Kingswood College Magazine Report 2024 - Ballroom Dancing PDF

**Kingswood College Magazine Report 2024 - Ballroom Dancing** This year, the Kingswood Ballroom Club has brought the vibrant world of Ballroom and Latin American dance to life every Monday and Wednesday afternoon. With classes open to beginners, intermediates, and advanced dancers alike, our studen...

**Kingswood College Magazine Report 2024 - Ballroom Dancing** This year, the Kingswood Ballroom Club has brought the vibrant world of Ballroom and Latin American dance to life every Monday and Wednesday afternoon. With classes open to beginners, intermediates, and advanced dancers alike, our students have embraced a structured syllabus that guides them in the artistry of partner dancing. Through their dedication, they've learned a range of dances: from graceful Ballroom classics like the Slow Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango, to the spirited Latin rhythms of the Cha Cha, Mambo, Rumba, and Samba, and lively rhythm dances like Boogie, East Coast Swing, and Rock 'n Roll. While our classes focus on social dance, we proudly offer students the chance to earn internationally recognized diplomas through an annual grading day---an opportunity many have taken to heart as they deepen their skills and passion. Our Ballroom Club's highlights for 2024 capture a year filled with rhythm, connection, and joy: On Saturday, 4 May, some of our dancers were entered into Dare-2-Dance's 20^th^ Annual Interschools dance competition, held at the esteemed Feather Market Centre, in Gqeberha. With over 12 schools represented, the competition spanned an intense 8-hour duration. Among the participants, the Kingswood College club showcased commendable performances. Leona Morapedi, Bronwyn Wilson, Zinhle Modo, Jorja Morrison, Mahalia Martin, Onalena Mokgosana demonstrated remarkable skill, each advancing to the semi-finals across all their dances. Following spirited performances against formidable opponents in the finals, Bronwyn Wilson secured 5th place overall in the silver badge Ballroom section as well as clinching the top spot in the silver badge Latin section. Onalena Mokgosana secured 7^th^ place in the pre-bronze Latin section. Onalena Mokgosana and Jorja Morrison were placed 5^th^ overall in the Big Sister Latin section. Their achievements stand as a testament to their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout the year, culminating in their success at the Dare-to-Dance competition. Our crowning achievement came on Saturday, September 14th, when our dancers attended the International Social Ballroom and Latin-American Dance Grading Day hosted by Kingswood College. Organized with care by Mr. Francois van Eck, this event saw our students evaluated by the esteemed examiner, Mr. Peter Mann of the South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA). In a display of grace and commitment, Emmaley Hewson, Leona Morapedi, Zinhle Modo, Mahalia Martin, Jorja Morrison and Katherine Hopes completed seven dances for their Level 2 grading. These dancers brought home an impressive 20 honours and 4 highly commended certificates, an achievement that speaks to their dedication, talent, and passion. Tyler-Star Hillier, Rachel van der Merwe, Lumbidzani Marumo and Onalena Mokgosana dazzled the dance floor, all completing their beginner level and brought home 5 Honours and 9 Highly Commended certificates. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. van Eck for his unwavering support, the countless hours he dedicated to preparing our dancers, and to Mrs. van Eck for making it all possible behind the scenes. We closed the year with an adventurous trip to the Bedford Flower Festival, on Saturday, 26^th^ October, where our dancers treated the crowds, in a showcase of their favourite dance routines, from a graceful Waltz to a cheeky Cha Cha, and a fun East Coast Swing, to name a few. The girls and teachers enjoyed an outing to one of the flower farms before heading home. On Thursday, 7 November, our ballroom dancers kicked off this years' Cultural assembly by bravely performing a repertoire of dances showcasing the syllabus that they have learnt this year. Following on from this, our dedicated dancers were awarded with their social dance certificates. Congratulations to all our dancers on your remarkable achievements this year. Cultural Awards were presented as follows: Standards: Bronwyn Wilson, Emmaley Hewson, Leona Morapedi, Zinhle Modo, Mahalia Martin, Jorja Morrison and Katherine Hopes The Ballroom Society meets every week, and we welcome new members warmly---whether you're an experienced dancer or simply curious, there's a place for you with us. Join us, and let's make memories on the dance floor! **Ballroom Dancers Shine at Grading Event** On Saturday, 14th September, our ballroom dancers took to the floor at the annual International Social Ballroom and Latin-American Dance Grading Day, held at Kingswood College. The event was organized by our dedicated dance instructor, Mr Francois van Eck, with students being evaluated by external examiner, Peter Mann, from the South African Dance Teachers Association (SADTA). We are incredibly proud of Emmaley Hewson, Leona Morapedi, Zinhle