FOOTBALL

vs Clifton

vs Northwood

INDOOR HOCKEY

RUGBY 7s

SOFTBALL

WATERPOLO NIGHT LEAGUE

This week the Matrics started with their Trial Examinations while the rest of the school continued with the regular programme. 

On Saturday last week, our Football teams were involved in matches against Northwood, the Athletes competed at the KZN trials and our two U18 Rugby 7s teams participated in the Glenwood tournament.  The A side did very well to finish unbeaten in their pool.  In the process they defeated five other schools including Maritzburg College.  We played a strong Michaelhouse team in the semi finals and after regulation time the scores were 28 all.  Extra time could still not separate the two teams and it was then decided that Michaelhouse would go through to the finals because of a better points’ difference in the pool stages. 

Last week I mentioned that I would give some feedback on the Headmasters’ Conference I attended.  One of the most interesting speakers spoke about teenagers and how they develop.  According to the speaker there are four things that engage a teen brain and they are novelty, the unexpected, meaning and connection.  She recommended the following book by Stephen James and David Thomas called:  Wild Things – the art of nurturing boys.  She mentioned that boys are caught on a bridge between being a boy and being a man.  They travel this journey alone but they need support from parents, educators, mentors etc.  Talking about teachers, she also quoted Carl Jung who once said:  “Good teachers we remember, but we never forget those who touch our humanity.”

Research shows that the teen brain is not fully developed and that teens operate from the emotional part of the brain.  This is the irrational part of the brain.  The pre frontal cortex, which is where the planning and decision making part of the brain is located, is not fully developed.  Hormones do play a part in these emotional outbursts, but it is mainly because the brain is still developing.  She also mentioned that the sleep inducing hormones in teens only kick in later in the evening and that is the reason why they go to bed later and wake up later than adults.  The cells and connections that are used grow and survive.  If you do your academic work, sport and music for instance, then these cells grow and survive.  However, if you lie on the couch playing video games then those cells will survive and grow.  The other cells not used or stimulated will degenerate and die.

L M Erasmus

14^th Head Master

Results of the Athletics Trials for Grey/Menlo are as follows:

The following Boys have been selected for the KZN Invitation team to compete at the Grey College meeting:

Asanda Kunene
Nqubeka Mkwanazi
Pendulani Buthelezi
Tristan Ross
Joash Beru

We have come to the end of another busy and successful term.  On all fronts we have made our mark and the boys have done us proud.  Some highlights of the term included the Cobham Leadership Camp, Matric Dance, appointment of new RCL and Prefects, Sports’ Day, Sports’ Dinners, Sports’ fixtures and Music evenings to name a few.  They all involved Educators, learners and Parents working long hours to make it all happen and for that I want to thank everyone involved. 

You realise how talented our boys are and how busy DHS is when you see how many of our boys are involved in activities during the holidays.  We have boys travelling to places as far as Cape Town and Bloemfontein to represent the school.  We are involved in Cricket, Water Polo, Basketball, Football and Climbing.  When we get back next term, all these sports as well as some other will play fixtures in the first week already.  There is no time for a breather and I meant what I said a few times.  A good school is a busy school. 

I want parents to go through the academic reports this holiday and take note of areas of concern so that they can be addressed.  Next term is short and before you know it, the final examinations are upon us. 

I attended the relays at Kings Park last night.  DHS did extremely well winning the U15 and U19 age groups and finishing 3^rd in the U17 age group.  We also won the competition overall and this was against some of top schools in the province.  Well done boys!

L M Erasmus

14^th Head Master

SPORTS CLIMBING: NATIONAL COMPETITION

Final Positions in SA U19:

Jordan Pillai                  1^st

Donavan Hulett             2^nd

Lindani Msomi               4^th

WATERPOLO

1^st Team : SACS Tournament

The DHS 1^st Water Polo team was placed 4^th out of 20 in the tournament.  They are ranked currently 9^th in SA on the YSM scoring system.

