St David's Foundation

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2015 75th Jubilee Circle of Friendship - Explanation

2015 75th Jubilee Circle of Friendship - Explanation

  • ZA ZAR STDS 202000967
  • Item
  • 2015

75th Jubilee Circles of Friendship
The 75th Jubilee Circles of Friendship campaign was designed to link the parents, staff, boys,
and Old Boys as a community in long-term relationship and giving campaign, to
commemorate the 75th Jubilee year and carry through to the 80th Jubilee.
The aim of the Circles is to connect the entire St David’s community through interconnected
circles of giving reflecting all the areas of connectedness and involvement at St David’s; the
Montagne Day Pledge was the start of initiating the boys’ Circles of Friendship which will
continue.
The Campaign was initially introduced towards the end of 2015 when the entire School
received the Circles of Friendship Bracelet with an accompanying explanation, the campaign
was promoted through various forums and mediums to parent, staff and Old Boys throughout
2016 (including throught the Coffee and Donuts Sessions – each of which covered a different
area of interest and activity at St David’s), with the final ‘activation’ being with the St David’s
boys through the Montagne Day Pledge initiative. A google form link was also shared with
the community where circles could register and indicate their area of support and how they
would be contributing to their Circle (ranging from monthly to annual contributions or
contributions on an ad hoc if they had decided to engage in fundraising activities – which
some Circles seemed to favour). The Willy Castle Marathons Campaign (which this year will
enter its third year) also became a focus for a Circle amongst those who support this initiative.
Montagne Day Pledges
The 75th Jubilee year celebrations formally concluded with the celebration of Montagne Day
Mass on Friday 28 October which marked the 200th Anniversary of the visit of St Marcellin
Champagnat to the bedside of the dying 16 year-old Jean-Baptiste Montagne, an incident
which profoundly affected St Marcellin and inspired him to found the teaching order of
Marist Brothers. Each boy was asked to make a Montagne Day Marist Pledge, and to
accompany this by donating R 75 towards the 75th Jubilee Circles of Friendship Campaign,
raised through his own efforts and acts of service. These donations form the start of each
year group’s own Jubilee Circles of Friendship as per the Matric Years that they will
eventually become, for example, those boys who were in Grade 6 last year will be the
Matric Class of 2022. The funds raised go towards a bursary for an underprivileged boy (a
modern-day Montagne) – the Grade 5s, led by Mr Byron King, decided to take part in the
94.7 Mountain Bike Challenge on 13 November 2016 to raise additional funds in support of
their Montagne Day Pledges towards this bursary.
As part of the Mass the photo composite of St Marcellin Champagnat was unveiled and
blessed – below is the explanatory speech that I gave at the Montagne Day Mass:
Montagne Offertory – Photo Montage Explanation
Friday 28 October 2016
Last year, whilst Mrs Klement and I were contemplating ideas and doing online research for
the St David’s 75th Jubilee Circles of Friendship campaign and the Jubilee Bracelet, I came
across a beautiful photo composite of St Marcellin Champagnat that had been created by
Marist High School in Chicago, USA. The face of St Marcellin had been created using
photographs of the students and staff of the Marist High School and I loved the idea and
thought that this would be an excellent way for us at St David’s to celebrate and remember
our 75th Jubilee Year for many years to come and to reflect the Circles of Friendship that
were formed at this time. To have the face of our Founder made up of all of our faces also
reflects where our Marist roots come from and how we, as the St David’s community,
continue to carry forward the ethos, vision, work and legacy of St Marcelllin Champagnat
200 years after he founded the Marist Brothers teaching order. We used the Chicago
photograph on the cards that accompanied the Jubilee Bracelets that we all received last
year and then spoke with Mr Rose-Reddiar to see if he could work his photographic magic to
create our very own St David’s image. He has been working throughout this year to compile
the photo montage from our individual photographs and photos taken at the Jubilee
celebrations and other events through this year, for which we most sincerely thank him –
and today we get to see our very own montage for the first time, which will be blessed and
then permanently displayed at St David’s.
Fiona Budd
Foundation Manager
St David’s Marist Foundation
(The St David’s St Marcelin Photo Montage can be seen on the wall in the foyer of the
Champagnat Hall)
Original Introduction to the 75th Jubilee Circles Campaign (comms from January 2016)
Become part of the legacy of the St David’s Marist Inanda 75th Jubilee by joining the St
David’s Marist Inanda Circles of Friendship Initiative
As part of the 75th Jubilee Celebrations St David's has launched the '75th Jubilee Circles of
Friendship' Campaign - Connecting our Community. One of the aims is to explore and map
how the entire St David's community is connected, through a network of individual circles of
mutual interest to form an interwoven 'tapestry' of connection, reflecting and
commemorating the 75th Jubilee Community.
The St David’s Marist Foundation Trustees have begun the first Circle and you are invited to
initiate or join a Circle of Friendship at St David’s, with relevance to you.
The 'Circles of Friendship' initiative has also been established as a form of Giving Circle
