Graeme College - Graeme ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Graeme College
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Friday 25 February 2022
“We must dare to be great; and we must realize that greatness is the fruit of toil and sacrifice and high courage.” -
Theodore Roosevelt.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Message from the
Don'tDeputy Headmaster
run away from challenges, RUN OVER THEM! -“Nike”
Next week, we celebrate Graeme College’s 149th year – and of course 12 months from now, a great celebration when the
school turns 150. We look back and celebrate the founding of the school, but also celebrate what it has evolved into –
what it is today. With that in mind, we can also get excited about what is still to come.
It is also a solemn occasion, as we also pay tribute to those who have given the greatest possible sacrifice. It is a ceremony
where we honour those who have given their lives for democracy and peace in South Africa and across the world. With the
current conflict in Ukraine keeping the world watching in apprehension and dismay, it is easy to see how greed and
hunger for power can lead to international conflict and even world war. So many lives have been lost protecting freedom
in the world and so many Graemian families have paid that ultimate price. It was not just in international conflict where
those battles for freedom were fought – it was also within our own borders. So many South Africans paid that same price
to protect freedom far closer to home. That is such a big part of what we celebrate on our Founder’s Day as well – and it is
a monumental part of who we are as a school today. We celebrate the families that founded this great school so many
years ago, but we are such a different place today; and we are a better place 149 years later. Everyday our learners look for
new role-models that inspire them to become better men and better Graemians; and of course, better South Africans. I
think Theodore Roosevelt had come across ‘Virtute et Opera’ before - I look at the quote at the top of this newsletter, and
TempletonTempleton
Drive, Grahamstown
Drive, Grahamstown PO
PO
PO Box
BOX
Box 281, Grahamstown,
281, 281, Grahamstown,
Grahamstown, 6140 6140
6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 0467491
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za t: 046-622 7227 f: 046-622 622 7491
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
smile at how perfectly it fits our school motto. Well let us ‘dare to be great’ - and may the next 10 years be the very best of
Graeme College.
Join us next week Friday at 12h00, as we proudly celebrate who we are today. We acknowledge our past, and always
respect those who came before us. It is amazing to see that one of the legends of the college, returns for his 50th reunion
this year. It will be fantastic to have Ian Suttie and his peer group celebrate with us next week. Two years ago, I met
Graemians who matriculated in 1946 at the Founder’s celebration. It is such a great occasion, filled with pride and
nostalgia.
“They shall not grow old,
as we that are left to grow old:
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them…”
G. van Molendorff
Academics
Rhodes University Presentation
Last year, Graeme College embarked on liaising with parents working at Rhodes University to come and host some
academic extension courses. We are very excited to advertise the very first of these which will be happening next week.On
Wednesday 2 March Dr McConnachie will present the first of two lectures titled, “COPYRIGHT: What is it and why is it
important?”. Anyone from Grade 10 - 12 who is interested needs to be seated in the music school auditorium by 14h15.
Find out how artists like Dr Dre have got themselves into trouble. A must attend for all music students and those
interested in careers in law or sound engineering.
Rugby Day 2022- Sponsorship
Contact Debbie Labuschagne via marketing@graemecollege.co.za if you would like to advertise/ sponsor at Rugby Day.
Graeme College Rugby Day is a massive event on the South African rugby calendar and will be going ahead this year on 19
March 2022. We have more than ten thousand people passing through our gates during the day and this year it is going to
be streamed live on SuperSport. It is thereby the perfect opportunity for advertising your business and we invite
individuals/businesses to partner with us.
❏ An advert in our DIGITAL Rugby programme
- free for anyone who sponsors a team
- R400 for half page
- R200 for a quarter page
- R600 for full page
❏ Donations of items for players
❏ Coach goodie bags (40) – items to put into.
❏ Player T shirts - each team can be sponsored individually (19 teams in total consisting of 23 players)
- R2500 (full sponsorship) (TBC)
❏ Advertising around the field on the day
- gazebo (R2000 for manned gazebo for pamphlets etc.)