DHS U16 Tournament

U16A

Quarter Finals:

DHS        11            St Albans    7

Semi Finals:

DHS        6             Selborne     2

Finals:

DHS        6             St John’s    7

U16 Colts (U14/U15)

Final U16 Tournament Results

CRICKET:

1^st XI : Michaelmas Week

U14 : Charl van Rooyen

FOOTBALL: 1^st XI : GREY COLLEGE FESTIVAL

We had our Matric Farewell Final Assembly for our Matric Class of 2014 on Friday 17 October.  These young men have their whole lives in front of them and I am confident that, between the school and family, we have provided them with the necessary skills and guidance that they will be ready and prepared for what challenges life will throw at them.

I have told them to dream big and work hard for those dreams.  I thanked them for their contribution, but I want to make special mention of the current prefect body that have excelled this year.  In particular, I want to commend MJ du Plessis, his deputies and Prefect body, Nikhil Maharaj and his RCL and Blessing Buthelezi and his BE prefects for a job well done! 

I included the following prayer in the assembly this morning:  (Credit to and posted by “Concord Pastor”)

A Parent’s Prayer: When A Son Leaves Home

Gracious God, you blessed me with the gift of my child

and entrusted me with his care.

Now he leaves this home and begins a new life apart from me.

Surround him with good people and watch over him each day. And let him know that I will always be near whenever he may need me.

Heal any hurts we may harbour with one another

and forgive our failings

as we learn to be in a new kind of relationship with each other.

And when the sight of his empty room

pierces my heart with sadness,

may I find comfort in knowing that my child is your child too,

filled with your grace and sheltered by your love.

Amen.

We had a number of our teams participating at various festivals and tournaments over the holidays.  The results of these will be included in this communication.  I want to make special mention of our Water Polo teams that did extremely well at SACS and at the U16 tournament we hosted at DHS.  The 1^st team was narrowly beaten (2–3) by Bishops in the semi-finals and our U16 side lost to St John’s (7-8) in the finals.  They have come a long way and I am looking forward to seeing what they can do at the Stayers Festival at St Stithians later this month.  A number of our Cricketers have also been selected for KZN Cricket teams.  We are very proud of them.

I would like to congratulate Sulakhe Nhassengo and Tiaan de Jager in Grade 10 for going through to the final of the Hip 2 B2 SA Young Innovator of the Year competition in Johannesburg with their project:  Solar Oxygen manufacturing apparatus.  The exciting news I received today is that they have won this National competition!

I want to end off by wishing our Matrics well for the Finals starting next week.

L M Erasmus

14^th Head Master

WATERPOLO: TOP 10

U18

DHS U18 were placed 2^nd overall

U15

DHS U18 were placed 10^th overall

U14

DHS U14 were placed 4^th overall

The Final Results were as follows:

BASKETBALL

1^st Team vs St Benedicts

National Qualifiers : 1^st Team

DHS 1^st team won the National Qualifiers and will be representing KZN in the National Top Schools in December

ATHLETICS : GREY BLOEM

SA Young Innovators, Sulakhe Nhassengo and Christiaan de Jager with Head Master ,Mr Leon Erasmus

We are delighted that DHS learners, Sulakhe Nhassengo and Christiaan de Jager, who were finalists in the 2014 Hip2B2 3M Innovation Challenge Final which took place at 3M South Africa’s Head Office in Woodmead, Johannesburg, on 16 October 2014, were awarded the prestigious title of SA Young Innovators for 2014!

The Challenge, a partnership between 3M and Hip2B2, engaged Grade-10 learners from around 100 schools across South Africa in a series of problem-solving workshops designed to nurture an appreciation for science and mathematics in overcoming everyday challenges that affect them and their communities. Learners from these schools entered as pairs with solutions-based innovations of their own.

This year’s finalists were comprised of three pairs of Grade-10 learners, one each from Gauteng, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Finalists were required to design a new idea or solution in four broad thematic categories: how to stay safe; how to stay healthy; how to get from place to place; and how to make everyday tasks easier.

Conceived in response to the high air pollution produced by Richards Bay’s industry, Sulakhe and Christiaan designed the solar-powered Oxygen Manufacturing Apparatus (OMA). The OMA transforms diatomic gasses, most notably CO2, into harmless gas and fuels through electrolysis for a more sustainable environmental footprint.

The finalists presented their innovations to a panel of judges who assessed their submissions based on creativity, science skills, good communication and confidence, and general presentation skills.   They gained exposure to 3M’s wealth of intellectual and product resources and received valuable input and guidance from nominated 3M mentors. They received personalised guidance and mentoring in the process of transforming an idea from paper into a workable manufactured item by using rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing techniques.

