On most afternoons, I usually manage to sneak out of my office, even if

just for five minutes, to see the boys rehearse. Some of you, I am sure,

have slipped quietly into the back of the auditorium on occasion to

watch the boys prepare their repertoire and you will know that it is a

vastly different animal from the slick and polished performance that the

public witnesses on a Wednesday.

INSIDE:

OUTING GRADE 4 AND

GRADE 5 BOYS

A METAPHOR FOR LIFE GET TO KNOW THE

DBCS STAFF

Follow me to page 2

09/02/2018 I TERM 1 I NEWSLETTER

ISSUE

75

2

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the School community for producing yet another great MiMs weekend. In particular, I

would like to thank all the boys for their tremendous resilience, dedication and professionalism during the preparation and the event

itself. We

GOODBYE TO STEVEN AND MELANIE…CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

MESSAGE FROM THE

EXECUTIVE HEAD

MESSAGE FROM OUR

EXECUTIVE HEAD

A METAPHOR FOR LIFE…continued from page 1

…CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

In short, rehearsal is hard graft - a metaphor for life, I suppose?

Sting, one of my favourite musicians (not least because he was a teacher in a previous life), is famous for working his

band half to death in order to get it right. A six-month rehearsal schedule, of up to eight hours a day, is not unusual when

he prepares his team for a new tour and he has become famous for his quote, “Shall we break for tea and then perfect

the song, or shall we perfect the song and then break for tea? I know - let’s perfect the song!”

I played in a rock band for many years and Rehearsal Thursday was not something I looked forward to with much

anticipation. We would commence at 19:00 and rehearse for about three hours. Two friends of the band would pitch

faithfully every week, get the braai going and cook the meat. We would stop for 20 minutes, eat a boerie roll, chug back a

cold drink and get back to work. That the rehearsal venue was the band leader’s fabrication factory meant that you also

spent a great deal of your time inhaling iron filings and developing lung cancer. And, on more than one occasion, the

entire evening would be spent working on one song. (There are only so many times you can play Smoke on the Water

before you begin to hate it with every fibre of your being!)

Gigs, on the other hand, I loved! You got to travel to strange and exotic venues - like Richmond, Harrismith and even the

station-end of ‘Maritzburg! You met interesting and colourful characters, who became more interesting and colourful as

the night wore on. But their energy was infectious and you sailed through the gig with a zest and spirit that was definitely

not present at Thursday’s rehearsal.

So it is with the boys, I suppose. Wednesday concerts and big music festivals are what the boys live for here, but each day

in the auditorium brings with it another run-through of concert routine, the need to pitch correctly, the importance of

refining dance moves, of being in the right position at the right time and, of course, ensuring that the lyrics to each song

are known by heart. This is the business end of show business and there is no room for slackers. This is the, “let’s perfect

the song before we break for tea” mantra. This is where perfection begins and mediocrity ends. This is where you wonder

if you’ll ever escape Chef’s eagle eye. This is where your passion gets called into question, particularly when you are tired

and sore. This is where your gumboots pinch your toes, where a buddy accidentally elbows you where it hurts because

you messed up a move, where the sweat pours off your forehead and the dust swirling up from the floor fastens itself,

like a limpet, to the back of your throat.

Rehearsal is no fun (every boy and every musician will attest to that) but it is where those small, incremental steps build

up, until the drudgery of those endless afternoons or agonisingly long Thursday Rehearsals suddenly bring the brain, the

voice and the limbs into alignment, and when mastery takes place.

The Drakies experience - a metaphor for life? You need look no further.

3

It was with disappointment that I received Kenny Kabak’s notice to bring his term at Drakies to an end and to return to the

United States. Although I have not known him for very long, his passion for music and his obvious expertise in his chosen

field has impressed me greatly. His intention is to return to his studies and we cannot deny him that.

Kenny has made an indelible impression on the school in his time here and he will be missed. I am sure you join me in

wishing him well as he embarks on the next chapter in his life.

