St Dominic’s Yearbook 2022

Best Pre-School in Ekurhuleni Best Private Primary School in Ekurhuleni Best Private High School in Ekurhuleni

INDEX 2022 Overview Pre-School Section Primary School Section Senior School Section

MATRIC RESULTS Class of 2021 100% Pass! Honouring our 50+ year legacy 7 placements in the Top 1% of the IEB national results. 69 Matrics, 153 Distinctions. 72% Overall Group Aggregate. 100% qualify for Tertiary Education. 97% Bachelor Pass. Principal's message On behalf of the staff and students at St Dominic’s, we salute the Matric class of 2021 on their outstanding matric results. They are reaping the rewards of their fortitude, grit and commitment under difficult circumstances. They are both an inspiration and an example to their younger sisters at St Dominic’s. We wish them all of the very best as they continue the journey into tertiary studies. We ask them to keep a little bit of St Dominic’s in their hearts. God Bless. Mrs Fitzgerald Principal - Senior School

ASPIRATIONS TOWARDS “VERITAS” (TRUTH / INTEGRITY) I have headed this text with the word “Aspirations…” There would be accountable government” (February 1990). because “to aspire towards” values, and to “actualize” and Further on the aspiration is expressed, “implement” them in our behaviour are two different “…a set of new values was in the ascendant in South African things. If we were in a debate about the definitions or politics, embodying selflessness and service to the nation.” meanings of “Truth” (the School’s motto) and “Integrity” These would be embraced to directly combat the corruption (an outcome of truth), I suspect we would get a great of the previous apartheid government. Very soon after the variety of understandings of these words. A simple democratic elections in 1994, issues cropped up (as they example: a 4-year-old has a tantrum in class about the use inevitably will do in all human endeavours), that began the of some equipment. The teacher takes the child aside and slide from internationally acclaimed admirable values helps the child understand why this behaviour is embodied in a new Constitution, into practices that have unacceptable. The process of reasoning is beginning to be ultimately undermined the original values. At base among taught that has an impact on the child’s social behaviour. If the root causes of a change of values lie the acquisition “by a 15-year-old displays the same behaviour, processes of any means” of money, status, wealth, and power, which reasoning incorporating some disciplinary action might be have become an acceptable means to flaunt the worth of taken. The primary matter is teaching a pupil advantageous the possessor. Espoused values are held only on paper. and effective social behaviour. One of the lessons being Accountability and responsibility for the benefit of society taught is to learn to take responsibility for one’s behaviour are no longer primary. and to become accountable. Another matter is the teacher’s emotions in face of this behaviour. His or her I raise this second paragraph not as a political statement, inner truth may encompass feelings of exasperation, anger, but to use as an illustration of what we, as South African impatience. Emotions can be acknowledged, but not be the citizens, have all had to bear; that we have seen, bemoaned, primary way of dealing with the issue because that may railed against, condemned. In contrast, I now refer to the lead to a child learning that the only way to deal with building of truth and integrity that the school espouses and, problematic issues is the exercise of power and authority in its ethos, endeavours to impart. It takes time to through anger, punishment and revenge. We aspire to the interiorize and make personal the values of truth and best way of dealing with difficult issues, and try by all integrity. It takes time to develop a personal integrity in the means to actualize that goal. face of something that has become toxic and endemic and against which stringent measures have to be taken so as not Our country is experiencing a huge amount of systemic and to get infected by it. Self-knowledge and self-correction, systematic dysfunctionality in many areas of public life. The accountability and responsibility play a role. Parents and unfortunate result of this is that, in order to deal with these guardians are the first models of ethical attitudes and dysfunctions, we begin to normalize them, in some way behaviours. I salute all of you and St. Dominic’s teachers. I begin to accept that they happen, and adapt to them. This express deep thanks to you for all you do to ensure the does not address the problem of dysfunctionality. The provision of a good education for your child, and an extraordinary thing about these normalizations or education that aspires to wholeness and the development minimalizations is that some of them – the very serious of a person who may aspects that affect socioeconomic and sociopolitical life already be contributing, and will, in the nationally – have evolved over years into flagrant abuse of future, contribute ultimately to the power, exercising it to the extreme detriment of the good of society in his or her life… national good, and manifesting an attitude of impunity that implementing aspirations towards these behaviours are totally acceptable. Mpumelelo truth and integrity. Mkhabela, a political analyst, has written a book, “The Enemy Within – how the ANC lost the battle against Christmas is coming. I wish you corruption.” In the first chapter he raises what one of the safety, happiness in your promises of a new government would be “…new, ethical and celebrations, and responsible way to govern the country. God’s blessings. Sr. Stephany REGION PRIORESS, NEWCASTLE DOMINICANS

