tradition inspired learning

Celebrating 150 years of excellent service in education

15 March 2013
Editorial: Lientjie Mentz - lientjie.mentz@media24.com Advertisements: Leana Coetzee - 051 404 7803 Talitha Renaud - 051 404 7834

BYLAE TOT VOLKSBLAD, Vrydag 15 Maart 2013

Saints turns 150 years

Festivities celebrating landmark event go throughout 13
SAINT ANDREWS, one of Bloemfonteins top schools, joins the ranks of those that have reached the prestigious 150th year in South African education. The school launched their 150th anniversary celebrations in January in the presence of dignitaries, community members, members of the board, media, principals from neighbouring schools, old Andreans, staff and learners. The service, held in the schools chapel, was led by the headmaster, Chris Thomas, and included a procession of house flags, the school flag, diocesan flag, national flag and Old Andrean flag. Thomas went on to commission the new Tempe Bell, a replica of the bell used in the 1920s when the school used buildings at the Tempe Army Base. The new bell will ring at the annual Remembrance Day service and when the gr. 12 learners leave school each year. Tribute was paid to the schools close relations with its neighbouring schools, with special mention of Saint Michaels who gifted the specially designed 150th anniversary flag to the school. The flag was unfurled by Cherise Surtees, head girl of Saint Michaels, and Richard Johnson and Phano Khalema, head and deputy head boy of Saint Andrews. The school boasts an illustrious past. It was founded in 1863 by the Anglican Church, was closed during the South African War and reopened in 1917. It was housed in the First Raadzaal, in buildings now belonging to Oranje Girls School, Tempe and has been at the current site since 1919. Saint Andrews has been a valued part of the Bloemfontein community for 150 years and its learners continue to serve it. Thomas emphasised the ethos of the school: We strive to produce young men who can assume a leadership role in a variety of fields in South Africa and the rest of the world and believe that our alumni have contributed over a number of years. The celebrations continue throughout 2013 with events for the school community, the learners and Old Boys.

* Programme
) 15 to 17 March: 150th Hockey Festival (1st teams) ) 10 May: 150th Rugby Dinner ) 4 to 7 July: 150th Rugby Festival (1st teams) ) 21 to 26 July: School Chaplains Conference ) 24 August: 150th Hockey Festival (junior teams) ) 10 to 13 September: School Musical West Side Story ) 12 September: 150th Wine Auction ) 13 September: Senior School PrizeGiving (Archbishop of Cape Town as guest of honour) ) 13 to 15 September: Old Andrean reunion ) 14 September: Reunion Dinner ) 15 September: Reunion Chapel Service ) 17 to 20 October: 150th Pro20 Cricket festival ) 8 November: Remembrance Day Service ) 15 November: Schools Birthday Thanksgiving Service ) 25 and 26 November: Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

Above and right: The Saint An drews boys do their war cry while standing in the form of the school emblem.

Saint Andrews has been a valued part of the Bloemfontein community for 150 years.

BYLAE TOT VOLKSBLAD, Vrydag 15 Maart 2013

BYLAE TOT VOLKSBLAD, Vrydag 15 Maart 2013

150th celebrations

Honorary guests at the function were from the left, front: Roy Gordon (CEO of the Old Andrean Associa tion), Chris Thomas and Colin Hickling (board of governors); back: Eric MacKenzie (financial manager), John Anderson (board of governors), John Bridger (deputy headmaster) and Julian Spano (chairman of the board of governors).

At the celebrations function in January there was support from the Bloemfontein community. From the left are Braam van Wyk (headmas ter of Saint Michaels), Chris Thomas (headmaster of Saint Andrews) and Paul Cassar (headmaster of Eunice). Photos: LIENTJIE MENTZ

From the left are Julian Spano (chairman of the board of gover nors), Thabo Manyoni (Mangaung executive mayor), Stanley Malope (HOD: Education) and John Bridg er (deputy headmaster).

Right: Julian Spano (chairman of the board of governors) and Hen tie van Zyl (senior school mathe matics teacher who has been teaching for 50 years).