Designed to inspire innovation in everyday life amongst South Africa’s youth, the Hip2B2 3M Innovation Challenge has been backed by the Department of Education.

“3M we’re taking science to the communities, providing less fortunate young minds with the opportunities to think big; to persuade youths that even extraordinary inventions begin with humble ideas of problem solving,” explains Robyn O’Leary, Marketing Excellence and Strategic Planning Manager, Corporate Marketing, 3M South Africa. “We try to illustrate to learners that 3M’s more than 55 000 products largely started as innovative solutions to a problem. At the very root of it, we are encouraging learners to pursue careers in mathematics, science and engineering fields, and instil a culture of innovation across South Africa’s youth.”

Congratulations to Tiaan and Sulakhe who received prizes, including R1 000 cash and a mobile science unit worth R10 000 for the School. 

Perhaps Riaan and Sulakhe will be the latest in South Africa’s long line of innovators ...

WATERPOLO

vs Thomas More

DHSOB

1^st Team : St Stithians Tour

1^st team were placed 4^th over all

U14A : Grey Bloem Tour

The U14 team were placed 8^th over all

BASKETBALL

vs Clifton

1^st         108       Clifton  15

vs Glenwood

CRICKET

T20 vs George Campbell

T20 vs Curro Embury

vs DPHS U13A

vs Glenwood

The Head Master s Address at the Senior Speech Day and Prize Giving on Friday 17 October 2014

Good morning, Ladies and Gentlemen, my colleagues from other schools, parents, staff, Old Boys, Matrics, Gentlemen of DHS and our guest of honour and guest speaker, Mr Sizwe Nxedlana.  Welcome back to your old school Mr Nxedlana.  We are getting closer to our 150^th celebrations in two years time.  A committee was formed and this committee is meeting on a regular basis.  I can reveal that the slogan for our celebrations will be “Honour the Tradition, Explore the Future”.    

The theme for this year was to “Get Involved” and the majority of our boys did exactly that.  Not only have they participated but a large number of our boys have excelled in various areas.  Before I highlight some of our achievements of 2014, I want to thank the Matrics for their contribution.  They got involved in many areas of the school and the tremendous spirit that existed was largely because of them.  Congratulations to all the prize winners this morning.  You deserve to be rewarded for your hard work.   Good luck to all of you for the exams and for whatever you have planned for next year and beyond.  May all your dreams come true.  

Academics:

The Matric class of 2013 must be congratulated on their fine set of results in the National Senior Certificate Examinations.  What is most pleasing is the 88% Bachelor pass rate they achieved.  It is a major improvement from the previous year.  Five of our boys, Nirav Beni, Keshan Naidoo, Reneshan Naidoo, Dylan Naidu and Deslin Nadar achieved 8 distinctions, six achieved 7 distinctions and ten achieved 6 distinctions.  Of the 1371 subject symbols, 25%, namely 341, were A symbols.  We are naturally disappointed with the 4 failures out of 198 candidates and I want to appeal to parents to take to heart, the school’s recommendations with regards to subject changes.  I also want to thank the academic staff for their hard work and dedication to the Matrics of 2013.

A successful Junior Awards Ceremony was held in February to honour our learners who excelled in academics at the end of 2013. We wrote the Grade 9 Annual National Assessment tests in Numeracy and Literacy last term and we are awaiting the results of these tests.  We went on a number of Academic excursions this year which, is an important aspect of the academic programme of the school. 

In March we launched an e-Library, a new addition to the Media Centre overseen by our Librarian Mrs Worth.  The library also received 20 new computers later in the year.  This is a facility that competes with the best out there and it is important that we stay up to date with the latest technological advances.  We also received a number of computers for Engineering Graphics and Design.  All this was made possible due to the generosity of some of our Old Boys. 

Two of our Grade 10 learners Sulakhe Nhassengo and Christiaan de Jager won the first prize in the National HIP2B² 3M Innovation Challenge by designing and creating a device that converts carbon dioxide into fuel and oxygen.  DHS is extremely proud of these two young men.   

