6 June 2025

Dear Parents

In my previous life I moved across the quad from the tranquillity of the academic department to the turbulence and passion of sport in the co-curricular department. The change in tone was palpable and momentous and I daresay the same contrast exists, fortunately to a lesser extent, in the realms of prep schools where children really do have to learn to walk before they run.

We know that rushing babies’ crawling stages can have detrimental effects on toddler development, including potential issues with coordination, balance, and even later cognitive development. Hurrying potty training is also a really bad idea. In the same vein, we believe that charging through the physical developmental stages of the junior primary years by teaching higher level sporting skills goes against the wisdom of allowing time for foundational development. Children need time to grow, to develop motor, perception and emotional skills before they can properly manage the technical dexterities, game plans, EQ and other essentials needed for sound, well rounded sportsmanship.

Kerri-Lyn Jones and our sports department have clearly articulated our philosophy of Sport training in the Grade 1 and 2 years at Clifton:

Grade 1 and 2 Sports Philosophy:

Our approach to sport in Grades 1 and 2 is intentionally participatory, gentle, and deeply aligned with our mission to honour the integrity of childhood while inspiring personal bests in every child. We recognise that these early years are foundational, not only in physical development but in shaping a child’s attitude toward teamwork, resilience, and enjoyment of healthy movement.

We are uncompromising in our dedication to nurturing confident, creative and resilient children of character. In sport, as in every facet of school life, we do not push our children to “win at all costs.” Rather, we take a developmentally appropriate approach that focuses on foundational skill-building, enjoyment, and wholehearted participation. We believe this creates an environment where children are free to explore, take risks, and grow at their own pace, while learning the importance of sportsmanship, perseverance, and bravery.

Children in Grades 1 and 2 are encouraged to participate in a wide range of sporting activities in a manner that reflects our core values. These include Ubuntu, which encourages collaboration and empathy; Respect, for teammates, coaches, and themselves; Perseverance, by trying their best even when things feel challenging; Bravery, through a willingness to try something new; Whole-heartedness, by engaging with enthusiasm and energy; Playfulness, which keeps joy and curiosity at the heart of all they do; and Intentionality, by developing skills with care and purpose.

Our goal in the Junior Primary phase is not only to develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination and physical confidence but also to instil a love for movement and team spirit. Children are taught to listen, collaborate, and support one another on the field -lessons that are learnt in Psychomotor classes and which carry beyond sport into every aspect of life.

Clifton continues to be a place where we seek the ideal balance between rigour and freedom, preparing our children for life beyond our gates, while never compromising the sanctity of childhood.

We believe that rushing the early developmental stages will be detrimental to our children’s healthy and competent participation in sport and we are confident that our approach to sport in the junior years lays solid foundations for the excellent sportsmanship we see developing in our older children.

While we do not receive news about our alumni from all the high schools which they attend, this recent report from one local school suggests that we are on the right track.

“Gregor von Mayer was recently selected to represent the KZN Inland U18A hockey XI, while Graydon Leslie was selected for the U18B side, and Ruan Ramnath for the U18C team. Mark Macaskill was chosen for the U14C team.

William Ridl was selected to represent the Craven Week team and Justin Higginson recently placed second in the U19 age group at the KZN Closed Squash Tournament.

On the academic front, Graydon Leslie placed sixth overall and Troy Rautenbach ninth in Gr11 in the first term academic quarter order. Griffin Erasmus placed second and Raif Jinnah third, Nivan Royappen seventh and Duncan Roberts tenth in Grade 10. Kivar Royappen placed fifth and Calvin Purdy eighth in Grade 9. Rohan Erasmus placed second, Cameron Cahill sixth and Brett Roberts seventh in Grade 8.”

It is wonderful to hear of the successes of our alumni and to be reaffirmed that we are laying solid foundations for life here at Clifton.

Admissions:

We are very pleased to welcome  Hayley Muirhead to the Admissions Department. Hayley is well known in the community and will be standing in for Lisa-Jade Koopman who is away on maternity leave.

Sunday Worship Chapel Service:

We are excited to have Chris Meyer lead the Hearts 4 Jesus worship service this coming Sunday 8 June. Chris is the Chaplain at Michaelhouse and we look forward to his message. Please dress warmly and  join us from 6.00-7.00pm in the Chapel.