Tonetti’s of Marist Brothers Liam and Conor Tonetti are fourth generation Marist Brothers scholars. Their great grandfather, Mario Tonetti was schooled at a Marist Brothers school in Italy, their grandfather James Tonetti matriculated from St David’s in 1954 and their father, Gordon matriculated from St David’s in 1986. A family of sportsmen, rugby players and engineers. The family is featured in a book titled: “Pioneers of the Lowveld” - Hans Bornman. The book discusses the Italian community of the early 1900’s. The Tonetti farm called Brusnengo, situated near Kaapmuiden is named after the town in Italy from which the family originate. The Catholic family built a church which was completed in 1935. During the final construction of the little church, the scaffolding used by the painters, fell on Giacomo Tonetti who died later from his injuries. A local school in the area is named “Tonetti” as well as a village named after the family. Mario Tonetti was instrumental in developing the Midrand area and road “Tonetti” in the centre of Midrand was named in honour of his contribution. The love of sport and rugby follows a long line of family tradition. James Tonetti, in 1954 Vice Captained the 1st Rugby team, set numerous athletic records in the 400 m and 800 m and high jump, received a first class matric and was awarded an honours blazer. The “Tonetti trophy” is in circulation at St David’s Prep athletics and was donated to the school in honour of James’ contribution to sport at the school. James Tonetti was a founding member of the Marist Old Boys and shared many stories of his time at St David’s, of being taught by the Brothers and his many years at the Boarding House. He would have been very proud of his two grandson’s contribution to the school and their rugby abilities. Gordon Tonetti matriculated in 1986 set numerous athletic records and was renowned for his 1500m and open road abilities. He played 1st team rugby two years running and was awarded scrolls for his contribution to athletics and rugby. Choice of schooling was never up for discussion in the Tonetti household and the we are delighted that the family tradition of sportsmanship both on and off the rugby field has been carried through the generations. Liam and Conor have both played A team rugby both in prep school and high school. The family are delighted that both boys have been selected for this international tour and will represent their school as brothers and teammates. Their great-grandfather and grandfather would be very proud of their dedication and commitment to this fabulous national sport.
Interview with Tim Johnson – 2003 Tim first came to St David’s from Buccleuch primary in grade 3. His sister was going to high school and the timing was right for him to change. Tim thinks that St David’s was the only school that he and his parents looked at. It was difficult at first as all the boys were a tightly knit group and had all started together however he got to know Michael Thomas and he is currently still his closest friend and they have tendered for the MOBS home together. Tim was not really into sports but enjoyed the extra-curricular sport which helped him break the ice with the other boys. He eventually dropped cricket and concentrated on swimming and played some soccer in the winter. From grade 5 his swimming became full-time and he got to know Willy Castle well. The prep swimming team was very successful and unbeaten in grades 5, 6,and 7. In grade7, Tim together with Kyle Biller went to Germany with the Wanderers swimming club and swam in an international gala. It was a great experience and they joined in some serious training sessions. In the high school Tim also played rugby and thoroughly enjoyed it being a member of both A and B teams. His main sport was still swimming which he took very seriously training both at school and after school and made both Provincial and Senior National teams. He also was a member of the water polo team, qualified for the Provincial team and was captain of the 1st team in matric. Sadly he missed out on the rugby tour to Argentina having given up rugby for swimming. Tim continued his water polo at Wits University and went to Australia representing Wits University at the university games. He plays for MOBS and participated in the fund raiser in memory of Justin Bessler. Of the teachers In the prep Willy Castle was an iconic figure and Tim believed that he helped push him beyond his boundaries in terms of sport. Tim has remained close to Rick Wilson and found him to be a genuine, sincere person. Mandy Everson was a particularly good teacher. In the high school, Rod Smith was a real character; Debbi Cameron cared so much about the boys; Lizanne Nagy held her ground even though the boys gave her such a hard time and Dave Smith was also a character with a good persona. Father Brewer held Mass in the old chapel and Tim remembers kneeling on the hard wooden benches and also that Father Brewer had a scottish terrier and Mr Van Der Merwe a border collie. Paul Edey stands out as headmaster and as a very good History teacher. Tim thought it was his most interesting subject because of Paul’s energy and enthusiasm. Tim left St David’s in grade 10 as he wanted to be independent; he went to Kingswood in Grahamstown but didn’t last long. There were problems at the school but Paul accepted him back unconditionally. After that experience Tim thought he was number one as headmaster and he also had great respect for Malcolm Williams. Academically Tim felt that he could have applied himself a bit more but his real passion and time was dedicated to sport. However he was in the top class most of the time in high school with Art becoming his favourite subject and loved the practical aspect of the subject. He was interested in and enjoyed Maths, Annabel Cotton made Physics exciting and Dave Smith was always entertaining in Geography. Tim became a prefect and was awarded an honours blazer, specific honours swimming and water polo and general honours for sport, leadership and merit. He also received many awards for sport and at the annual prize giving in 2003 was awarded the Reeves Trophy for senior