Culture:

Our Jazz and Blues bands continued to produce performances of the highest quality.  The Deo Fretus choir under the expert guidance of Mr David Smith was phenomenal this year.   A highlight for me was the Music Department’s production of Shuffle, involving 30 of our most talented boys.  Special mention must go to Rorke Kemp who is an exceptional musician and someone I am sure we will hear a lot of in years to come. 

The Debaters continue to do us proud with Casey Milledge the star performer.  Haydn Henning was selected to perform in Sweeney Todd and a number of our boys performed in the Maris Stella and Danville plays as well as the production of Footloose.  We were also well represented in the KZN and Ethekwini Youth Choirs.   The two major productions this year namely the Eastern Extravaganza and the Zulu Cultural Evening were again held and attracted large audiences.  Reece van Schalkwyk and Sibonelo Dlamini made it to the finals of the Gateway to Fame Talent search.  Reece went on to win the Senior section of the singing category.         

Our Chess team came 5^th out of 34 schools at the Grey Bloem Tournament and again won the Durban and Districts Chess finals.  This team has not lost a single match in the league this entire season.

Sport: 

Our 1^st Basketball team started the year off on a high note by winning the SA Schools National Championships in Bloemfontein.  They will again represent KZN at the National Top Schools Championships after winning the provincial competition.   

The 1^st XV Rugby side made it to the finals of the Port Natal Night Series.  They displayed a lot of courage and commitment throughout the season with their spirited performances against Glenwood and Northwood my personal highlights of the season.  This was followed by large victories over St Charles and Clifton.  Five of our boys made the provincial age group sides. The boys displayed their skills in the various Rugby Sevens tournaments where they proved a force to be reckoned with and in the process they made a number of semi finals, finals and won two of the tournaments.

We continue to be the dominant force in Athletics with our team winning numerous meetings.  The most exciting was being crowned the winners of the Sugar Relays at Kings Park.  Anthony Mwanga was placed 1^st in SA in the Triple Jump at the SA Champs.       

We again excelled in Climbing with Donavan Hulett, Jordan Pillay, Lindani Msomi and William Clarke performing exceedingly well at National level.

16 of our Hockey Players were also selected for the various age group teams in the Umlazi District.  Seven were eventually selected to represent the provincial side.  Our Hockey teams showed a lot of progress over the season and the good indoor results were a result of their hard work.   

In April we achieved a remarkable feat when the 1^st teams in Cricket, Water Polo, Basketball and Golf all beat Glenwood in the same week.

Our Water Polo team has again become a force in KZN and the Country as a whole.  We made it to the semi-finals of the SACS tournament and to the Finals of the KZN Top 10 tournament.  Jeanrdre Petersen was selected for the SA Youth Water Polo team to participate at the Fina World Youth Water Polo Champs and a number of our boys are in the KZN teams that will compete at the Inter provincials in Johannesburg in December.  For me the most pleasing was the improvement shown by our U14 team that made it to the semi finals of the Top 10 tournament.  The U16 team lost narrowly in the finals against St John’s in the tournament we hosted.  Nine of our swimmers also made the KZN team that will represent the province at the SA Swimming Champs in Pretoria in December and Reegan Tait completed all of his 8 miles for charity at the Midmar Mile event.  In the process he raised over R10 000 for charity.  He also came 3^rd in his age group and 5^th over all at the SA National Open Water Championships in the 3km event.       

A number of our Badminton players represented the province with Jaydon Beru representing the SA u/15 side at the All Africa Championships in Morocco.  The DHS A team was also crowned the KZN High Schools League Champions for 2014 and went on to play in the finals of the National competition.  This result saw us ranked second in the country.  

A young Football team made it to the finals of the Kloof tournament.  There are some talented youngsters coming through the ranks, which bodes well for the future.  My highlight was the victory over College which meant we retain the Raw Cup for another year.

In Golf, Ruben Coetzer was selected for the KZN u/23 Golf team and in Softball our teams came third in the league. 

Our cricket side travelled to Cape Town at the beginning of the year where they had mixed results.  Four of our Cricketers will represent the province at the end of the year.  They started the T20 competition with two easy victories and I am confident that they will do well in this competition.

Two of our coaches Wendy Snelling and Jean le Roux were both selected to represent KZN in their respective sports namely Hockey and Water Polo.              