UPGRADE PROJECTS Some of the projects completed and in progress CONSUMER SCIENCE CENTRE NEW FLOORING AND BLINDS INSTALLATION OF MOVEABLE UPGRADE IN THE HALL WALLS IN FOUR CLASSROOMS ADDITIONAL CODING AND MUSIC ACADEMY SECURITY SYSTEM AND ROBOTICS EQUIPMENT OPENING LIGHTING UPGRADES PRE-SCHOOL PRIMARY SCHOOL PRIMARY SCHOOL TECH ROOM PLAYGROUND UPGRADES PLAYGROUND UPGRADES UPGRADE RECEPTION UPGRADED RECYCLING SCIENCE LABORATORY UPGRADE CENTRE UPGRADES SENIOR SCHOOL COMPUTER UPGRADE AND PURCHASE VIRTUAL REALITY LAB UPGRADE OF STATUES EQUIPMENT

CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD If 2022 was about the return of our parents and learners I would like to thank all our staff from the teachers to the to a campus that befits a world class education within the groundsmen who go above and beyond with their time Dominican Ethos then I believe that 2023 will be about and accepting the individuality and uniqueness of each one of whose efforts are reflected within the results that the our Learners and creating an environment for them to school achieves academically, culturally, spiritually and on express themselves. the sports field. The world is changing, technology is advancing and the To my fellow Board members thank you for your communities within which we live are evolving and as a commitment and counsel. Board our commitment remains steadfast in acknowledging and embracing that change. As the year ends, I hope and pray that we take time to give thanks for the year within our community and We will continue developing and improving our facilities families and in turn reflect on all that came with it. to ensure that they reflect the individuality of each of one of our Learners and the world that they will go into. On behalf of the Board that I serve I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parents I would like to wish our parents for trusting St Dominics with the education of their and broader community a children and supporting that commitment financially. We Merry Christmas and prosperous know that these are difficult times economically so the 2023. For those that may be sacrifice is not lost on the Board. travelling we wish you journey mercies. Clement Chamboko CHAIRPERSON | BOARD OF GOVERNORS PARENT TEACHER PARTNERSHIP We started the year off with some unknowns but with a lot I would like to thank each and every parent for all your of hope to be getting back to a normal year and a normal life support throughout the year, and to all the teachers for as we once knew it. helping and backing the PTP. We can't do it without you. We as a PTP, with the partnership of the school, were able to A special thanks to Mr Loring and the Board for all their host the annual Wellness Day again. It was great for the girls hard work and dedication. to let their hair down and enjoy a \"normal\" Wellness Day. We would like to invite all parents who are interested in We hosted a movie night where parents could meet other joining the PTP next year to make contact with us, we can parents and see how our school has been upgraded over the only better the lives of our girls if we work together. lockdown period. We also got to have a Mix and Mingle for new parents, which was a really enjoyable evening. It has been a great honour to be the Chairman of the PTP for 2022 At our AGM this year we hosted a special guest, Jean de and I cannot wait for 2023. Villiers. It was insightful for all to see how an ex international rugby player perceives things. Watch out for our 2023 AGM! Have a blessed Christmas and New Year and stay safe. Garreth Stein CHAIRPERSON | PARENT TEACHER PARTNERSHIP (PTP)

FROM THE HEADMASTER'S DESK Helen Keller said, “What I am looking for is not out there, computer applications technology centres, coding, robotics it is in me.” If I paraphrase and reflect inside the walls of and virtual reality centres, which are all geared to futuristic St Dominic’s, what I am looking for is how the Ethos of the education, as well as the upgrades on recycling, statues and school is embodied in every aspect of school life and at aesthetics of buildings which speak to the values and ethos the same time we are living a future focused education of the school. model that gears our learners for a future world that is significantly different to the world we have known in the When we walk through our gates it is important to feel the past. Ethos of the school as well as the values and ethos of our learners and staff but also to see the significant move The symbolism of the almost 100-year old forward the school has taken to implement futuristic buildings, bell tower, statues, gardens and field, education strategies. to name a few examples, reflect the deep traditions, values and ethos that surround all of I thank Mr. Chamboko (Chairman of the Board) for the hours us on a daily basis. Against the internal of advice, counselling, and time he has given to me and the education model of futuristic classrooms, virtual school this year. We have taken a huge leap into the reality centres, coding and robotics, standing futuristic education world. Thank you to Mr. Matthysen for desks, collaboration, laptops, computer and your friendship, advice and wisdom and to the Finance team technology rooms, upgraded playground who have worked tirelessly in the Finance Department. To equipment, this is what speaks to the essence of the Board of Governors, thank you so much, you have given what makes St Dominic’s special and a St and given and given of your time, love and passion, Dominic’s girl unique. voluntarily to our school. To Sr. Stephany (Region Prioress), Mr. Stein (PTP Chairperson), Mr. Mahlangu (Drummie This year alone the Board has spent over R6 million Chairperson), you have given so much to all of us this year.It’s improving the school and striving towards continuous impossible to verbalise the massive impact you have had on improvement. We thank the board for the upgraded our school. Thank you! reception area, hall, consumer studies centre, playgrounds, technology rooms, science laboratories, This year we have forged ahead with projects, vision and passion. It’s been hugely successful, and we are ready for the 100-year celebrations next year.