Charlotte Botha, formerly on staff here at Drakies, will join us directly after MiMs and will spend her university sabbatical

acting as 2nd conductor to the Choir and assisting in the run-up to the World Choir Games. We advertised earlier this week

for a permanent replacement for Kenny and will exhaust every avenue to find the right person to fill this critical position.

SCIENCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

Our “Berg and Beyond” initiative, which, as mentioned before, entails two school days of Life Orientation-related subject

matter, is fast taking shape. Scheduled for 21 and 22 March, our programme has been filled by folk well qualified to input

into the lives of the boys material that is age-appropriate, boy-centred and exciting.

The overarching theme has morphed into what I suppose one could call, “Science and the Environment.” Those folk who will

be presenting are more particularly dealing with nature, flora and fauna, general science and our forthcoming Outward

Bound experience, although there are some deviations from this theme here and there.

We are, however, already discussing the programmes for the remaining terms this year and have decided that “Human

Sexuality” will be our topic of choice in Term 2, with “Change,” being the topic for Term 3.

Human Sexuality speaks for itself and we can go as broad as we wish. The onset of puberty, acne, treating women with due

respect, human trafficking and so on will probably form the basis for those two days and we would love parents who are

knowledgeable in this area to speak to us and become involved in the programme.

Then, I am very excited about Term 3, as our topic, “Change,” also allows us to expand on the topic. From changing a tyre, a

lightbulb, or a plug, to a change of attitude, this topic really allows conversations with the boys to be opened up and again,

parental input would be appreciated.

Remember you can contact Johann Brits on johann.brits@angloamerican.com or me on gbrooks@dbchoir.com if you wish

to join the “Berg and Beyond” team. We would love to hear from you.

LAST WORD:

Here is what I have learned about boys. If you keep them busy, they’re fine. If you let them get bored, they’ll dismantle your

house, brick by brick! (Kenny Rogers)

Till next time,

Greg Brooks

Executive Head

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NEWS FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES

Michael de Goede Keenan Beeslaar Joshua Naidoo

Alex Brits Daniel Riceman

VOICE GROUP OF THE WEEK:

ALTOS

WEDNESDAY CONCERT AWARDS

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CHORISTER OF THE WEEK

Alec Gibson

JUNIOR NEW BOY OF THE WEEK SENIOR NEW BOY OF THE WEEK

Khwezi Msimang LJ Hay

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NEW BOYS: COMMENDABLE PERFORMANCES

MENTORS OF THE WEEK

Max Tanesse – Bupe Chiluba & Nicholas Robinson’s mentor

Sean Morrick – Jared Hildebrand’s mentor

L J Hay Sentle Seithleko Olwethu Nkonyane Culo Magwaza

Kwanele Dlamini Noah Coffey Caleb Coffey André Coetsee

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NEWS FROM THE MARKETING DEPARTMENT

GET TO KNOW THE STAFF MEMBERS AT DBCS

THIS WEEK’S FOCUS IS ON:

Miss Lauren Dookey Mr Keegan Bentley

Lauren was raised in the Winterton and

Colenso areas. She is the proud mother of a

little boy currently in Grade 3.

Qualification: Lauren graduated in 2016

with a Diploma in Education at the North

West University.

Future Aspirations: “My dreams are to study

further and to teach overseas.”

Keegan grew up on a farm in New Hanover. He

was at Drakies for five years. Keegan

matriculated at Hilton College after which he

completed his studies at Stellenbosch

University.

Qualifications: BA Humanities (Psychology)

from the University of Stellenbosch and a

PGCE from UNISA.

Future Aspirations: “My plan is to get

experience in the field of education and

pursue a position in school management.”

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NEWS FROM THE ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT

Dear Dairy

Last week Saturday in English, Miss Dookey took the Grade 4 and Grade 5 class to the airforce base at Dragon Peaks. I was so

excited and could not sleep.

When we left on Saturday, I ran ahead. As soon as we arrived there we were shown around. We got to see the helicopter

land.

I was almost blown away by the wind. By the time we returned back to school we were late for our next lesson.

