MESSAGE FROM OUR HEADMASTER

Dear Highbury family and friends,

Responsibility is one of the words that forms an integral part of the Highbury Culture of Honour

and Highbury boys are guided to be responsible young men who grow into responsible adults.

Being a responsible digital citizen or having a high ‘Digital Quotient’ means having the online

skills to participate in online community life in an ethical and responsible manner.

Terms like ‘your digital footprint’ are no longer new, but an embedded part of who we are.

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Linkedin and Whatsapp are some of the more popular

forms of social media where information about ourselves is shared and stored in cyberspace.

Add to this the daily data that is captured by smart watches, providing statistical information for

ourselves and others to analyse. While I find the data from my watch interesting, I am a little

uneasy about the fact that my smart watch has the potential to track my movement and heart rate 24 hours a day and to

automatically upload this onto the internet. Perhaps my concern is unwarranted, but I do get an eerie feeling that Big Brother is

watching and tracking my digital footsteps.

While the online community is lived through the screens of our devices, the people who interact in this space are real people

with personalities, values and feelings. Part of the process of a child’s development is to learn to become a responsible citizen

able to obey laws, protect their privacy and to respect the rights of others. Unfortunately, the perceived anonymity of the

internet can lead some people to make comments online that they wouldn’t say in ‘the real world’. This behaviour has grown to

the extent that websites like News24 have eliminated any facility to make comments; due to heated debates or ‘flame wars’

being conducted online that are often uninformed, misguided and damaging.

During my time in Abu Dhabi, I worked with a number of children who had been deeply hurt by a comment made on social

media, or an embarrassing photograph that was shared without permission. It is too easy to press the send button without

thinking of the negative impact such posts make on the lives of others. What about you as adults? Have you experienced the

disappointment or frustration of a comment that is made about you on some platform of social media that is unfair or

unsubstantiated? It is a critical 21st Century skill for our Highbury boys to learn and understand their role in the online

community and how to interact in this space as responsible digital citizens.

Employing quality staff is important for all organisations and it has become common practice to ‘google’ staff prior to offering

them an employment contract. Emma Sadleir from The Digital Law Company suggests the following points to help retain a

professional digital footprint: (a) Never post on social media when you have been consuming alcohol, (b) Never post when you

are angry.

As our boys develop their digital skills, it is important that they think critically about their digital persona. The following

mnemonic will help our children to think about what they post online: T = is it true? H = is it helpful? I = is it inspiring? N = is it

necessary? K = is it safe? (THINK)

Educating Highbury boys to grow into responsible digital citizens with well developed ‘Digital Quotients’ relies on a strong

partnership between the school and parent body. Together we need to teach our children to ‘think’ carefully before pressing

send. I wish all the Highbury family a happy and blessed Easter. May the peace of our Lord Jesus rest over you and your loved

ones this Easter season.

God bless

Roland Lacock

HEADMASTER

IMPORTANT REMINDER:Highbury will be closed on Thursday 1 August and Friday 2 August. Hockey versus DPHS continues on Saturday 3 August. We are hosting ‘Proudly Primary’, South Africa’s biggest primary school teacher conference.

Q&A WITH OUR HIGHBURY BOARD

A HANDFUL OF HAPPENINGS

OPEN DAYSOur Highbury and Weavers' Nest Open Days have been wonderful and we have loved welcoming so many prospective parents to experience first-hand what makes Highbury so unique. From great presentations and speeches, to lovely tours to see boy-centric learning in action, and many chances to interact with Highbury boys, teachers and staff, we have all felt so proud of our school.

PRE-PRIMARY HEADS LUNCHEONHighbury hosted the local pre-primary heads and teachers for lunch in the Mike Procter Pavilion with our Weavers' Nest and Grade R teachers. There was delicious food, an inspiring talk from psychologist Sia Rees, a chance to shop for just the things pre-school teachers need, and of course, lots of time to chat about the progress of our new Highbury boys and to network.