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There is something for everyone at the Intercultural Evening at Saint Andrews. Photo: SUPPLIED

Chris Thomas, the headmaster, fires the starting pistol at the beginning of the Saint Andrews fun run/walk. Photo: SUPPLIED

Cultures celebrated
Day a great success
SAINT ANDREWS annual Intercultural Evening was held on 1 February at the school and included a big walk and 10 km fun run. There were food stalls representing famous dishes from different countries and cultures including German, Greek and Italian. The big playground where children could have fun was a popular attraction.

Fun in the amusement park at the Intercultural Evening. Photo: LIENTJIE MENTZ

BYLAE TOT VOLKSBLAD, Vrydag 15 Maart 2013

To nurture the young

Diocesan Grammar School becomes Saint Andrews
IN response to the need for organised schooling for the boys of Bloemfontein, the Diocesan Grammar School, which was to develop into Saint Andrews, was founded by Bishop Edward Twells on 16 November 1863. George Clegg was the first headmaster. The original schoolroom still stands in St Georges Street and is known as the Old Raadzaal. Just before the start of the AngloBoer War the school was moved to a building on the site of the current Oranje Girls School. The foundation stone of the new building was laid by Pres. M.T. Steyn in March 1899. During a ceremony the president laid the stone with the words: In the faith of Christ Jesus, we lay this stone in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Here let true faith, the fear of God and brotherly love ever abide and let this place be set aside for the nurture of the young in the knowledge and obedience of the Lord. Under the foundation stone, a cache was made consisting of copies of the Daily Express and The Friend, the Constitution of the Diocese and a summary of the history of the school, signed by the staff. years the school used buildings in town, on the current site and at the Tempe Military Base. As funds became available more buildings were erected on the current site and eventually all the boys and classes were moved here. Until January 1976 Saint Andrews was a diocesan school operating under the control of a board of governors with the bishop of Bloemfontein as chairman. In 1975 the school was sold to the Provincial Administration of the Orange Free State. The agreement with the province protects the right of the school to retain its ethos and to continue as an Anglican church school with the bishop of Bloemfontein as the Visitor. Over the years the school has striven to maintain its link with the church and to inculcate good values in the boys. Each day starts with a service in the school chapel. The school has been providing educational opportunities for boys from different faiths and cultural traditions who reside in Bloemfontein and the Free State for 150 years. The school caters for boys from the age of 5 (enrolled in the schools own pre-school) to the age of 18.

Oubaas Storey was the headmaster when Saint Andrews opened on its current campus. In those days he lived in this house. These buildings were occupied by the boys for only a few months before the outbreak of the war. The building was requisitioned as a military hospital and after the war the buildings were taken into use by Oranje Girls School. The words spoken by the president did indeed become true although not at that stage for Saint Andrews. The buildings were from then on used for the nurture of the young in the knowledge and obedience of the Lord. Saint Andrews was re-opened in 1916 and moved to its current site in 1917. The oldest building still in use on the campus appears to be the lowest storey of the senior school (Ferrandi Block) which was in use in 1919. During these early

Book a must
A museum and the Old Andreans Association is now situated in Oubaas Storeys House. Photos: SUPPLIED ROY GORDON, the previous headmaster of Saint Andrews, is currently working on a new book on the history of Saint Andrews since the beginning years in 1863. Interesting stories, history and special people involved with the school throughout 150 years are all brought together in the book A history of St Andrews: As we see ourselves. The book will consist of about 200 pages filled with historic events, photographs and contributions by former teachers and head prefects of the school. It is expected that this very special book will be available around August, in time for the big reunion in September. Gordon says to him one of the strengths of the school and probably one of the success stories is the fact that at Saint Andrews the English and Afrikaans communities of Bloemfontein come together. Throughout the years Afrikaans-speaking teachers took their place alongside their English colleagues and Afrikaans learners joined their English friends in the classroom and on the sports field.