- banner R500
- feather advertising – up to 3 feather flags (R500)
- gazebo that the teams sit under (R1000)
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
Music
Steelband rehearsal times:
Monday: 14h00 - 14h30 Beginner Steelband (Grade 8)
14h30 - 15h00 Intermediate Steelband (Grade 9)
Tuesday: 13h30 - 14h15 Senior A Steelband
14h15 - 15h00 Senior B Steelband (Grade 10)
Friday: 14h00 - 15h00
Junior Choir:
Junior Choir: Mondays 14:00-14:45
* Please note that if your son does sport on a Monday before 3pm,
he has standing permission to join his sport practise after choir
practice has ended.
Senior Choir: Thursdays 13:00-14:30
New marimba times:
Marimba A:
Mondays at 14h00-15h00
Marimba B:
Tuesdays at 13h30-14h15
Marimba C:
at 13h30 - 14h15
These four Grade 3 boys have been doing daily good deeds here at the music centre. Out of their own accord they started
visiting Mrs Niesing during break times and volunteered to help set up for classes or with other little tasks that make the
classroom tidy. We are so proud of them for showing their appreciation for our music rooms by helping us to look after it.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
Music
Personality of the week:
Ambesa Cagwe is our music personality of the week. He's been
working on writing his own musical which we hope can be
performed by Graeme College once complete. His story line is very
mature with themes of discrimination and racism yet still manages
to come across with the standard joyfulness one can expect from a
musical. Keep working Ambesa! We are so proud of you.
Junior School- Graemian of the week
Junior School - Graemian of the Week: Elgenio Oersen.
Elgenio plays for the u13A cricket team. In their match against Kingswood
the team was well ahead, needing 2 wickets to win with a hundred runs in
hand. In other words, the match was already won. Elgenio, fielding on the
boundary, sprinted about 15m, dived soccer-goalie style across the turf,
saved the boundary and then bounced up and zipped the ball into his
wicket-keeper. He didn't have to do that. This act of commitment,
dedication and concentration makes Elgenio our first Graemian of the
Week. What a great example for others to follow. Well done!
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
Chess
A phenomenal result for Lelami Ndumndum in Grade 8 who came first
in the Buffalo City Chess Trials on 19 February. He entered in both the
U14 and U16 B sections. Congratulations Lelami!
Extra Activities
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
Grade 3s
In Life Skills, the Grade 3 boys have been looking at themselves, their history, their feelings and their friendships. They
explored important events which have taken place in their lives. They then learnt about the fact that a timeline is a
graphical representation of a period of time, on which important events are marked in chronological order. With a bit of
help, the boys then plotted their important life events on a timeline of their own.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
Grade 11s
Exploring the kingdom Plantae:
Over the past few weeks, the Grade 11 Life Science classes have been learning about the characteristics of the various
divisions of plants. They have had the opportunity to observe specimens showing the typical characteristics of these
different divisions.
Given the importance of plants in every aspect of our lives, we study plants to understand processes that are critical to
our own survival and to the health of the planet. Beyond their obvious importance, plants have played key roles in a
broad range of biological discoveries that have helped us understand some of the most fascinating mysteries of life!
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
Sports- Cricket
Fixtures for tomorrow:
Senior School
1st & u14A vs Union (home)
u15A - invited to play in the Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival (Makhanda)
Cricket Results: Another emphatic weekend of cricket for Graeme College!
The Graeme College cricketers continued their impressive season against Kingswood this Saturday. Despite the 1st XI and
u11A side losing their matches, Graeme were thrilled to win the 2nd, 3rd, u15A, u14A, u13A, u13B, u11B and u9A matches
against Kingswood. Graeme won 8 of the 10 matches played on Saturday.