Modo, Mahalia Martin, Jorja Morrison and Katherine Hopes who gracefully completed seven dances for their Level 2 grading. These dancers brought home an impressive 20 honours and 4 highly commended diplomas, an achievement that speaks to their dedication, talent, and passion. Tyler-Star Hillier, Rachel van der Merwe, Lumbidzani Marumo and Onalena Mokgosana dazzled the dance floor, all completing their beginner level and brought home 5 Honours and 9 Highly Commended diplomas. Our dancers performed a variety of dance styles, from Ballroom dances like the Slow Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango, to upbeat Rhythm dances like the Boogie and East Coast Swing, and fiery Latin dances such as the Cha Cha, Mambo, Rumba, and Samba. Our sincere thanks to Mr van Eck for his unwavering support, the extra hours of preparation, and his commitment to helping our dancers shine. Also, to Mrs van Eck who made the magic happen behind the scenes. The Ballroom Society meets once a week, and we always welcome new faces. Whether you\'re a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, there's a place for you on our dance floor! **Kingswood Debating Society: Annual Report** The Kingswood Debating Society had a highly successful and active year, with both junior and senior teams participating in various prestigious tournaments. In Term 1, the society started on a strong note. Two junior teams attended the Merrifield Junior Day, while two senior teams competed in the eRhini Debating League (RDL), where our senior A team emerged victorious and the senior Bs won two out of six rounds. Additionally, one junior and one senior team participated in the Alex Road Debating Festival, with the junior team claiming the title. Term 2 saw the juniors competing in the eRhini Debating League, where they placed sixth. The highlight of the term was the selection of six of our debaters---Sophie Buttner, Diya Harjeven, Caitlin Steymann, Savanna Renaud, Nkiyasi Shordries, and Rosemary Colenso---to attend the Eastern Cape Provincial Debating Trials, which Kingswood College had the honour of hosting. The RDL senior team, represented by Rosemary and Caitlin, achieved second place, as did the junior RDL team with Sophie and Diya. All four ranked in the Top 10 of their divisions and were selected to represent the Eastern Cape at the South African National Schools\' Championship, which Kingswood will also host in December. Term 3 concluded with the juniors participating in the Merrifield Composite Day, bringing the year's debating activities to a successful close. During the term 3 cultural awards assembly, the following pupils' hard work and dedication to Kingswood debating were recognised: Tjedza Mushango Skyla Davies Diya Harjeven Sophie Büttner The Kingswood Debating Society is proud of its pupils\' achievements and looks forward to c **2024 Theme** **Enviro Club 2024** These are a few of the environmental engagements in 2024. **Learning about the environment, fauna and flora**  A trip to Three Valleys Nature Reserve to see their rescue animals (a black leopard, lions and a large tiger!) and experience a game drive through the wilderness. It was wonderful to get so close to the animals and be able to walk amongst them. **Community Garden -- Fingo Village**  Photograph: Tyres are repurposed to grow food **Fingo Village Materials Reclamation Facility** This facility supported by Project SEF and the NAF is recycling waste and turning plastic into a composite brick. A super initiative to alleviate burden on the landfill site, recycle, repurpose tons of Makhanda waste, clean up the environment and create employment.  Photograph: Materials are sorted and await transport to the factory for brick making **Litter collection at Grahamstown Riding Club** The Makhanda landfill site litter was scattered far and wide after high winds, warranting a team effort to reduce contamination of adjacent lands. This is an ongoing issue.  **Recycling Challenge**  Waste management in Makhanda is a major issue as the landfill site in not managed. Recycling becomes vital to reducing the amount of waste taken to the landfill. **Visiting the Institute for Water Research (RU)** The IWR is an institute linked to Rhodes University. Their focus is on monitoring water systems by studying the organisms that form part of this delicate ecosystem. We will continue to learn and collaborate with the IWR as they have much Tanks for breeding invertebrates to examine tolerance for pollution in water Photograph: Enviro Club members with IWR technicians **World Water Monitoring Day** Samples tested and results uploaded from our local stream.  Photograph: Stream near KC Sample results uploaded to WaterCAN website  **Assembly with River Rescue and BirdKing on World Water Monitoring Day** Focus: Importance of water ways and the problem of plastic pollution  Qaqamba Mtotywa (Enviro Club), Helen Holleman (River Rescue founder), David Wright (Head), Margaret Wolff (OK), BirdKing (Waste entrepreneur and performance artist), Tracy (Head), Diya Harjeven (Enviro Club), Dan Bailey (Enviro Club) **Alien invasive control -- Mountain Drive** Eco-warriors took to the mountain to cut back wattle and other invasive plant species. Under the guidance of Tony Dold, the Curator of the [[Selmar Schonland Herbarium]](https://www.ru.ac.za/schonlandherbarium) in Grahamstown, we discovered the importance of removing invasive plants from the system and the need for propagation of indigenous species.   