PETERHOUSE NOSTALGIA

... MEMORIES ...

1985 SPRINGVALE HOUSE PREPARATORY SCHOOL

From the 1985 Magazine

Staff

Headmaster : Mr. J. B. Calderwood
Chaplain :Fr. Ken Anderson
Grade 5 : Mr.J. B. Calderwood, MrsJ. D. Caldenvood
Grade 4 : Mrs C. Jardine
Grade 3 : Mrs N. Munch
Grade 2 : Mrs P. Yeo
Grade 1 : Mrs N. Lues
Junior Masters : Mr. N. Lea, Mr. D. Quick, Mr. G. Bazley, Mr. D. Foster, Miss A. Handwerger, Mr. R. McClelland, Mr. R. Hepper, Mr. R. Buttery, Mr. N. Bairstow, Miss E. Ruddle.
Art: Mrs P. Niven
Cricket coach : Mr. B. Curtis
Matron: Mrs F. Tandi
Caterer : Mr. C. H. Crane
Estate Manager : Mr. P. Gosho
Assisting with Gardens : Mr. P. Bekker
Secretary: Mrs P. Anderson

HEADMASTER' S REPORT

After a very brief tidying-up exercise, we happily took occupance of what had been the Junior House of Springvale School, on the 20th of January 1985. Few of those present at the tea party realized what a joyous occasion this must have been for those who had to see the re-opening of Springvale School: Mr Peter Bradshaw, who had taken it upon himself to keep all informed as to the progress of the venture; Mr Patrick Gosho who had maintained the buildings and guarded the equipment and whose faith and determination had to win through in the end; and Dr. Megahey, Rector of Peterhouse, whose diplomacy and tact ensured that in the end children would be privileged once again to learn and play in those ideal surroundings.

The 93 Pioneers

Ninety-three boys and girls assembled the next day as pioneers of Springvale House - Peterhouse' s Preparatory School. Certain renovations and changes had to be made to the building, and two classrooms were borrowed from Peterhouse Lower School. At the Lower School we had a friend in Mr Michael Hammond - a former master at Springvale School. "2ft 6 ins in Tank 2" meant something to him and very little to me, and his store of knowledge and his co-operation proved invaluable during the year.

Highlights of the year

Several highlights during the year included our Dedication Service on 8th March when our Chaplain Fr. Ken Anderson re-dedicated our school. We were very happy to have our founder, Rev. Canon Robert Grinham, present.

Our hosting of the Division 2 Mashonaland Junior Athletics Championships was most significant as our parents demonstrated for the first of many occasions how prepared they were to involve themselves in school activities.

The production of "The Wizard of Oz" in the second term was a great success. The cast was made up of the whole school, and all acquitted themselves very well.

On the 17th of July the Peterhouse Board of Governors gave their approval to the building of a new Academic and Administrative block. The development is to take place in three phases, Phase 1 being four new classrooms, a library, Headmaster's and Secretary's offices, Staff Room and toilets; Phase 2 will be three classrooms and toilet block; and Phase 3 a School Hall. Parents have been asked to help by raising money to equip these classrooms, and $14 000 has been raised so far. This money has been raised in a variety of ways and these functions have certainly been a tremendous example of parent co-operation enthusiasm and generosity. It has been an exciting year and I would like to congratulate all members of staff- teaching, catering, domestic and ground-for their efforts.

CLASS

The following children attended the Imperator's Breakfast for academic achievement:

First Term
G.3. Seema Sharief, Michael Mayger
G.4 Anthony Buckland, Hanley Eastwood
G.5 Stella-Shambira, Clare Coughlan

Second Term
G.3 Jane Coughlan, Seema Sharief
G.4 Anthony Buckland, Saijal Gulab
G.5 Simon Hudson, Stella Shambira

Third Term
G.2 Theresa Buckland, Bruce Radley
G.3 Jane Coughlan Michael Mayger
G.4 Hanley Eastwood Anthony Buckland
G.5 Stella Shambira Simon Hudson

Class Prizes

The following received prizes at our Prize-Giving ceremony on the 28th of November. These prizes were presented by our Guest of Honour, Mr. Michael Hammond.

