Sandton Jan 2024

February 23, 2024

WESSA Green Flag

We are thrilled to announce our renewed participation in WESSA's Schools’ Programme. Crawford International Sandton proudly retains its Eco-Awards status, achieving the prestigious International Green Flag (Year 5) once again, maintaining our commitment to environmental excellence - now at Platinum 1 level.

In recent weeks, we have commemorated two impactful WESSA Days. On International Zebra Day, we heightened awareness for these creatures, followed by a celebration for International Whale Day, shedding light on the importance of marine conservation. As we rejoin WESSA's initiative, we look forward to furthering our eco-friendly endeavours and making a positive impact on the environment.

Three young boys are posing for a picture in front of a building

A large painting of a whale is sitting on a table in a room.

A little girl in a zebra costume is standing next to a statue

A little girl wearing a blue shirt with a cow on it is standing in front of a wall.

A group of people are holding a green eco-schools flag.

A young boy in a yellow shirt is holding a stuffed zebra.

Friendship Day Activities

On 14 February 2024, our school was brimming with joy and camaraderie as we celebrated Friendship Day. The spirit of friendship was palpable, with our students and families coming together to create a fantastic day filled with laughter, kindness, and genuine connections. The atmosphere was contagious, and the day was adorned with countless smiles, truly capturing the essence of the joyous occasion.

A group of young girls are posing for a picture in front of a sign that says `` friends ''.

A girl with a sign on her head that says

A little girl wearing a headband with hearts on it.

A young boy wearing a black shirt with a heart on it is playing with soap bubbles

Inter-House Swimming Gala

Our recent Inter-House Swimming Gala made quite a splash! The grandstand was alive with the spirited cheers of Grade 3 to 7 students, creating an electric atmosphere that showcased the incredible house camaraderie. The event was a success, featuring a display of skill from our talented swimmers and admirable bravery from those still honing their aquatic abilities. Every stroke and splash earned valuable points for their respective houses, making the competition fierce and friendly. Proud parents added to the cheers, making it a day filled not only with great swims but also with family fun and laughter. Here's to the wonderful memories created and the strong sense of unity among our students.

A group of children dressed in red are posing for a picture on a field.

A group of people are diving into a swimming pool.

A group of young people are posing for a picture in front of a swimming pool.

Bafana Bafana Day

Dressed in green and gold hues, our little ones at Crawford International Sandton Pre-Primary recently showcased their support for our beloved Bafana Bafana Team. The school grounds were a sea of patriotic colours as our enthusiastic students, filled with pride, cheered on our national team. Through this spirited display, we celebrated our South African identity and instilled a sense of national pride in our young learners. It was a demonstration of unity and love for our country that left a lasting impression on all who witnessed the sea of green and gold.

A group of children are sitting on a bench with soccer flags.

A group of children are posing for a picture in front of a playground

Salutations to our White Blazer Brigade

Congratulations to the students who were awarded the highest accolade at the College, The White Honours Blazer. These students achieved full colours in at least three different disciplines. This is an outstanding achievement, and we are extremely proud of you!

A group of women are standing next to each other holding papers.

A woman is standing next to a group of girls holding certificates.

The Ultimate Splash Showdown at the Inter-House Swimming Gala

What a phenomenal way to start the year! The Grade 12s kick-started school spirit building with our first 2024 Inter-House event, The Inter-House Gala. It was a day filled with fun and pride - the atmosphere was electric! The four houses, Aqua, Ignis, Terra and Ventus jumped face first into the competition with their leading war cries.

The spirit did not stop, and the air crackled with excitement. With both juniors and senior swimmers being cheered on from the sidelines, each house persevered and gave their best effort to win their races. Congratulations to Team Aqua for seizing the championship title The results are as follows:

1st - Aqua
2nd - Ventus
3rd - Ignis
4th - Terra

A further congratulations to Aqua for also winning the spirit cup. Their support to their team members was unwavering throughout the gala and was well-deserved. To end a wonderful day, the Matrics were thanked for their outstanding spirit, and they were reminded that they were celebrating their last Inter-House Gala ever. It was a bittersweet moment as we all jumped into the pool in celebration of the iconic event. The school wishes to thank all the swimmers, supporters and teachers who made this event possible.

A large group of people are standing around a swimming pool.

A group of people in red shirts are standing under an umbrella

A large group of people are swimming in a swimming pool.

Spreading Kindness: One sandwich at a time.

On Tuesday, 6 February 2024, the Humanities Board hosted a sandwich-making drive for AAJs. 30 volunteers spread joy by making jam and peanut butter sandwiches. With tremendous effort and enthusiasm, we marked a successful event. Stay tuned for more compassionate initiatives throughout the year. The school wishes to thank everyone who attended and who helped to make this a memorable event.

A group of children are sitting at tables in a classroom.

Navigating the Future: Grade 9s Gain insight from Industry Experts

In a quest to illuminate the pathways to the future for our eager Grade 9 students, we have launched a new initiative whereby professionals from within our own parent body, from various fields, generously devote some of their time to share their experiences, insights, and invaluable advice with our students.

The first of these events was held on Wednesday, 7 February, whereby two inspirational parents offered some guidance to the Grade 9s towards making informed decisions about their academic and career trajectories.

Ms Fareed, the CEO of Power4Less and an Entrepreneur was the first presenter, and Ms Baijnath, the CFO of Sasol was the second presenter. The speakers brought a wealth of knowledge to our students, providing a glimpse into the real-world applications of education and the myriad of opportunities awaiting them.

Four women are posing for a picture in front of a crowd of people.

< 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.