Ruimsig November 2024

December 1, 2024

Building Writing Skills

Our little Crawfordians have been drawing with chalk, tracing in sand, and experimenting with textures. Recently, they drew with candle wax and painted over it to reveal their designs - a magical way to build control and creativity. In Grade 0, early writing begins with "mark making" creating lines, shapes, and patterns to develop fine motor skills and confidence. Activities like chalk drawing, sand tracing, and wax painting foster creativity and control.

At Home Tips:

Trace shapes in sand or flour.
Explore textures with finger painting.
Strengthen grip with play dough.

Mark making is an essential first step toward writing, enabling children to express ideas before they can form letters.

A little girl is playing with sand on a green tray

A person is holding a brush over a piece of paper that says the in

Exploring Maps and Spatial Awareness

Our Primary Years Programme students recently explored maps to find alternate routes to the tuckshop. This hands-on activity developed problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning while reinforcing math concepts as students used money to purchase snacks.

Upon arriving across campus at the tuckshop, students applied their understanding of monetary value by purchasing snacks. This hands-on experience reinforced essential math concepts and real-world applications.

This experience aligned with key IB Learner Profiles: Inquirers, Communicators, and Open-Minded Thinkers.

A group of children are standing in front of a building that says urban fresh

A group of children are walking across a crosswalk.

Preparatory

Step Up Day

Our future Grade 4 Crawfordians joined us today for an exciting Step-Up Day, packed with a variety of activities to give them a taste of all the fun and learning in store for 2025! From meeting the amazing Grade 4 teachers to exploring new challenges, everyone had a fantastic time.

The highlight of the day: a thrilling Fear Factor challenge! Our Grade 4 teachers showed their bravery with some taste-testing, and we had some bold Grade 3s volunteer too! Just like moving up to a new grade, it might seem scary at first – but once you take that step, you realise it’s not so frightening after all.

The Grade 4 team can’t wait to kick off an unforgettable year together with our soon-to-be Grade 4s.

A table with blue bowls on it and a sign that says `` fear factor ''.

A large group of children are sitting on the floor in a room.

Preparatory

Mini Hockey Festival Concludes for 2024

Our Preparatory School recently hosted one of the city’s largest mini hockey festivals, drawing a lively crowd of young players, coaches, and spectators. The festival highlighted exceptional talent and sportsmanship, with teams from various schools competing in a spirited environment.

Over the past four weeks, the event has featured intense matches and skilled play. Known for its commitment to inclusivity and community spirit, the Crawford International Ruimsig Mini Hockey Festival remains a key event in Johannesburg’s sporting calendar, celebrating and nurturing the next generation of hockey talent.

Congratulations to all our mini hockey players on an impressive season. Your dedication, teamwork, and enthusiasm have been evident throughout, making this season memorable. It has been a pleasure to see your growth and success on the field.

Here’s to celebrating your achievements and looking forward to future successes. Well done!

A young girl is holding a sign that says c edwards.

Celebrating Aarya Ramsumer ‘s Tennis Achievement

Grade 5 student Aarya Ramsumer recently participated in her first tennis tournament at the year-end Tennis Extravaganza held at Honeydew Country Club. Facing strong competition, she demonstrated steady determination and growth throughout the event.

Guided by her coaches, Mr Darren Styles and Sifiso Ndaba, Aarya found her rhythm and built confidence with each match. Her efforts culminated in winning the tournament, a commendable achievement.

Aarya’s dedication to tennis continues to shine, and we look forward to seeing her progress in the future.

A group of young people standing next to each other holding tennis rackets and tennis balls.

A girl stands in front of a sign that says crawlers

College

Egypt Tour

Our college students recently embarked on an enriching trip to Egypt. Highlights included camel rides in the desert, visiting the Great Pyramids, snorkelling and water sports in the Red Sea, and exploring the Cairo Museum.

The students also enjoyed a boat cruise to the botanical gardens and a memorable Nile cruise. After days of discovery and adventure, they are set to return home, wrapping up a journey that began on 23 September 2024.

A man is riding a motorcycle down a dirt road in a market.

A group of people posing for a picture in front of an ancient building

White Blazer Honours

Congratulations to Michael Botha, Aedan Yates, Chante Joubert, and Baatseba Matlala on earning the prestigious White Blazer. This honour is awarded to students who achieve full colours in at least three of the five pillars: academics, sports, culture, service, and leadership.

A special mention goes to Chante Joubert for receiving this honour for the second time, a reflection of her consistent dedication and achievements.

The White Blazer represents excellence, perseverance, and teamwork, placing recipients among an elite group within our school community. Well done to all the recipients!

A young man is wearing a white jacket and tie

A woman wearing glasses and a tie is smiling for the camera

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

A young woman wearing a white hat and a white jacket is smiling.

WESSA: Bread Tags and Bottle Tops Initiative

This year, Crawford Ruimsig partnered with WESSA to raise environmental awareness and support sustainability efforts.

As part of our recycling project, students collected bread tags and bottle tops for the Sweethearts Foundation, which exchanges these items for funds to provide wheelchairs for those in need. The initiative not only supports individuals but also promotes recycling jobs and environmental care.

We look forward to continuing our efforts to make a positive impact on the environment and our community.

A pile of plastic bottle caps in bags and boxes

A group of children are standing in front of a building holding signs.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.