It was Mark Twain who said that a man’s character can be learned from

the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation and nowhere was

this point driven home more clearly than in a conversation I was

fortunate to be a part of, last week.

INSIDE:

RICHMOND AQUELLE MUDMAN

BOYS’ VOICES ACADEMIC

ACHIEVEMENTS

Follow me to page 2

20/04/2018 I TERM 2 I NEWSLETTER

ISSUE

79

2

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the School community for producing yet another great MiMs weekend. In particular, I

would like to thank all the boys for their tremendous resilience, dedication and professionalism during the preparation and the event

itself. We

GOODBYE TO STEVEN AND MELANIE…CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

MESSAGE FROM THE

EXECUTIVE HEAD

MESSAGE FROM OUR

EXECUTIVE HEAD

BOYS’ VOICES…continued from page 1

On Thursday I was a passenger in one of our vehicles, en route back to school from our performance at Midlands

Mall, along with our Technical Assistant, Van Wyk Oosthuysen, himself a past pupil of Drakies and three Grade 7

boys. David Whyte, the poet and author, says that a real conversation always contains an invitation, where the

other person is encouraged to reveal something of themselves to you and so, out of curiosity, I asked Van Wyk to

tell me about his experiences here as a boy. I wanted to learn what he felt he had gained from being a Drakie, as

well as what valuable life lessons the school had taught him. Then, as these things do, the discussion came to

include the three boys and what a heart-warming and real interaction it was.

All three told me it was their desire to come to our school, despite initial opposition from their parents. They told

me that it was extremely hard work and continues to be hard work, to balance the demands of the classroom with

the rigours of rehearsing, touring and performing. But each shared the unique coping mechanisms they had put in

place: from a conscious effort to manage their time more effectively, to various study techniques they had

embraced to help them remember academic content, lyrics and choreographed movements. They spoke glowingly

about their “new family,” namely their peers who are substituting for their biological family whilst they are here, as

well as the support they enjoy from their mentors.

They highlighted the opportunities Drakies has given them to tour, to visit fascinating (and some weird!) locations

around the country and the world. They were honest and forthright with me. They also admitted freely that they

suffer occasionally from home-sickness and that sometimes life can be tough here. Whilst they didn’t skirt around

the negative experiences, their tone of voice, their energy and the pride they have in being here, were obvious in

the way they spoke. The “adjectives” they used to describe their experiences, in reference to Twain’s statement,

spoke loudly to me about the type of boys with whom I was conversing.

Importantly, they shared how they have grown from being loskop laaities to young men who are confident, self-

assured and, critically, who can balance the many facets of life that being a Drakie, expect of one.

Every boy at this school has his story which is worth hearing and certainly worth sharing. These accounts and

anecdotes are the life blood of our institution, part of the weave that makes up the very fabric of our school. These

stories live on in the minds of the tellers and their fragrance is breathed into the walls, halls and dormitories of our

school.

In his last recorded, public speech, Stephen Hawking, the brilliant theoretical scientist who died last month,

reminded children of the importance of developing resilience and panggilan jiwa. He said, “Remember to look up at

the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder what makes the universe exist.

Be curious. However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.”

Arriving back at school, I stepped out of the car, conscious that the 90 minute drive had flashed by in what seemed

like an instant, but acutely aware of Hawking’s words in the context of the company I had just kept. It was a privilege

to spend time with 4 young men of great character, presence and composure…and yes, resilience. What a special

experience it was!

3

Arriving back at school, I stepped out of the car, conscious that the 90 minute drive had flashed by in what seemed like an

instant, but acutely aware of Hawking’s words in the context of the company I had just kept. It was a privilege to spend time

with four young men of great character, presence and composure… and yes, resilience. What a special experience it was!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Just before the start of the academic year, we as a staff, set the short-term goal of giving Chef and the boys every support

possible as they prepare for the World Choir Games. Whilst not taking our eye off the many other balls we juggle here each

day, we committed to doing everything we could to make sure our boys went into that competition as ready as they could

be.

Then I received a call a few weeks ago from Noel Williams, one of our parents, which culminated yesterday in the boys and

staff spending most of the day with Ricky Robinson, a personal friend of Noel and the driving force behind the LRMG

Performance Agency. His business profiles itself in the realm of performance-driven management consulting, learning

services and talent management to facilitate optimal growth of personal and business achievements.

Ricky agreed to come to the School to talk to the boys as his prime business focus is to help align people and environments

to optimal performance through a variety of performance-enhancing solutions. With Drakies deliberately going into the

Games below the radar, we felt that Ricky’s input would direct our focus, impress upon the boys the need to be the best

they can be and that he would provide us with solutions that could help us enhance what we do here.