The 1st XI lost narrowly at the end of a long days cricket. They were below par for most of the day, after a flat bowling
performance. Kingswood batted well to take advantage of inconsistent bowling, although kept Graeme in the game with
regular wickets. Kingswood scored 188 all out in their first innings. Viwe Gana (3 for 50) and Murray Tyson (3 for 32) were
the pick of the bowlers. Graeme succumbed to tight bowling in their first innings, and were very disappointed to be
bowled out for 77. Kingswood had dominated most of the match, with Graeme not showing much resistance at this
stage.
Aphiwe Mnyanda struck early in the Kingswood second innings, and had the visitors 2 wickets down for no runs.
Kingswood batted aggressively to reach 34/3 when they declared. That left Graeme a seemingly unreachable target of 146
with 20 overs remaining in the day, with only 5 second innings wickets in hand. Graeme showed great intent though, and
batted superbly. For the first time in the day, they showed some form of dominance. Mihlali Kobese got Graeme off to the
perfect start with an exciting 31. Murray Tyson was brilliant as he put Graeme in a very strong position with 40 off 25 balls.
That left Graeme a target of 24 off the final 24 balls, but wickets plagued their chance of victory. The match went into the
final over, with Graeme needing 10 runs, and Kingswood needing one wicket. Kingswood struck early and claimed the 5th
wicket, bowling Graeme out for 135 in their second innings. Kingswood won by 10 runs, and were full value for their win.
Graeme were superb in the last 2 hours of the day, but would sorely be regretting the lack of intent earlier in the day. It
ended a superb cricket match played in good spirit by both teams.
The 3rds match was unfortunately reduced to a T20, but the Graeme team produced top quality performance. Kingswood
were 57 all out, with Joey Matsoso (3 for 11) and Sivu Sixaba (3 for 17) bowling superbly well. Graeme reached their target
comfortably winning by 8 wickets.
The 2nd XI continued their great form as they clinched a clinical 2 wicket victory. It was another long day, ending in victory
for the 2nds. Chasing 173 to win, Graeme showed great maturity and determination again. Someleze Guysman was
outstanding, taking 5 for 30 and was well supported by AC Mnandi (2 for 7). The backbone of the run chase was led by
Asemahle Mbanga (40*), Ethan Beyleveld (34) and Ashton Williams (25).
The u15A side bounced back, after being the only team to lose the week before. They were sublime this weekend as they
declared on 272 for 8 after 50 overs. Luphelo Mdyesha (82), Inathi Planga (52) and Ethan Bokbaard (48) set up the day for
Graeme.
Kingswood were bowled out for 118 in their first innings, with Luphelo Mdyesha (4 for 10) and Ryan Stobbs (4 for 45) doing
most of the damage. Kingswood followed on and scored 37 in their second innings. Graeme won by an innings and 117
runs.
It was a similar result in the u14A game. Andrew Muir picked up phenomenal figures of 7 for 16 and combined well with
Rhys Wiblin (3 for 18) to bowl out Kingswood for 53 in their first innings.
In reply Chris Zimmerman scored a flawless 73, enabling Graeme to declare on 174 for 3. Enrique Strydom (2 for 6)
restricted Kingswood to 60 in their second innings, giving Graeme a win by an innings and 61 runs.
The u9A boys had a great day. Kingswood scored 86/ 9 with Daniel Coetsee (2 for 3) and Josh Potts (2 for 10) being the
pick of the bowlers.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
Sports- Cricket
The Graeme openers chased the score down to win by 10 wickets. Daniel Coetsee and Jaden Smith both ended on 25 not
out.
The u11Bs bowled Kingswood out for 103 with Cruden Mills (4 for 10) and Morne Bodenstein (2 for 14) bowling brilliantly.
Graeme were superb in the run chase as Callum Cox (25) and Mason de Vos (17) took the team to a 8 wicket victory.
The u11A team had a very uncharacteristic day in the office. They were outplayed by a good Kingswood performance on
the day. Kingswood scored 132 for 6 with Daniel Hanlon (2 for 14) and Iminathi Mali (2 for 15) bowling well. Graeme were
40 all out, giving Kingswood a 92 run win.
