From the Principal's Desk - Epworth School
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Term 3 2021, edition 2
From the Principal’s Desk
“Each tiny effort builds on the next, so that brick by brick, magnificent things can be created.” Robin Sharma
As we approach the end of the year, it is commonplace to reflect on what has been achieved in the year, and with
the onset of spring, we are energised to take on new projects and to do some “spring cleaning”.
As part of my reflection of 2021, I was considering all the changes that have taken place and this led me to consider
the difference between change and transformation. Change is defined as the response to external influences, where
modifying day-to-day action achieves desired results. Transformation on the other hand is about modifying core
beliefs and long-term behaviours to achieve desired results. Mastering change may ensure that companies keep up
with fast-shifting consumer expectations. However, deliberate, planned transformation often redefines what success
looks like and how you get there.
Towards the end of 2019, the Transformation, Diversity, and Inclusivity (TDI) committee raised the topic of the
competitive house names.
• The first step was to ascertain from the community (Epworthians, current staff and pupils, Board and Trust)
whether we should be considering changing the competitive house names; the democratic process revealed
that most of the community felt that the competitive house names should change.
• Next, we asked the community for suggestions for the new names. We received 35 different themes.
• Once shortlisted by the Epworth Naming committee, we asked the community to vote on five options.
The theme with the most votes was Birds of Prey, with the following competitive house names: Eagle, Falcon, Hawk
and Kestrel. Today we asked four members of our community to link the colours blue, green, red, and yellow to the
new names by drawing from a hat. Mrs Bernadette Cameron represented the Prep School in her role as Prep PA
Chair, Alida Esterhuizen represented the High School in her leadership capacity of Head Girl, Mrs Jacqui Terblanche
represented the Epworthians as Chair of the Epworthian Executive, and Mr Zeelie represented the Epworth staff as
member of the School Executive. In attendance was also the Chair of the Epworth Foundation Trust, Mrs Janet
Channing, Board Chair, Mrs Lisa Robertson, as well as the Trust Chair, Mrs Cathy Smith.
We are excited to announce that these will be the competitive house names at Epworth going forward:
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Although most of the community that voted wanted the competitive house names to change (due to the previous
names belonging to men from the colonial era), we are sensitive to the memories and connections to the previous
names, especially when the boarding houses also had the names, Athlone, Buxton, Rhodes, and Somerset. These
names are, and always will be, a part of Epworth history.
Thank you to the members of the TDI committee for their role in this transformation aspect, in particular, Ms Laura
Bekker, Mrs Pamela Neethling and Ms Moira Filmer.
“And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of
heaven, Come, and gather yourselves together to the great banquet of God, …” Revelation 19 vs 17.
We wish Mr Felix Kunene all the best as he embarks on a new chapter in Japan. We have enjoyed having him as a
member of staff as well as a superb teacher in the English Department. He has fitted in so seamlessly that it is hard
to believe that it is only been three years! We extend congratulations to Mrs Nicole Pool on the safe arrival of
Hayley in mid-August. Mrs Pool is loving being a mom and being at home. Good news – Hayley has a gingham outfit
already!
The multitude of activities this term, all aimed at providing our pupils with a holistic learning experience, would not
have been possible without the dedication and flexibility of the Epworth staff. This includes all those who work
quietly “behind the scenes”, ensuring the school runs like a well-oiled machine. Thank you, team Epworth.
We are also indebted to our parents for their support and patience. We were often forced to make changes and
adaptions, sometimes with little prior notice – thank you for your understanding.
For all the challenges of this term, there has still been much to celebrate; thank you for staying the course with
Epworth.
Together We Can!
Mrs Tracey Munro
A
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Epworth-on-the-move
Our pupils love being active, outdoors and engaged in activities that focus on personal growth. Our annual Epworth-
on-the-move programme facilitates all this!
Although this year’s programme had to be adjusted slightly so as not to compromise the health and safety of our
pupils, the Grade 8s, 9s, and 10s enjoyed a fun-filled, mind-broadening three days. Self-defence, drumming, talks,
workshops, make-up demonstrations, crossfit, doll making, laser tag and day excursions were just some of the
activities on the agenda.
