Dear Hilton Moms and Dads

Another week has simply passed in a flash during which we completed an internal audit of the operations within the school. Headed by Howard Timms from IQAA (Independent Quality Assurance Agency) he worked with Bruce MacLachlan, Paul Venter and Praveshan Iyer, and all aspects of daily functioning were placed under scrutiny. A series of reports will now be completed over the next month to present a picture of the state of Hilton College at present.

With a serious focus on academic matters this term, the Form Four pupils are writing their first mid-year examination today. This will be a serious test of their capabilities and I look forward with interest to see what the results will reflect. The Matric pupils are also being put through their paces with less than three weeks to the start of their Trial Examinations. This will be their last major test before the end-of-year examinations.

The end of term Witness/Hilton Arts Festival is taking place over the weekend of the 18 and 19 September, and parents are encouraged to book accommodation early and to ensure that they are part of one of South Africa’s premier cultural events. As a special attraction and addition, Friday has been incorporated as a unique festival feature geared especially at the pupils. It is referred to as “Jongosi” and includes plays and workshops with student appeal. More than a thousand pupils from a number of schools will descend on Hilton from 09h00 until 16h00 for a cultural experience unique to this fabulous festival.

In addition, boys whose parents are attending shows on the Saturday will be able to have an extra leave and spend the evening off campus. They must apply for this leave in the normal manner, but it will not count as one of their allocated leaves.  They may only leave the campus from 4.00 p.m. onwards.

Mention must be made of the impressive Four Seasons Concert held by the St Anne’s, The Wykeham Collegiate, Michaelhouse and Hilton College Music Departments. The variety of outstanding performances in the Theatre was exceptional, and my thanks to everyone concerned for producing an exceptional evening’s entertainment.

On the staff front, Peter de Lisle has been invited by Microsoft to the National Innovative Teachers Forum Event which will be held in Johannesburg on 02 – 03 August. This is indeed an individual honour for Peter but one which will have great benefit for our staff as this conference aims to:

• Bring together a community of teachers to learn and exchange expertise
• Promote teacher confidence in integrating technology throughout the learning process
• Foster dialogue on best practice, innovation and pedagogy
• Engage teachers intellectually and offer opportunities for them to be active stakeholders in their profession and
• Promote the sharing of exceptional innovative practices of technology integration in the educational process.

We are excited to see what Peter can inject into our teaching process on his return.

The latest Old Hiltonian to receive his Springbok colours is Tim Drummond who has been chosen for the South African Mens’ Hockey Team to attend the Commonwealth Games in August. We congratulate him and wish him all the best for the Tournament.

Once again, we had a full weekend of Athletics and Soccer. There were 22 soccer matches played and we had the better of the results against Clifton. The First Team attended the Kloof Soccer Tournament and did well against very competent opponents.

Have a great week ahead.

Gavin Thomson
Headmaster