The Graeme u13C side had a good 7 wicket win over SAP, after Nathan Gonqga picked up 4 for 5 and restricted SAP to 63.
The u13B side bowled Kingswood out for 80, with Ashton Burger (2 for 11) and Avu Mnandi (2 for 23) bowling well. Ashton
Burger (24*) led the run chase well, as Graeme won by 6 wickets.
The u13A team also continued their superb form. Graeme scored 186/ 7 in 50 overs, with Zukho Pontshi (40) and Connor
Holder (39*) holding their innings together. In reply Kingswood were 86 all out. The bowlers all chipped in and shared the
wickets. Kitts McConnachie, Elginio Oerson, Zukho Pontshi and Lervano Gill picked up 2 wickets each.
Summary of scores:
Graeme u9A vs Kingswood u9A
Kingswood u9A 86/9
Daniel Coetsee 2/3
Josh Potts 2/10
Graeme u9A 87/0
Daniel Coetsee 25 not out
Jaden Smith 25 not out
Graeme won by 10 wiickets
Graeme u11B vs KC
KC 103 all out.
Cruden Mills 4-10
Morne Bodenstein 2-14
Graeme 104-2
Callum Cox 25
Mason de Vos 17
Graeme won by 8 wickets.
u11A vs Kingswood
Kingswood 132/6
Daniel Hanlon 2/14
Iminathi Mali 2/15
Graeme 40 all out
Graeme lost by 92 runs
Right: Old Graemian's representing the EP Men's Rural Cricket team
in Oudtshoorn this week: Lakhanya Sam, Odwa Xonxa and
Liam Agnew.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491
Sports- Cricket
Graeme u13C vs St Andrews Prep u13C
St Andrews 63 all out
Nathan Gongqa 4/5
Graeme 64/3
Ruben Bodenstein 17 not out
Graeme won by 7 wickets
Graeme u13B vs Kingswood
Kc all out for 80
Ashton Burger 2/11
Avu Mnandi 2/23
Gc 81/4
Ashton Burger 24*
GC won by 6 wickets
U13A vs Kingswood
Graeme made 186-7 in 50 overs
Zuko Pontshi 40
Connor Holder 39 not out
Kingswood 86 all out
Kits McConnachie 2/8
Zuko Pontshi 2/8
Elgenio Oerson 2/7
Lervano Gill 2/11
Graeme won by 100 runs
U14A vs Kingswood
KC U14A 53 all out
Andrew Muir 7/16
Rhys Wiblin 3/18
Graeme u14A 174/3 dec
Chris Zimmerman 78
2nd innings
KC u14a 60/5
Enrique Strydom 2/6
Graeme won by an innings and 61 runs
15A vs Kingswood
Graeme 272 -8 dec (50 overs)
Luphelo Mdyesha 82
Inathi Planga 51
Ethan Bokbaard 48
Lihle Mabusela 37
KC 118 all out
Luphelo Mdyesha 4 for 10
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports- Cricket
Ryan Stobbs 4 for 45
GC lead was 157
KC 37 -5 in their 2nd innings
Ryan Stobbs 2 for 4
GC won by an innings and 117 runs.
3rds vs Kingswood
57 all out (three ducks in their top 4)
Joey Matsoso 3 for 11
Sivu Sixaba 3 for 17
Graeme 58/2
Graeme won by 8 wkts.
2nd XI vs Kingswood
Kingswood 172 All out
Someleze Guysman 5/30
Achumile Mnandi 2/7
Graeme 2nd XI 173/8
Asemahle Mbanga 40*
Ethan Beyleveld 34
Ashton Williams 25
Graeme College won by 2 wickets.
1st XI vs Kingswood
Kingswood 1st innings 188 all out.
Murray Tyson 3 for 32
Viwe Gana 3 for 50
Graeme 1st innings 77 all out.
