Termly Reflection 

It began with a bell. Tristan Aubert (Class of 2001), together with his wife, Nanette, recently paid us a visit. Walking around campus and reminiscing with Tristan was so very refreshing… a wonderful reminder of what was, and what still is at Clifton. It was also important to view the growth of our facilities through new eyes, and those of a very impressed past pupil. 

Upon entering our Dining Hall (it’s still difficult to conceive of it as an erstwhile dairy), Tristan noticed our bell. “I’m pretty sure that is the same bell as when I was here.” It is. And it must have clanged for generations…

The same was with several of our Capitol staff – Miriam Shezi and Sylvia Zulu, who recognised Tristan’s smile through his impressive beard. It was a very happy reunion!

Tristan was one of many of our ‘out of country’ children, arriving as a boarder from France in his Grade 4 year. The legendary Mrs Jane Cahill was his class teacher. Cue another very happy, emotional reunion.

The gift from Tristan’s visit soon became abundantly clear: while many things change in life, some things, like our dining hall bell, do not. The same holds true for Clifton’s values, purpose, and character. It is a magical place.

Tristan Aubert describes himself as ‘a data scientist in the environmental space’, and is currently based in Seattle, USA.  He makes a difference to the world. We hope that his journey at Clifton inspired him in some small way.  May the same be true for every person departing our gates.

Winter brings its own magic and beauty to our campus. There is smoke curling slowly up from the Grade 4 classrooms (is there another school anywhere where firelighters are part of the stationery requirements?). Children march briskly between classrooms, with the accouterments of Winter trailing along… woolly hats, scarves, gloves… and puffs of breath. If you are lucky and look carefully enough, you may just spot some Duiker spoor through the frost on Forbes field.

It’s been a magnificent term at Clifton. Our sportsmen and women have done themselves proud, in true Clifton fashion. There have been a myriad of activities and opportunities for growth, and to just be children. Our Family Fun Day, organised by our Parents’ Association, was one such example. Chuck in school trips, hikes, bobsledding, a dog show, frost, exams, Grandparents’ Day, music recitals, chess championships as well as outstanding theatre showcases and you have the happy ‘fruit salad’ that has been Term 2.

As the last of the Japanese Maple’s leaves drift slowly to the ground, with a backdrop of rugby war-cries, the clatter of hockey sticks, laughter, and teachers’ gentle voices, the term is suddenly at an end.  On the subject of the Japanese Maple, Clifton was recently gifted with a painting of the same, created and presented by Mrs Georgina Ridl (nee Bates) of the class of 1990. 

“Seasonal.” Now that’s a good word. Here’s to the next season at Clifton. Did somebody say ‘conkers’?