participatory philanthropy where each Circle will be invited to agree to a monthly, termly or
annual giving commitment of their choice to the St David's Jubilee Fund (connected to an
area of common interest, for example, cricket development at St David's) and to honour this
commitment for the next five years, until the 80th Jubilee. As an illustrative example, if a
Circle commits to a joint giving contribution of R 1 200 per year over 5 years this will amount
to R 7 500 - a lovely 'echo' of the Jubilee Year number.
The Jubilee Fund will primarily support Bursary and Development Funds (including sports,
cultural, academic and leadership development) with the major capital development
fundraising drive being in support of enabling the building of 'The Maristonian' - a multipurpose
Education facility, which will include a 'home-base' for our Alumni (Old Boys, Past
Parents and Past Staff).
You can form or join as many Circles as you wish to reflect your involvement at St David's - a
giving commitment is only required for the initial Circle that you join or form.
75th Jubilee Circles in place as at 31 December 2016
St David's 75th Jubilee Year Circles
50 Circles
General Circles
St David's Book Club Circle (Cultural Development)
St David's Friends of the Arts Circle (Maristonian)
Tuckshop Mom's Circle
Mothers' Prayer Group Circle
Hands of Champagnat Circle (Community Development)
Basketball Parents' Circle (Sports Dev)
Foundation Trustees Circle
Staff Giving Bursary Circle
Christmas Giving Campaigns Circle (2015 & 2016)
Willy Castle Marathons' Circle 2016
Montagne Day 2016 Pledges (Matric Class Year Circles)
Grade 00 (Class of 2029)
Grade R (O) (Class of 2028)
Grade 1 (Class of 2027)
The Story of the
St David’s 75th Jubilee Bracelet
The disc:
Depicts the Marist Symbol for Ave Maria, St David’s name
and 75 for the Jubilee Year
Three ivory beads:
Represent the Three Characteristics of the Marist Way:
Simplicity, Modesty and Humility
Five Navy blue beads:
Represent the Marist Values of Presence,
Love of Work, Simplicity, Family Spirit, in Mary’s Way
The Green, Red, Blue and Yellow beads represent the four houses of St
David’s: Benedict, College, Osmond and The Bishops
The three sets of alternating blue and yellow beads represent the three
terms of the year at St David’s, and together represent the full year
(and a full year of Circle of Friendship Giving)
The five large black beads represent the Boys, Parents, Staff,
Old Boys and the St David’s community
The pale blue beads in the medium and large bracelets
represent excellence - the colour that is used in the
St David’s Honours blazer
Grade 2 (Class of 2026)
Grade 3 (Class of 2025)
Grade 4 (Class of 2024)
Grade 5 (Class of 2023)
Grade 6 (Class of 2022)
Grade 7 (Class of 2021)
Grade 8 (Class of 2020)
Grade 9 (Class of 2019)
Grade 10 (Class of 2018)
Grade 11 (Class of 2017)
Grade 12 (Class of 2016)
Class of 2015
Maristonian Class Year Circles (Old Boys)
Class of 2010
Class of 2008
Class of 2006
Class of 2003
Class of 2001
Class of 2000
Class of 1996
Class of 1995
Class of 1988
Class of 1987
Class of 1986
Class of 1985
Class of 1980
Class of 1974
Class of 1973
Class of 1972
Class of 1971
Class of 1970
Class of 1968
Class of 1966
Class of 1963
Class of 1962
Class of 1958
Class of 1957
Class of 1950
Excerpt from the Advancement Manager’s Report (November 2016)
Lara Klement
Coffee and Donut Circles of Friendship Mornings
Fiona successfully organized seven Coffee and Donut mornings through the year, each with a
specific focus e.g. Sports and Cultural Activities, Outreach, Old Boys, etc. A number of Circles
have been initiated this year, with some being more ‘fundraising’ focused than others.
However, the idea of connecting around something parents feel passionately about has taken
root in all of them and the ideas of how to raise funds through these have been very
innovative. The process has been an interesting and informative one with some important
learnings:
For many of the people who have come to the coffee mornings, the primary motivation is the
desire to connect with others in the St David’s community or with the School itself. They are
looking for ways to be ‘closer’ to the School (for various reasons) and be involved in one way
or another. We believe that if we (the Foundation) can facilitate this ‘connection’, this
strengthened relationship between parents and school will translate into benefit for the
Foundation over time as well as reap rewards for the school in the shorter term, if managed
effectively.
The true definition of philanthropy is still new in our community’s space. A number of people
have approached the Circles of Friendship with either a charity or a purely fundraising
mindset, each of which brings a very different ‘energy’ and different set of expectations.
Managing this understanding and process as well as the expectations has been very time
consuming, but has given us valuable insight into the mindset of some of our community and
has also allowed us the opportunity to try and shift the mindset to one that is more
philanthropic.
Most Circles have preferred to raise funds rather than just commit to a monthly giving
programme. We think that the reasons are two-fold:
 There is still a strong resistance to committing financially over a long period of time.
We think that the uncertainty in our country is contributing to this as families are
preferring to keep as tight a control over their daily finances as possible.
 The need to ‘connect’, as mentioned above is a motivating factor for many of the
members and the fundraising projects allow them to do this. However, one of the
Circles, who definitely understand philanthropy, are using this to great effect from a
crowdfunding perspective.

