North Coast April 2025

May 7, 2025

Fun with Lego

The Grade 00s had a lovely time building with Lego and practising their threading skills this week. These hands-on activities are not only fun and engaging but also help to strengthen fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and creativity. Little hands hard at work and big imaginations in action!

Journey into Flowers

The Grade 0s have thoroughly enjoyed their journey into the world of plants. As part of their exploration, they painted beautiful sunflowers, each one a vibrant expression of their creativity and growing understanding of nature.

Learning about Lines

Our Grade 0s have been learning all about lines, straight, curved, zigzag and more. They had so much fun bringing this concept to life through a creative gluing and sticking activity. Not only did it reinforce their understanding of lines, but it also supported fine motor development and artistic expression.

NEXTGEN GLS Leadership Summit

Our Grade 6 and 7 students participated in the dynamic NEXTGEN GLS leadership summit, hosted by Trulife. This exciting one-day event was designed to inspire and empower young leaders through a series of powerful talks, interactive sessions, and engaging activities. Throughout the day, students explored key leadership themes such as identity, resilience, emotional intelligence, and purpose. The experience not only encouraged personal growth but also supported the development of several core IB Learner Profile attributes. Our students demonstrated what it means to be Communicators, confidently expressing their ideas and collaborating with peers. As Thinkers, they engaged deeply with complex topics and applied creative problem-solving to real-world scenarios. Their enthusiasm and courage to step into new experiences showed their strength as Risk-takers, while their empathy and awareness of others highlighted the qualities of Caring individuals. It was a day filled with energy, inspiration, and meaningful reflection. We are incredibly proud of our Grade 6 and 7 students for embracing this opportunity with such positivity and purpose. They are truly growing into the leaders of tomorrow!

Foundation Phase Enrichment Day

Our recent Enrichment Days for the Foundation Phase were a resounding success, filled with laughter, learning, and lots of unforgettable memories. With the wide variety of activities on offer, students across the Foundation Phase had the opportunity to try new things, get creative, and most importantly, have fun! We kicked things off with a spectacular visit from The Incredible Dog Show, where students were treated to an exciting performance by some truly talented canine stars. The dogs wowed the crowd with their tricks and skills, leaving many of us wondering if some of them might be smarter than we are! It was the perfect blend of education and entertainment to start the week on a high note. Day two saw our hall transformed into a science lab for the Slime Workshop. Students rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into making Day two saw our hall transformed into a science lab for the Slime Workshop. Students rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into making their own colourful, stretchy slime creations. They explored the science behind the goo while experimenting with textures and colours, who knew learning could be this squishy and fun? We wrapped up our Enrichment Days with the much-anticipated Inflatables Day and it did not disappoint! The playground was buzzing with excitement as students raced to the rocket, splashed through the slip and slides, and enjoyed every moment of the sun-soaked inflatable fun. Costumes, towels, and big smiles were the order of the day, and the joy was absolutely contagious.

Grade 3 Students Explore the Past Through Artifacts

As part of our PYP unit “Where We Are in Place and Time,” our Grade 3 students took a step back in time by bringing artifacts from home to share with the class. Our students brought in all sorts of interesting items, such as old photographs, VHS tapes, cassette players, camcorders and old coins. These “old school” items helped us learn more about how people lived in the past and how things have changed over time. Each student gave a short oral presentation, explaining what their artifact was, how it was used, when it was used, and what has replaced it today. The class enjoyed learning from one another and hearing the different stories behind each object. This fun and interactive activity helped us understand how the past connects to the present. Thank you to all the families who helped make it such a special experience!