NEW CULTURE OF HONOUR WALLThe Senior Primary boys are so pleased with the new Culture of Honour Wall! Our Silver Tree badges, which get awarded to boys who have exhibited aspects of the Culture of Honour, were proudly displayed in front of the new wall on the recipients’ lapels. The new artwork ties in beautifully with the badge and is a constant reminder of the values our boys are encouraged to embrace and grow.

Global eLearning SpecialistSQS

VICTORIA MUBANGO-MADZIWA - HUMAN RESOURCES

Q: What motivated you to join the Highbury Board? A: I believe in the ethos of the school so much I wanted to be able to contribute to its application. Q: What do you love most about Highbury? A: I love that it provides that sense of belonging. The community at Highbury is not just a community, it is a family where everyone - children, staff and parents - are the very fabric of it. Nobody is excluded. Q: What do you hope to achieve as a new Board member? A: I hope to contribute in helping Highbury maintain its status as the best school for boys. That has been its accolade for a while. Q: If you could choose a super-power what would it be?A: Patience. To me patience is a super power because these days not many people have it.

FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM: HIGHBURYPREP Use our hashtag #happyathighbury YOUTUBE CHANNEL: HIGHBURY PREPARATORY SCHOOL

2019 GOLF DAY

Our Highbury Parents’ Association organised another superb Golf Day this year with beautiful weather, plenty of T-box entertainment, amazing prizes, a lot of laughs and great camaraderie. Thank you to each of our sponsors and parents for their support in making this one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. We sincerely appreciate all the time and effort of Mark Ogilby, Rohan Osborn, Mike Harcourt and Alex Gordon. Well done to the winners of the raffle, enjoy your holidays and new bike!

● Umngazi River Bungalows - Nomfuneko Mkhize● La Pierre MTB bike - Lorina Waters

● Champagne Sports/Pumula Beach Resort - Jahan Seery● Whispering Waters - Nomagugu Manci

STAFF NEWS

The Senior Primary welcomed two new staff this term. Miss Kealan Lahner started as the Grade 6 Mathematics Teacher Assistant in Mr Trevor Stone’s classroom. Mrs Edit Tamas started as a volunteer adding wonderful value in a variety of areas around the school.

Congratulations to Knowledge Vilakazi and his wife, Nonduduzo, who had their third daughter on the 14th of March at 10h15 weighing 2,7 kg. They named her Nonhlanhla Thulisile Vilakazi after their mothers. Her name means Lucky One and One Who Quietens.

We said a sad farewell to Jason Nkosi, one of our baristas at the Cap ‘n Chino, who left us two weeks ago. We will welcome back Thabo Mthembu who previously worked at Cap ‘n Chino from 1 May - we are delighted that Thabo wants to come back to us!

We wish Vusu Mthethwa all the best as he leaves Highbury at the end of this term to join a small business. Vusu was responsible for Highbury’s pool maintenance and brush-cutting for many years.

Bianca Woolley and Jacqui Maurice from the Marketing Department attended the FSMA Conference at Michaelhouse to learn about best practice in school archiving with experts from across South Africa. Jacqui Maurice has announced that she will be moving to Thailand later this year, so Highbury will be advertising for the position of Marketing Assistant in Term 2.

Carina Badenhorst, Megan Thwaites, Nqobile Adigun, Taryn Wilson and Dumi Mazibuko attended the International Boys School Conference in Pretoria and were inspired by talks from international speakers that unpacked serious concerns that boys are facing in their lives and how to help boys overcome them and build character. A key topic was the importance of limiting screen time and social media law.

Following a full tender process, Highbury will be changing security company from the start of Term 2. We say farewell to Blessing and Mechion who have greeted and guarded us for many years with Excellerate. The new guarding company is Ensure which has almost 50 years’ experience in the security sector and specifically offers a Safe Schools Solution.

