Ruimsig March 2024

March 27, 2024

PRE-PRIMARY

No Obstacle Big Enough for Grade 0s

The Grade 0 students had tons of fun tackling a gruelling obstacle course, that was set up for them by the teachers. The students worked on improving their muscle strength, body awareness, balance, and coordination. To mark the end of their Unit of Inquiry "Who We Are", the Grade 0 students went on a walk-about and visited the Innovation Station located at the Preparatory School. They learnt that every snowflake is unique, just like each and every one of them! They created beautiful works of art using iPads and celebrated each other's differences.

A collage of four pictures of children playing in a park

A group of children are sitting in honeycombs in a classroom

Sharing the Planet Unit of Inquiry

 To kickstart our new Unit of Inquiry "Sharing the Planet", the Grade 1 students had a visit from Top Snake. The children learnt about hibernation, brumation, and what it means to be cold-blooded. We had some very brave students who wanted to hold the snake, and of course our brave teachers also joined in the fun.

A group of young girls are holding a snake in their hands

A group of people standing next to each other holding a lizard.

PREPARATORY

Inter-house Public Speaking Evening

Thursday evening was a memorable occasion as we gathered for our annual Interhouse Public Speaking Evening. Our hearts swelled with pride as we witnessed the persuasive and informative abilities of our students on full display. It was wonderful to see the depth of talent within our school community. We welcomed Mr Freedom Munukha and Mrs Amy Sulista back to serve as our guest adjudicators for the evening. Their presence added a special touch to the event, enriching it with their wisdom and expertise.

We extend our thanks to all involved for their commitment to excellence and their contribution to making this event a success.

A girl is standing in front of a group of people sitting at tables.

A group of people are sitting around a table in a room.

Camp Adventure

Our Grade 4 group enjoyed a tour of Kwalata Adventure Camp. Starting Day 1 off with a bang, our brave Grade 4s made their way to their first stop at Croc City. After viewing live crocodiles, and learning about their eggs and how they hatch, they were able to touch a real crocodile hatchling. After arrival at Kwalata Adventure Camp, where the students were sorted into their teams. Each group went over the camp rules and was then sorted into cabins. Groups participated in various activities and danced to African drums. They finished the first day off with a fantastic music programme and a warm dinner before retiring for the night under the stars.

Day 2 started with the students and teachers being woken bright and early to the sound of the African Drums for their very first game drive! Giraffe, zebra, kudu, and even jackals made their appearances, and the students were overjoyed to see such sights. Students rotated to other activities, such as beading, bushveld first aid, and planning out how to facilitate a zoo of clay animals.

They ended off the hot day on a waterslide followed by dinner. The students had the opportunity to cook for their teachers in a Stir Fry Potjie Kos competition which was exciting! They then had some much-needed downtime, settling in with a movie, before they fell asleep for the last time under the stars.

A large group of people are posing for a picture in front of a thatched roof.

A group of women standing in front of a welcome sign

COLLEGE

Grade 8 Camp

The Grade 8 camp commenced with a burst of energy, setting the tone for an exciting and memorable experience. Following satisfying breakfasts, lunches and suppers, the students enthusiastically immersed themselves in a series of exhilarating activities that included the challenging tasks of raft building, dam racing, and navigating a teamwork-intensive obstacle course. These engaging outdoor pursuits not only provided a platform for physical activity and adventure but also fostered crucial teamwork and problem-solving skills among the students.

The Grade 8s also devoted time to the rehearsal of choreography designed for the Induction ceremony scheduled for 5^th of March 2024. This careful preparation reflects not only their dedication to presenting a polished performance but also underscores their commitment to making the upcoming induction a truly special event.

Beyond the camp activities, a significant aspect of the experience was the opportunity for the Grade 8s to forge connections with various individuals. This included building relationships with the Grade 12 Executive body, fostering bonds with their teachers, and establishing connections with their peers. These interactions provided a foundation for a supportive and collaborative community within the college.

The hope is that these connections, forged during the camp, will continue to evolve, and thrive over the course of the students' five-year journey in the college. Creating a sense of community and camaraderie early on is instrumental in enhancing the overall college experience and contributes to a positive and enriching academic environment. As the students embark on this transformative phase, the anticipation is for these connections to grow stronger, creating a lasting network of support and friendship throughout their college years.

A group of people are posing for a picture in a park.

A group of people are sitting on a raft in the water.

Basketball: A Growing Sport in Ruimsig

Basketball is the newest sport at Crawford Ruimsig, only having been introduced in 2023. Due to the success of its implementation, we have managed to successfully fill three teams: junior boys, senior boys and a girls team. We have faith that as the sport continues to grow, we will be able to make even more teams.

Our basketball teams have played two friendly matches thus far. On Thursday, 29^th of February, our junior and senior gents played a match against Alma Mater International School. Our junior and senior boys played with passion as they faced strong competition. As it was the first match of the season, the nerves and excitement of the players was palpable and gave them the opportunity to learn from a strong team in preparation for the season. Although we lost our matches, there was an improvement in our game compared to last year when we played against the same teams, scoring 22 more goals this year than last year.

We also received tremendous support from our spectators, and we are thankful for the support from our students, parents and teachers who came to watch the game. On Saturday, 2^nd of March, our junior and senior boys’ teams went to Curro Aurora for our second friendly match. Both our basketball teams made us proud displaying an improvement in teamwork, confidence, and skill. Didintle Kgokga from the senior team scored a whopping 14 points. In our junior teams, we saw 4 points scored each by Nashe Mapondera and Reabetswe Dichaba as well as an impressive three-pointers scored by Carter Kivedo and Kiran Anderson. Both matches were won by Crawford Ruimsig.

Our junior team won 16 -14 and our senior team won 23-9. We were so thankful to see the support of parents who came to support our basketball games. Our team, lead by Zuriel Matthews, ended the match by giving our supporters a round of applause for being there.

We look forward to a successful year of basketball and look forward to our lady players having some game time in the upcoming weeks.

A group of people are posing for a picture on a basketball court.

An aerial view of a basketball court with people playing basketball.

CSI initiative Ruimsig

We have started the year with a bang and have already visited FORA twice this year – Friends of Rescued Animals Our biggest challenge is always to socialise the animals – they are wary of humans as most of them have been abandoned. and abused by people who were supposed to look after them and care for them.

Our Crawfordians always take their challenge to attention every animal on site very seriously. FORA is an NPO and rely on any assistance they can get: food, money or cleaning agents.

A group of people are walking dogs in a park.

A group of people are sitting on a log in the grass.

A group of people are sitting on logs in the grass with dogs.

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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.”

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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.