Onosizo Ntinga 23
Kingswood 2nd innings 32/3 declared.
Aphiwe Mnyanda 2 for 8
Graeme 2nd innings 135/5
Murray Tyson 40
Mihlali Kobese 31
Mornay Kohl 18 not out
Kingswood won by 10 runs.
Pictured right: Graeme vs Helpmekaar at the
u15 Independent Schools' Cricket Festival,
hosted in Makhanda today.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports- Cricket
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports- Swimming
Hosted at Graeme yesterday was our swimming gala and here are a few pictures of the junior boys participating.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports- Swimming
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports- Tennis
Fixture: Monday 28 February
The top 8 open boys will be traveling to Cradock to play against Marlow.
Well done to the following boys who have been selected to the GAP tennis team.
Below- Players and rankings:
u/10 boys:
Julian Boy 2
u/16 boys:
Bukho Hoboshe 5
Jesse McConnachie 2
u/12 boys:
Murray Tyson 4
Connor Holder 1
Ryan Stobbs 7
Tyler Bouwer 3
Cameron Doyle 8
Gino O’Brien 8
Open: Christiano Jasson 6
u/14 boys:
Kits McConnachie 1
Andrew Muir
Christopher Zimmerman (Muir & Zimmerman to play for positions 3 & 4)
Below pictures are from the GAP trials.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports- Tennis
Senior Tennis:
Tennis vs Kingswood on Tuesday 22 February
GC U13A won 63 - 40 in games
GC U13B won 56 - 50 in games
A combination of Open and U14/15 tennis players played against Port Alfred on Monday afternoon. The boys had a
successful afternoon, winning 84 games to 47 games. Pictures below.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Rugby
Gum Guards for Junior Rugby players :
Gum guards will be encouraged in the Junior school this year . Rugby season will start after the last cricket match which is
played on the 2nd of March .
Please purchase a gum guard at your earliest convenience! This will help with safety and concussions . More info to
follow.
Sports- Golf
School Golf Plan 2022
The Belmont Golf Club School plan is available for boys at Graeme College that are interested in becoming scholar
members. Boys are able to pay a once off fee for 2022 which will allow them to play as much golf as they like at no extra
cost . Boys must have their own golf clubs to play golf at The Belmont .
This plan Is open to all Graemians from Grade 4 to Grade 12 .
Please contact Mr Kilian if you would like further information, please email:
s.kilian@graemecollege.co.za
Athletics
The following athletes have been selected to compete at the Provincial Athletics Championships taking place next
weekend (3rd - 5th March) in Gqeberha. Well done boys, we are extremely proud of you all!
1) Esinako Jadi – 1500m and 3000m
2) Matthew Koopman – Long Jump
3) Ayamila Bill – Shotput and High Jump
4) Likhona Mhono – 100m
5) Mihali Xalabile – Long Jump and Triple Jump
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports - Mountain Biking
Well done to the boys who completed a 20km ride up mountain drive this week.
Gavin Wille, an old boy from 1986, decided in 2020 to participate in the Tour Aotearora cycle race, a grueling 3000
kilometre ride that spans the length of New Zealand. Gavin, over the last few years, has challenged himself by competing
in the Cape Epic MTB stage race, The Pioneer MTB and the Swiss Epic MTB stage race. These are some of the toughest
mountain bike races in the world. The Graeme College motto, “Virtute et Opera” (courage and toil) has been exemplified
during these achievements.
Gavin decided to raise money for some mountain bikes that could assist the boys at Graeme College. He called on friends
and other old boys to help with fundraising and managed, through Cycle Asylum in Port Alfred, to donate five bicycles to
Graeme College. Due to lockdown and bike availability, Graeme College only received the bikes this year.
The Graeme College pupils have shown an enormous amount of interest and have been taken on bike rides over
Mountain Drive and through other trails around Makhanda. They have been given lessons in road safety, how to correctly
change gears and how to properly maintain the bikes.
