McKenzie House
January 2008
Term 1: Newsletter 1
Pre-start of the year

“Are you ready for your opportunity when it comes?”
John L Mason

Dear McKenzie Parents

Compliments of the season and I hope it will be a good year where your wishes and dreams come true, and you are filled with happiness and good health. After my commitments with Cricket South Africa at the various national cricket weeks, I had a very relaxing holiday down the South Coast at Leisure Bay and Illovo Beach. It was a great time to relax and spend quality time with friends and family and play lots of golf!

I thank parents who passed on their good wishes at the end of the year. I was very touched by the lovely gifts I received but more so by the words of encouragement and support. I appreciate the support I receive from parents and I am very grateful.

Our new boys arrive on Monday 14th January with the rest of the House due in by 8.30pm on Tuesday. The matrics will be returning on Saturday 12th January as we have a leadership weekend before the new boys arrive. We will be welcoming 14 Form I’s and 2 Form II’s. I have no doubt they will settle in quickly and be warmly welcomed by the McKenzie family.

A few dates to take note of:

9 March : McKenzie Golf Day ( Sakabula)
7 November : Matric Leavers Dinner

Our McKenzie Matric group did superbly well in the IEB Matriculation examinations at the end of last year. I would specifically like to congratulate Matthew Page who achieved 7 A’s, a wonderful achievement for a boy who was involved in a number of areas in the school. In our group of 17 boys there were 36 subject distinctions and 5 A aggregates which is commendable. I wish the 2007 matrics all the best for their future endeavours.

By now you would have received your son’s report and I ask that you carefully discuss it with him. It is important that he reflects on the December examinations and maybe asks himself a few questions: Did he prepare thoroughly? Did he work consistently throughout the year? Did he achieve his goals? Many boys, in the academic arena, set goals but fail to set out a clear plan on how to achieve them. I will be asking tutors and their tutees to look at this early in the term, and to set out goals and aims for the term, and the year ahead, with respect to academics, sport, cultural and social aspects of their lives at Hilton. .

I welcome Mr Andy van der Watt as a tutor in McKenzie House and Mrs Doris Shelembe who joins us as our Housekeeper. I look forward to their contribution.

Adam Duxbury (Eton College) and Kyle Forder (Gordonstoun) are away on exchange this term and we look forward to hearing from them on their return.

A few reminders:

• Please make sure all new clothing is marked before returning or boys must make sure this is handed in to Mrs Bonorchis immediately on return.

• Boys need to be vigilant about looking after their valuables, equipment and cell phones in particular.

• Please make sure your son has sufficient padlocks when he returns (I suggest that one avoids combination locks).

• All boys must have had a proper haircut before returning

You may have seen on the calendar that we are having our annual McKenzie Golf Day on Sunday 9th March at Sakabula Golf Club. Matthew van Asche, as part of his matric portfolio, will be co-ordinating this event and I encourage parents, family and friends to join us for the day. Further details of the day will be sent to you soon. I appeal to parents to assist Matthew as I am sure he will be approaching various people.

I wish Andrew Giliam and the matric group every success in leading the House. I look forward to working with them and to the contribution they will make to the House. To our new boys, and their families who are about to join us, we look forward to welcoming you to McKenzie House, and to getting to know. You are about to start a wonderful five year adventure of fun and lasting relationships.

I look forward to the year and I encourage you to pop in and see me when visiting the school. I enjoy my contact with parents and it is a vital part of us together nurturing your son. Please do not hesitate to contact me regarding any matter about your son.

I leave you with one of my favourite quotes from Kurt Hahn, the founder of Gordonstoun School in Scotland.

Enjoy the last few days of the holiday with your sons.

Regards

Paul

“Face the days that lie ahead with a spirit of adventure, compassion, honesty and confidence. Brave stormy seas that are bound to confront you, be determined to sail our ship on the quiet waters that lie ahead. Help those who you may find in trouble and steer clear of the whirlpools of destruction which you will meet on your voyage through life. Be not afraid of whom you are, what you are or where you are, but cling implicity to the Truth as is taught in the religion of your following. If you do all these things, you will be ‘of service’. If you are ‘of service’ you will make others happy, and you will also be happy too.”
Kurt Hahn