The 2023 Chronicle

of textbookordering, collection, distribution and billing, showcases her organizational skills. Her commitment has been vital in maintaining a seamless flow of resources, supporting the academic needs of students and staff, and enhancing the Media Centre’s functionality. • Mr Van Wyk Oosthuysen has integrated state-of-the-art technology into the centre’s infrastructure while providing technical support in the IT Department, and support for live events around the school. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our benefactors, particularly Divesh Makan, and to all staff, boys and parents, too numerous to mention individually, who have contributed to the success of this ambitious project. Your support and engagement have been instrumental in bringing it to life. CONCLUSION Reflecting on the year, we take pride in the achievements and the vibrant educational environment fostered within the Makan Centre. It stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in education, and we look forward to continuing this journey, empowering our boys to explore the limits of the possible and venture into the impossible. E BLOCK CAMP – INHLOSANE This year our E Block Camp took on a new format which incorporated a two-day, out-and-back hike to the summit of Inhlosane. The camp started as it has done in the past, with boys overnighting in the reserve for the first two nights while they took part in various House-based activities. Some of the competition activities included: raft building, tug of war and, of course, the famous potjiekos cook-off. The third day included the outward- bound hike and successful summit of Inhlosane mountain in the Dargle. That evening the boys and staff were treated to a braai and accommodation at Mount Park resort at the base of Inhlosane. The final day of camp included the return hike to Michaelhouse. All the boys completed this camp and hike with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which was evident in the aching muscles and smiling faces as they returned to the Michaelhouse campus.

• The treasure hunt titled The Buried Treasure of Revd James Cameron Todd provided an interactive and immersive learning experience. • The Hogwarts Digital Escape Room , which brought the magic of literature to life in a digital format. • The Love of Reading Month , which celebrated the joy of literature and encouraged a school-wide engagement with books. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the cultural and educational vibrancy of Michaelhouse, promoting a rich literary culture and fostering a love for reading among boys. • Mrs Melissa Ross has been pivotal in maintaining literary engagement through her curated newsletters and reading initiatives. • Mrs Keren Shunmoogum, as Printroom Administrator and textbook logistics coordinator, has been instrumental in the Media Centre’s efficiency. Her meticulous management of printing resources, coupled with the introduction of new systems to streamline processes, ensures the highest quality of educational materials. Keren’s adept handling he outdoor education offering at Michaelhouse continues to grow, with more activities and events added this year. Each activity has a purpose and caters for the development of boys from the start of their high school journey through to the time when they leave Michaelhouse. BACKYARD ADVENTURES With the aim of appreciating and experiencing the outdoors through adventure, we are creating more opportunities for boys to be educated in ways that will ensure the long-term conservation of our natural resources. It is our intention that they will go on to provide leadership in creating a sustainable environment. At Michaelhouse we are blessed to have clean rivers, beautiful trails and panoramic views in our own backyard. And so, in addition to the well-established annual E Block Camp and the legendary Inhlosane Hike that are usually scheduled for the end of the third quarter, we added a new series of activities to our E Block programme. Hiking, campcraft, navigation, stargazing and kayaking were made compulsory for E Block boys in 2023 as part of a structured curriculum called Backyard Adventures. The intention will be to expand this next year to include the D Block boys in similar but more demanding activities. T STAFF ACHIEVEMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS Master in Charge: Ed Jeffrey

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

D BLOCK PONDOLAND CULTURAL IMMERSION – PONDOLAND

The D Block boys are privileged to experience immersion in Mpondo hospitality with the intention of understanding the aspirations of the people, engaging in conversation around customary laws and discipline, and learning about medical folklore. Pondoland is on the coast next to the Indian Ocean and is the traditional kingdom of the Pondo people, who are part of

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