After school we wanted to go back but we could not.

On Saturday I had so much fun!

Nicholas Robinson – Grade 4

OUTING FOR GRADE 4 AND GRADE 5

Miss Lauren Dookey and her class

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NEWS FROM THE SPORT DEPARTMENT

EPWORTH MUDMAN

Sunday morning saw all the participants up and about at 5:00 a.m. to load the twenty-three bikes into the trailer. When we arrived at Albert Falls Dam, the boys poured out of the vehicles, consumed breakfast and trooped off to registration. We had thirty-nine boys and members of staff taking part in the various triathlon events: the full distance individual event, the half-distance individual event, the full distance team event or the half-distance team event. The day started off cool and overcast but soon became fiercely hot and humid. Bikes and gear were parked at the transition bay while the participants made their way to the edge of the dam to start their swim. In the team event, the swimmers did their bit and then handed over to the cyclists, who rode as fast and swiftly as they could before handing over to the runners to complete their stage. Those of us who were insane enough to participate in either the half or full distance individual events waded into the dam under the burning African sun, knowing we were in for a long hot stage. Hats off to those who completed the full distance individual challenge! Back at our gazebos, the Drakies boys sprawled out in the shade, chatting with their parents and devouring their lunch. It was then time to pack up and to head off to our beloved mountains. Thank you to all of those involved and to the parents for their support and encouragement from the side of the dam. Keegan Bentley Teacher and Sports Coordinator

Max Tanesse

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SNIPPETS FROM THE SAN

Another fairly routine week has flitted by. Complaints were again mostly of a minor nature - except for an ankle that

gave me some sleepless nights. Following a nasty fall on Friday afternoon, a boy suffered immediate and intense pain in

his left lower limb. Swelling was rapid and significant. These are not good signs – particularly in a boy who seldom

darkens my door. The frequent flyers aren’t taken quite as seriously.

City folk would immediately have made a dash to the nearest hospital for x-rays. Mountain people are a little different

and bush medicine calls for a somewhat more conservative approach. Keep in mind that long distance transport to

medical facilities can cost an arm and a leg. Sometimes a broken arm or leg.

The only good thing about the affected limb was that it appeared straight. Fat - but straight. I needed time to make a

decision. Ice was applied and miles and miles of orthopaedic wool and crepe bandage were strapped around the injured

joint. Ultimately, it resembled a generously proportioned watermelon. The melon was then elevated on a pillow for

twenty-four hours. During this time, frequent unwrappings and rewrappings were done to administer ice to the swelling.

All very labour intensive and thank goodness I had such a compliant patient! The ankle remained alarmingly plump.

Crutches were issued with dire warnings to avoid weight bearing.

The compliant patient had only one thing on his mind – Outward Bound. The same thought was weighing on mine,

which was why I was making a concerted effort to expedite healing. Oh, how I longed for a wand! Nothing works quite

as well as a good wand but I unfortunately broke mine on my Great Dane. It’s not that I routinely clobber my dog, but

that the wand clearly couldn’t handle the demands of persuading a Great Dane to cooperate. It’s common knowledge

that they’re even worse than boys. The instrument just kind of melted in my hand during a training session - rather

boring actually. One would have at least expected a puff of smoke.

The ankle continued to irk and I was starting to tire of staring at it contemplatively. The endless wrapping and

unwrapping were also taking their toll. By Monday, I had had enough and needed someone else to make the x-ray

decision. It’s called passing the buck. So once again I consulted the dishy Dr Stroh. The good man pondered over the

offending ankle at some length. He eventually concluded that, while he didn’t think there was a fracture, “if it was my

kid, I would want an x-ray’’.

On Tuesday, the patient was duly dispatched to Hilton Hospital. After all that hullabaloo, it was in it was almost

disappointing when he returned to DBCS with a normal radiological report. Perhaps it’s x-ray vision as well as a wand

that I need. I could also have an absolute ball with an invisibility cloak. At least I already have the black cat and

broomstick.