It was an exhausting but highly stimulating day, as we spent the morning examining the factors behind the success of the

1936, USA 8-man rowing team, who took gold at Hitler’s premier event, the Berlin Olympics and then, in the afternoon, on

the deliberate turn-around of the All Black rugby team and how they became the best team in world rugby. The boys and

staff were introduced to the need for change, for re-envisioning, for examining our core values, for creating a winning

culture based on humility, coupled with a relentless desire to be better, that must permeate not only our Choir, but every

facet of school life.

Whilst there is much work to do, we have been blessed with the offer of help and support from Ricky and his organisation

for which we are truly grateful. It is also appropriate to thank Noel for his foresight and realisation of the impact Ricky can

have on our school.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Our Berg School, for boys not on the international tour runs from Wednesday 2 May through Friday 4 May.

We have a rich and exciting programme in place for them.

Parents of these boys please note, that there are aspects of the programme in which you are invited to participate or

attend. Please see below.

Grades 4, 5 and 6:

Time Activity

Other

Wednesday, 2 May 2018

4

06:45 Breakfast

07:30 Adventure Centre Paintball 100 balls

Tree Climb

Zip line

King Swing

Cost: +/- R250pp

Duration: +/- 2.5 hours

Scootours

7:30 – 9:30

Cost: R265 pp (10 capacity)

Duration: 2 hours

If there is time left over a hike will fill the rest of

the time

13:00 Lunch

14:00 –

16:30

Afternoon leadership activities/games

17:30 Supper

18:00 Showers

19:00 Movie

20:30 Phone time

21:00 Lights out - Tungay

Thursday, 3 May 2018

06:45 Breakfast

08:30 Walk up to Falcon Ridge

10:30 Falcon Ridge Bird Show Cost: child per R15

5

13:00 Lunch

14:00 –

16:00

Afternoon leadership activities/games

16:00 Start fires

17:30 Supper: Stok braai @ boma Parents invited to join braai

19:00 Stalk the lantern

20:30 Phone time

21:00 Lights out - Tungay

Friday, 4 May 2018

06:45 Breakfast

07:30 Adventure Centre

Parents invited to join

Scootours

Two sessions

7:30 – 9:30

9:30 – 11:30

Cost: R265 pp (10 capacity)

Duration: 2 hours

Abseiling (10 capacity)

Cost: R125 pp

Duration: 1 hour

Paintball (20 capacity)

Cost: R120

Duration: 1 hour

6

The above-mentioned itinerary is geared towards the Grade 4, 5 and 6s not going on international tour.

Total Cost of Activities per boy is R775

Parental Involvement.

Parents are invited to join the boys on Thursday night, 4 May, for a BYO braai. Activities on Friday morning are also open to

parents. There will be additional costs involved should parents wish to join activities. It is imperative to email

kbently@dbchoir.com indicating your intention to join activities. The Adventure Centre co-ordinates the logistics of the

programme. Please understand that the times that the groups participate in the different activities are beyond our control.

Indemnity forms will be emailed to parents to sign and return.

Friday afternoon: boys whose parents are at the school are welcome to leave with their parents to enjoy the mid-term

break.

Saturday morning: buses depart for those boys whose parents were not able to make the trip.

Please email kbently@dbchoir.com by Wednesday 25th April if you will be joining us.

Grades 7, 8 and 9 : The Anglo-Boer War (The Natal Campaign)

Wednesday morning 2 May will introduce the boys to the reasons behind the conflict: the concept of confederation, the

matter of vast mineral wealth, the southern tip of Africa as strategic real estate, the problem of the ‘uitlanders,’ the cosy

relationship between Germany and Kruger, amongst others.

Wednesday afternoon allows the boys some time either to play paint ball at the Adventure Centre, or to undertake a

ScootTour. (A favourable rate has been negotiated for these activities. The cost will be to your account.)

Thursday 3 May, all day, will see us tailing General Buller as he makes his way through Natal, with stops at Willow Grange

near Estcourt, Frere, Chievelley (where a British scout train was derailed by a Boer contingent), the capture of Churchill,

the Battle of Colenso and surrender of the British guns, as well as an exploration by the boys, to find Boer trenches which

are still in existence along the Thukela River.

If there is time left over a hike will fill the rest of

the time

13:00 Lunch

14:00 Afternoon free time/fort building Parents may take boys home

for mid-term break after lunch

17:30 Supper

18:30 Games night

20:30 Phone time

21:00 Lights Out - Tungay

7

Thursday night will allow the boys a chance to braai and bake stokbrood down at the boma. Parents are welcome to join

the braai on a BYO basis. We would love to have you with us.

