Sandton November 2024

December 2, 2024

Pre-Primary

Diwali 2024

Crawford Sandton Pre-Primary was aglow with the spirit of Diwali, as our Pre-Primary and Preparatory students celebrated the Festival of Lights with enthusiasm and joy. The school was transformed into a vibrant wonderland, adorned with colourful decorations, twinkling lights, and intricate rangoli designs.

A table with a bowl of flowers and a sign that says happy birthday

A group of children are standing next to each other on a stage.

A group of young girls are standing next to each other in a room.

Puzzle Donation

We would like to take a moment to express our appreciation for Elena Jalayer’s recent donation of puzzles to our school. Her generosity and thoughtfulness have not gone unnoticed, and we are sincerely grateful for her willingness to give back to our community in such a meaningful way.

By donating her puzzles, she has not only provided future students with a source of entertainment and enrichment, but she has also inspired others to follow in her footsteps. We are proud to have a student like her at our school.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and your dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Elena would like to challenge other students to donate their old puzzles to the school and we are confident that it will encourage a spirit of giving and generosity among our students.

A woman in a pink dress is standing next to a boy in a living room.

Preparatory

Grade 4 Student-Led Conference

The Grade 4 Student-Led Conference provided an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning and share highlights of their academic year with parents. With guidance from their teachers, students facilitated sessions that included activities such as a Transdisciplinary Unit of Inquiry Kahoot and Math Bingo, demonstrating teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Students also reflected on their growth, achievements, and goals for Grade 5, fostering responsibility and self-awareness. This event strengthened the connection between students, parents, and teachers, highlighting the value of active involvement in the learning process.

Creative Arts Festival (CAF) at Crawford Sandton Preparatory

Congratulations to all the Prep participants for their excellent achievements over the past few weeks. We look forward to seeing the results of the upcoming sections.

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

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

Two children are sitting at a table writing on a piece of paper.

Our very own Shining Star

Kiran Moodley, in Grade 5 has been preparing for his dazzling adventure with Disney’s Aladdin! Experience the enchanting tale of the Arabian Nights as it comes to life in a spectacular performance. With a captivating musical score, including the beloved ballad “A Whole New World,” this show promises to be an unforgettable experience!

We sat with Kiran and asked some questions for us:

About the Role and the Play

Q: What character are you playing in the play?

A: Babkak. He is one of Aladdin's best friends. I also play a short role as a chef.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your character?

A: I enjoy the character because it is like mine. We both like good food

Q: Have you read or seen any other versions of Aladdin? How does this production compare?

A: Yes. This is the Disney Junior version. The plot is the same, but it is a condensed version. Some characters, for example the monkey, Aboo, is not in this production.

Q: What is your favourite scene or song in the play? Why?

A: The song I like the most is ‘One Jump Ahead’ because I really enjoy the choreography and it's quite fun.

About the Experience

Q: How did you get involved in the play?

A: I played the role of Pinocchio in the production Disney's 'My Son Pinocchio' earlier this year and I really enjoyed the experience. I auditioned again and was successful in getting cast.

Q: What have you learned from being in the play?

A: I've learnt to be disciplined in both rehearsing for the play and in my schoolwork and managing my time well.

Q: Are you nervous about performing in front of an audience? If so, how do you manage your nerves?

A: At first, I was nervous but as the time went by, I don't feel nervous any longer.

Q: What do you think the audience will enjoy most about the play?

A: I think the dialogue is funny and keeps the audience entertained and engaged.

A young boy is sitting in front of a wall with words on it.

Three men are standing on a stage and one of them is holding a box.

A group of people in costume are dancing on a stage.

A group of people are sitting next to each other on a stage.

COLLEGE

Art Exhibition Recap

On Wednesday, 30 October, our Grade 8-12 Visual Art students put their talents on full display in an inspiring exhibition. The event was a success, with parents and students gathered to admire the creative and thought-provoking works showcased throughout the evening, complemented by delicious refreshments. Ms Botha had the honor of presenting certificates to our most dedicated practical students for 2024, recognising their outstanding commitment and remarkable growth throughout the year.

We thank all the parents who attended to celebrate the achievements of these young artists. Congratulations to our Visual Art students! We eagerly anticipate seeing even more extraordinary and imaginative creations in the upcoming year.

A young girl is standing in front of a wall of paintings holding a certificate.

Two people are standing next to a painting of a woman.

Two women are standing next to each other in a room holding a certificate.

A woman is holding a certificate in front of a painting on an easel.

Geography Students Rise to the Challenge

On September 17th, a dedicated group of 25 Grade 8 and 9 Geography students participated in a competitive event, showcasing their expertise through a series of challenging questions. Their hard work and dedication truly paid off, as several students earned well-deserved accolades.

Certificates Awarded to Top Performers:

Bronze Certificate: Simran Soni (Grade 8)
Silver Certificate: Shivar Sewpersad (Grade 9)
Gold Certificates:
Siddharth Rajah (Grade 9)
Nivaan Niranjan (Grade 9)
Benjamin Traub (Grade 8)

Among the competitors, Kartikeya Gudladona distinguished herself as the top Grade 8 student, achieving an impressive 10th place overall among Grade 9 participants.

Ms Pettitt expressed immense pride in all the participants, acknowledging their effort and commitment. The geography department is already looking forward to next year's Junior Olympiad, scheduled for September 16, 2025.

Congratulations to all involved for their hard work and achievements. Your dedication to geography is inspiring, and we can't wait to see what the future holds.

A man is standing in a field holding two certificates.

A group of young people are standing in a field holding certificates.

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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.