Through the journey we have received immense loyalty, support and commitment from our whole family. Every member of our community has rolled up their sleeves, got involved and have been a huge part of our success. A very big thank you to: The Management and Executive Management Team, The Chairman and members of the Board of Governors, The Finance Committee, The Transformation and Diversity Committee, The Ethos and Heritage Committee, The Technology Team, The Principals and Deputy Principals, The Sisters, The Chairperson and members of the Majorette Committee, The Chairperson and members of the PTP, The Magazine Committee, The Junior and Senior School Head Girls and Deputies, The Junior and Senior School Executives and Committees, The St Dominic’s Parish, All members of Staff, Sports Coaches, Substitute Teachers and all who have assisted us this year, Our parents and learners who have continually supported us through such challenging times. You are all angels to the school and our girls. Have a blessed Christmas and a very special New Year. “One School, One Family, One Spirit” Roger Loring EXECUTIVE HEADMASTER

ETHOS AT ST DOMINIC'S Report by our Head of Ethos 2022 has been our school’s 99th year of existence. In this year the Ethos Team decided to adopt the Rosary as our Dominican symbol for the year. There is a popular legend that the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Dominic at a time when he was experiencing great difficulty in his mission to convert the followers of the Albigensian heresy back to the true faith. Mary is said to have suggested to Dominic that he teach the people to pray the Rosary. This legend is recalled in the Grotto at the entry to the Sister’s Cemetery. The Rosary is a string of beads consisting of five decades and a number of other beads, with a crucifix attached to the end of the Rosary. The Rosary is a prayer which follows the life of Jesus and Mary and is referred to as a mini- Gospel. It became the task of each part of the school to highlight the Rosary as a Dominican symbol. In the High School the girls made rosaries on their retreat day, while the Pre- School children made a huge Rosary that is currently displayed in their playground. In the Junior School the girls learnt about the rosary during their RE lessons. Sr Nontebeko’s Grade 4 class did a lovely presentation on the Rosary at a Junior School Assembly. We were once again able to celebrate whole-school Masses during the year. Ash Wednesday Masses were celebrated on 2 March. The Pre-school and Grades 1 and 2 attended a Para-liturgy. Blanket Mass was celebrated on 26 May. The St Dominic’s girls and their families gave generously towards the Winter Warmth Project run by the Charity Committees. On 25 July we celebrated our School’s 99th birthday with a Whole-school Mass. Once again, the St Dominic’s girls and their families were generous and brought to school many, many oranges and boxes of juice to distribute to local feeding schemes. Staff cooked nutritious soup that was handed over to various local feeding schemes. A further whole-school Mass was celebrated on 10 October when the Matrics celebrated their last Mass with the whole school prior to their Valedictory and writing their final exams. The Grade 7s gave each of the Matrics an Angel Brooch that they had especially made.

In addition to Masses, all the girls and staff pray every day at the start of the school day and at noon when the Angelus bell rings. There are other opportunities for prayer. Our School Chapel is open to the girls to go and spend quiet time praying and reflecting. Some RE lessons take place in the Chapel. During this year we have been able to upgrade the Chapel a little. The Sanctuary has a new carpet and new cushions have been made to replace the old ones. Thank you to the donors who made this upgrade possible. In preparation for our centenary celebrations, the Board of Governors allocated money to purchase new statues for the school and refurbish the existing statues. A new statue of St Martin de Porres has been delivered. Two of the existing statues have been repaired and repainted. We are awaiting the return of eight statues that have been sent for repair. We are looking forward to our centenary celebrations next year. Erica Rindfleisch HEAD OF ETHOS FORMER ART TEACHER, MRS MARIA KAYE’S PAINTING OF ST DOMINIC THAT HANGS IN THE SCHOOL’S BOARD ROOM.