Glynis Kotze celebrated her 60th birthday on the 28th of March. We wish her all the best from all of us at Highbury - may it be a wonderful holiday full of celebrations.

GRADE R

WEAVERS’ NEST

PIRATE DAY Shiver me timbers, mateys... the Highbury Grade R area was over-run by pirates! They were made to walk the plank into the sand pit, dig for treasure, pin the patch on the pirate and enjoy a picnic of 'p' food at the Mike Procter Pavilion. What a p-p-p-perfect day.

LEARNING ABOUT MAGNETSM is for... magnets! Our Grade Rs discovered the marvels of magnets through many mind-blowing magnetic experiments.

KINETIC DEVELOPMENTOur Grade 00 children are enjoying their bi-weekly Indoor Perceptual Motor Movement Room sessions. They move through five different stations, developing skills that include hand-eye coordination, fitness, balance, locomotion and eye-tracking.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE! We have been exploring the theme of ‘Me and My Family’ this term. Our Weavers’ Nest children have loved talking about weddings and our fantasy play area was full of brides, grooms, wedding meals and even wedding dances.

NEW LIGHT TABLESOur two new light tables in Weavers’ Nest have arrived. They have been custom made to be easily moveable and big enough for a group of children. Light and shadow are new opportunities for exploration, with all sorts of materials.

EGG EXPERIMENTINGThe Grade R boys are learning about the ‘e’ sound and had such an enjoyable morning experimenting with eggs and discovered they were way tougher than they thought.

FOUNDATION PHASE

GRADE 3 VISIT ST MARY’SOur Grade 3 boys enjoyed an eventful morning with their friends from St Mary’s in their Creativity Centre. Our boys partnered with the girls and had such fun running around the school enjoying a treasure hunt, crafting penguins, making ‘melted snowmen’, playing ‘Minute to Win It’, enjoying the newly upgraded Beningfield playground and watching a fascinating science show by Dr G.

DENTIST VISITThe Grade 2 boys were lucky enough to have a visit from dentist, Dr Hawkesworth who taught the boys all about dental hygiene and how to take care of their growing teeth. They were shown the correct way to brush their teeth, and discussed how they can keep their teeth healthy.

A 10-YEAR OLD AUTHOR!Hannah Newlands from Winston Park has published a book already, called Animal Encounters. She spoke to our Grade 2s about how she writes, and encouraged them to sit quietly to think of their ideas and then let the inspiration flow as they write without worrying too much if there are mistakes.

GRADE 2 USHAKA VISITOur Grade 2 boys had an exciting and educational morning at uShaka Marine World. They were guided around the aquarium and learnt interesting facts about the incredible sea creatures. They were then treated to an action packed dolphin show which was a lot of fun! What a great day learning about sea life. We were so pleased that our eco-themes were reinforced with some wonderful displays about how we can look after and conserve our oceans. The guides complimented us on how much the Highbury boys knew and how well behaved they were. A great day!

GRADE 1 VISIT ST MARY’SMuch excitement was in the air as the day finally arrived for our eagerly anticipated visit to St Mary’s. The girls met their respective pen pal and enjoyed the day working through a variety of activities. They made an Easter bunny biscuit, a bookmark and had some fun and games in the Sports Hall. After such an eventful day, all the children relaxed and watched an entertaining puppet show. What fun it is to be in Grade 1!

GRADE 3 BOYS NIGHT INOur Grade 3s and their dads spent a busy evening in the Centenary Hall being inventors together. Using recycled materials, they built either a boat, car or rocket. This was great father-son time and also a super way to conclude the term’s theme of ‘The Great Inventors’.

INCREDIBLE DOGZ SHOW Having the Incredible Dogz Show and picnic on the Friday, after the public holiday, made it feel like a long weekend at Highbury. The heavy rain meant our Grade 00 to 3 children were entertained in the Centenary Hall and the dogs were as charming and clever as ever.