Quinn Rees Qualifies for Junior World Championships in Austria

Crawford International North Coast is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Quinn Rees, who recently competed at the CVI (Concours de Voltige Internationale) in Johannesburg after a dedicated Term 1 of training in Equestrian Vaulting. Quinn delivered an exceptional performance, not only earning his 1-star individual international qualification, but also achieving a score high enough to secure his 2-star qualification in pairs (Pas de Deux). This impressive result means Quinn has officially qualified to represent South Africa at the Junior World Championships in Austria this July. His selection to compete in Pas de Deux on the international stage is a prestigious honour that will see him earn his Junior Protea Colours, a dream come true for many young athletes in the sport. The Crawford community stands behind Quinn as he prepares for this exciting opportunity, proud of the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship he continues to demonstrate both in and out of the arena. Well done, Quinn, we’ll be cheering you on all the way to Austria!

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Meet Mashudu Bhengu: Bringing out the best in her students at Crawford International Lonehill

May 30, 2025

Meet Mashudu Bhengu: Bringing out the best in her students at Crawford International Lonehill Teaches : Zulu to Grades 1-4 Qualifications: Bachelor of Education: Early Childhood and Foundation Phase (UNISA) Hobbies and interests: Avid reader and gym enthusiast – it keeps her sane and grounded! Teaching is About Serving and Giving Back: Before choosing teaching, Mashudu Bhengu was interested in pursuing a career in nursing or social work, drawn to community service and giving back. In 2013, volunteering at an NGO in Lawley, she facilitated after-school classes for disadvantaged children. This experience sparked her passion for teaching, leading her to enrol in teaching studies at UNISA. One of Mashudu’s favourite aspects of working with children is their purity and honesty. She finds immense joy and fulfilment in teaching, seeing her efforts and commitment reciprocated with love and enthusiasm by her students. For Mashudu, no other career could bring such personal satisfaction. On Her Mentor and Teaching Influence: Mashudu vividly remembers her Grade 3 teacher, Mrs Harding, who significantly impacted her life. Mrs Harding’s patience, empathy, and unwavering support inspired Mashudu’s teaching career. Mashudu aspires to be a ‘Mrs Harding’ for her students, boosting their confidence, instilling a love of learning, and encouraging them to strive for more. On Her A-ha Moments: As a foundation phase teacher, Mashudu often wonders how much her young students absorb. But she is vindicated when she sees them apply their learning to solve problems, which gives her real thrill to see then work things out for themselves. Her A-ha moments come not just from their academic achievements, but also from witnessing her students develop as unique individuals. For Mashudu, teaching at the foundational stage is a profound journey, extending well beyond ‘subject matter’. While she may be teaching Zulu, Mashudu also knows she is nurturing young minds and hearts, instilling essential social, emotional, and life skills. On Teaching at Crawford International: Mashudu loves Crawford’s student-centred approach and the mutual respect between students and teachers. At Crawford, teachers encourage students to be self-empowered, curious, and responsible for their success. They teach the value of kindness, resilience, and curiosity, helping students navigate their emotions and interactions. The pride Mashudu feels when her dedication resonates beyond the classroom is immense. In her Zulu classes, Mashudu balances her student’s tech exposure with activities like singing, music, dancing, and rhymes, engaging all senses and learning styles. These activities provide a welcome break from technology, allowing children to enjoy spontaneity and just be children. Personal Philosophy: One of Mashudu’s favourite quotes is by Will Smith: “Following your dreams is a lonely, solitary, scary pursuit. You can't wait for somebody to think you can do it. You have to be willing to risk everything to become that seed of what you believe is in there. You have to be fearless. You have to be relentless in the pursuit of your dream.”

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ROXANNE VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

By Neo Moshoeu • May 23, 2025

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.”

Two young girls are hugging each other on a bed.

Social-emotional learning activities for kids & teens

May 21, 2025

Hands-on, practical activities to build on your child’s EQ strengths and skills.

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.

Career guidance for grade 9: Student resting against a whiteboard with books

Career guidance for Grade 9: What subjects should you choose?

By ADvTECH Group • March 19, 2025

Let’s try and make sense of career guidance by giving you some information on how to choose your Grade 10 to 12 subjects. Read on to find some helpful pointers.

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

Determining Your Childs' Personality Type

March 19, 2025

Empower yourself as a parent by learning how to determine your child's personality type. Read more at Crawford International.