Cricket Clinic a great success

THE THIRD term has only started and already Vryheid Landbou is humming!

Bon voyage: On Friday, August 1, a group of pupils from our school is leaving for India, to attend the International Globe expedition in New Dehli.

Ms S Khonjelwayo and Mr Lungelo Mathenjwa are the skilled team leaders. The following learners were chosen to participate: Thando Gama; Ntobeko Ndebele; S’phokazi Zondo; Diana Mngomezulu; Sinothile Mngomezulu; Makhosazana Dlamini; Qhawelethu Thabede; Dumisani Nhlenyama; Mpho Sedise; Sikhulile Ndlovu; S’bonga Mchunu and Nhlakanipho Biyela.

The group is presenting three projects: Extraction of heat from soil; can plants tolerate grey water and the worm farm to determine how worm soil enhances plant growth.

This opportunity is made possible by Mondi; NASA; National Department of Science and Technology and Home Affairs. With your assistance we are proud to be part of the Globe project.

MPO Dairy Workshop: The MPO Dairy Workshop was held at Glenston Dairy Farm in Dundee on July 24. Siphiso Nhleko and Wilfred Nkosi, facilitators at the dairy on the farm, along with a Gr 11 learner, Sandile Nxumalo, attended this workshop. Sandile reported back with very interesting information. He said they first learnt about the history of milk production in South Africa. Then they were briefed about the importance of milk production worldwide. They also learnt how to improve the milk production at Vryheid Landbou. Sandile maintains that the school will benefit and increase the income in this section of the farm. They are all ready for the challenge!

Gymkhana: On August 30, Vryheid Landbou will be hosting a Tentpegging Competition. Riders from KZN, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Free State will be participating in this competition.

We are indeed honoured that Mr Anton van der Schyff, who has his Springbok colours and is the coach for the National team, is the organizer of the competition. What a privilege to have a man of his stature on our staff. The competition starts at 8:00am. We cordially invite the public to attend this activity.

Coaching cricket clinic: On Saturday, July 26, we had the privilege of hosting Sunfoil Dolphins player, Divan van Wyk. Accompanying him was Mr Smallfield and Mr Stead as well as six boys from Kloof High School.

21 boys and girls from Vryheid Agricultural High School as well as four visitors from Hoërskool Pionier were taken through nine sessions which included three batting, three bowling and three fielding sessions. Those new to cricket had the opportunity to learn the basics like holding the cricket bat properly, while the more experienced players fine-tuned their game and honed their skills. While the focus was on the players from Vryheid, the boys from Kloof used the opportunity to get involved in the coaching by assisting Mr van Wyk and the other coaches.

Having had one of his most successful seasons in domestic cricket with 764 runs in the first class Sunfoil Series, Divan van Wyk is a true celebrity! He had the attention of every player and they hung on his every word. His vast experience enabled him not only to share so much valuable information with our aspiring cricketers but also to inspire and motivate them.

After all the sessions were over, everyone present formed part of four six-a-side teams and played a couple of matches out in the middle.

This is where the players had the opportunity to apply the knowledge that they had gained throughout the day. Some players really impressed the coaches and by the end of the day various prizes were handed out to the players.

We would like to thank Divan and his whole team from Kloof High School, as well as the Sunfoil Dolphins for the part all of them played in making this clinic possible. We hope to see all of you again next year and wish you all the best in the upcoming season.

The school thanks Mr Cobus van Wyk so very much for organizing this wonderful clinic and for all the trouble he took to ensure quality coaching!

English Olympiad: Five learners from our school took part in the national English Olympiad in March 2014. It is with great pride that we announce our results: S’pho Dlamini (Grade 12); Thando Gama and Ntobeko Ndebele (both Grade 10) have been awarded bronze certificates (Marks between 60-69%). Vivi Zulu and Nombuso Mchunu (Grade 11) have been awarded merit certificates. (Marks between 50-59%) Even though all five girls were allowed concessions because they are all Zulu speakers, this is nevertheless an outstanding achievement!

Mrs Tasseron, their English teacher, was said to have gasped in disbelief when she saw the paper. It was really challenging, but the girls rose to the occasion and have made us so proud. Well done, ladies!