SENIOR PRIMARY

KIDS’ LIT QUIZThe Kids' Lit Quiz at Durban Girls' College was a great experience for our two Highbury teams who took part. We were the winners in one of the rounds and placed sixth and ninth out of 36 teams overall.

GRADE 6 AFRIKAANS OPEN DAY POSTERSTo coincide with our Highbury Open Day, the Grade 6 Afrikaans classes decided to design and make their own Afrikaans version of an Open Day poster. They were given instructions on what information needed to be on the poster, but were allowed to use their own creativity and decide themselves what app and layout they would like to use to produce their end result.

GRADE 6 - THE GREAT ELECTRIC BOAT RACEThe 'Great Electric Boat Race' was a whole week of excitement for our Grade 6 teams who competed within their classes and then in a finale to see whose boat could cross our school swimming pool the fastest. Well done to Daniel Cruikshank and Heath Stott, for winning with their boat 'Pegasus' and to all of our boys who learned so much about science and engineering in the process.

GRADE 4 SLIP ‘N SLIDE FUNOur Grade 4s ended their theme for the term of learning about their bodies with ‘full body fun’ on a slip ‘n slide on Harris Field!

COMING SOON… HIGHBURY’S NEW SCIENCE LABORATORY!

We are hugely excited by the construction starting on our new Science Laboratory, which we hope will be completed around the end of May. Thank you to the Highbury Parents’ Association who are using their funds raised for this awesome project that will benefit all of our boys.

Our new Science Laboratory has been designed to match our current and future foreseen curriculum. It will be an engaging, inspirational space that is flexible, allowing for more collaborative learning and discovery. We will have the latest interactive technology and much better lighting for scientific investigation. There will be a large amount of visible storage space to pique boys’ interest and highly durable, colourful, ergonomic furniture suited to boys.

Watch this space!

SENIOR PRIMARY CAMPS

GRADE 6 TRIP TO SWEETDALEThe Grade 6 boys returned from Sweetdale Camp having experienced a fun-filled adventure. The varied activities kept each and every boy on his toes; drawing out strengths and skills as they participated in the challenges. Many memories were made and many boys overcame their initial fears. They were encouraged to draw on their victories or failures and motivated to give of their best in the future.

GRADE 5 TRIP TO SEULA ZIMBILIOur Grade 5s loved their 3-day excursion to Seula Zimbili on the North Coast. The heat didn't deter them from making the most of all the activities on offer - and a mud challenge, slip 'n slide and swim at the end of each busy day brought welcome relief. Great food and friendly instructors encouraged them through an obstacle course, climbing wall, target shooting and team-building challenges. What a privilege for our boys to be in the beautiful outdoors with their friends.

GRADE 7 TRIP TO WAGENDRIFT DAMIn typical Highbury spirit, the Grade Seven boys got stuck in and seized every opportunity to develop and grow. Despite the fact that they were extended on occasions, the boys immersed themselves in the challenges on offer. Paddling, hiking and sleeping under the stars were done with determination and the boys dug deep to deal with possible self-doubt. The most outstanding aspect of the experience was the all-round enjoyment though, and many lifelong memories have and will be made.

OUTREACH

EASTER EGG DONATIONS TO INCHANGA PRIMARYThank you to our Highbury community for your generosity in donating marshmallow Easter eggs. Our Grade 7s pupils travelled to Inchanga Primary to deliver huge heaps of Easter eggs for their 1260 pupils. Our Foundation Phase gave our Highbury support staff hampers of Easter eggs after their beautiful Easter service. We wish all of our Highbury families a wonderful Easter!

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS MEALS DAYTo celebrate International School Meals Day, our Grade 6 boys helped Julika Falconer, Highbury mum and CEO of a local NPO called Zero2Five Trust, to feed lunch to 1400 children! It was an epic undertaking, from getting 1400 lunch boxes, to making peanut butter sandwiches to put in them and culminating in delivering them to Inchanga Primary, our twin school, and Ethembeni School next door. The children were also given Futurelife porridge, fresh apples from The Juice Kitchen and other gifts. It was a great experience for our Grade 6s. Thank you to everyone who made this special day possible.