Graeme College is extremely grateful to Gavin, Ian Sorer (owner of Cycle Asylum) and all those that contributed to making
this possible.
Diary from Gavin's Ride:
North Island: We started riding directly into a 20 knot headwind down 90 Mile Beach, and I
knew I was in for a massive challenge. My general fitness level is good, but my love of beer
meant that I was carrying a fair bit of excess weight. This, together with all the additional
equipment attached to the bike, made for one big mass that needed to be shifted from the
top of North Island to the bottom of the South Island. The trip had a number of photo points
where we had to take evidence of having been there and done that. This added adventure
to the ride and ensured that we took the time to take in and appreciate our surroundings.
One of the first photo stops was a massive Kauri called Tane Mahuta where I found out that
it is not only South Africans who say it as it is. Whilst taking photos in front of the tree, a
German tourist looked at me in disbelief when I told him I was cycling the whole way to Bluff and said “you may actually
lose some weight on this trip!”
The biggest challenge was to stay on the bike and avoid any incidents.
After 3 days of relatively calm road conditions, we entered Auckland where things became crazy! Within 15 km of the ferry
from Pouto Point to Helensville one of our cycling group was hit by a car on Old North Road. Initially it looked pretty
serious, but after an ambulance trip to the hospital, she was really in luck to get away with a broken knee, a split lip and
lots of bruising. As a cyclist, I’m amazed by the complete lack of patience shown by drivers on our roads. This was
especially noticeable in Auckland, Palmerston North and Greymouth. I’m not sure slowing down for even half a minute
would have made the slightest difference to anyone’s commute time!
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports - Mountain Biking
After a few days of focusing on saving my butt more than anything else, my cycling partner through most of North Island
had the smallest of slips off a path in the remote ‘Bridge to Nowhere’ track. Like 4 other cyclists on the very same section
this ‘small’ slip resulted in broken ribs and a punctured lung with a free trip in a rescue helicopter to Taranaki hospital. It
was another reminder to take it easy and to push the heavy bike than attempt to ride the tricky sections.
A week of rubbing from my cycling shorts was starting to become a cause for concern. Even with a 2 hourly lube ritual, the
padding was creating a number of raw areas. Riding alone now, I decided to wear my shorts inside out with the green
padding on the outside! Well, the comments came thick and fast but it seemed to be enough of a change to get me
through to Wellington where I managed to buy a brand-new pair of shorts! It also helped me find a new cycling partner.
He stopped to chat and to take a photo of my inside outs and a great new partnership was formed on the Inter-islander
ferry where we tried to eat and drink as much as we could as we had paid for the priority lounge pass!
South Island
Armed with a new set of shorts and a new friend, Rod Snodgrass, I entered the South Island with a lot more excitement.
After 12 tough days, my body was starting to get used to riding around 130km a day. My attitude also changed as I now
had 18 days left to explore a new world which had only been described to me by friends who had done specific mountain
bike tracks. My biggest hangover was in Murchiston, all due to a mix up in accommodation. Rod and I had met by pure
accident again at the best pie shop in Wakefield for breakfast, as one does. We decided to ride together for the day and
along the way we booked a room each at the Murchiston Hotel on booking.com. After a long day’s cycling, and being
lifted off our feet by sand flies in Lake Rotoroa, we arrived to a packed Super Rugby pub on a Friday night. We headed
straight for the pub without even checking in and ordered a couple of beers.
A little later, I enquired about our rooms, only to be told that the barmaid was too busy serving in the pub to check us in
and we did the right thing and ordered a couple more beers. We enquired about our rooms again later only to find that
the hotel booking system was part manual and had some design flaws - which meant it did not automatically sync with
booking.com. Neither of us actually had a room. I ordered a couple more beers and told the barmaid we would be sitting
outside.
A while later she came and offered to set up 2 beds in a bar lounge at the rear of the pub. We jumped at the offer and had
to stay up until the last patrons went home!
