 0s who are poised to embark on a new adventure – transitioning to "big school" for Grade 1 in 2024. With the inspiring mantra, "Be bold, be courageous, and be your best," we marked this milestone not just as an academic achievement but as a reflection of the incredible growth and accomplishments these young students have experienced during their years at Pre-Primary.

Together with their parents, we celebrated as a Crawford family, wishing our Grade 0s the best of luck as they step into the Foundation phase. The Prep School awaits, promising a canvas for countless new and exciting memories. 

Annual Concert at PrePrimary 

November witnessed a week of joyous festivities in our Pre-Primary, culminating in the eagerly awaited annual concert. Aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, this year's theme, the 'inquiry diary,' sparked a delightful collaboration of creativity. 

Parents were treated to unique interpretations from each grade, bringing the chosen Unit of Inquiry to life. The enthusiasm radiating from the little faces was infectious, as parents joined in the fun, emulating turtles, and immersing themselves in the celebration alongside their children. 

While the year-end concerts are a special time for parents to celebrate in the achievements of their little ones, they also play a crucial role in nurturing the confidence of our young Crawfordians. The experience encourages the development of a healthy self-esteem, emphasising the importance of collaboration with classmates and the value of working alongside friends. Each performance, while not without its imperfections, serves as a testament to the resilience and capabilities of our young Crawfordians, showcasing their true spirit and determination. These concerts are more than just a showcase; they are a celebration of growth, camaraderie, and the unique qualities that make each child exceptional. 

Grade 1 Re-Reg Winning Pool Party  

This was the most anticipated Pool Party for our lovely Grade 1C class. When they heard they had won the Pool Party they were ablaze, leaping and jumping around with a few air fist pumps! They rocked in their vibrant colourful costumes and couldn’t wait to leap into the pool. Eat Street had prepared yummy gift bags filled with a tasty slice of pizza, packet of chips and a cooldrink. To these little ones this was a feast fit for a King. They were the winners, and this was all that counted. The atmosphere was just fun, fun, fun all the way. 

Junior and Senior Music Soirée  

Crawford International Lonehill Preparatory Music Department students are given the opportunity to perform at their biannual music exhibitions.  These music exhibitions were established more than 20 years ago to give the top achieving students the opportunity to perform to a live audience.  Over the years, the Music Department has gone from strength to strength, so much so that the concerts had to be split into junior and senior evenings.  More than 180 learners are taught by the eight teachers of the Music Department, in nine instruments:  piano, electronic keyboard, voice, violin, guitar, ukulele, drums, flute and the recorder.  The music exhibitions are a vital part of developing performing skills in young students. The arts were especially hard-hit during Covid pandemic, and students lost out on opportunities to perform live. The learners also love the evening, to show their families how much they have progressed in their music.    

Crawford International Lonehill Matric Student Soars to New Heights 

At the tender age when most boys dream of becoming doctors or soccer stars, Ameer Buckus of Crawford International Lonehill had his eyes set on the skies—he dreamt of becoming a pilot. While many matric students are still pondering their post-school plans, Ameer has already achieved a significant life goal by obtaining his Private Pilot’s Licence. 

Ameer's journey began in late 2020 with an introductory flight at a Lanseria Airport-based flight school. He swiftly obtained his student licence and embarked on the challenging path to earning his PPL. Over the next year, he deftly balanced academics with aviation studies, completing eight written examinations and accumulating over 50 hours of flight time, including numerous solo flights. 

Despite the demands of his matric year, Ameer's commitment soared to new heights. He even secured his driver's licence to independently travel to the airport for additional flights between school days. With determination and focus, Ameer successfully completed the final practical and oral examinations, earning his PPL with flying colours in October. Congratulations, Ameer—an excellent conclusion to Crawford Lonehill’s Matric class of 2023's theme of "Saints and Angels." 

Reflecting on his accomplishment, Ameer shares, "It feels incredibly rewarding to have achieved my pilot's license while managing my studies during my matric year. It was definitely a challenging yet fulfilling journey, a testament to hard work, determination, and the support I received along the way." 

Beyond the accolades, Ameer expresses the sheer joy of piloting—an unmatched feeling of freedom and adventure. "Every flight is a new challenge, requiring a blend of technical skill, quick decision-making, and a deep understanding of the elements. It's not just a career or a hobby; it's a passion that continuously fuels my love for aviation." 

Offering advice to fellow matriculants, Ameer emphasises embracing dreams wholeheartedly, juggling multiple interests, effective time management, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. He highlights the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself, acknowledging that setbacks are valuable lessons that contribute to personal and professional growth. 

To all matric students pursuing diverse dreams, Ameer encourages perseverance: "Remember that setbacks don't define your journey; they are lessons that shape you. Keep pushing forward, stay determined, and believe in your ability to overcome obstacles on the path to achieving your dreams.” 

A number of our students again entered the Rotary Club of Sandton’s Poetry Writing Competition. The topic was “Unite for Wildlife: A Shared Responsibility” which was inspired by Rotary’s partnership with the SANParks K9 Anti-Poaching Unit and their mission to preserve African wildlife.  

We are very proud of Tshiamo Monama who was placed second in the Grade 8 – 11 category for her poem “Honeycombs” and Alexander Govender who was placed first in this category for his poem “Dead Animals”. We congratulate these two students who are avid poets!  

This competition is incredibly valuable because by engaging in the art of poetry, our students are not only encouraged to tap into their imaginations but also delve into profound themes and share their unique perspectives.   

Preparatory 1 article pre-primary (CSI pre-primary) 

Daily Bread Org 

Every Friday we alternate between grades in bringing sandwiches, fruit and Oros for Daily Bread. Our students who have continued Acts of Kindness, by supporting the Daily Bread Organisation help feed needy children at the Buya Creche in Msawawa, Kya Sands. The students pack an extra sandwich and fruit for a Friday, which helps to feed about 80 hungry children. “Mix and drink’ juices like ‘Oros’ are included. 

The Daily Bread Org renders the following services to orphaned and vulnerable children:
• Counselling
• Psycho-social support for orphaned and vulnerable children
• Drop-in centre services for people in need
• A place of safety and a children’s home for children in need of care
• Outreach and education 

The organisation also assists victims and survivors of domestic violence. They make sure no child is without a plate of food at school within the area. 

Crawford Lonehill Prep is proud to support https://www.facebook.com/dailybreadcharity.org/