Sister Lianne

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Brett Fernihough Caleb Saks

When Old Drakies visit the school, they

experience overwhelming emotions: a mixture of

pride and sadness. Pride in their memories of the

place that formed and shaped them. Sadness for

a time gone by.

Hugo Maritz was a Drakie from 1973 - 1974. He

had fond memories of being a Drakie and filming

with Gé Korsten and recording a record called,

Those Naughty Angels.

Belinda Espag

Marketing Manager

OLD DRAKIES

Damien Butt, Sabonga Mdletshe and Kieran Griffin

Hugo Maritz

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NEWS FROM THE DPA

GRADE 9 FUNDRAISING 2018

It’s time to prepare for MiMs and winter in the Berg.

We’re also excited that we now have a date for our Johannesburg fundraising concert. Save the date 26 May 2018, and

please ask all your friends and family to save the date too. More details will follow soon.

Here is this week’s selection of merchandise to help you get ready.

SUPPORTER GEAR

***Please note that if you wish to collect this supporters’ gear at MiMs, orders need to be placed and a 50% deposit

paid by EFT by Tuesday 13 March 2018.

Shirts – black on blue and blue on black golf shirts – have been manufactured especially for us and are available in sizes

from Child 3 to 4 years up to Adult 5XL. Prices range from R180 to R230.

Jackets – also available in sizes as above.

Dri-Mac – R250 Soft Shell – R550

14

Aprons for all those Moms and Dads working hard behind the food stalls at MiMs are available at R210. This includes

your name embroidered for free if ordered and paid for in full by 31 March 2018.

Picnic Blankets:

2m x 1.5m with waterproof underside and woven 100% cotton upper side. Batting in the middle for extra

comfort. Roll up with a sling and shoulder pad to throw over the shoulder. Fully machine washable.

Price R570

Something for the boys – keep away the winter chill with these fleecy comforts: beanies, scarves and gloves.

Price: R65 each or R180 for the set of three.

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NEWS FROM THE BOARDING DEPARTMENT

TUNGAY HOUSE With the first two concerts under our belts, there has been a great vibe around Tungay House. The new boys choir performed really well. The past week has seen them with heads down at prep time and also ensuring that their uniforms are ready for Wednesday’s concert. It’s a big challenge to vie for the new boy of the week and, even during free time, boys are studying their music. The chess table and monopoly board take centre stage when the boys need some much earned downtime. We had a good turn-out for the Epworth Mudman Challenge last weekend and the boys are looking forward to the next challenge in just over a week’s time. Tuesday and Thursday afternoons find a group of dedicated boys riding their bicycles to improve their fitness. Free time on Saturdays and Sundays also sees the boys involved in outdoor activities – from going on hikes and playing soccer to spending time at their forts. Keith and Merle Branch House Parents

Joshua Stuart and Olerato Pega

16

GRIFFIN HOUSE

BOARDERS OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to Matthew Robinson and LJ Hay for winning the Boarder of the Month award.

Verna Ayliffe

House Parent

Matthew Robinson and LJ Hay

This photo of Connor

McKenzie captures

another perspective of

Drakie life!

Photo taken by Angus

Sommerville (Grade 8)

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18

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Polane Moloi – 13 March Matthew Robinson – 16 March

Daniel van Jaarsveld – 16 March

DATE EVENT TIME

10 March Choir

11 March Chapel 18:00-19:00

14 March Math Olympiad (Grade 8 to Grade9)

Wednesday Concert

09:00-11:00

15:30-17:30

16-17 March Open Weekend

17 March Academics and Choir 08:30-12:30

18 March Cordwalles Mudman

Chapel

18:00-19-00

Calendar 9 March – 18 March 2018

DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR SCHOOL

PRIVATE BAG X20 | WINTERTON 3340 | KWAZULU-NATAL | SOUTH AFRICA

Tel: +2736 468 1012 | Fax: +2736 468 1709 | Email: administration@dbchoir.com | www.dbchoir.com

INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION NOT FOR GAIN - NPO 002-106

+

Mr Keegan Bentley and some of

the new boys of 2018