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Leading St Andrews since 1917

THE founding of Saint Andrews is attributed to Bishop Edward Twells on 1 October 1863. There have been many headmasters since then. Since the school moved to its current location in Dan Pienaar Avenue in 1917, the headmasters were: 1917 1946: Oubaas Storey 1947 1957: Maj. Edward Harrison 1957 1967: Jumbo Ferrandi 1968 1974: Brian Carl Thiel 1974 1984: Iain Paterson 1985 2006: Roy Gordon 2007 now: Chris Thomas Maj. Edward Harrison Jumbo Ferrandi Brian Carl Thiel

Oubaas Storey

This makes Saints special

ILL ALWAYS see Saint Andrews as a school catering for the needs of families rich and poor, English, Afrikaans and Sotho speakers, and various religious persuasions; consequently it was neither snobbish nor elitist. Instead the commitment, pride and loyalty of both parents and learners made it a prestigious entity without pretension. Roy Gordon, former headmaster and CEO of the Old Andrean Association Saint Andrews is a school which has always focused on developing the whole man in a caring and supportive environment. We aim to develop the leaders of the future by teaching them the necessary skills, the appropriate knowledge and the correct values. We strive to involve all members of the Saints community in the process of developing young gentlemen. Saint Andrews is a close-knit community dedicated to furthering the interests of the learners. This community works together to organ- Iain Paterson ise successful activities and support others. This support is evident when Old Andreans, parents and learners need help in a variety of ways. Chris Thomas, current headmaster and Old Andrean

Roy Gordon

Chris Thomas

Potential reached
DURING the eventful years since 1863, when the Saint Andrews School first opened as the Diocesan Grammar School, they have striven to provide the kind of education which will develop intellectual, physical and cultural interests, as well as leadership and personality. The staff expect high standards of behaviour, dress and personal appearance. They aim to achieve high academic standards, and all learners are expected to involve themselves in all aspects of school life. Saint Andrews has a great deal to offer young men who are prepared to work hard. They encourage their learners to take advantage of the many opportunities offered, in order that they may excel according to their own potential. The teachers at the school are deeply conscious of the responsibilities and privileges which history has bequeathed to them.

BYLAE TOT VOLKSBLAD, Vrydag 15 Maart 2013

Old Andreans prosper

OLD ANDREANS have made a valuable contribution to national and international life as business leaders, journalists, scientists and as participants in a wide variety of cultural pursuits. A well-known Old Andrean, Fred Brownell, was responsible for the design of the new South African flag when he was serving as state herald. Old Andrean Bruce Warner has represented South Africa at four Paralympics. He has competed in Nagano, Japan (1998), Salt Lake City, America (2002), Turin, Italy (2006), and Vancouver, Canada (2010). In the 2010 Olympics he qualified for and competed in all five of the alpine skiing disciplines. Alpine skiing is about skiing downhill around gates on courses that are about one and two minutes long. The other major form of skiing, cross-country, is an endurance event over longer, flatter terrain. Kelly Fairweather (who matriculated from Saint Andrews in 1978) has spent a lifetime involved in sport; first as a player (he represented South African Schools Hockey and also played provincial hockey for KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Province), then as a coach (after coaching Western Province teams, he spent some time as the coach for the South African womens team) and finally as an administrator. After spending some time working for the IOC in Lausanne, he was appointed the European director for the World Anti-Doping Agency and is now serving as the CEO of the FIH (world governing body for hockey). Uhuru Malebo served as the schools deputy head boy in 2006. After studying at the University of Cape Town (UCT), he graduated with a B.Com. degree in Philosophy and Economics and then went of the United States of America. Following a rigorous selection process, five young South Africans were invited to join their peers from Ireland to pursue an established internship and leadership curriculum in Washington D.C. Graeme MacKenzie matriculated in 1995 and went to the University of Johannesburg to study Optometry. Once he had completed his bachelors degree he registered for a masters degree in Optics. After two years, he had published enough to get his masters degree upgraded to a doctorate. This was awarded in 2004. In December 2005 he was offered a job at the University of Oxford. He was to join a team of engineers and physicists developing a product which could quite literally impact the lives of billions of people in the worlds most inaccessible regions: adjustable eye glasses. Adjustable eye glasses can quite literally provide clear vision at the turn of a dial and what is more, they can be distributed by teachers, community health workers and nurses, obviating the need for the expensive infrastructure required to support optometrists. Christiaan Scott (matric 1992) studied Paediatric Rheumatology in Leuven, Belgium. After a year in Belgium, he did a short, threemonth fellowship in Genoa, Italy, and moved back to South Africa in 2009. He is now permanently employed as a senior specialist in Paediatric Rheumatology at the Red Cross Childrens Hospital in Cape Town. Prof. Ed Rosenberg (matric 1955) recently received the Master Clinician Award of the American Academy of Periodontology the highest award bestowed by the academy on a clinician or clinician researcher.