Budd, Fiona

Interview with Anthony Chappel - Board of Governors 2001 -2007 Foundation 2006 - 2014

Interview with Anthony Chappel - Board of Governors 2001 -2007 Foundation 2006 - 2014

  • ZA ZAR STDS 202000704
  • Item
  • 2014

Interview with Anthony Chappel – Board and Foundation 2001 to date
Tony has seen two of his sons matriculate at St David’s, Daniel in 2007 and Patrick in 2009 with both sons
starting their career at St David’s in Grade 0.
Tony is Catholic and was educated at CBC in Springs and his father at CBC Boksburg and is a director of
the law firm, Norton Rose Fulbright based in Sandton.
In 2001, Tony joined the board of governors of St David’s, proposed by Eric Annegarn, vice-chairman. At
the same time Robin Smith also joined the board and Tony Reilly was chairman. Tony was on the board for
7 years and retired as chairman of the board in 2007. Tony is currently a trustee of the St David’s
Foundation.
Tony asked the board for a mandate to establish a foundation and led an investigation into this, preparing
the constitution in 2004. Paul Edey’s wife Susan put Tony in touch with Chantal Ratcliff, an experienced
and very practical fund raiser. Chantal knew how foundations worked and how to make them successful.
Her advice was that the board must be really committed, embrace the concept and understand exactly how
it should work bearing in mind that there is not a culture of giving in South Africa. Chantal was appointed in
2005 and was involved in the development of the Foundation for 4 years. There is no doubt that she played
a significant role in the success of the Foundation which was established in 2005. Tony’s vision was that
the Foundation would endow the school adding value, assisting in transforming the school and that the
Foundation would be used to mobilize MOBS (Marist Old Boys). Tony believes that you cannot have a truly
great school without its old boys being involved and supportive of it.
Thierry Dalais was the first chairman of the Foundation in 2006 and Robin Smith the current chairman
being an ex officio trustee whilst he was chairman of the board of governors.
Following his appointment as executive head in 2002, and prior to his joining Gibbs, Paul Edey had
indicated to Tony that he needed to move on and suggested that a consultant would perhaps be better
suited to the role of executive head of the school. Paul had mentioned Mike Greeff, a businessman with a
passion for education, who had run some staff workshops. Tony, then chairman of the board, followed up
on this idea and Mike was eventually appointed as the chief executive in 2006.
JLE August 2014