swimmer of the year and the Clark Atwell Trophy for water polo player of the year. Special events that Tim remembers are when Marcellin Champagnat was canonised in 1999 and a huge joint mass was held with all the other schools. His matric dance wasn’t that memorable but the fireworks evening was, from the beginning on the most favourite evenings when the school took on a different persona. Champagnat day was always good fun and he remembers the “tug of war” in the prep. Ash Wednesday was also memorable and although Tim wasn’t Catholic he was exposed to religion and the Catholic ways and tradition and found it interesting although it was never imposed upon him. Reverend Bruce was also significant and Tim always enjoyed his lessons which always had a story or strong message. The mixed swimming and inter-house night galas were always great fun especially with the girls around. Tim enjoyed the inter-house plays and always played a minor role. Inter- house events were always fun. After matriculating, Tim went to Wits University to study BA Architecture and won the People’s Award in his 2nd year for design of a Transvaal home using steel. At the end of the third year they had to do a Gap year and Tim spent the 1st year in Johannesburg and then went onto London for a further year. He then studied further for another 2 years doing his BA Hons and then Masters - MArch.Prof. and his thesis focused on Joubert Park and the Johannesburg Art Gallery. Tim’s current employer taught him at Wits and offered him a job at her practice, Sarah Calburn Architects. He deals in mainly residential tailor made houses for specific clients. He has also started his own company Greenspace Studio and his aim is to be involved in medium scale social and commercial buildings. Tim is a member of MOBS and has participated in the matric rite of passage. JLE December 2013
Interview with Raymond John – 1977 Raymond first came to St David’s in the early 1960’s as he had strong ties with the school being the second youngest of 6 brothers and currently has a son Marco John in grade11. His brothers were Jimmy (1964); Michel (1972); Costa (1973); Yango (1974); and Marcel (1978). Raymond joined St David’s as a day boy in 1967, grade 2, the first year the grades were introduced, he had attended Rosebank Convent for grade 1. It was not unfamiliar territory for Raymond as had always been involved with his brothers watching Rugby against KES and other schools. He remembered the bright red buses that used to bring the KES boys, whole school to support at such big matches. The teachers he recalls are Mrs Marsay grade 2, Mrs Elliott Std 1, Mrs Napier Std 2; Mrs Geddes Std 3; Miss Cougan Std 4 and Mrs Kensovitch in Std 5 – she was very strict but included a spiritual aspect in all that she taught and had a big influence on Raymond’s spiritual upbringing. Of the Brothers there was Br Ronald, Br Bernard who taught Latin, Br Mario, Br Aidan and of course Br Anthony. Raymond enjoyed the sport and played cricket, rugby, soccer and participated in athletics and played A team cricket until matric when he played a few games for the 1sts and was captain of the 2nds. In 1970 the cricket oval was opened and top overseas cricketers were there. He remembers bowling to Geoff Boycott who stayed at the school for a while. Don Wilson who became the coach for the MCC and Peter Stringer who is the cricket coach at Trinity College. Raymond was also captain of 2nd team rugby. He recalled that the matches against Observatory were very intense and competitive whether it was rugby or water polo and that in 1971 Obs boys came and defaced the school with spray paint. Raymond’s house “The Bishops” always came last in inter-house competitions but they always won the Spirit Cup. On the cultural side, Raymond was a member of the debating team and in the semi-final of the Kobe Cup. He also played a role in “Hamlet” fencing with Marc John. He recalled that St David’s in 1975 was the first school in South Africa to admit black pupils. The apartheid government was establishing relations with other African countries and had to accommodate the Malawian ambassador’s children as they couldn’t do that in the public schools. Something else that stands out in Raymond’s memory was that of Desmond Tutu coming to the school and addressing the boys. There were no camps as we know them today but Raymond remembered an outing to the planetarium and a rugby camp in Std 9 when he was injured. Raymond felt that, at the time, the school didn’t pay enough attention to academics and that the prep school wasn’t as good as it should have been. However he remembered that Br Ezekial was a really outstanding Maths teacher. In 1972 the boarding facility, the back bone of the school closed which had a huge impact. Many boys, sons of ambassadors, those from outlying areas of South Africa had to find other boarding schools to accommodate them. Raymond was awarded an honours blazer and had scrolls for studies, merit and debating of which he was very proud. Raymond was the top student in grade 7 and also in his matric year. His last day was a half day and a bit of a letdown. He then went into the army for 2 years to do his national service it was the first year that the 2 year commitment started. Originally Raymond wanted to study medicine but after his army service studied instead for a BComm. at Wits University. He then worked at the JSE eventually ending up at Investec for 17 years and now runs his own business. Raymond’s late father was very involved with the school raising funds to buy extra land. The brothers presented the school with the Costa John Memorial Trophy in his memory, for excellence in swimming, academics and athletics. Raymond is currently on the board of governors for the Lebanese Catholic School in the south of Johannesburg which has now opened up to grade 2. He is also a trustee of the Opus Securitatus which administers the priest’s pension fund. He is also a member of MOBS. He was also fortunate to visit Br Anthony at Nazareth House before he died. He remembered fondly that Br Anthony was the guest speaker at his brother Jimmy’s 21st birthday celebration. JLE June 2013