A new wall was erected around Saint Andrews last year. on to read for an honours degree in Economics. He was selected for a programme which affords university graduates from South Africa and Ireland the unique opportunity to find common ground through a course of mutual understanding in the multi-cultural environment

The Saint Andrews Memorial Wall where Old An dreans can be remembered by generations to come. Photo: SUPPLIED

Old Andreans contribute

FEES at Saint Andrews are reasonable owing to the contributions of so many members of the Saint Andrews family. These groups are led by the board of governors comprising Old Andreans and parents. Essential aspects of school life are competently run by volunteer parents. Fund-raising campaigns are entrusted to the Ladies Association and PTA and management of funds to a group of trustees. Saint Andrews is supported by the Old Andrean Association and regional and national reunions are held annually. Old Andreans frequently visit the campus. The presentation of the Old Boys blazers after a matric valedictory service is an emotional moment which binds the young adult and his alma mater.

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Each learner special

Quality important
WITH an enrolment of approximately 680 learners, Saint Andrews is small enough to offer each boy an education of quality. The core syllabus is supplemented by enrichment activities. The school prides itself on good matric results, as well as an academic support system which enables weaker candidates to obtain a matriculation pass. Well-equipped libraries, audiovisual centres, remedial resources and an excellent computer base provide the facilities for the nurturing of a sound work ethic and the striving for academic excellence. The emphasis is on a solid grounding in basic academic principles balanced by programmes stimulating creativity. The student counsellor advises learners on packages designed for their particular requirements.

I pray that St Andrews will continue to produce men who are among the finest any nation can offer.
LOUIS BOTHA (FORMER OFS ADMINISTRATOR)

A proud moment for Saint Andrews was the announcement of Christiaan Bronkhorst as the top matric learner in the 2012 matric exams in the Free State. Photo: CHARL DEVENISH

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BYLAE TOT VOLKSBLAD, Vrydag 15 Maart 2013

Sport at Saints crucial part of education

OVER the years Saint Andrews has competed successfully in a number of different sports and cultural activities. The learners have often gone on to represent provincial and national teams. The school prides itself on the fact that it continues to offer opportunities for learners of differing abilities and backgrounds. In addition, a well-qualified counselling team is available to assist learners with any academic or personal needs. Every boy at Saint Andrews is given the opportunity to take part in sport. Conscientious and consistent participation is valued as highly as are superior achievements on the sports field. Saint Andrews has a proud sporting tradition dating from the first cricket match in 1880 and the first rugby match in 1916. A number of Saint Andrews learners have represented South Africa at both school and senior level in a wide variety of sports such as cricket, rugby, squash, swimming, hockey, tennis and polo. Last year 25% of the learners at the school were rewarded for their efforts with selection for provincial or national schools teams. The school encourages involvement, commitment and good sportsmanship. Cricket is the main summer sport and the school annually employs professional cricketers to coach the boys. Swimming is also a favourite summer sport. Winter sport includes hockey and rugby in the senior school, while soccer, mini-hockey and rugby enjoy strong support in the junior school. Athletics, tennis, karate and squash continue throughout the year. Individual learners may take part in cycling and golf. Boys also enrol at local gymnasiums. Over the decades a network of loyal parents, innovative parentteacher associations, stable and loyal academic and support staff have nurtured the schools development. The board of governors has been a creative blend of loyal Old Andreans, committed parents and friends.

Jenny de Gouveia gives learners in the junior phase a nature lesson. Photo: SUPPLIED

Academic standard high

Holistic approach important
OVER the last 150 years Saint Andrews has maintained a high standard of academic excellence. The schools pass rate in the gr. 12 examinations has been 100% for the past 21 years and the number of candidates who qualify for university entrance regularly exceeds 90%. In 2012, Christiaan Bronkhorst was ranked as the top gr. 12 candidate in the Free State. He, along with a number of other boys, produced very good results in his gr. 12 subjects and in a number of different olympiads. Saint Andrews boys enter Mathematics, Physical Science, Accounting, English and general knowledge olympiads and achieve outstanding results. A number of boys have been selected to participate in international Mathematics camps and have also achieved very good results. Although the school is proud of the achievements of the boys, they believe in the importance of a holistic education and the acquisition of life skills. As an example they believe that high standards of discipline are necessary in order for boys to develop self-discipline. The success of the boys when they study at tertiary institutions and enter the workplace shows that the programme at the school is fulfilling its purpose in preparing young men to face lifes challenges.