Egenrieder, Julie

Interview with Darrell Caister 1986

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  • Item
  • 2012

Interview with Darrell Caister – 1986
Darrell remembers his first day at St David’s . He came from the Waldorf school and was placed
In grade 4 although unbeknown to his teacher, he couldn’t read or write, and didn’t know the
alphabet. He spent a week in his class before being caught out, he watched the other boys and
turned the correct pages etc but one day he was asked to read out loud by his History teacher,
Mrs Napier. He refused and was caned. He was then sent back to grade 1, the second term
grade 2 and eventually managed to get back into grade 4. Because of this he was bullied and
picked on, however in standard 3 he was awarded the highest marks for Maths. He will never
forget that History book or Mrs Napier who was eccentric and used to allow a group of 3 or 4
boys to jump on the bonnet of her car when she arrived in the morning. She would then scream
around the U turn (next to Mike Greeff’s house), then brake hard by the fence next to Rivonia
Road and all the boys would fall off. This was of course great fun.
Mr Manolios was loved by everyone. Mr Cotze the standard 5 teacher was feared by the boys
but he was always fair. Mr Findlayson taught History and during an incident in class he threw
the blackboard duster at one of the boys, missed and it hit another boy and cut his head. The
boy in question was enraged and big; he picked up Mr Findlayson and threw him out of the
classroom. Br Ephraim taught JP Maths, Br Timothy had just left – he used to click his fingers
loudly and pointed. When he jacked a boy he would put their head under his desk and when he
used the cane the boy would automatically bring his head up and thereby receive a double
whammy. Willy Castle was his class teacher in standard 4 and Darrell used to get caned for
being naughty.
Mr Murphy was one of the headmasters during his time and he was well liked and admired by
the boys. He built up camaraderie between the matrics and the sports teams; he was a strong
man and a leader.
There was a high turnover of teachers in the high school apart from Trudy Elliott and Mrs Collier
both head of department. The appointment of Darryl Boswell as headmaster was very
contentious as there was a lot of support for Trudy Elliott especially from the boys. The boys
nicknamed Mr Boswell “little Darryl” and during a photo shoot, Darrell was standing behind him
and nudged him causing his toupé to move! In spite of this he still became head boy. Despite of
the turnaround in the number of headmasters, there was a good spirit and, many of the boys he
was at school with then get together every Thursday.
Darrell was involved with water-polo, swimming, athletics, and rugby until standard 9 when he
was badly concussed. He was also a member of the junior town council. Darrell never needed
an alarm clock as he lived across the road from the school and every morning awoke to the
rugby team running past with Willy Castle singing war cries.
He remembers first becoming aware of apartheid and its implications when he and a group of
boys including Vusi Shongwe (whose boys are at St David’s now) went to the movies. Vusi was
refused admission because he was black and all the boys refused to go in. No government
school was multi-racial in those days and he thinks that one of the reasons he became a
conscientious objector and didn’t serve in the army was because he attended a multi-racial
school.
His class in matric was small with about 40 boys as many boys had left. He recalled that that
was the year that hockey was first introduced as a sport. His last day was particularly sad as he
was suffering from meningitis and spent the day in Father Brewer’s bed trying to write an exam.
He was accepted by Natal University and studied law, then started his own business becoming
an entrepreneur. He ran 5 companies, sold them and went into something different again. When
he first moved back to Johannesburg he tried to get his son Dominic into St David’s but was told
he had applied too late. However Father Brewer, who was a delightful, compassionate man,
intervened and insisted that he be admitted. That was the catalyst for Darrell getting involved
with MOBS. He was chairman of MOBS for 4 years and remembers the building of the pub in
the pavilion when the PTA eventually had to bail MOBS out. His other son Grant is currently a
pupil at St David’s and he has a daughter, Bernice.
Darrell has a farm in Mpumalanga, near Pilgrims Rest which houses a school originally built by
German missionaries. He has helped to rebuild the school and supports it on an annual basis. It
is in an informal settlement and whereas before they had to rely on volunteer teachers they now
have 2 permanent teachers supplied by the government.
Darrell has in his possession a rugby jersey blessed by the Pope.
JE February 2012

Egenrieder, Julie

Interview with Gianni Mariano 2006 - 2020 Parent and Member of Board of Foundation

Interview with Gianni Mariano 2006 - 2020 Parent and Member of Board of Foundation

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  • 2013

Interview with Gianni Mariano – Parent - Foundation 2006 to date
Although Gianni was not a pupil at St David’s, he is a Marist old boy having attended Marist Brothers
Observatory Prep School before going on to Highlands North Boys High School. He loved the Marist
school but due to a question of economics and his parents’ wishes he joined Highlands North where after a
successful and rewarding school career, he matriculated in 1978.
Gianni has two sons who are St David’s pupils; Gianpaolo who matriculated in 2009 was house captain of
The Bishops, prefect and recipient of the Osmond trophy for academics, leadership and sport. His younger
son Francesco has just been elected head boy for 2014. His daughter attended St Theresa’s where she
was head girl, and is currently doing her internship at the Johannesburg General Hospital.
Gianni’s connections with the Marist education and ethos are very strong and he yearned for a Marist
education for his sons.
Gianni has been a member of the board of the St David’s Foundation’s since its inception in 2006, was
chairman of the development fund then the board of St Theresa’s for about 10 years. He also lectures at
Vega and is a trustee of the Mercy Sisters of South Africa.
Gianni acknowledged the changes St David’s has undergone over the years, in its physical structure and
various other aspects but believes the core essence of the school has remained and become possibly even
stronger. The Marceliin ethos is still relevant, real, and effective and of great value to many people even
though the school is no longer managed by the Brothers. His children have learnt about life in a very
relevant way and he feels that it has been a privilege for both himself and his children.
Gianni has found his involvement and the work he has done for the Foundation to be very rewarding and
fulfilling.
After his son matriculates in 2014, Gianni intends to continue with his involvement in the School’s activities.
Gianni started his successful business – Mastrantonio, the restaurant and franchise business in 1966.
JLE December 2013