HIRSCH’S CLOUD NINE PILE-ON!Our Grade 4s enthusiastically took on the challenge of seeing how many boys could fit onto one double bed mattress… we were amazed that they managed to balance 51 boys on it for 5 seconds. They were competing to win mattresses donated by Cloud Nine which (if they are the inter-school winners) will be donated to their Grade outreach charity, Lily of the Valley Children’s Home.

CULTURE AND ACHIEVEMENTS

MUSIC ACHIEVERSCongratulations to Kyle Berry for receiving a Merit for his Grade 3 Theory exam. We apologise to Matthew Lamplough because in our last Highbury Happenings, an error was made - Matthew Lamplough received a distinction for his Grade 1 Theory, and not a merit. Well done, boys.

COMBINED MUSIC CONCERTOur first music concert of 2019 was a most enjoyable evening with boys from Grade 2 to Grade 7 taking part. Sounds of violins, piano, cello, recorder, trumpet, voice, flute and drum kit filled the Memorial Hall as the boys displayed their talents. They certainly gave of their best and we are very proud of them. Thank you to the devoted music staff as well for their dedication and for inspiring the boys to reach great heights. We have 16 music teachers who teach 12 different instruments to 175 boys - wow!

MUSIC CONCERT AT HILLCREST PRIMARYOur Senior Primary choir participated in the Hillcrest Primary Easter Choir Festival this term. It was our first off-campus performance for 2019. We presented two songs: ‘Once Again’ and ‘Seasons of Love’, which were well received by the audience. The boys were smartly dressed and represented Highbury brilliantly.

GRADE 3 RECORDER LESSONSOur Grade 3s have been so excited to each have their own recorder and to learn to read music and play together on it. They are sounding really good! Watch a video of the class in action on our Facebook feed: highburyprep.

PIANO ADVENTURES FESTIVALAlexander Nortje in Grade 4K took part in the Piano Adventures Festival held at Highbury Preparatory on15 and 16 March. He was one of the youngest competitors at his level and was awarded four gold A+ certificates for piano sight reading, piano performance piece, piano solo piece and his piano recital. Well done, Alex!

EASTER SERVICEWe are so proud of our FP and SP choir for their beautiful Easter Service.

SPORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

D&D GALAWell done to our boys who came 5th in the D&D A-league gala. They showed such fight and spirit and swam incredibly well. This was Highbury’s best achievement at this gala in a number of years and we were especially proud as all the schools ahead of us had far more boys in their pupil body.

TRINITYHOUSE CRICKET TOUROur Trinityhouse / Highbury cricketing weekend is a tradition that began in 2007 as an opportunity for teams and boys that would not traditionally get to tour because they are not members of the 1st XI. Six teams from each school are part of this event, with the six matches being split between Highbury and Trinityhouse.

2019 PREP SCHOOLS’ CRICKET FESTIVALOur 1st XV cricket team traveled to Grahamstown to play in the 2019 Prep Schools' Cricket Festival, hosted by Kingswood. Our Director of Sport, Mr Rory Wood, was commended at the formal dinner on Saturday night for the work he has done with prep schools' cricket and for starting the festival 25 years ago. This was an opportunity for our boys to play against some of the top cricketing schools in South Africa and we were proud that they won two out of three games and demonstrated great sportsmanship throughout.

ST JOHN’S BASKETBALL TOUROur 1st Basketball team had a successful and enjoyable time in Johannesburg. Our boys placed 2nd in the annual St John’s College U13 Invitational Tournament, going two steps further than last year. Playing against some of the top basketball-playing schools in Gauteng and beyond, our boys proved that preparation, determination and excellent team work pays off! Not only did they get to play basketball at a high level, they also got an opportunity to watch the best senior school teams in the country – including supporting our big-brother school, Kearsney College. A special thank you to Mr Bhengu (coach) and Mr Burns (manager) for accompanying the boys. The team was also well-supported by our travelling parents, Johannesburg family members and very ardent WhatsApp followers!

SPORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

MUDMAN SERIESWell done to all the Highbury boys and their families who took part in the fun ‘Mudman’ series this term. Cole Woolley came 1st in the U11 Half run/cycle/run at the Epworth event and Bryce Seidler came 1st in the U11 paddle/cycle/run Cordwalles event. Brody and Daniel Smith took part with their parents and won the Cordwalles ‘Over 40s’ team event!

SOCCER CAPTAINSWell done to Kyle Berry and Alex Schoombee who have been chosen as captain and vice-captain of 1st Team Soccer.

HORSE RIDINGOliver Gordon, Grade 1, was awarded two rosettes at a recent horse show for achieving two clear rounds - one pole on the ground and the other 30cm jumps. He also won the trophy for ‘Best Improved’ from last year’s show. Well done, Oliver!

RUGBY CAPTAINSWell done to Christopher Skinner and Matthew de Oliveira who have been chosen as captain and vice-captain of 1st Team Rugby.

PADSSA SWIMMINGLuke Smith (U/10) and Joshua Paton (U/13) participated in the PADSSA trials in February. They did incredibly well and were both selected for the Pinetown District team. They will be going to the KZN Schools Champs during the April holidays for a chance to make the KZN team.

SPORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

NEW WATER POLO NETSOur water polo players have thoroughly enjoyed making use of our new goals. Thank you to a Highbury family for the incredibly generous donation.

SWIMMINGLuke Smith competed at the KZN Level 2 Champs, winning gold in the 200m backstroke and bronze for both the 200m individual medley and 200m freestyle.

TENNISThomas McKenzie has been selected for the Ethekwini Tennis team to play at the KZN regional trials.

ATHLETICSNicholas Kohler received a gold medal at the KZN Athletics Champs for the 70m hurdles.

GOLFReece Brown played in the SA Kids Golf Tournament at Kloof Country Club and finished 3rd in his age group.

HOCKEY PADSSA SELECTIONFollowing the trials for the Kwasanti Ward Hockey teams in March, the following boys were selected to represent Kwasanti Ward at the PADSSA trials. U12: Hayden Dunsdon, Triston Hearmon, Heath Stott, Joel Steyn, James Ogilby, Xavier Enslin, Daniel Fitzsimons.U13: Christopher Skinner, Byron Chandler, Matt de Oliveira, Murray Weyer, Thomas McKenzie and Alexander Schoombee.

Of these boys, the boys photographed above have been selected for PADSSA Hockey: Matthew de Oliveira (U13), Thomas McKenzie (U13), Joel Steyn (U12) and Xavier Enslin (U12).

BASKETBALLIviwe Shongwe was selected as part of the All Star Team at the St John’s Basketball tournament.

ERNIE ELS GOLF TOURNAMENTThe Highbury Golf ‘A’ team won the qualifying tournament for the Ernie Els National Primary Schools’ Golf Championships and thus have qualified for the national finals in July. Congratulations to Tristan Glenny, Byron Chandler, Reece Brown and Matthew McGill.

Please remember to swipe your blue MySchool cards

while you are away this holiday!

MYSCHOOL AND ADVERTISING

2020 TERM CALENDAR

TERM 1: 14/01 – 20/03

Half Term: 14/02 – 17/02

Public Holiday: 21 March

TERM 2: 14/04 – 19/06

Half Term: 15/05 – 18/05

Public Holidays: 1 May; 17 June

TERM 3: 14/07 – 18/09

Half Term 07/08 – 10/08

Public Holidays: 9 Aug; 24 Sept

TERM 4: 27/09 – 27/11

Half Term: 30/10 – 02/11