This was the day our lucky weather streak started and it stuck with us the whole way to the end. We started being referred
to as the weather gods because we did not have any cycling in rain right through to the end!
It is the small kind things that people do to make you feel comfortable and special when you’re feeling down. A hoot, a
smile, a laugh, a clap, a cheer, an offer to clean clothes, a good meal and, of course, a cold beer. Together with the
stunning scenery, these events and scenes are all experiences that have been magically added into my personal memory
bank. I can honestly say that I’m unable to do them justice by putting them into words or capturing them in photographs.
After 23 days and 1 hour I completed the trip of a lifetime. It was made even more special by the people I cycled with, the
friends and family supporting me, the amazing individuals who donated to my cause and, of course, my lovely wife who
had to endure more than 3 weeks of daily angst knowing I was amongst it in the wild NZ outdoors!
One last call out has to go to the Kennet Brothers who designed this full course. It included the best that NZ has to offer!
The great cycle ways that the route is built around are the result of many years of government investment which I can
honestly say will be an asset for generations to come. The number of leisure cyclists on e-bikes using the tracks was really
encouraging especially as they were predominantly boomers! Now get out there and explore!
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports - Mountain Biking
Below are the photos of Gavin's ride. Some stunning scenery!
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Sports - Mountain Biking
Below are the photos of the donation of bikes and some of the bike rides our boys have been on.
Leopard's Trek
The Initiative:
Andrew Brouckaert, along with five other Old Graemians plan to cycle from Cape Town to Makhanda; a distance of over
1000km in 9 days in an attempt to raise funds. They will arrive at Graeme College on Founder's Day.
The Reason:
To help raise funds for learners who dont have sufficient medical insruance. This was highlighted by a horrible incident
during the previous rugby season.
The plan is to provide financial and emotional support for young Graemians.
The Objective:
All funds raised will go towards a Trust Fund aimed at supporting learners in need.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491The Old Boys who are riding the Leopard's Trek from Cape Town to Makhanda/Grahamstown, set off yesterday morning
for an 86km first day. Thank you to all who have contributed to this worthy cause, whether it be time, product, kit,
equipment, hard earned cash or even arranging a meal along the way. Thank you, it all goes a long way to making the
challenge worthwhile. To date they are sitting at 83% of the target.
You can follow the Leopard’s Trek on https://www.facebook.com/Leopards-Trek-113017991305980
To donate to the Leopard’s Trek:
Standard Bank - Graeme College
Acc: 081 996 551
Branch: 051001
Ref: LT+Name
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Car Boot Sale
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Saturday for our car boot sale. As you can tell from the pictures, it was a great
way to spend a Sunday morning!
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Pre-School- Grade 00
On Tuesday it was the 22-2-22. The pre-primary boys celebrated this once in a lifetime day as "2’s Day". They could come
to school dressed in something that started with the letter “T”. The grade 00 class even tried their hand at tie-dying a t-
shirt. Here are a few snaps of them enjoying the day.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Pre-School- Grade R
The Grade R boys celebrated a little differently on Tuesday. They wore ties, top hats and two funky socks! What a cute
ensemble this was to see!
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Pre-School- Grade 00 & Grade R
It was silly hat day today- look at these sweet faces enjoying wearing some incredible hats!
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Events
The annual Graeme Rugby Day will once again live up to its
expectations, with a lot of excitement, plenty of entertainment
and some passionate rugby. We are excited to host and
welcome rugby enthusiasts who come to support the boys. A
programme of riveting matches are planned for 19 March.
The fixtures:
Somerset Field: 8am: Pearson v Mary Waters; 9.10am: Hudson
Park v Nico Malan; 10.20am: Cambridge v Muir; 11.30am: Dale v
Marlow Agricultural; 12.40pm: Grey High v Brandwag; 1.50pm: St
Andrew’s v Framesby; 3pm: Kingswood v Queen’s; 4.10pm:
Graeme v Selborne
Boys don’t become healthy, resilient, responsible men all by
themselves. Boys need a good role model in their lives that will
support them and hold them to account as they grow to
become the best version of themselves.