Leadership:

I want to thank the Prefect body under the leadership of MJ du Plessis, Sisanda Ndebele and Cameron Colemen, the BE prefects under Blessing Buthelezi and the RCL lead by Nikhil Maharaj and Pablo Reece for their excellent service to DHS this year.  They are leaving behind enormous shoes to fill.    

We have elected our leaders for 2015 and I want to wish the Prefects, Liam Whitfield (Head Boy) and Deputies Thando Hlongwana and Justin Diedericks as well as the RCL under the Chairmanship of Thando and Vice Chairman Mayur Lakhraj well with the awesome responsibility they have in leading this great school.  Congratulations also to the BE prefects that were announced last night.     

We again had the Cobham Leadership Experience for our Grade 10s as well as the trip to Shongweni for the grade 9s.  It is important that we take our boys out of their comfort zones and expose them to the challenges that these kind of  trips have to offer.  I attended my second Headmaster’s Conference for the 24 traditional state boys’ schools and found it again to be a very rewarding and enriching experience. 

Four of our learners Sikhumbuso Kunene, Mayur Lakraj, Thandolwetu Hlongwane and Vuyo Masuku were chosen for the Durban Youth Council. 

The Matric dance was once again a major success and I am sure a night that will always be remembered by our Matrics.  This year it was again held in the Durban ICC and the theme was Excalibur. 

Blackmore House:

The BE boys dominated most of the sports this year.  The BE is a very important component of the school and as I said before it is something we need to nurture and protect.  The refurbishment of the BE was part of my vision for the school and I want to thank the Trustees of the DHS Foundation and Mr Mike Fennell in particular for making this dream of mine for the school come true.  Blackmore House looks fantastic and every current boy in the BE as well as Old Boys of Blackmores will justifiably be proud of it.

Community Outreach:

Our Climbing team once again showed their compassionate spirit and love of climbing through their coaching programme for learners from schools with Special Educational needs.  The 1^st Rugby team in association with Rugby Recycled held a Rugby clinic at Eqinisweni Primary school.   Gareth Simpson won the National Lead SA Youth Hero of the Year Award for his Rugby Recycled initiative which helps under privileged Rugby players with kit.  This is a remarkable achievement for a remarkable young man.     

Old Boys:

Our Old Boys keep on excelling in the world of Sport.  The biggest news must be the appointment of Hashim Amla as the test captain of our national cricket team.  In sporting circles DHS is best known for the large number of Cricketers who have represented the national side and with this appointment we have stretched our lead over all the schools in the country and internationally.  A star for the future is our captain of 2013 Sibonelo Makhanya who was a member of the SA u/19 side that competed at the ICC u/19 World cup.  Sibs was subsequently appointed the captain of the u/19 side that toured England this year.  Hank McGregor became the first South African Paddler to win both the K1 and K2 gold medals at the ICF Canoe Marathon Championships.  Hank also won the Fish River Canoe Marathon.          

Staff issues:

I want to thank my staff for all their hard work inside and outside the classroom.  They are experts in their various fields and we are lucky to have them.  Many sacrifice their weekends and holidays and I want to thank them for what they have done for DHS this year.  I want to thank my two deputies, Mrs Marie Vermaak and Mr Alan Norton, for their leadership and dedication to DHS. 

Conclusion:

I strongly believe that the majority of future leaders of this country will come from schools like DHS and it is therefore crucial that we continue to strive for excellence and not lower our expectations.  We have to be able to not only survive, but we will have to match the private schools in what we can offer.  DHS is part of the evolution of this young nation and we are preparing citizens that will embrace the new South Africa.   The challenges we as a school face are very similar to what the country faces and I believe that state schools like DHS contribute enormously to overcoming these challenges.  It is also institutions like us that contribute significantly to Nation building.        

In conclusion I want to once again thank my staff, and here I include the admin staff and the members of the estate, my deputies, the SGB under the leadership of Mr Paul, the DHS Foundation under the leadership of Mr Fennell, our Circuit Manager, Mr TT Mthembu, the parents and young men of DHS for the support they have given me and their involvement in SCHOOL.

Thank you.

Leon Erasmus

14^th Head Master

On Friday 31 October 2014 we had a function at Blackmore House to celebrate the completion of the refurbishment of the Boarding House.  We invited donors and all those who contributed to the whole process.  Why is it important to spend so much time, money and resources on a Boarding House?

