19 June 2026

Dear Parents,

Torches, Tradition, and Triumphs: Finishing at Full Speed

What an incredibly busy, exciting, and productive week it has been. Let it never be said that Clifton Notties takes its foot off the accelerator as we approach the holidays. We are crossing the finish line of this term at full speed, and with spirits high.

Living Our Values

Our week began with a Youth Day Chapel service, where we paid tribute to the brave individuals who stood up for equality in our country. I challenged our children to take these profound life lessons forward into their everyday lives: to never stand by as a silent witness if someone is being mistreated, to stand up courageously for those who cannot stand up for themselves, and to treat every person with equal kindness. These principles are deeply rooted in our Notties culture.

"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Nelson Mandela

I know we can count on our children to champion these values with vigour and bravery.

Reflection and House Pride

Well done to our Grade 6 and 7 boys and girls for successfully completing their exams and assessments. The hard work is behind you, and we now move into the crucial feedback phase, a vital time for reflection that ensures real, lasting learning takes place.

We also celebrate all the children who poured their hearts into Inter-house sports this week. The spirit and camaraderie that pervade these events are truly marvelous. Competing for and supporting your House is a proud tradition that has been ongoing since 1942, and the passion, pride, and loyalty that come with wearing your House colors remain as fierce and unaltered today as they were over eighty years ago!

The Magic of the Duiker Dawdle

My very first Pre-School Duiker Dawdle turned out to be an utterly enchanting experience, one of those rare, wholesome events that could only happen at Clifton Notties. The adventure began in true country style, led to the starting line by Clifton girls on horseback, with Mr. Quinn’s bagpipes echoing through the crisp air to signal the start.

Wrapped up warmly against the Notties chill, parents and children traipsed through Top Woods on a twilight treasure hunt. The woods came alive with twinkling torches, family connections, and endless laughter. The evening culminated around crackling fires with delicious boerewors rolls, embodying family, our beautiful natural environment, and the authentic connections that define our community. It was pure magic.

Hearts Full of Wonder

The magic continued the very next day as we welcomed our Pre-School and Junior Primary Grandparents and Special Grand Friends to campus. What a privilege it was to witness the love and generational connection in the classrooms.

Our special guests were treated to tea, treats, and intimate classroom performances, followed by a grand showcase in the theatre. Our children sang to their hearts' content, entertaining their grandparents and special grand friends beautifully. It was impossible to miss the visible emotion and pride filling the room. Thank you to our special guests for your cherished visit, and to our staff and boys and girls for the immense thought, effort, and care that went into making the day so unforgettable.

A Masterclass on the Greens

Our collective thanks go to the Parents’ Association for an incredibly successful Clifton Golf Day at Gowrie Farm. A full field of parents, old boys, and friends of the school enjoyed exceptional banter and stunning winter weather to match the high caliber of golf.

The prize-giving and auction that followed were wonderfully high-spirited, leading into a delicious dinner filled with storytelling about the putts that should have dropped! A huge thank you to Josie Dougall and the PA committee; the level of organisation was simply outstanding, allowing the community to connect and celebrate in style. We are deeply grateful for the immense time and effort poured into this event.

Marking the Milestones

This has been a remarkable term defined by a beautiful, holistic blend of academic rigour, the arts, sport, and events unique to Clifton. My sincere thanks go to our teaching and estates staff for their tireless dedication and enthusiasm, and to our parent body for your unwavering partnership.

Let’s finish these final days strongly, banking another wonderful set of memories from yet another unforgettable Notties term.


Staff News

Looking ahead, Nicole Venter has informed me of her intention to take up a position at Michaelhouse at the end of this academic year. This move will happily afford her more precious time with her family. While we will be saddened to see her leave when the time comes, we wish her every success and happiness as she prepares for this exciting next phase of her journey.


Out & About 

Two of our Senior Primary outdoor enthusiaists received their Out & About Badges in Chapel on Monday. Congratulations girls!

Adventurer, Conservationist and Weather Watcher

Weather Watcher