The first cricket team. Photo: SUPPLIED

Saints culture
CULTURAL activities at Saint Andrews are well entrenched. The junior choir has established a solid tradition while the chapel choir is regularly heard on radio and appear on television from time to time. The schools drama and debating groups have set a high standard of achievement. Music lessons in most instruments offer the learner the opportunity to find his forte. Activities that are supported by smaller groups include chess, bridge, reading enrichment, photography and vexillology. Learners are community-minded and support service to the community through the Interact Club. An exclusive life skills society for matriculants, the Fiat Lux Club, broadens horizons.

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The dividing line at Saint Andrews is how important the people are.
GILL CRAWFORD (A SAINTS MOTHER)

Out in the country

BLOEMFONTEIN is ideally situated for weekend trips to the Drakensberg Mountains and other outdoor training centres. Abseiling and cross-country hiking provide the boys with a healthy outdoor life and the opportunity for informal relations with their teachers. Regular field-trips are undertaken by junior school boys and their masters. All boys are given the chance to develop leadership qualities at outdoor camps in the Free State countryside and at the schools outdoor leadership camp near the Gariep Dam.

A home away from home

Wellbeing of boarders a priority
APPROXIMATELY a quarter of the boys at Saint Andrews are boarders and a lot of attention is given to the well-being of the resident learners. The two senior houses are Chandler House and Twells House. Storey House accommodates gr. 8 and gr. 9 boys and considerable effort is made to assimilate newcomers. Junior boys are housed in Dunn House where the housemother and her team create a family atmosphere. All houses have their own common rooms with TV and other recreational facilities. In the senior houses two boys share a room, while in the junior house there are four boys to a room. All boys meet in the central dining room which is serviced by a modern and efficient kitchen. The matric prefects help to facilitate the smooth running of

Boys relax in one of the hostel rooms. Photo: SUPPLIED the school and act as informal tutors to younger learners. The rapport between the housemasters and boarders sets a relaxed atmosphere. Housemasters are on 24-hour call, as is a professional nursing sister who lives on campus.

A boy is not just a boy in a Saints hostel. Hes your friend for life.
CLIVE MOTT (HOUSEMASTER)

Boys of the preprimary school visited Cheetah Experience outside Bloemfontein. Photo: SUPPLIED

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Pastoral care a priority

Chapel closely linked to school
THE history of Saint Andrews close ties with the church began with the schools founding in 1863. In those days the boys used to sing in the cathedral choir and assist in the services. The first chairman of the school committee (now known as the board of governors) was the priest in charge of the cathedral and for years the church was responsible for the financial management of the school. The church and a number of bishops also assisted by raising funds for capital developments at the school. In the 19th century most of the headmasters were priests who were to lead the school for short periods of time. Since the 20th century none of the headmasters have been priests, but the church and the school have nevertheless maintained a very close link. From the early days, religious instruction made up a prominent part of the school curriculum and this continues to this day as each day starts in the school chapel. The schools first chapel was built in 1881 and over the years a number of different buildings have been used as a chapel. The current chapel was consecrated in 1956. The position of the chapel near the entrance to the school and the importance The choir procession during the 150th celebration ceremony.

The Saint Andrews chapel. placed upon chapel services emphasise the prominence given to Christian teaching. In keeping with the ethos of Saint Andrews, the school chapel plays an important role in developing the spiritual life of every boy. The school has a full-time Anglican chaplain and all learners are required to attend daily services. Boarders worship at communion and evensong services on Sundays. Arrangements are made for boys of other denominations to attend their own churches for weekend services. The chaplain is actively involved in preparing boys for confirmation. Pastoral care of learners at St Andrews has the highest priority and youth groups, both formal and informal, support the needs of the young men in their charge.

Daily assembly in the chapel. Photos: SUPPLIED

I firmly believe that if the chapel remains the heart of Saint Andrews, we can only go from strength to strength.
STEFAN HALLER (AN OLD ANDREAN)

A beautiful statue outside the chapel of the older Saints pupil encouraging a younger boy. Photo: SUP PLIED