Egenrieder, Julie

Interview with Paul Edey 1995 - 2006 Staff

  • ZA ZAR STDS 202000872
  • Item
  • 2016

Interview with Paul Edey 1995 – 2006
Paul Edey was appointed as college headmaster during 1994 to start in January 1995. He had
previously taught at St John’s College and King Edward VII School, where he was a viceprincipal.
The search for a new head to take over from P Davies was led by Tony Frost, head of
human resources at Lonhro,and a colleague of the chairman of the board,Terence Wilkinson.
1994 had been a difficult year for the school with the board conducting a survey which had
resulted in the headmaster, Paul Davies, stepping down. The deputy head, Gary Norton, acted
as head for eight months with Paul Davies continuing to live at Mary Knoll for 7 months and only
moving out in the December of 1994. The school was battling financially and had endured a
succession of lay headmasters in the college following the last Marist Brother, Brother Timothy
Mc Krindle ( (1967-81) South Africa was in a state of flux with the first free and democratic
elections resulting in Nelson Mandela coming to power in April 1994. The relationship between
the prep school , which was thriving and successful and the college which was battling for
numbers was poor
Paul’s biggest challenges were to win the confidence of the prep school and the parents to
encourage them to send their sons to the high school rather than local rivals St Stithians and St
John’s College. In 1995 sixty four boys were admitted into grade 8 and split into three classes.
Some of the top prep boys had been awarded scholarships to rival senior schools, but for the
first time in many years the numbers were up in the college. The school wrote the Transvaal
education department matriculation examination (TED) and the results were generally
undistinguished. There were 267 boys in the High School in 1995 with Michael von
Guilleaume,head boy and Jeremy Wickens, deputy, leading a small but very talented matric
group.
Although Anglican, Paul made doubly sure that the Catholic ethos remained and strengthened.
The numbers picked up from 1996 with a small but stable staff of 18 with some very strong
teachers such as Lesley Henning (HOD Maths), Belinda Marais (HOD Afrikaans), Richard
Girdwood (English and senior housemaster) and Rod Smith, former headmaster of Sandown
High School. We were very fortunate to have a very successful rugby team in 1995 with the side
winning 18 out of 19 matches and going on a very rewarding tour of Australia to round off the
season. Of interest was the fact that the touring squad had 5 boys in it from Jabulani Technical
High School in Soweto whose tour was paid for through the fundraising efforts of the St David’s
community. 1996 was a very weak year academically but the numbers were increasing and
things were looking up.
Rick Wilson was appointed head of the prep at the beginning of 1996. He took over from the
very successful and charismatic Greg Royce, who had left in the middle of 1995 to become
headmaster of St Peter’s Preparatory. The senior school suffered a blow at the end of 1996
when the loyal and hardworking deputy headmaster Gary Norton left to take up the headship of
Oakhill School in Knysna. Pete Geldenhuys, Andrew Brownlee, Greg Lamb and Richard
Girdwood, all four housemasters left during the course of 1996. In one year the entire college
management team apart from the head and bursar had left. Malcolm Williams, an old friend and
colleague of Paul’s from Wits and King Edward’s, was appointed as the deputy head during

