Ruimsig June 2024

July 3, 2024

Client Experience Training at Crawford Schools

During the recent recess period, we facilitated a comprehensive Client Experience Training for all security, cleaning, and maintenance personnel across Crawford schools. This training is designed to enhance how we interact with our visitors, ensuring every guest on campus receives exceptional service.

Our goal is to have all client-facing staff embody the Crawford DNA, creating a consistently positive and welcoming experience. By focusing on these core values, we aim to reflect our commitment to excellence and care, making every visitor feel valued and supported throughout their time with us.

A group of people are sitting around a table eating food.

A group of people are standing next to each other in a living room holding certificates.

A group of people are sitting in a living room.

Pre-primary

Fathers Day Celebration

On Friday the 21^st June, a wonderful morning celebration was desiccated to our amazing Dads! We began with a sweet surprise as our staff handed out chocolates during drop-off. The day continued with a superhero dress-up extravaganza in the Pre-primary, where students and teachers transformed into their favourite heroes. Indoor and outdoor activities, including games, crafts, and "Minute-to-Win-It" challenges in the Preparatory section, brought dads and kids together in a spirit of teamwork and fun. See the photos capturing these incredible moments. Cheers to all the super dads out there!

A man is standing next to a table with green cups on it.

A man and a little girl dressed in superman costumes are standing next to each other.

A man and a child are playing cards on the floor

PREPARATORY

Celebrating Heritage with the Grade 2s

Excitement filled the air as Grade 2 learners proudly showcased their heritage through traditional clothing, rhythmic dancing, and music. The "Where We Are In Place and Time" Unit of Inquiry has deepened their appreciation for South Africa's diversity and global mindfulness. It was a wonderful experience for learners and families alike.

A man , woman and child are posing for a picture in front of a building.

A group of people in traditional clothes are posing for a picture.

A woman and a girl are standing next to each other in a classroom holding a poster.

World Environment Day Celebrations

Our Crawfordians celebrated World Environment Day with enthusiasm, planting "seeds of kindness" and exploring our school gardens. They learned about plants and trees using technology to enhance their understanding. Let's support these young changemakers in their journey towards a greener future.

A group of children are sitting in a circle on the ground.

A group of children are posing for a picture in front of a building.

COLLEGE

Welcoming Our Future Grade 8 Changemakers

Our College buzzed with excitement as Grade 7s experienced a taste of high school life. They mingled with Grade 12 Executive Student Leaders, solved clues to find classrooms, and got a glimpse of next year. The day ended with snacks, forging bonds that will last into Grade 8 and beyond.

A large group of people are posing for a picture in a room.

Visual Art Skills

In Visual Art, Grade 8 students have focused on precision measuring, grid drawing, light outlining, shading techniques, and following design briefs. Their progress and creativity this term have been outstanding.

A girl is holding a drawing of a skull in a notebook.

A woman is sitting at a table with two drawings on it.

Crawford Cares

Slipper Day – Reach for a Dream Charity Drive

We exceeded our target of R25,000, raising an incredible R26,100! Congratulations to all Crawfordians who participated in this important charity drive.

A group of children are posing for a picture in front of a brick building.

A group of children are posing for a picture in front of a sign that says `` a world of opportunities ''.

Taking Action: A spirit of giving

Our Grade 6 students embarked on an exhilarating journey during their Unit of Inquiry, guided by the Central Idea: "Emotion and perspective are conveyed through creative expression across cultures." This concept paved the way for lines of inquiry that captivated us throughout the unit. Two of our lines of inquiry delved into different forms of creative expression across cultures and how understanding different cultures can lead to mutual appreciation.

During our exploration, we investigated a fascinating facet of cultural expression: the biking culture. We were fortunate to have a motorcycle enthusiast visit us and share her experiences as part of the Soweto Motorbike School. This encounter opened our minds to a new perspective on motorbike clubs, revealing that they are far from the stereotypes often portrayed on TV. Instead, we learnt that they are kind and caring individuals dedicated to enriching their communities.

Our guest spoke passionately about their annual Mandela Day Charity Drive, which inspired our Grade 6 students to take the initiative and collaborate with the club in their community efforts. Word quickly spread, and donations for Khayelihle Children's Home in Pimville, Soweto, began pouring in. Students from Grades 1 to 7 collected food, blankets, clothing, and toys for the children residing in this home, embodying the spirit of Mandela by giving back and reaching out to those in need.

On Monday, 29 July 2024, our project culminated in a heartwarming assembly where we handed our donations over to the Soweto Motorbike School. The atmosphere was filled with peace, joy, and heartfelt humanity as we sang the national anthem to honour Nelson Mandela and his enduring legacy.

Through this initiative, we hope our outreach will reach many, opening minds to overcome prejudice and embrace a spirit of giving. Our Grade 6 students have demonstrated that by understanding and appreciating different cultures, we can foster mutual respect and compassion, making a positive impact on our community and beyond.

#mandeladay

#crawfordcares

#spiritofgiving

A woman is giving a helmet to a man on a stage.

Two women are sitting on a bench next to a pile of boxes.

Two women are standing next to their motorcycles in front of a building.

A pile of boxes and bags in a living room

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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.