Capitol serves up some treats
Good, wholesome food is always high on the agenda for our pupils. But every now and then it’s great to indulge in
something sweet and decadent. For Women’s Day, Capitol Caterers organised some exciting treats for our boarders and
on 1 September, they made spring-inspired cupcakes for teatime in celebration of Spring Day. They also took time out
from their busy schedules to engage with our High School pupils to find out exactly what pleases, or does not please,
their tastebuds!
Engaging with our Grade 6s
There is a wonderful reciprocal relationship between our prep and high schools; we place great value on learning from
one another and sharing our skills. Recently, one of our High School English teachers spent time engaging with our
Grade 6 girls and boys and in return, the Grade 6s and their teachers were hosted by the Consumer Studies and Art
departments in the High School.
Grade 11 Physical Sciences Spreading positive vibes
Some of the motivational posters displayed around
the High School (thank you to the Hellmann family for
Grade 11 Physical Sciences pupils conducting a creating them).
titration practical.
Matric Dance excitement
On Friday, 3 September at teatime, the excitement amongst the Grade 12s was palpable as they received their official
Matric Dance invitations, together with a sweetie pack attached to a balloon. It was a wonderful indication that this
special event is drawing near and that it is actually going to happen, after several postponements. Although the dance
has been adapted to accommodate strict Covid-19 protocols, it still promises to be a memorable and happy occasion.
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Promoting a culture of reading
“Reading is essential for those who seek to
rise above the ordinary.” Jim Rohn
At Epworth, we are intent on inculcating a love
of reading amongst all our pupils. This term,
the library crew devised creative ways of doing
this during the school day. The Librarian, Mrs
Elise Morton, set up a pop-up library during tea
times to whet pupils appetite for reading,
providing different grades with the opportunity
to engage with and take out books. In celebra-
tion of national Book Week, she organised a
“Read at Tea”/ “Bring a Book to Break” event.
At teatime, the pupils were served alphabet
biscuits and hot chocolate while the library
monitors, dressed as their favourite book
characters, conducted literature quizzes and
distributed bookmarks to those seen reading.
A creative showcase of art
Our Grades 8 to 11 art
exhibition was a
wonderful showcase of
the up-and-coming artistic
talent of our pupils. From
linocuts and prints to
watercolours and
paintings, the exhibit
highlighted the variety of
media and subject matter
to which our pupils are
exposed. All the grades
had the opportunity to
view the art during the
week-long exhibition,
which was mounted in the
Dance Studio in the
Performing Arts Centre.
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Staff fun run/walk
On Saturday, 4 September, a group of staff members engaged in a Covid-19 complaint run/walk around the
campus grounds in support of the country-wide SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge. Even those who had not
officially entered the event were encouraged to participate. What a great way to build some school staff spirit
and to enjoy some exercise in the surrounds of our beautiful, spacious campus!
A gift to the school
Exam invigilation…with a
difference
Epworth staff are not inclined to shy away from
challenges and Covid-19 has presented its fair
share! The academic staff were recently seen
in full PPE attire to invigilate some Grade 12
examinations for pupils who were writing in
isolation at Gilchrist, the Principal’s house.
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Grades 10 and 11 dances
The campus was abuzz on the last weekend of term as our Grade 10 and 11 pupils and parents gathered for their
dances. Sadly, due to Covid-19, partners were not permitted but the pupils had almost as much fun being escorted
down the red carpet by their parents! The pupils enjoyed an evening outside, under a stretch tent, while the
parents joined together in the Haley Hall for a cocktail party. Delicious food, prepared by Capitol Caterers, formed
part of the celebrations.