Friday morning 4 May : The Battle of Spioenkop. Battlefield guide par excellence, Paul Naish, will take the boys through an

interactive tour of Spioenkop and then we invite parents to join us on the hill at 11:00 for a re-enactment of the battle by

the boys. They say that no bird ever sings on Spioenkop. Come and witness the eerie silence for yourself.

Friday afternoon: boys whose parents are at the School are welcome to leave with them to enjoy the mid-term break.

Saturday morning: buses depart for those boys whose parents were not able to make the trip.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Last Word.

Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.

Till next time

Greg Brooks

Executive Head

Ricky Robinson from LRMG Performance Agency

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NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES

VOICE GROUP OF THE WEEK:

TENORS

WEDNESDAY CONCERT AWARDS

Michael de Goede Douglas Yazbek Mohau Tladi

Reece Olsen Katlego Phetla

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CHORISTER OF THE WEEK

OUTSTANDING SOLOIST

Geo Kirsten (Chichester Psalms)

Henno Klopper

NEW BOY OF THE WEEK

Sentle Seithleko

MENTOR OF THE WEEK

Owen Mngewu - LJ Hay's mentor

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NEW BOYS: COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES

Ethan Seagreen Olerato Pega Sentle Seithleko Lethu Mashazi

Xander Erasmus André Coetsee Kwanele Dlamini Culo Magwaza

Sabelo Skosana

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INTRODUCING THE MAIN GUMBOOT SQUAD FOR 2018

Qhawe Mafika

Leader of the Gumboot Squad

Back Row: Brian Xulu, Max Tanesse, Qhawe Mafika, Itebogeng Machobane

Front Row: Samkelo Mdakane, Neo Ramalitse, Kabo Madi, Jesse Barth, Ntakaso Mbuli

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NEWS FROM THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TOP THREE IN EACH GRADE

1st place: Ethan Seagreen (85%)

2nd place: Nicholas Robinson (84%)

3rd place: Jared Hildebrand (80%)

1st place: Brett Fernihough (83%)

2nd place: Tjama Keta (82%)

3rd place: Khwezi Msimang (81%)

1st place: Reece Olsen (86, 7%)

2nd place: Walther de Bruin (85, 8%)

3rd place: Finlay Dalrymple (85, 7%)

GRADE 4

GRADE 5

GRADE 6

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1st place: Geo Kirsten (91%)

2nd place: Luan Wakeford (88%)

3rd place: Siphesihle Sigwebela (87%)

1st place: Sashin Rathinasamy (84%)

2nd place: Connor McKenzie (83%)

3rd place: Angus Sommerville (80%)

1st place: Alexander Brits (89%)

2nd place: Sean Morrick (87%)

3rd place: Matthew Robinson (85%)

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

GRADE 9

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DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR SCHOOL’S ACADEMIC A–TEAM TERM 1

WHEN YOUR PARENTS SURPRISE YOU WITH AN UNEXPECTED VISIT FROM AUSTRALIA

Caleb and Saskia Coffey

Noah and Saskia Coffey

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RICHMOND AQUELLE MUDMAN - SUNDAY, 15 APRIL 2018

04.45 on Sunday saw a keen but depleted team set out on the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Richmond to participate in the third of the Mudman series. It had been raining for the best part of two days, so we were not disappointed by the abundance of mud! With breakfast out the way and all of the bikes unloaded, we set off for the registration tent. This was so well organised that it was an absolute breeze. At 08.45 we were at the water’s edge for a briefing and, fifteen minutes later, the six swimmers from Drakies took to an icy dam! Kieran Griffin dived in like a dolphin, eager to get out the cold water in as short a time as possible. He completed the 750m swim very quickly, sprinted up the causeway and high-fived Matthew Frattaroli, who shot off on the 20km mountain biking stage. This stage followed a picturesque route - not that Matthew had a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery at the speed at which he was riding! Looking strong, he sped in at a great pace and handed over to his twin, Jonathan, for the 5km run. The latter bounded out of the transition area into an amazing forest run. In what seemed like a very short time, he came sprinting into the finishing area, ensuring that the Hawks 2 team won the Under 18 prize in a time of a minute 35 seconds. The Hawks 1 team was fourth overall while Eagle 1 finished in sixth place and Eagle 2 in seventh. Eagle 3 and Hawk 3 completed the event in ninth and tenth places respectively. We can be proud of our Drakies, notching up another fine win in the Under 18 event. Keith Branch

Proud winners!