ontinuing its legacy of excellence.  **Law Society** During this inaugural year, the students from the Kingswood College Law Society had the privilege of participating in enriching experiences. One notable event was a session with local attorney Stuart Tarr, who specialises in Litigation and Insolvency practice. Mr Tarr provided invaluable insights into potential career paths, recommended school subjects for aspiring law students and patiently addressed a variety of pupil inquiries. This encounter served as a gateway to the legal profession, broadening our students\' understanding of its possibilities. Another standout moment for our budding legal minds was a discussion led by esteemed Human Rights lawyer Mr Howard Varney. The conversation delved into Transitional Justice within the framework of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa and other global initiatives. Mr Varney\'s expertise illuminated the path towards using law as a tool for social justice and contributing to the greater good of society, both locally and internationally. The inception of the Law Society has been met with resounding success, laying a strong foundation for future growth and exploration. Finally, the Society member took a trip to the Peddie magistrate Court where they experience 'real' law. Magistrate Govender (also the chair of our school's council) answered questions on the mechanic of law and procedure. It is vital for students to learn that TV law creates a glamourised perspective of a tough and often brutal profession. We eagerly anticipate the continued evolution of this invaluable platform for legal education and engagement. R. Van Rensburg S. Model UN report T. U. Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly and its other multilateral bodies where students perform an ambassador role while debating topics such as international politics, human rights, climate action, global health, and more. A small group of dedicated members worked weekly to hone their MUN skills. V. W. In October, Kingswood hosted its first Model UN conference. This was effectively organised by Nkiyasi Shordries, Cullan Erasmus and Josie Field. The Theme of the conference was Promoting Sustainable Development based on the following mandate - *In September 2015, world leaders gathered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and unanimously adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a new universal standard for development that will ensure no one is left behind*. X. Y. We selected the Legal committee and formulated proposals and debates around the following topics: 1) Creating the framework to prevent the exploitation of African resources and workers. 2) Strengthening Carbon tax as an environmental levy for businesses Z. A. The event was a great success, led by Chairperson Nick Godwin Pritchard. Nkiyasi Shordries was voted best delegate at the conference. Her sharp mind and tongue stood her in good stead and made her a formidable competitor. We hope to see growth next year and are looking forward to welcoming more juniors to our ranks. B. R Van Rensburg C. D. E. **Report on Barista Program at The Wishing Bean Coffee Shop** F. The Barista program at The Wishing Bean Coffee Shop has successfully transformed participants into skilled coffee artists. This educational initiative equipped them with a comprehensive understanding of coffee and the technical skills necessary to prepare, decorate, and serve a variety of coffee beverages. G. Throughout the program, members delved into every aspect of coffee-making. They learned not only how to create exquisite cups of Espresso, Cappuccino, and other drinks but also gained insights into the entire coffee process. This included the maintenance and programming of coffee machines, grinding techniques, roasting, and even the cultivation of coffee plants. Participants engaged in diverse learning activities that made the experience both enjoyable and informative. They received hands-on training from Unathi Sandi, the resident Barista at The Wishing Bean. H. The term concluded on a celebratory note, allowing members to put their new skills into practice. They were able to select their preferred coffee drinks and create them at The Wishing Bean, showcasing their expertise and creativity. I. G. Spring **he Surf Club** We have taken to the surf and dunes of Port Alfred, surfing Kelly's Beach and East Beach regularly. The surf break at both beaches is consistent with decent tubes when the wind blows from the south west. We discovered that Port Alfred is a popular surfing and pro-surf destination, hosting surfing competitions. The KC surfers have been coached by the Shaka Surf School and we have stayed at the Shaka Surf Lodge. This enabled us to get more time on the dunes and in the water. Port Alfred is a beautiful area of the Eastern Cape with pristine beaches, huge dunes, coastal forests, rivers and reef formations. A group of people on a sand dune Description automatically generated