To all Parents, Old Boys and Members of the Prep Community

FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dear Parents, Old Boys, Staff Members, former Staff, Friends and Boys,

Today is the first school day of the School’s Centenary Year. How privileged we all are as members of the DPHS family to be standing shoulder to shoulder in the starting blocks, filled with excitement in anticipation of the events and the celebrations which will follow.

The boys arrived cheerfully, new and old alike, with a spring in their step, eager to show that they have what it takes to once again succeed in the classroom and beyond the classroom wherever a challenge awaits them.

How privileged the School is to have such quality people standing by on the advent of its Centenary Year. You might already have played your part or are busy doing so again this year and the school thanks you with the utmost sincerity. We have much to be grateful for. Foremost and without exception, you, the people of DPHS, past and present, deserve a triumphant accolade. On the international field of boys’ primary schools, few schools have served education for so long and with as much dedication, passion, pride and excellence. This is a tribute which rests buried deep within each one of you, an attribute and self respect you have earned. On the occasion of the School’s 100th birthday, you bear witness in your own right, and in remembrance of those who have gone before you to Durban Preparatory High School’s standing as a leading South African Boys Preparatory School.

The School is committed towards working hard to make the hundredth year as inspirational as every year that has gone before. I ask that we celebrate our diversity and solidarity with pride and enjoyment. May we embrace in our Centenary Year the very best qualities of a good school and good people.

As members of the DPHS community may we be blessed from above to stand tall this year for the good of the boys, our School and our country.

‘From small beginnings …...’

RICHARD NEAVE
Headmaster

Welcome
We extend a warm and friendly welcome to all our new boys, parents and their families. We hope each of our new boys has enjoyed his first day at DPHS. Our good wishes to these boys for a happy and rewarding career at the school. It was my pleasure and privilege to welcome back the staff and boys from what I hope was a well deserved and very restful holiday. The boys and staff can look forward to our first Centenary event, the whole school Centenary Assembly on Friday. A small treat awaits the school.

Staff News
The school is happy and proud to announce the new appointment of Ross Bedford (Grade 7 teacher) and the return of Genavieve Vosloo (Grade 1 teacher) to DPHS and the new appointment of Lisa Cook (Reception Unit Red Group Assistant). Congratulations to Justine Smit on her appointment as Blue Group teacher following the completion of her Honours Degree in Foundation Phase Teaching.
Welcome back after an extended period of leave to Annemarie Levine and Beulah Black. Congratulations to Alistair Naidu on his official appointment at the end of last year as Head of Department (Science) at DPHS. We wish him much success and enjoyment as a member of the school management team.

New Year
The School’s good wishes to all our families for a happy, healthy and rewarding 2010.

CONGRATULATIONS

Two Inter-Provincial U13 tournaments took place during the school holidays. The Interprovincial Cricket Festival was held in Cape Town and DPHS staff member, Mr Jaffar was the team coach for the KZN team which was captained by Jarryd Edy (DPHS) and included Tristan Tedder (DPHS). The team was voted the best team at the Provincial week.

At the U13 interprovincial Water Polo Tournament held in Johannesburg, DPHS staff member Mrs Huber was the Manager and the team included DPHS boys Tyran Faber, Daryn Goodson, Dayne Jagga, Keegan Nell and reserve, Gareth May.
The team achieved the distinction of winning the interprovincial tournament. The school is very proud of the part played by the DPHS teachers and boys in the success of those teams and offers congratulations to all the KZN participants.

CALENDAR

RECEPTION UNIT NEWS

Welcome to all our Grade 0 2010 pupils and their families who arrive today, Thursday and Friday. The staggered intake during the first three days of term ensures an easy start to the school year and assists the boys with settling into their new routines. A warm welcome to the Prep family is extended to Lisa Cook who will be assisting Karyn Bruorton in Red Group. Please diarise our first important ‘Date to Remember’ – Reception Unit Parents’ Information Evening. This takes place on Thursday 21 January, in your son’s Grade 0 classroom, at 18h00 and will be no longer than half an hour. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate children. This is of great benefit to everyone, as not only will it give you a chance to meet other parents in the school, but our programme will be explained as well as our aims and expectations outlined. We look forward to seeing you all there.

JUNIOR PRIMARY NEWS

A very warm welcome is extended to all the Junior Primary boys. It was wonderful to see the familiar faces of boys returning after the December holiday and a special welcome goes to all the new boys and their families who are starting out on their Prep careers. The first day always holds a special excitement and I am confident that all the boys will settle quickly in their new classes and I wish everyone a happy and productive year.

The first important date for parents to diarize is next Tuesday 19 January for the JP Parents’ Evening. Parents will meet with their son’s class teacher in the classroom at the following times:

• Grade 1 17h45 – 18h30
  
• Grade 2 18h30 – 19h00
  
• Grade 3 19h00 – 19h30

These meetings have been organised in order to enable the teacher and parents to meet each other and establish positive communication between school and home. The teacher will discuss the work to be covered during the year as well as matters relating to homework, sport and general school policy. There will be a short period of time allocated at the end of the talk for questions. Please do not bring your son as there will be no supervision for him.
The teachers look forward to meeting you on Tuesday evening.

SPORT
DPHS CRICKET FIXTURES TERM 1

GENERAL

SAIL AFRICA
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION
2010 Training Programme
SAIL AFRICA is launching their programme for the first quarter of 2010. As they will be expanding their activities in 2010 to offer a more balanced programme which aims to meet the varied needs of participants in the Sail Africa programmes, a huge amount of thought has gone into this initiative. Exciting new programmes such as an Adult Keelboat Programme, Adult Dinghy Programme, High School Dinghy Programme and Sunday sailing activities, will greatly improve their ability to deliver effectively. The programme will be posted on the Sail Africa website.

Adult Keelboat Programme
Having introduced so many new youngsters to sailing, they are finding that many parents would like to learn more about sailing so that they can be involved as a family. To this end, they have launched their Adult Keelboat Programme which will provide an introduction to sailing. The first course is scheduled for the first two weekends in February. The course will be based on a yacht hand course, with a strong emphasis on safety and providing parents with knowledge that will make them confident with managing small boats and understanding their youngster’s needs out on the water. For further information and bookings, email Taryn at Sailafrica@telkomsa.net.

SPACES ARE LIMITED…BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!
See the SAIL AFRICA website at www.sailafrica.org for all our latest activities.

HAVE YOUR SCHOOL BOOKS COVERED!

• Bring your own paper: R2.00 per book
• Or we supply paper and plastic: R5.00 per book

Windermere Centre – Upper Level – Monday 11 January – Saturday 16 January

Jessica Smillie, in conjunction with CHOC & WINDERMERE CENTRE is offering BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOK WRAPPING SERVICE. From Monday 11th January until Saturday 16th January, and for a nominal fee you can have all your school books wrapped with a portion of monies raised going to charity.

Please Contact:
Jocelyn Hallot
Windermere Centre Management
Tel / Fax: (031) 312-5959
Mobile: 071-689-9086
E-mail: admin@windermere.co.za