  1. A number of other colleagues from the King Edward’s days joined the staff with Simon Fry
    and Stuart Foulds coming in as the heads of department of History and English respectively.
    Teresa Vroom became the librarian.
    Critically, at this time Kevin Brewer became chairman of the board and together with the school
    management team and the support of the Marist Brothers an exciting development plan was put
    together for the school. Under the leadership of Bill Carter and Gerrit Wessels of the
    architectural firm Taljaard Carter, this was to result in the complete redevelopment of the school
    over the next decade. The development plan covered a 10 year period. In 1997 the grade O
    block was built and the high school pavilion replaced the long serving zozo hut from which tea at
    sports fixtures had been served. For years the long suffering mother’s committee, under the
    extremely capable leadership of Mary von Guilleaume, had complained how the cream scones
    and cakes had gone sour in the heat of the summer. These developments were followed by 6
    new classrooms, the redevelopment of the quadrangle, the amphitheatre and the Champagnat
    hall. Two new libraries, a music school and a design and technology centre were to follow in
    quick succession when the astroturf and the new car park were developed the school was
    almost unrecognisable from its rustic appearance of the mid 1990’s. The school borrowed R12m
    with an unsecured loan from Standard Bank after Br Jude and Kevin Brewer went to see Myles
    Ruck. It has to be noted that there was some uncertainty over tenure as the land and buildings
    belonged to the Marist Brothers and all major capital projects over R500 000 had to be
    approved by Rome.
    Over the next seven years the numbers in the senior school increased to 500 and there were
    now more applicants than places. Scholarships were offered to top children which culminated in
    2001 when Garth Horsten, Kyle Wales, Jean Paulo Peirera were in the top 50 IEB matrics for
    that year. The sport showed steady improvement under the leadership of Graeme McMillan with
    cricket in particular able to compete against the top state and independent schools. Hockey was
    driven by Malcolm Williams and the school had reasonably good rugby sides. The prep was
    also very strong in athletics, soccer and swimming., this began to have important spin –offs for
    the college.
    Father Brewer died in 1999, the boys adored him, he was always on the sports field or
    backstage providing support to the boys, but he hated authority and didn’t like headmasters!
    The school was now being headed up by non-Catholics and there was a lot of talk about ethos.
    The brothers started the pilgrimage to France and Rome in order to give lay school
    administrators and teachers a feel for, and understanding, of the Marist ethos and charism.
    It was comforting to have brothers at the school as a buffer against the board which became
    increasingly secular. The school was now being run in a far more business-like manner, but it
    was essential that the Marist ethos be maintained, something which was quite difficult given its
    location in the richest business centre on the african continent.
    Kevin Brewer had had the time and energy to really set the school development plan on its way
    and at the same time to keep a close eye on the finances. He was followed as chairman by
    Tony Reilly, Eric Annegarn, and Tony Chappel. Certainly the board and PTA had some very
    strong people like the Brocco’s, Emmanuels, O’Shea, Busschau, Van Linden families and
    Trevor and Glenda Anderson played a major role. The characters on the staff were Anderson,
    Ansell, Joseph, Castle and Marais.
    Paul was made executive head (CEO) in 2002 which was motivated by Kevin Brewer. Paul had
    been head for 7 years and had started looking around elsewhere to further his career. With
    numbers around 1,100 the school had to think about where it was going next with the building
    having largely been completed. Hence the idea of a super head to deal with the CIE, brothers,
    and JOCASCO and to build up the Foundation office. In the first year of the new headship there
    was no deputy, or clarity on Paul’s role. It was a difficult period for Paul and his great friend
    Malcolm Williams, who was appointed as head of the high school as the new roles were
    established. Malcolm was studying for his Master’s in Education and initially had no deputy until
    the appointment of David Smith to the role.
    Paul seldom interfered with the prep school and only when there was flack did he get involved.
    The prep probably got limited value from the new structure. The philosophy behind the
    appointment of a non teacher in the CEO role was that Mike Greeff brought experience of
    strategic planning, HR, and financial skills with him. He was adept at handling the non- teaching
    aspects of school administration.
    The admin staff Paul recalled were the bursar Malcom Smit, the charming and efficient pair of
    June Anderson (college secretary) and Lindsay Van Heerden, head’s secretary, Genny
    Carvalho, Audrey Williams, Mary von Guilleaume, Sister Mary Ryan and Willem van der Merwe
    and his great team on the grounds George Ndlovu, Big Julius Shivambu, Thomas Ramutsindela
    and of course the long serving Phineas Selima and Julius Shibambu (Zimbabwean) who had
    worked in the brothers dining room for years, deceased who worked for the school for 45 years.
    Paul mentioned that the book written by Margeurite Poland “The Boy in You” about the history
    of St Andrew’s College sold for R450 per copy when it was published in 2008 and a limited
    edition of 100 leather bound copies sold for R5000.
    Paul is currently headmaster of St John’s College.
    JE 2016

Egenrieder, Julie

Interview with Robin Smith Board of Governors 2001 - 2011; St David's Foundation 2006 - 2016

Interview with Robin Smith Board of Governors 2001 - 2011; St David's Foundation 2006 - 2016

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  • Item
  • 2014

Interview with Robin Smith – Board and Foundation 2001 to date
Robin and Alison’s sons, Alastair and Stuart attended St David’s with Alastair enrolling in grade 0 in 1997,
matriculating in 2009 and Stuart staring in grade OO in 2000 and matriculating in 2012. Having attended a
Catholic school, CBC in Kimberly, Robin wanted his sons to have a similar religious based education. The
family home was nearby in Atholl and Robin’s uncle, Br Hugh Smith was Brother Provincial of CBC in
South Africa.
Robin and Alison were always very involved parents and Robin was invited to join the board of governors in