Matthew Frattaroli,

Jonathan Frattaroli

and Kieran Griffin

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SOME MORE PHOTOS OF THE RICHMOND MUDMAN

The Team

Daniel van Jaarsveld

Brian Brits

17

18

19

The pace of life in our harmonious little enclave is rapidly gaining momentum. Aside from MiMs and tour prep,

marble season has now reached fever pitch. Even when the boys have only five minutes to spare, several

contests will instantly be on the go. I am happy to report that thus far no injuries have been linked to the

activity. I’ve been watching all the play rather enviously actually. I was quite a hotshot in my day. Perhaps a staff

versus student tournament could be arranged.

To my dismay, rugby season has also started. The seniors had their first practice on Tuesday and Mr Brooks took

our aspiring Bokke through a session of technique and fitness training. No tackling was involved. Well! Ten out of

twenty-three players have subsequently been to me with minor complaints – bruises and stiff muscles, for

example. This is not promising. At breakfast today, I gave everyone a speech suggesting that some might like to

consider choosing another sport before they risk exposing themselves to the actual game. And perhaps I’d better

keep an eye on the coach. Rugby enthusiasts can’t always to be trusted to prioritise bodily integrity.

Other than that, it’s been a week of throats, throats and throats. The worst day was Saturday – the result of

Friday the Thirteenth’ histrionics. Having heard the sustained shrieking intrinsic to these celebrations more

clearly than I would have liked, I wasn’t surprised when multitudes poured into the San with raspy voices the

next morning. Endless choir rehearsals obviously haven’t helped the situation either.

Inevitably there are also always a couple of chaps around with a slight throat bug. While this is usually no cause

for concern, I do admit to feeling a little anxious about the situation. When Chef passed me in the corridor

earlier he gave me a fierce look. He always gets like this just before festivals and tours. I suppose that a choir of

hoarse singers is not much use to him. All this pressure really isn’t doing my nerves any good though.

Sister Lianne

SNIPPETS FROM THE SAN

20

Neo Ramalitse

New Boy Choir 2018

21

TUNGAY HOUSE

There has been a lot of activity in Tungay recently.

To start with, the carpets and mattresses throughout the house were cleaned before the beginning of this term.

The wall in Dragons dorm has been repaired and repainted. The stairwell from Royce’s dorm down to the

administration area has had a revamp and the lower section has been painted blue to reflect the branding of

Drakies.

A blue stripe has also been painted along the wall in the passage adjoining Chickens dorm and motivational

quotations have been hung up to inspire the boys. A blackboard for additional weekly quotations has been

added.

The next phase of the upgrade will include new shower curtains and it is hoped that we will soon be able to have

the ceiling painted.

7s Heaven enjoyed an upgrade with new curtains kindly sponsored by the de Scally family. Tungay residents

sincerely appreciate this generous gesture.

This is a busy term for all of us but we won’t stop appreciating our beautiful mountain. We will take lots of deep

breaths and carry on smiling.

Music and fresh air. Soul Food.

Keith and Merle Branch

House Parents

NEWS FROM BOARDING

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Stefan Pretorius

22

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NEWS FROM THE PTA

Max Tanesse

GRADE 9 FUNDRAISING 2018

Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising drive so far.

Please pay a visit to our Grade 9 stand over MiMs where you will be able to place orders for any clothing that

you might have missed out on up to now (next delivery date will be parent’s weekend in June) and also view

and purchase the other merchandise we have on sale.

We will also have raffle tickets on sale, with fantastic prizes from generous sponsors in the valley and beyond.

In addition to this we will be taking orders and payments for “ Old Boy Plaques” for any grade 9’s who’d like to

order now for the end of the year or any other older old boy wanting to purchase theirs.

Lastly we have lots of lovely pictures that were drawn by your sons. If you missed it in a previous Take Note,

we are taking orders for these to be printed onto mugs which will make fantastic gifts from Mom or Dad,

Granny or Grandpa. Pop past and see what design your son has created.

We look forward to seeing you there.

fundraising@dbchoir.com

24

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Brett Fernihough Caleb Saks

Bandile Nzuza

22 April

Dylan Palm

23 April

Armand Kriel

26 April

Vhuthi Siwada

26 April

DATE EVENT TIME

20 - 22 April IQAA Survey Online

20 - 22 April MiMs Prep Weekend (Closed Weekend)

21 -22 April Wagen Drift Trail Run 06:00 - 09:30

22 April Chapel 18:00 - 19:00

25 April Wednesday Concert 15:30 - 17:30

27 -30 April Music in the Mountain Festival (MiMs)

Calendar 20 - 29 April 2018

DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR SCHOOL

PRIVATE BAG X20 | WINTERTON 3340 | KWAZULU-NATAL | SOUTH AFRICA

Tel: +2736 468 1012 | Fax: +2736 468 1709 | Email: administration@dbchoir.com | www.dbchoir.com

INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION NOT FOR GAIN - NPO 002-106

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