Bon Appetit Support for We-collect
French-style cuisine was on the dinner menu for the Epworth is delighted to be supporting an organisation
boarders on the penultimate evening of the term. called We-collect, which recycles and repurposes textile
Capitol Caterers served up a wonderful spread of mouth- waste while empowering local and rural communities.
watering dishes that included champignons farcis au As part of a spring-clean project, our pupils, parents and
fromage (stuffed cheese mushrooms), quiche au poulet, staff are encouraged to fill our We-collect bin and also
au bacon et aux légumes (chicken, bacon and vegetable to return We-collect bags, full of unwanted items such
quiche), and croissant fourré à la crème (cream-filled as clothes, shoes, curtains, linen, bags and toys.
croissants).
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Learning French is fun
Grade 10 lesson on the impérative Grade 11 treat for completing
Grade 9s learning how to a Grade 12 exam paper for
play Pétanque. using origami frogs.
the first time.
Sports Wars teams experience the Wild Coast
During the last week of term, the five teams of Sports Wars participants reaped the rewards of their commitment to
the rigorous fitness and conditioning activities of our intra-school competition. Fifty-four of them, accompanied by six
staff members, spent four days exploring the Mtentu area, an exquisitely beautiful and unspoilt section on the Wild
Coast. A 25 km beach hike to the Mtentu campsite, a visit to the Red Desert, a hike to Khambathi, Horseshoe and
Strandloper falls, a walk to Pebble Beach and team discussions and activities were all part of this amazing experience.
Confirmation activities
On the 27 August, a confirmation class (seven Grade 11 pupils), along with Mrs Schultz and Mrs Majola, spent a
weekend at Solitude Retreat Centre, in the picturesque Dargle area. Despite the freezing weather, it was a warm
time of fellowship, deep conversations, worship and, of course, wonderful food. The confirmation service was held
on 16 September and was a memorable occasion for the pupils.
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Heritage Day celebrations
“Our rich and varied cultural heritage has a profound power to build our nation.” Nelson Mandela
On Thursday, 16 September, our Heritage Day programme
was full of entertaining and educational presentations from
the different cultural groups represented at Epworth.
“Just as there is no one way to be an Epworth pupil, there is no
one way to be a South African.” Emily Freedman (Grade 11)
New competitive house names
We are delighted with the new names of our competitive houses: Eagle (red), Falcon (green), Hawk (yellow) and Kestrel
(blue). There was great jubilation amongst our Grade 1 to Grade 12 pupils when we unveiled the names today. How
wonderful to be able to embrace and celebrate change!
Eagle Falcon Hawk Kestrel
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En route to becoming an Epworthian
On the last day of term, we welcomed our Grade 12s into the Epworthian fold at a special induction service where
they received a sterling silver shell necklace and a pledge certificate. Epworthian President, Mrs Jacqui Terblanche
and High School Principal, Mrs Tracey Munro were part of the festivities.
Epworth Foundation Golf Day
FAITH COMPASSION COURAGEAchievements
The President’s Award ATKV Tienertoneelkompetisie
Tamlynn Roseveare and Sibongakonke Malinga Margaréte Zietsman, Lené Swart and Kayleigh Schmidt
achieved their bronze and gold President’s Awards. were part of the Epworth-Maritzburg College
collaborative production, which received a bronze
certificate of recognition for their performance.
Piano and organ Eisteddfod
Our pianists and organist achieved high accolades at Essay competition Debating
this year’s SASMT Eisteddfod, which took place in our Vumile Dlamini’s essay Christy Govender was
music department. won first place in the selected for the junior
Royal Society of South PMB debating squad.
Africa’s essay competition.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Crystal Viljoen, competing at the junior
Olympic level, will be representing the
KZN Gymnastics Union at the national
Gym Games in October.
Dance
As a member of the Midlands
Dance Theatre Company, Zimi
Tshaka qualified at the Move!
regional competition to
participate in nationals in Cape
Town in October.
FAITH COMPASSION COURAGEAchievements cont...
Cross-Country Netball Squash
At the KZN Cross-Country Championships, held in Kusaziba Gulubane was Nicola Bentley was
Amanzimtoti, Rachel Woodburn and Erin Allwood selected for the KZN U19B selected to the Midlands
came first in the U17 age group and fifth in the U16 action netball team. Ladies’ Jarvis squash
age group respectively. team.
Inter-house cross country
Competing under the new house names!
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