Bright smiles at KPS awards evenings

KNYSNA NEWS - The inclement weather certainly did not dampen the enthusiasm and warmth at the Knysna Primary School (KPS) Sports and Cultural Evening 2018 held on 5 November. If there were any "fireworks" it was certainly the smiles and happiness of learners receiving their certificates and trophies.

The guests were welcomed by the KPS band and orchestra accompanied by Richard Campbell (trumpet) and Waldi van Wyk (double bass). Following the full orchestra, the rock band and marimba and percussion musicians performed. A notable part of these performances was that there was actually no conductor, but it was driven by musical ability and rhythm.

The master of ceremonies was Mr Tiaan Terblanche, with an opening speech by Mr Paul Campbell who emphasised the importance of working together, and concluded his words with a prayer.

The guest speaker was Elizma Beyleveld who, after a few touching words emphasising that love, talent, and identity are unique to every individual, presented the trophies to eager and smiling learners.

Honours were as follows:

38 KPS learners received SWD colours.
James Reardon received a gold and bronze medal for swimming.
Morgan James received fifth place at nationals for road cycling.
Morgan Jones and Hanneke Vreken received WP colours for MTB cycling.
KPS won the trophy for the ninth year at Kareedouw athletics event.
KPS came fourth overall at the Biathlon SA's.

Mrs Tequeena Terblanche presents an award to Liam van der Vyver.

More awards
After a few supporting words from the principal, Mr Rob Stoker, the evening was concluded when all stood and sang the school anthem.

At the second day of awards, for the Academic Prestige Evening, the audience was entertained initially by the school orchestra together with the senior choir conducted by Dee Olivier, and thereafter by the marimbas and percussion section, again led by Richard Campbell by setting the beat with one tap from the drumsticks. The precision of play resounding therefrom was quite superb.

Arranging such evenings takes considerable time and effort, and Petro Victor was thanked for doing so.

Board of directors chair Peter Bosman thanked members for their hard work and support, and stated that the school would be moving forward towards the use of e-learning as the mode of teaching. Sonet van der Merwe was thanked for her extended time organising the "Fast Team".

Mr Pieter Bosman presents Nicole Barnard with her awards for being the top achiever in Grade 5 for maths, bilingualism and English home language.

Teachers then presented certificates to the deserving learners. Top achievers in their grades were: Gustav Schutte (Gr 4), Sakeenah Essay (Gr 5) and Hugan Webster (Gr 7). The dux learner is Philendro Voigt (Gr 7).

The principal then announced the new prefects, including head girl Jesse Goodall and head boy Hugan Webster.

Mr Stoker also presented an award for service to the school, to Klara van der Merwe.

The evening was closed with all singing the school song. – John Graham obo KPS

Chloe Kapp receives her award from Mrs Tequeena Terblanche.