Ruimsig October 2024

November 1, 2024

Night at the Movies: A Magical Pre-Primary Concert

Over two unforgettable nights, our youngest stars from Grade 00 to Grade 3 took to the stage and wowed us all at the Pre-Primary Concert! Some of our youngest performers were just 4 years old, owning the big stage! Every class chose a song and dance to perform their hearts out – it was beyond adorable!

The talent on display was truly amazing, and to top it off, our brilliant teachers joined in for a fantastic dance at the end, bringing the house down! Principal Ashleigh Bateman led the dance, and Principal Gillian Steyn joined in the fun too!

The hall was packed with proud families and friends, and we want to extend a huge thank you to all the parents for your incredible support. Your cheers made the nights extra special.

A group of children in costume are dancing on a stage

A group of children are dancing on a stage in front of a crowd.

A Day on the Farm: Pre-Primary School Concert

What an unforgettable morning as our littlest Crawfordian stars took us on a charming farm adventure! Dressed as adorable animals and characters, our Pre-Primary performers braved the stage with the cutest smiles and big, brave hearts. From chickens to cows, each child brought the farm to life, leaving us all beaming with pride!

A special thank you to our amazing parents and families for joining us and cheering on these young performers.

A group of children are standing on a stage in front of a tree.

A group of children are performing on a stage in front of a crowd.

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.

Grade 2 Outing to the Lion Park

The vibrant, colourful feathers of peacocks, the graceful elegance of giraffes, the energetic wild dogs, the incredibly fast leopards, and of course, the star of the show – the king of the jungle himself, lions (and lionesses).

Our Grade 2s were treated to the beauty of these magnificent animals at The Lion Park through informative game drives, where we learned so many fascinating things about these incredible creatures. We certainly left a piece of our Crawfordian hearts at the park, returning to school with joyful memories.

As some of our students put it, “the best day ever!”

Two lions are laying under a tree in the grass.

Community Tea

At Crawford International Ruimsig, we’re proud to say,

The Grade 7s are hosting this special day!

With tea in hand and hearts so wide,

We welcome you by our side.

We hope you enjoy, feel warm and bright,

As we gather together, sharing light.

In our community, you’re here to stay,

With kindness and smiles to lead the way.

On Thursday 24 October, our Grade 7 students hosted a heartwarming Community Tea for the elderly, creating a beautiful morning filled with connection, gratitude, and joy.

Our senior guests have such a rich legacy and impact on our community, and it was an honour to give back by spoiling them with lovely eats and tea, as well as a special concert presented by the Preparatory Arts Department.

From lively marimba music and energetic dance performances to heartfelt piano solo performances, the concert was a celebration of talent, community, and the bonds between generations.

Thank you to our Grade 7s for their kindness, care, and respect towards our guests, who continue to inspire us with their wisdom and life stories.

What a touching reminder of the importance of honouring and connecting with those who have shaped our community.

Phiri Brothers Triumph at Redstar Raceway

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our Grade 10 Crawfordian student, Oratilwe Phiri, who showcased exceptional resilience and determination this past weekend. Fresh off a plane from Spain, having landed on Friday, October 11, Oratilwe faced a championship-deciding race the very next day at Redstar Raceway.

Despite not having the opportunity to practice on Friday, Oratilwe bravely took to the track on Saturday. "He didn’t get a chance to practice on Friday as normal. So he had to race blindly on Saturday," shared his father. In the morning qualifiers, Oratilwe experienced a crash that caused significant pain to his left hip, yet he fought through the discomfort and managed to qualify 2nd place on the grid. "The crash caused him much pain to his left hip and he was struggling to walk," said Dad.

Through sheer determination, Oratilwe went on to secure 2nd place in all his races for the day, confirming his 2024 Sub 500 Championship win—a true testament to his perseverance and skill.

The success didn't stop there. Oratilwe's younger brother, Amohelang, our Grade 5 Crawfordian student, also took to the track in the NSF100 class. Despite jet lag from their international journey, Amohelang impressed everyone by finishing 2nd overall for the day, adding to what was truly a stellar day for the Phiri family.

Well done to the talented Oratilwe and Amohelang for their outstanding performances, embodying the spirit of excellence that we nurture here at Crawford International Ruimsig.

Two young men are standing on a podium holding trophies.

Three young boys are standing on a podium with the number 1 on it

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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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One to one correspondence

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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.