TRANSFORMATION & DIVERSITY Committee Chairperson's Report This has been a very productive year in the This student committee, together with Mrs Matloha, has Transformation and Diversity department. We started the done such a great job of moulding the Safe-Space division year with the entire staff of St Dominic’s going on a two- to what it is today. This has allowed the learners to be able day training course on Transformation, Diversity and to express themselves freely and to really be part of the Inclusion facilitated by In-SA (Inclusion South Africa). We transformation and inclusion conversation. really enjoyed this eye-opening training and it was wonderful to see the whole staff coming together with The South African Transformation of Independent Schools the common goal of making our school an inclusive and Association (SATISA) offered many workshops which Mrs non-racial space. Thank you, Mrs. Meyer, for organizing Matloha and I attended. At the SATISA Annual the whole process . Conference, the psychological effects of diversity and guide towards facilitation and holding spaces, spirituality, The school has been working together with our T&D transformation, culture in schools, clinical and psycho- Parent Committee on perusing the school policies and sociological effects of “school” culture of silence were codes of conduct from transformation and diversity amongst the many topics discussed. points of view. After all the changes were ratified by the committee, the policies were discussed with the staff and Thank you to Mr Loring and his Management Team and learners, and the learners were given the updated the Board of Governors for all their support throughout policies. Thank you to everyone who was involved in this the year, to Mrs Matloha for doing such exceptional work process. liaising with the learners in the safe-spaces, and to Mrs Fitzgerald for the continuous support and guidance. In our Safe-Spaces pillar, Mrs Matloha and the student Transformation and Diversity Committee held many We also take this opportunity to thank the Parent clinics throughout the year. This is where issues such as Committee; Mrs Mpho Maseko, Mrs Tafara Matsaudza, understanding different dimensions of diversity i.e., Mrs Janine Jacobs, Mrs Ermine Bussack, Mr Clute history, culture, gender, race, social class and generation Swanepoel and Mrs Karen Dolman, for their continuous and sexual identity are discussed. efforts to ensure that Transformation and Diversity grows in our school. We bid farewell to Mr. Clute Swanepoel who Mrs Matloha and I attended several T&D cluster meetings will be leaving our T&D Parent Committee due to work- where independent schools came together to share their related reasons. Thank you, Clute, for being so experiences and processes dealing with transformation instrumental in our transformation and inclusion journey. and inclusion in schools. The wisdom, support, and encouragement you have given the school during your tenure is highly appreciated. At our Alumni Tea in April, former St Dominic's learners Congratulations on your new appointment. were given the opportunity to provide input into next year’s 100th year celebration, and to establish an alumni Association. Thank you to all the past learners who have volunteered to be part of various committees. This year was the first time that Transformation and Diversity was introduced as a portfolio amongst the student committees, with Asanda Mazibuko being the first head of the T&D student committee. Neville Smith CHAIRPERSON | TRANSFORMATION & DIVERSITY COMMITTEE