Boarders look, act and carry themselves differently to other boys.   They are tough and independent, but I must add, they are always hungry.  Schools are poorer if they do not have a boarding establishment.  If your BE is not functioning to its optimal capacity, then you might as well not have one.   The boarders are the so called backbone of the school.  They contribute everywhere and in large numbers.  They also dominate most of the inter-house activities.  There is a strong bond between them that you will find nowhere else.   After this process, we will complete the management structure and then recruit boys for the BE. 

I am humbled, astounded and simply blown away by the passion and the generosity of our Old Boys of DHS.  This dream of mine would not have been possible without them.   The Trustees of the Foundation under the Chairmanship of Mr Chris Seabrooke must be singled out for their belief in and financial support of this project.  Mr Mike Fennell has been driving it and without him nothing would have been possible.  Thank you Gentlemen!

L M Erasmus

14^th Head Master

CRICKET T20 vs ST HENRY’S

WATERPOLO

WATERPOLO DHSOB

Examinations:

Exams have started for the Matrics already and the rest of the school are starting this week.  It is a stressful time for boys, parents and educators.  Last year, I gave some advice on how to deal with it and I would like to repeat it, but with a few additions. 

Before the Exam:

• He needs to sit at a desk.  It is not advisable to lie on a bed or in a lounge chair.  He will be asleep in no time.  Especially if he studied till late on the day before.

• By now he should have a study timetable on his wall in his room.  It needs to be visible so that he, as well as you as parents, are able to monitor it.  He does not want you to ask him every time he takes a break, why he is not working and when he will be back at his desk.  If he has a timetable up, you will be able to see when his study times are and when he takes his breaks. 

• He needs to get fresh air when he takes a break.  A walk in the garden will work wonders.

• He needs a quiet room, away from all noise and other distractions.  Insist that he puts his electronic devices in another room and on silent. 

• Get a good night’s sleep.  Your brain needs time to subconsciously digest everything you’ve put into it.

The day of the Exam:

• Eat a healthy breakfast.  Breakfast provides your son with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration in the exams.

• Be punctual.  If your son is late for his exams, his anxiety levels will increase, which then adds to the stress he already experiences.

• Make sure he leaves the house in the correct uniform and he is neat, clean shaved and his hair is acceptable.  He will be confronted on this when he arrives at school.  Again, it will add to his levels of stress.

• Ask him how his exam went.  By showing interest you build up a relationship of trust with your son.  If he says to you that he struggled with the paper, then you need to calm him down and encourage him for the next exam.   

Remembrance Day Service:

On Tuesday 11 November 2014 at 11am we will honour the DHS Heroes who paid the ultimate price during the World Wars and other conflicts.  It is important that we never forget them and I made a decision last year that I will read out all their names on this day every year.  With our Head Prefect Liam Whitfield, I will also lay a wreath at the City Hall on Sunday.

L M Erasmus

14^th Head Master

BASKETBALL vs MICHAELHOUSE

CRICKET

T20 vs Clifton

1^st         DHS           121/6

            (Bryan 59*, Nenhunzi 22)

            Clifton        100 all out

            (Bryan 3/28, Clarke 2/21)

DHS win by 24 runs

T20 vs Umgeni

1^st XI     Umgeni       98/5

            DHS           101 without loss

            (de Meillon 53*, Loxton 36)

            DHS win by 10 wickets

vs Michaelhouse

WATERPOLO

vs Kearsney

vs Michaelhouse:

DHSOB:

Head Prefect, Liam Whitfield, stands before the Memorial Wall that lists the names of the DHS Old Boys who died for their country

Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, is commemorated every year on 11 November to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the end of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I. 

This year, at 11am on Tuesday 11 November 2014, Durban High School held an Armistice Service to celebrate Armistice Day.  The DHS boys, as well as staff and invited guests, paid tribute to the DHS Old Boys who died while in service during wars and conflicts since 1906.

Every year, everyone in attendance on the day, wears the familiar remembrance emblem – the red poppy - to show their respect and gratitude.

The Armistice Day Ceremony has been a tradition at DHS since the first Remembrance Day Service was held at School in 1926 when the first memorial wall was opened.

