It was the first Friday of the 2nd Term and the Felixton College learners were sizzling with the World Cup fever. For the first time ever, we were allowed to come to school wearing our favourite soccer teams' jerseys. Our school was finally expressing its deep-felt pride in our country's greatest achievement yet....becoming a reality in 50 days time.
The morning was shiny and cool and the view that struck my eyes as I approached the school building was unbelievable. I saw a different, but rather more pleasant side of the so-called 'nerds' in the school; all of whom are actual supporters of soccer!! Unbelievable! Certain people were wearing English Premiership jerseys, some Bafana Bafana jerseys and others simply the teams they supported. It was as if everyone had been hiding in the closet all along and were finally set free to release their pride. Felixton was overrun by the spirit of the World Cup and I'm certain that day even the rugby coach gor confused which sport he liked best.
I saw the Headmaster standing in the front office gazing proudly at his learners wearing their respective colours. I could sense goose-bumps emerge from under his educated skin, and the blush on his qualified face was easy to detect. But either way, such emotions were almost unavoidable to anyone who has been in Felixton long enough. To see the school support soccer that much was just the greatest confirmation of the history about to be made in this country. Now, fortunately that wasn't the last soccer day at Felixton College, there will from now on be one every Friday. We are all looking forward to this event and we all want to celebrate together the greatest event ever to be held on African soil.
Every year a group of us who are sponsored by the M&E programme are invited to a camp where we do team exercises, fun activities and of course learn some new and interesting maths.
This year was by far the best camp we have had in 2 years. Besides the massive increase in the number of students involved (128 in total), there was also a remarkable advancement in the learning programme as well as the activities, which were very exciting. The camp was hosted at Leisure Bay (South Coast) and it was so amazing, living on the beachfront, waking up to the beautiful sunrise from the east of the ocean and breathing the fresh air of the waters.
On the first day we were all very anxious to meet each other. I must point out that many of the guys were looking forward to seeing the females (and vice versa) as we know what happens when teenagers get together.
We were divided into groups with the names of the participating World Cup Soccer teams as our group names. We were also each given a South African supporter's jersey which set every spirit closer to that of the nation ahead of this historical event.
My best experience was go-karting at the Wild Coast Sun where I drove at my maximum speed and outran my competitors, and that could possibly be the best R30 spent of my life.
And then, of course, there was a bit of learning here and there, 4 sessions of maths, science and LO during the day. The highlight was meeting Mr Peter Glover, the popular science teacher from the learning channel. Thanks to our incredibly organised maths teacher, we felt that all the work done there was revision for us.
Thank you to ISASA and all the sponsors involved in the M&E Programme for giving us the opportunity to develop ourselves in all aspects of life ahead of our long journey post-school.
We arrived at Treverton, a beautiful "village laid out" school overlooking the Midlands, on a cold, wintery day. We played exciting hockey, winning 3, drawing 1 and losing 4 of our matches, but the socialising and meeting sportsmen and women from the other schools was also an important part of the tournament. Our warcries were very vocal and festive and we even got the Sutherland and Howick teams shouting for us. We supported our hockey and rugby boys when we could and it strengthened our team spirit.
The evenings were full with a 60's themed function, a talent show (with some weird and wonderful performances) and a welcome by the Treverton Headmaster followed by sports bloopers clips.
We returned home weary after lots of matches, but content that we had played our best and formed new friendships.
Friday morning of the festival dawned and we were all very amped and ready for our first game of the festival. Our changeroom was Mrs van Zyl's classroom and all we could talk about was how ready we were for the games. Our first game was against Dainfern, from Gauteng, and unfortunately we took about a quarter of the game to start playing and lost. We watched the other teams and sussed out the other players from the opposing teams to see whether they looked bigger or fitter than us.
We stayed at the boarding house, Daffon House, and enjoyed going back there where we all headed for the showers (some put more energy into showering than playing rugby!). We had the best ever Chicken-a-la-king and then had fines afterwards. To end off the night we watched a movie which made all 22 rugby boys hide and scream.
We were woken up at 06:00 by a booming voice shouting, "Come on boys, it's time for fun". Mr Bennett took us for an early morning training session to prepare for our game. We didn't play to the best of our abilities, letting a few silly tackles go and we lost to St Peters (also from Gauteng).
Sunday was a rest day and a few of us went fishing with Mr Mitcheley and Mr Pillay. The highlight of the festival for Mr Mitcheley was catching his biggest bass ever (4,5kg). After the touch rugby, we watched an inspirational movie with Mr Bennett - which was a clever movie choice.
