North Coast August 2024

August 30, 2024

Celebrating Thandolwethu Mthembu

Thandolwethu Mthembu, a Grade 12 boarding student at Crawford International North Coast, has achieved full colours in Academics, Culture, and Service, earning her the prestigious Honours Blazer.

Thandolwethu’s journey at Crawford began in Grade 8, inspired to pursue the Honours Blazer after witnessing a former matriculant receive one in 2020. Her impressive results extend beyond academics, with notable achievements in sports and culture. She has earned Senior Half Colours for Netball and the Dale Carnegie ‘Highest Achievement’ Award for 2023. Active in the Student Representative Council since Grade 8, she also contributed significantly to establishing the Boarding Student Representative Council.

Academically, Thandolwethu has maintained an A aggregate, consistently ranking in the Top 10 of her grade. Her passion for singing is evident through her participation in multiple competitions, including winning a gold medal at the eThekwini Eisteddfod. She is currently at a Grade 6 level in singing under Trinity College London.

Thandolwethu shares, “I create a very strict schedule, personalised for each new day, where I plan every single activity. This allows me to fill each day with all the necessary tasks that make my life fulfilling. I am an avid planner and take great pride in my daily and weekly plans. Vision boards and reminders on my devices help me stay focused on my goals.”

Congratulations, Thandolwethu! We are proud of your achievements and dedication.

A woman wearing a white jacket and tie is smiling for the camera.

Celebrating Neha Moodley

Neha Moodley, a Grade 12 student at Crawford International North Coast, has achieved the prestigious Honours Blazer, recognising her outstanding accomplishments in Academics, Culture, and Service. Neha’s journey began with an academic scholarship in Grade 8, and her dedication has earned her this esteemed award.

Neha excels academically and in extracurricular activities. She has been actively involved in soccer, volleyball, chess, and has shown leadership as a member of the Student Representative Council and Student Leadership Body.

Outside school, Neha’s passion for dance is evident. She has performed in notable productions and recently earned a silver medal with double distinction for ballet. She is also a talented musician and writer, having won a gold medal in the Social Justice Stories competition and contributing to various service projects.

Neha advises younger students to follow their passions and maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal interests.

“Your mental health is what's going to stay with you after high school, so treat yourself kindly. Put effort into doing well in school, but don't neglect other things that make you happy.”

Congratulations, Neha! We are proud of your achievements and dedication.

A girl in a white suit is sitting on a bench and smiling.

Nothing Like a Grandparent’s Love

Crawford International North Coast honoured Grandparent’s Day with a warm and joyful event for Pre-Primary and Preparatory students. The morning included delicious food, engaging activities, and plenty of hugs, celebrating the special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren.

A woman and a boy are sitting at a table

A woman and child are posing for a picture in front of a sign that says crawford north coast

Celebrating Leadership in Women at Crawford International North Coast

We are honoured to highlight four exceptional female leaders from Crawford International North Coast featured in the latest GetIt Ballito, Umdloti, and Umhlanga Women’s Month edition. Each leader contributes uniquely to our school’s vision of nurturing future leaders. In case you missed the publication, here’s what they had to say about empowering other women:

Mrs Smit - Campus Head 

My identity as a woman is integral, not incidental to my role as a leader. It shapes every decision and interaction, enriching my approach to leadership and creating a school culture that values diversity, embraces challenges, and nurtures future leaders. My gender identity does not confine me; rather, it expands the possibilities of how I lead and connect our entire school community, here at our world-class school, right here on the North Coast.  

 I empower women by being a visible role model, mentor and advocate. I amplify women’s voices, ensure equitable opportunities, and cultivate an environment where women feel valued. By sharing my journey, supporting their growth and challenging barriers, I strive to inspire women to lead authentically and unapologetically.  

A woman in a white coat is smiling in front of the ocean.

Mrs Kistan - College Principal 

As Crawford International North Coast College Principal, I have been able to develop and hone my leadership style, being an authentic leader who leads with integrity, grit and passion. Being in the profession for 28 years has made it evident that collaboration with emotional intelligence is key, caring for and mentoring those in our academic community. 

At Crawford International North Coast College, I promote an inclusive and respectful environment for all. I strive to advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. I endeavour to ensure that my presence in a leadership role inspires and empowers others, to pursue their aspirations as well.  

A woman in a black jacket and red shirt is standing under a canopy.

Mrs Curtis - Pre-Primary Principal 

Being a woman means empathy, nurturing, and resilience to me. As the Pre-Primary Principal at Crawford International North Coast, it influences my approach to education by fostering inclusive environments, empowering young minds, and ensuring every child feels valued and supported in their learning journey. 

In the workplace I empower other women by mentoring, advocating for professional growth opportunities, and fostering a supportive work culture. I believe in celebrating achievements, promoting leadership skills, and creating pathways for success, ensuring every person in our team feels empowered and valued. 

A woman with blonde hair is wearing a black vest and a white shirt.

Mrs de Brito - Head of Boarding 

To me, being a woman represents strength, resilience, and grace. It means being a source of love and nurturing cure, while also being determined, and unapologetically oneself. As Head of Boarding with over 100 students in my care at Crawford International North Coast, my role requires me to lead with empathy, compassion, and strength, creating a nurturing ‘home from home’ environment for all our students, some as young as Grade 5. I work hard to role-model confidence, determination and kindness, fostering a supportive culture, academic excellence and inclusivity.  

I am passionate about empowering women to reach their full potential. I mentor, guide, and encourage our girls to take on new challenges and pursue their dreams. I help our students build confidence, resilience, and strength. Happy Women’s Month to all the wonderful women out there! 

A woman in a black shirt is smiling in front of a coat of arms.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.