Head Master, Mr Leon Erasmus, opened the ceremony and Reverend Chris Meyer of St James Anglican Church, conducted the service.   Mr Erasmus addressed the guests and named each and every DHS Old Boy that gave his life in service for his country. He left the guests with a message before the wreath laying ceremony went underway and said, “We will never allow this School to forget the men who fought and died in the name of freedom.”       (cont’d on page 4)

Two DHS boys, Libo Mngomezulu and Mfundo Mkhize, recited a very moving poem entitled Why Wear a Poppy by Don Crawford, which ends with:

And so when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne,
By those who gave their very all,
When asked to answer their country’s call.
That we at home in peace might live.

To end the ceremony, wreaths were laid at the Memorial Wall in the Memorial Courtyard, to pay tribute to the Old Boys whose names are listed there, by newly appointed Head Prefect for 2015, Liam Whitfield, and representatives from various regiments.

Thank you to all who attended on the day to remember these brave men who paid the ultimate price.

We lost a special young man this week.  Mnotho Siwela Mpanza in Grade 8 came to us at the beginning of the year.  Despite his illness, he continued to come to school and excelled not only in academics but he also touched the hearts of all the boys he came into contact with.  He was described by his peers as a friendly, wise, inspirational and a well mannered boy who emerged as a leader amongst the Grade 8 group.  He was everything we expect of a DHS boy.  We will all miss him tremendously.

The examinations are progressing nicely and we are confident that the boys, who have put in the hard yards, will excel.  Having said that, it is very important that the boys continue to work hard and prepare well until the very last day of the exams.

We had our Remembrance Day Service in the Memorial Quad on Tuesday 11 November at 11h00.  Rev Chris Meyer of St James Anglican Church, Venice Road, conducted the service after which I read out all 250 names of DHS Old Boys who died during the World Wars and other conflicts in South Africa.  Wreaths were then laid at the Wall of Remembrance.

I am delighted to announce that we have appointed a 3^rd Deputy at the School.  A school our size can only benefit from this appointment.  Mr Roy Hellenberg will join us in January next year from Rondebosch Boys’ High School.  Roy is an experienced educator and Housemaster who is currently an HOD at RBHS.  He is also an icon in History circles in the Western Cape.   Roy will also be the Senior Housemaster for Blackmore House from next year.

We have also appointed a number of educators for next year to fill the positions that will be vacant in 2015.  I will tell you more about them at a later stage. 

L M Erasmus

14^th Head Master

Mnotho Siwela Mpanza

We were deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing yesterday of Mr Justin Ward - a colleague, a special friend, a DHS Old Boy and a much loved educator.

Justin was a wonderful History teacher and colleague, respected and admired by all who came into contact with him ...  his brilliant mind, wicked sense of humour, naughty laugh, witty comments, vivid impersonations, fun-filled lessons and safe-haven classroom will be sorely missed by all of us at Durban High School. 

The world will be a little less without him - he was liked by everyone and was an asset to School.  He leaves a hole in our lives which will be very difficult to fill.   

We send our deepest condolences and sympathy to Justin’s family and friends, they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rest in Peace, Justin.

Deo Fretus!

Au Revoir, Mr Collyer!

The DHS family has been devastated with yet another tragic loss! 

We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing on 31 December 2014 of Mr Patrick Collyer.  Mr Collyer had been ill at the end of the 4^th term and was due to be operated on in January.

Mr Collyer was an exceptional English teacher, much loved by the boys for his dry sense of humour and his talent for bringing characters to life ... no-one will forget him dressed as Dumbledore on the Grade 8 Harry Potter Days!   Mr Collyer was also the Head of Grade 8 and who better to care for the new little boys and their anxious parents ... he took them all under his wing, made them feel at home in this large School and put their parents’ minds at rest.

Patrick was until recently the Head of Extra-Mural Music - putting his experience as a talented musician to good use assisting boys to learn to play the guitar and putting on wonderful shows ... with the Peace Concerts in the Memorial Courtyard being particularly memorable.

Mr Collyer, a respected colleague will be sorely missed by all of us at Durban High School. 

We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to Patrick’s wife, Ms Cheryl Joiner, who was also an English Educator at School ... she is in our thoughts and prayers.

Rest in Peace, Mr Collyer.

Deo Fretus!