1 August 2025

Dear Parents,

“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” - Albert Schweitzer

Clifton staff and children were unable to participate in Nelson Mandela International Day activities as 18 July fell in the July holiday. However, we have not missed the opportunity to be of service and different grades have committed time and energy to a range of projects in support of our community during the first week of term. Some made and distributed games, made playdough, donated clothing whilst others spent time meeting and getting to know each other.

The Grade 6 visit to Shea O’Connor School typifies the spirit of Ubuntu we nurture at Clifton and it is a pleasure to share Mrs Nicola Worrall’s report as a reflection of their meaningful experience. 

"When our Grade 6 children stepped off the bus at Shea O’Connor Combined School, they were welcomed not as visitors, but as neighbours and friends. The Shea O’ Connor children formed a singing, smiling tunnel for the Clifton children to walk through, and after a personal welcome from the headmaster, Nicholas Nxumalo, the children were paired up. In their partnerships, they spent the morning working up a sweat playing soccer matches, puzzling over word building games and designing colourful ‘Ubuntu Flags.’ Working side by side on these activities, the children

realised that, despite coming from different backgrounds, they also had a great deal in common. Later, they linked arms for a traditional Zulu dance, laughing and clapping (and even trying to outdo each other with their high kicks!) before settling down to a shared picnic tea and story time. The Clifton children proudly read their Midlands Creative Writing pieces to their partners. The transformation from visitors to friends was evident and watching the camaraderie grow throughout the morning was something special.

The visit was inspired by one of Clifton’s core values: Ubuntu — the African philosophy that reminds us we become fully human through our relationships with others. Ubuntu encourages us to prioritise community bonds and celebrate our shared humanity for the common good. Through the simple acts of playing sport together, creating art and exchanging stories, our children lived out this value. By the time they said goodbye; the initial differences had melted away and genuine connections had been forged. The children learnt that community spirit isn’t just an abstract concept; it is something you intentionally create through warmth, play and conversation".

read the full Mandela initiative articles here...

Marketing

This week saw the marketing team in Johannesburg hosting parents who are interested to learn more about Clifton. The event was well supported and conversations continued late into the evening, by which time our guests seemed most impressed with the values and ethos of Clifton.

Staff News

We bid Hayley Muirhead farewell yesterday and thanked her for standing in for Lisa-Jade Ackerman during her maternity leave. Lisa-Jade is welcomed back today as she returns to the Admissions office.

Sport

It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm the girls are showing for soccer and the boys for hockey as they look forward to this season, which is traditionally more relaxed than the pressured second term.

Outings

The Grade 5 children enjoyed their visit to the Mandela Capture site yesterday.

Today Grade 7 parents eagerly await the return of their children from Botswana. The limited news which has filtered back from Botswana confirmed that the children and staff enjoyed their time away and the many and varied experiences that are offered on an expedition of this nature. On top of that, the staff really appreciated the co-operation and pleasant company of the children. We extend our warm thanks to the staff who made this trip such  a wonderful success and experience for the group.

Proudly Primary Conference

Some of our teachers will be attending the Proudly Primary Conference at St Charles on Thursday, 7 and Friday, 8 August. A reminder that the Pre-School will be closed on Friday, 8 August, while the Junior Primary and Senior Primary will continue with their normal programmes.