Our Father & Son Camp is a rare opportunity to strengthen your
relationship with your son and spend some time together.
This annual event will take place this year on the 25 March
2022. The camp is open to all Grade 00-Grade 7 boys and they
can be accompanied by their father, granddad or uncle (a
family member).
This camp is a chance for your son to relax, enjoy a boerewors
roll together and hot chocolate/coffee around a fire and
connect with you, his primary male role model. It is also to
socialise with other dads and sons, in a safe and fun
environment on our school field. The camp is a very special
occasion – a lot of fun, some beautiful moments together - An
absolute win-win for the father and son relationship.
Here is the link to the form to fill in:
https://www.graemecollege.co.za/media/1440/father-and-
sons-camp-letter-2022.pdf
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Events
March 4, 2022 at 18h30
Templeton Hall, Graeme College
Tables left: Only 2 tables left!
Join us for an evening at Graeme College, as we raise funds
towards the Simnikiwe Bosman Trust and other learners who
struggle financially for medical insurance cover.It will be R3500
for a table of eight or R4000 for a table of 10, which includes a
three-course meal, and R500 drinks voucher.
We are delighted to be joined by Chris Kingsley (Sport/ Tries for
Lives), who will also be part of our Q&A session with a panel of
elite sportsmen.
Our guests include:
Alan Weyer - Master of Ceremonies
Chris Kingsley - Sport for Lives
Q&A Panel: Keegan Daniel & Cedric Mkhize have confirmed so
far.
To RSVP: Contact Debbie Labuschagne to book tickets
071 687 4531 • marketing@graemecollege.co.za.
MAKANA BRICK NITE RACE – 2022
This 8-kilometre NITE RACE takes place on WEDNESDAY 9
MARCH.
START TIME: 5.30pm
REGISTRATION: From 4.30pm
START/FINISH VENUE: Somerset field, Graeme College
ENTRANCE FEE: R10 for scholars and R20 for adults
GIVEAWAYS: Pineapples for all finishers, medals for first 500
finishers and plenty of spot prizes!
PROCEEDS: The proceeds from this annual event will go to
Grahamstown Hospice
BOERIE ROLLS & PANCAKES WILL BE ON SALE (Graeme
College fundraiser)
CASH BAR AVAILABLE
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491Community Outreach
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROJECT TERM 1:
We are collecting second hand, good quality, clothing
and shoes for the less fortunate- clothing articles from
babies to adults. There is a prize for the class that
donates the most items of clothing and shoes.
Please help us to help the less fortunate with the added
bonus of a spring clean at home.
All items must be made for the attention of Ms White.
Calendar
Link to Graeme College Google Calendar:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r?cid=public.calendar@graemecollege.co.za
Stay Connected
Do you follow us on the following platforms?
Instagram:
@graemecollege
@graemeboys
Facebook:
Graeme College
Covid Questionnaire - must be completed by all visitors and sports teams visiting Graeme College. It must be
completed on the day that you visit. Click on this link: http://bit.ly/GCcovidQ
Awsum App:
https://www.awsum.co.za/download-the-awsum-app-for-schools
Library
Library times
The library will be open at first break only, every day. If you would like your son to study in the library in the afternoons, you
need to write a letter to the school (Mrs Strutt) to get permission. Thank you for your cooperation.
2nd Hand Clothing Shop
The Graeme College second-hand clothing shop will be open between 13h00 and 14h00 every Monday, Wednesday and
Friday (excluding public holidays and school holidays). Please contact Mrs Mary Siebritz should you have any queries.
Templeton Drive, Grahamstown PO Box 281, Grahamstown, 6140
info@graemecollege.co.za www.graemecollege.co.za Tel: 046 622 7227 Fax: 046 622 7491You can also read