Monday morning arrived and we all wanted to show Mr Bennett that we are a team with great pride and honour when we wear our Felixton College jersey. Although we lost to Clifton (from Durban), we never gave up and wore our jersey proudly.
On behalf of the team, Mr Bennett has inspired everyone of us and to be coached by him is a privilege and an honour. He will be missed and I would like to say "Thank you Sir!".
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On Friday 16th April, the Felixton College 1st Girls' hockey team arrived at St Catherine's in full force. We were determined and motivated after having had an exciting tour during the March holiday to Treverton. We took to the field with our confidence levels sky-high and it showed in our hockey. Friday was a successful afternoon; with us walking away without a loss. All the girls were graciously hosted by Mr and Mrs Stead and after having attended the St Catherine's social, we were all too keen to go to bed.
Saturday arrived and we all knew that this was the toughest day. We played our hearts out and ended up 4th overall, which is the best our girls' team has ever performed at the challenge. Sincere thanks to all who supported us; it was immensely appreciated. We are looking forward to the rest of the season, as well as the challenges that lie ahead.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome 3 new teachers and 10 new learners to the College this term.
Mr Craig McIlrath joins us in a newly created position as Deputy Head of the Junior School. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the position of “Championing” the Junior School.
Mr Steve Raphael joins us as a Maths teacher in the High School. We know we will reap the benefit of his maths and pharmaceutical experience (not to mention his love of music and rugby).
Mrs Sam Poustie joins us as the Grade R teacher at Roots. Sam worked at St Catherine’s for 10 years and is not only an excellent teacher, she is also well known to the Zululand community.
All 3 staff members have children at the College (Duncan McIlrath Gr 1, Chloe Poustie Gr 2, Keegan Poustie Gr 5, Kelsey McIlrath Gr 5, Michael Raphael Gr 8 and David Raphael Gr 10).
Welcome to the following learners – we trust you will be very happy at Felixton College: Grade RRR – Aidan Mageira, Grade RR – Connor Magiera, Grade 1 – Duncan McIlrath, Grade 2 – Chloe Poustie, Grade 3 – Matthew McIntyre, Grade 4 – Christiaan van Niekerk, Grade 5 – Kelsey McIlrath and Grade 9 – Christine Strydom, Tyren Eichler and Mohamed Hansa.
The Grade 4 and 5 learners went to Stewart’s Farm during the last week of last term. The children visited a Zulu Cultural Village where they learnt Zulu dancing, tasted Zulu beer, made zulu spears and designed beaded necklaces.
We visited local informal farms and learnt the importance that it plays in the life of the Zulus. The children went on a tough 5km hike around Stewarts farm and enjoyed interacting with their environment. The girls and boys were well-behaved and enjoyed learning more about the Zulu culture.
My favourite moment at Stewart’s farm was……
When we went to the Cultural village and we had a Zulu dancing competition. Sarah and I won! Nombuyiselo Mdluli – Gr 5
When we played idols and we came second. I really enjoyed myself. Kumeshan Bhudu – Gr 5
When we played Stalk the Lantern and when we ate ice-cream! – Deveshni Naidoo – Gr 5
When we threw knobkerries at a wooden buck. I hit the buck on the head! - Tim Shepherd – Gr 5
During the team building exercise and playing with the dog. I still miss the dog! - Dwane Hayes – Gr 5
When we ate grapefruit in the orchard. – Jason Loosemore – Gr 5
When we went on a hike and made Zulu spears. – Tumi Ntheledi – Gr 4
The food, the activities and the cabins we slept in. – Dylan Palavar – Gr 4
When I got to dance and drink Zulu beer at the cultural village. - Sthelo Kubheka – Gr 4
Sleeping in the cabin because it felt like my own home. – Chris Prinsloo – Gr 4
The team building because we had to swim! – Ntando Mthuli - Gr 4
1st Team Netball Tour to the South Coast by Cyan Patterson (Captain)
On 7th April the 1st Netball girls and coach, Ms Simenson, left for the South Coast to be hosted by Margate Sports School and South Coast Academy. Eager to excel and ready for anything, the girls participated in a four-day coaching clinic and a mini-tournament of practice matches. With a player short and 3 injuries with which to contend, training was tough, but the girls excelled, coming first in many of the individual player evaluations. Congratulations to Vice-Captain, Lindo Madonsela, who was chosen by various umpires as one of the top-ten players of the week. The girls thoroughly enjoyed themselves and also spent some free time at the beach, the cinema and cliff-diving! Thank you to Ms Simenson and Ms Ncube (assistant coach) for an awesome tour.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ……Cyan Patterson, who was selected for U21 Zululand Netball and Lindo Madonsela, who was selected for U19 Zululand Netball. We are so proud of you ladies!
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