  1. Paul Edey was then the headmaster of the high school and Rick Wilson of the preparatory school.
    Tony Reilly, who had been a classmate of Robin’s at CBC, had taken over as chairman of the board
    following Kevin Brewer. Robin’s initial portfolio was that of finance with the aim of improving the financial
    systems within the school. In 2004 he then took over the development portfolio from Kevin Brewer,
    launching into a very strong development phase at St David’s.
    The development progressed in several stages with the junior school pavilion being the first rather
    controversial project. Robin, together with the support and assistance of Willy Castle planned and
    developed the facility. They did this “asking for forgiveness not permission” from the brothers. It was a
    success and a great improvement.
    The Design and Technology centre followed together with the senior Art room and then the Music centre.
    In 2006 the Astro was built, the grounds, parking facilities, both “Thatches”, signage and the main entrance
    had a much needed revamp. A new workshop was built and cricket nets built into the bank on the main
    field.
    The chapel was next with two years in the planning with many people wishing to give their input. After much
    discussion and planning, together, with the new junior school Art facility the chapel was completed in 2007.
    The brothers and Rome became progressively more supportive as the board had shown they could handle
    major projects within the time projections and most importantly budgetary requirements. Kevin Brewer, who
    was then on the Marist Schools Council, was a great help in this regard, and was very supportive of the
    accelerated development.
    There was a lull in the development activity in 2008, followed in 2009 with the design, planning and
    construction from scratch of the staff housing project and the grade 1 and 2 classroom block was extended.
    Robin was involved with the planning of the Brother Anthony wing but didn’t run the project as he was by
    then involved with the Foundation.
    The Foundation was established in 2005 and launched in 2006 with Thierry Dalais as its first chairman.
    Robin as chairman of the board of governors was automatically a trustee of the Foundation and eventually
    took over as chairman from 2011 to date. Robin was the longest standing member of the board having
    served for three consecutive terms of three years.
    Robin wished to emphasise that from the initial renovations of the junior school pavilion to current
    developments, Willy Castle has always been very supportive, having a hand in every project and has
    proven to be very practical and very helpful.
    Current projects on the drawing board include the proposed new cricket pavilion on the main oval with the
    drawings and design completed. The Marist old boys facility and sports centre has become a Foundation
    project with the date of completion being set for 2016 in time for the 75th anniversary of St David’s. Robin is
    very involved but is focused on getting the right people on board moving forward with the Foundation.
    JLE May 2014

Egenrieder, Julie

Interview with Thierry Dalais 1975; St David's Foundation 2006 - 2011

Interview with Thierry Dalais 1975; St David's Foundation 2006 - 2011

  • ZA ZAR STDS 202000948
  • Item
  • 2012

Interview with Thierry Dalais – 1975
Thierry has had a long association with Marist Brothers. His father went to St Charles and he
himself went to St Charles as a boarder in 1973 at the age of 10, he loved the school and, on
moving to Johannesburg was introduced to St David’s in standard 8 whilst Br Anthony was still
headmaster.
On his first day, school had already started and Br Anthony took him to class 8A (Class 8 was
the smarter class!) and the chaps he then met are still his friends to this day.
Thierry was very involved with sport and played everything that he could including rugby,
athletics, swimming and was a good tennis player together with Michael Lipschitz and Victor
Lalieu (now in Brisbane, Australia). He was a member of the 1st tennis and rugby teams. Brother
Timothy coached the 1st rugby team and became headmaster of the school in 1975.
Academically Thierry did well and together with John Wallington achieved the studies scroll
requiring an average of 60%. He came in late to the school but was accepted and eventually
became a prefect.
Thierry remembers Brothers such as Br Timothy, Br Ezekiel, Br Andrew, Mr Sanders and Mrs
Trudy Elliott. His colleagues included boys such as John Wallington, Case Schilperoot, Marshall
Walford, John Swingler and Mike Black. He has fond memories of assemblies, prize giving,
competitions and big events, debating, swimming galas and water polo matches. Champagnat
day was however not such a big event. Of his last day he recalls nothing remarkable, he has
very fond memories of the school and is proud to have been a pupil and sent his sons to St
David’s although they wanted to go to boarding school, being a boy thing, and one son went
initially to St Andrews and then St David’s and the other two went firstly to St David’s and
afterwards to Michaelhouse.
Thierry recalls that there were issues involved with transition in the school with the boarding
closing and other mostly political issues. The Marist Brothers underwent a tough time and
Brother Jude was very involved with the major issues of the time and the accompanying
financial restraints. The brothers were very good at teaching the boys about what was
happening in the country at the time and were rumoured to have given shelter to members of
the ANC. However there were no more brothers coming in to the country and the schools began
to introduce lay headmasters and teachers.
On leaving St David’s Thierry was awarded a bursary by Anglo American and studied
accounting and commerce at Wits University but eventually served articles and worked as an
accountant with Deloittes. He is currently executive chairman and founder of the Metier Group
based in Johannesburg. The company gives investment advice to “Love Life” and runs their
investment programme, the company’s general social responsibility being currently quite strong.
Thierry is a member of MOBS and spent 5 years on the board of St David’s Foundation, was the
first chairman in 2006 and recalls that it was initially tough going. He thinks the school still has
good values and although it may now be run as a business it has good educational principles
and values. The school has close ties to the Vatican which owns the grounds that the school
leases.
Some ideas or projects he would like to see happening within the school:
Perhaps the boys could adopt a year tracing the old boys in that year and get in touch with them
with the idea of putting contemporaries in different decades in touch with each other.
He would like to see the school yearbooks on the school website.
JE February 2012

