Sandton April 2024

April 25, 2024

PRE-PRIMARY & PREPARATORY

Kiran Moodley, Lights Up Johannesburg People’s Theatre

In the bustling energy of the Johannesburg People’s Theatre, Crawford International Sandton Preparatory's Grade 5 student, Kiran Moodley, assumes the lead role in "Disney’s My Son Pinocchio". Kiran’s portrayal of Pinocchio captivates audiences and fills his school community with pride as fellow Grade 5 students rally to support him.

Reflecting on his journey, Kiran shares his passion for acting, sparked during a visit to "Shrek, the musical". "I've always enjoyed acting and drama," he says, recalling the moment he realized his potential on stage. Transitioning from spectator to performer, Kiran navigates the challenges of balancing school and acting with discipline and hard work, embodying the essence of his favourite quote: "Success doesn't come in an elevator; you have to climb the stairs." With unwavering dedication, Kiran illuminates the stage, inspiring others with his talent and tenacity.

As Kiran continues to tread the boards and pursue his passions, his journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring young actors everywhere, reminding them that with hard work and perseverance, dreams can indeed take centre stage.

A young boy is sitting on a wooden box next to a globe.

A man in a purple suit is talking to a boy in a green hat

Mini City Council's Easter Egg Charity Drive Triumphs

The Mini City Council's Easter Egg Charity Drive proved to be a resounding success, with 13,000 Easter eggs collected! This tremendous effort from our Pre-Primary and Preparatory community undoubtedly brought joy to many this Easter season. Their generosity has made a significant impact, demonstrating the power of unity in supporting those in need.

A white van is filled with lots of boxes of toys.

A group of people are standing in a classroom holding boxes.

Celebrating Respect, Diversity and Inclusion at Crawford International Sandton Pre & Prep

Over the last month, Crawford International Sandton Preparatory and Pre-Primary have had the privilege of hosting various religious celebrations, including Purim, Holi, Easter, and Pesach. Our diverse religious offering underscores our commitment to respect, diversity, and inclusion, highlighting the importance of demonstrating these values through actions rather than mere words.

A group of people are sitting around a table with plates of food and cups.

A group of people sitting around a table on a stage

A group of people are standing in a park looking up at the sky.

Three little girls are dressed up as princesses and posing for a picture.

A woman is putting holi paint on a young boy 's face.

Celebrating Grandparents Day

A heartwarming celebration of generations at our Grandparents Day event! A special day, to honour the love, wisdom, and cherished memories shared between grandparents and grandchildren. From a cup of tea to heartfelt performances, it was a time to create lasting bonds and celebrate the invaluable role grandparents play in our lives.

A family posing for a picture with one girl wearing a shirt that says daddy 's

A man and woman are posing for a picture with a boy in a green shirt.

Two older women and a little girl are posing for a picture

They see us rolling at Crawford International Sandton Pre-Primary’s Bike Rally

Last Sunday, April 21st, marked a day of sunshine and adventure for our families as they participated in a splendid bike rally. With the warmth of summer permeating the air, it provided the perfect opportunity to pedal through the designed routes and forge memories together. For many of our students, it was their inaugural bike ride, adding an extra layer of excitement to the day's festivities.

A little girl is riding a bike on a brick sidewalk.

A boy and a girl are standing next to each other on scooters.

A woman in a black shirt is holding a little girl with a medal around her neck

Two little girls wearing helmets are sitting on the sidewalk eating french fries.

Earth Day

Celebrating our planet's beauty and our commitment to protecting it. From reducing waste to embracing renewable energy, every action counts. Together, we strive for a greener, more sustainable future.

A group of children are sitting in front of a painting of a whale

A fence with pink and white flowers on it

A bulletin board with a bunch of frogs on it

A fence with a bunch of trash hanging from it

COLLEGE

Public Speaking of the Highest Standard at Crawford International Sandton College

In the realm of public speaking excellence, Crawford International Sandton College students once again demonstrated their excellence at this year's High Schools’ Public Speaking Festival organized by the Speech and Drama College of South Africa. Referred to as "Challenge at the College," this prestigious event, hosting over 110 schools and 3,300 speakers annually, stands as the pinnacle of high school public speaking in South Africa. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our exceptional Challenge speakers for securing the coveted title of overall winners, a testament to their exceptional abilities and dedication to delivering presentations of the highest calibre.