ROFESSIONA Opera Gala ST DOMINI P C'S L AT

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Support Staff

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A message from the Principal The Sunflower, a gorgeous creation of God, has long been admired in history. A symbol of true and faithful loyalty, optimism, happiness, positivity and longevity, as well as good fortune, but most importantly of peace and hope, This is a fitting symbol for our Pre-School pages, 2022, as part of this years magazine. 2022 started with trepidation and uncertainty as to how we were going to cope with the continued Covid restrictions and protocols. We hoped that some things would change, and change they did. We were able to remove masks and see the beautiful smiles of the children and their families. Our community was once again able to reconnect and grow. Thank you to Sr Stephanie and the Dominican sisters who have kept us grounded. Knowing our roots in the Catholic Faith and Catholic Ethos, nurtured by the sisters have ensured we have maintained our faith and encouraged our community. Our Board of Governors, led faithfully and steadfastly by Mr Chamboka, has encouraged us all to rise and shine and hold our heads up high, no matter what the circumstances or situation. The Board's optimism has allowed our school to revamp many areas within the school, to the value of over R6 million. Consumers kitchen, Junior Tech room, Hall, Reception, Playground upgrades, Virtual Reality Labs, increased Coding and Robotics equipment and a new Recycling Programme. Thanks go to Mr Loring, Mrs Fitzgerald, Mrs Bradbury, along with the rest of the Senior management team, who have kept the school growing, ensuring its longevity. The quote above describes the staff of our Pre-School to a tee. Thanks to Mrs Hird, Mrs Flinn, Mrs Van Schalkwyk, Mrs Sennwitz, Ms Nyamhingura, Mrs Strydom and Mrs Thomas for being the bright, positive, sunny and dedicated ladies that they are. We could not do our jobs without the support of Mrs Mogane, Mrs Phetla, Mrs Mlangeni, Mrs Mhlongo and Mr Nonyane. Like the Sunflower, this team brings joy and happiness. We are always grateful to Mrs Richter, Mrs Kalil-Zackey and Mrs Abraham for being on hand to step into the classroom when needed and for developing the Story Room into the magnificent place it is. Mrs Kruger, Mrs Liebenburg and their staff of admin ladies, have also taken the advice of the sunflower. Even when things are tough and looking bleak, they stand tall and find the sun. Thanks to them for all they do. Our Aftercare team is on hand, each and every day to take care of the girls after school. Thank you ladies. Our sunflower field grows larger with the inclusion of our PTP, led by Mr Stein. A huge thank you for keeping the Parent-Teacher-Partnership strong. The ground staff, security staff and maintenance crew, supported by Mr Kindon ensure that our extremely large campus is kept safe, clean, beautiful, developing and improving. The middle, brown part of the sunflower is made up of hundreds and hundreds of tiny flowers that develop into seeds. These seeds are our children and their families who are central to all we do and who spread happiness through each and every day. Thank you all for our sunshine... Merry Christmas and all the very best as we look forward to our Centenary Year - 2023 Ms Debbie Meyer

Farewell Michelle Teixeira Jenny Krige In March, 2022, Pre-School lost two long serving ladies to immigration. Michelle Teixeira, our secretary, fulfilled a dream to join her two daughters overseas and moved to Portugal. Michelle was the secretary in Pre-school for 17 years and became an integral part of everything the Pre- school did. She was organised, efficient, friendly and always on hand to give our little ones a cuddle on a sad day or to celebrate with them on their birthday. Michelle was able to assist teachers, parents and visitors with any query in her calm and warm manner. Jenny Krige, started at St Dominic's as Jenny Schultz, a pupil in our high school. She graduated as a teacher and came to work in Pre-School. In her time with us, she taught both Grade 00 and Grade 0, showing her adaptability, creativity and most certainly her passion for teaching little people. She had a gentle and warm manner with the childen and parents appreciated her straight forward approach when communicating with them. Jenny became our head of marketing and showed her prowes as a script writer for many of our concerts. We wish both ladies all the very best as they build new lives across the world. Always with us. We are saying goodbye to Dee Clark better knows as “ Aunty Dee.” Aunty Dee has served at St Dominic’s for 22 years with much love and compassion, and will be sorely missed by the St Dominic’s family, all the students and parents. We wish you all the best for your future and may God bless you and keep you Aunty Dee. The purpose of life is not to be happy. Mrs Ethel Calaca It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well Raph Waldo Emerson Goodbye Aunty Dee, Love you I'll miss you Aunty Dee Koketso Caylin Thank you for being Dee Clarke so kind to us! Owamy and Azania

Michelle Sennwitz Esther Phetla Walter Nonyane Charmaine Ursula Hird Rosie Mhlangeni Van Schalkwyk Tricia Flinn Rochella Thomas Portia Mhlongo Doris Mogane Tatenda Tracey Strydom Nyahimgura After many changes and restrictions, we are excited to finally run aftercare with our usual love and interaction, with our parents being able to collect their daughters from aftercare. We would like to welcome our new staff members Kayla Moosa, Noninhlanhla Spofana and Siphesihle Mamba, may your years with St Dominic’s be joyful and blessed. Mitzi Ethel Sima Dee Mbali Sandow Calaca Ndlovu Clarke Spofana Kayla Laurine Moosa Mumvuri Maria Nonhlanhla Siphesihle Gorgulho Spofana Mamba



Zayden Mentz Seonaid Rwafa Elizabeth Mateman Charlotte Beytell Kendra Matanga Tsentle Legadimana Giuliana dos Ramos Wanjau Githiri Luthando Mthiyane Liam van den Berg Sibahle Spofana Buhlebesizwe Gumbi Skylar Rodrigues Hayley Laing Doodlebugs 2022 Gianna Soares































Little Ballerinas Plié Jeté Dance Pointe

Little Ballerinas Plié Pointe Dance Piroutte