Egenrieder, Julie

Interview with Tyson Sithole 2077

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  • Item
  • 2018

Interview with Tyson Sithole 2007
Tyson came to St David’s from Norwood Primary School into grade 8 in 2003. This followed
a visit to Norwood Primary by Mr Edey and Mr Williams when they were showcasing St
David’s and Tyson had a brief interaction with them. Tyson was subsequently awarded an
academic bursary which enabled him to attend St David’s.
Tyson recalls his first day as being so very different to his former co-ed school, with 100
boys in grade 8 and found the first month quite nerve wracking. However once he started
making friends he settled in and refers to it as a life changing experience. Tyson never felt
discriminated against and today many of his friends are former St David’s pupils. He
concentrated on his academics and consistently made it into the top ten academics for five
years. His family unfortunately didn’t get involved during his time at St David’s, however, his
mom and Dad were very supportive of his academic endeavours.
He participated in some sport just for the fun of it but his main focus was on maintaining a
high academic performance. He was involved with SMILE on Wednesdays for four years
which he thoroughly enjoyed and found it to be good fun and very rewarding and his way of
giving back. He played chess for five years, and helped out in the library as a media
assistant. Together with Mrs Voorendyk he made visits to an orphanage in Yeoville and in
his matric year was involved in the school spirit as a cheerleader.
Tyson suffers from an eye disorder known as Keratoconus, which was first picked up during
his time at St David’s
The highlights of his school career were receiving honours in 2007 for academics and
general: academics, leadership and service, being elected as a prefect and when St David’s
rugby team beat St Stithians on Champagnat day. Graham Gallow was the first team
captain. In his grade 8 year, he recalls that the 1st rugby team beat both Kes and Jeppe
which was awesome for such a small school as St David’s was then. Tyson was also deputy
head prefect of College house.
Tyson was initially resistant to some of the school’s traditions especially when he
accidentally put a foot on the matric grass! There was an element of bullying but the school
is being more proactive in that regard.
Teachers that had a huge influence on him especially in the way that the message was
delivered were Mrs Russell, Mr Fry, Mrs Pillay, Mrs King, and Mr Van Den Berg who was his
housemaster. Mrs Marais, Mrs Egenrieder and Mrs Voorendyk were members of staff he
could talk to and relate to on a more personal level.
Tyson believes that the overall perception of the high school has changed. The other week
he attended a rugby match and met up with several of his former colleagues, testament to
the current spirit of many of the old boys.
Tyson said that the five years he spent at St David’s were life changing, developing a
mindset which helped prepare him for his university career, he was awarded a scholarship at
UCT where he studied Bachelor of Business Science, graduating with Honours in Finance.
He is currently employed by Standard Bank in the investment banking division at their
headquarters in Rosebank.
Tyson also said that if he ever has a son he would not hesitate to enrol him at St David’s and
said that many of his colleagues would really like to send their sons too.
Tyson is a member of Marist old boys (MOBS) and also a member of the Temba Bavuma
Foundation which focuses on changing cricket development in South Africa and assisting
boys with talent. Tyson is currently a trustee of the St David’s Foundation and would like to
make a meaningful contribution to his Alma Mater.
JLE March 2018

Egenrieder, Julie

St David's Marist Foundation Annual Reports

  • ZA ZAR STDS 20220015
  • Collection
  • 2006

Loose copies are boxed in chronological order
Digitised copes are organised in chronological

St David's Marist Inanda

  • Results

  • 30

  • No. narrower terms

  • 0