Not only did our students clinch victory in the main competition, but our impromptu teams also emerged triumphant, showcasing their quick thinking and eloquence by captivating crafting speeches in a mere 30 minutes. Additionally, our senior prepared teams soared to victory, setting a new standard with their flawless performances and achieving unprecedented A+ grades. These achievements underscore the ethos of teamwork and sacrifice embedded in our students, reflecting countless hours of practice and unwavering commitment.

Beyond the winners, we extend our gratitude to every participant, including our junior prepared teams, trophy team, and individual speakers, whose collective efforts contributed to our success. Special thanks are also due to Ms Judelsohn, Ms Jiwa, and Ms Pincus for their support and guidance, without which these remarkable achievements would not have been possible. As we celebrate this year's triumphs, we eagerly anticipate witnessing our students continue to shine in the years to come, reaffirming our pride in their remarkable accomplishments.

Congratulations to every public speaker involved in Challenge on achieving greatness this year. You have made us so incredibly proud, and we hope to see you do it again next year.

A group of young people are standing next to each other in front of a sign that says speech and grammar.

Three girls in school uniforms are holding trophies and certificates.

A group of people standing next to each other holding trophies and certificates.

Inter-Crawford Ruimsig 2024

Inter-Crawford 2024 will be remembered as a memorable event for the year. The atmosphere at the opening assembly was ecstatic with the theme of #bringthespirit. Having Crawford Kenya with us for the first time was so incredible because they brought a different culture into the festival which just enriched the amazing culture we have as a Crawford group.

Crawford Sandton, had the biggest number of participants this year. Our students participated proudly in every sport there was to offer. Our teams performed well and came home with fantastic results. Crawford Sandton also had MVPs in basketball, tennis and netball. I believe Inter-Crawford is a beautiful part of the Crawford culture and tradition and most definitely has a permanent part of the school's future.

Our festival captains reflected on the experience:

Ashleigh Accone’s reflections

Inter-Crawford was an unforgettable experience for me this year. It was the first time was able to participate in this tournament, and unfortunately, it will also be the last. Nevertheless, I felt that the memories and experiences I gained were truly invaluable. What stood out to me was the incredible sense of togetherness and camaraderie that we all shared despite attending different Crawford Colleges. Every student was respectful, friendly, and kind, making the atmosphere truly special.

However, when the matches started, the energy shifted into an intense and exciting competition, which made the tournament even more memorable. One of the highlights of this year's tournament was the participation of Crawford Kenya. Their presence enabled us to create new relationships and form stronger bonds. Overall, Inter-Crawford was an experience that I will cherish for a long time to come.

Oliver Da Costa’s reflections

On behalf the Crawford International Sandton team, I would like to thank the Ruimsig team for the amazing Inter-Crawford festival this year. I would also like to draw your attention to the wonderful results achieved by our sports teams at the event. We were even crowned as overall winners of the event. We need to thank all those who were involved for their hard work and commitment that was demonstrated during the festival. Although we did not win every match, seeing the growth in all our sports was wonderful. The festival is becoming more competitive every year and we are excited to see what the 2025 Inter-Crawford Festival has in store.

A group of young girls are posing for a picture on a tennis court.

A group of young girls are posing for a picture on a basketball court.

A teddy bear wearing a shirt that says niki on it

A man is holding a stuffed animal on a basketball court.

Impact Public Speaking Competition

From 9 - 17 March, Crawford Sandton College students participated in the Impact Public Speaking competition. The event demonstrated the range of public speaking skills displayed by students in categories such as Impromptu speaking and Prepared speaking. The event showcased the diverse speaking abilities of our students.

Our students delivered prepared speeches with eloquence and confidence, captivating the audience with their articulate expressions and compelling narratives. The impromptu rounds tested their ability to think on their feet, responding to challenging topics with spontaneity and clarity.

During the competition, students distinguished themselves with exceptional performances, earning accolades and recognition. Our students received numerous prestigious awards, reflecting their dedication and hard work.

Our public speakers' dedication inspires a culture of exceptional communication. Students who take part in these events improve their speaking skills as well as acquire critical thinking, confidence, and leadership qualities that will help them in their future endeavours.

A group of young people are standing in front of a building holding certificates.

A group of young people in suits and ties are posing for a picture.

A group of young people in school uniforms are standing next to each other in a room.

A group of people in suits and ties are standing in front of a red curtain holding certificates.

Three girls are posing for a picture in front of a red curtain

A group of young women in suits and ties are posing for a picture.

Four women in suits and ties are standing next to each other

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.

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A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.