First in Class

G.1 Linda Mizzen
G.2 Theresa Buckland
G.3 Jane Coughlan, Seema Sharief
G.4 Anthony Buckland
G.5 Stella Shambira

Progress

G.1 Ruzanne Swemmer
G.2 Michelle Malzer
G.4 Kashif Sharief
G.5 Rabia Mustapha

A special award presented to the boy or girl who contributed most to Springvale House by his or her efforts went to Clare Coughlan.

The House Points trophy presented to the House that accumulated the most points for good work was presented to Paget. Final Results: 1. Paget 2. Founders 3. Victor 4. Hudson

SPORT

Athletics

Our Interhouse Championships took place on Friday 22nd March, and all children participated in either fun or athletic events. Final results: Ist Founders with 102 points; 2nd Paget 100 points; 3rd Hudson 95 points and 4th Victor 90 points. Mrs Calderwood (senior) presented the interhouse trophy to house captains Colin Baily and Andrea Pestles.

At the Interschools Championships, several athletes distinguished themselves. Michelle Willis won the U9 75 metres; Zane Banky 2nd in the U9 75 metres and the U9 Boys 4 x 75 m relay team, with two grade boys in it, won the U9 relay event. The team consisted of Ryan Millwarde, Ryan Carrie Wilson, Brent Dodd and Zane Banky. Andrew Mutuda ran a gutsy race to obtain a 3rd place in the Boys U12 800 metres.

Cross Country. Captain: Colin Bailey

Results of the Interhouse Competition: 1st Paget; 2nd Founders; 3rd Hudson; 4th Victor

Individual Results:

Grade 1 David Kay and Shirley Lampard
Grade 2 Brent Dodd and Theresa Buckland
Grade 3 Ryan Carrie-Wilson and Kelly Heathcote
Grade 4 Sebastian Aicher and Vicky Hunter
Grade 5 Simon Hudson and Alison Burr
Overage Andrew Mutuda and Rabia Mustapha

Mrs Anderson presented the Sportico trophy to Stella Shambira and Simon Hudson.

Cricket. Captain: Kimesh Naik

We were very honoured to have Mr Bryan Curtis to coach our boys this year. Our boys improved tremendously during the year; I thank Mr Curtis and also Heads of those schools we played who supplied teams of equal ability.

A brief summary of results follows:

Digglefold - drawn
Hillcrest - won by 74 runs
Digglefold - won by 74 runs
Ruzawi - lost by 4 wickets
Digglefold - drawn

Girls' Hockey. Captain: Stella Shambira

Our girls played two matches against Digglefold this year; the first match was a practice match, and the second was drawn 1-1.

Rugby. Captain: Simon Hudson

Our Grade 5 mini-team ended up playing good rugby. Simon Hudson was the most improved player, playing with determination and ability. We competed in the North Park Mini Festival, losing three but winning our final match.

Soccer. Captain: Andrew Mutuda

Our soccer team played three matches against Ruzawi, winning one and losing two. Outstanding players were Andrew Mutuda, Simon Hudson and Zane Banky.

Swimming. Captains: Daniel Judson and Alison Burr

Ruzawi brought a 'B' and 'C' team to compete against us; they were too strong, but several of our swimmers acquitted themselves with distinction. Our top swimmer was Ryan Carrie-Wilson.

Interhouse Swimming Gala; 22nd November Final positions: Ist Victor; 2nd Hudson; 3rd Founders; 4th Paget
Best Aggregates:

Grade 3 Ryan Carrie-Wilson and Kelly Heathcote
Grade 4 Anthony Buckland and Susan Duff
Grade 5 Daniel Judson and Alison Burr

Interschools 27/11/8

We managed to obtain seven firsts at the Digglefold Interschools Gala. Most successful swimmers were: Kelly Heathcote, Ryan Carrie-Wilson and Susan Duff

EXTRA OPTIONS

Ballet. We were very privileged to have Mrs. Loxton instruct our girls. The juniors had lessons here at school and seniors were taken to Godfrey Huggins. We were very proud to see our girls dancing in the annual Fay Loxton Dancing Academy 1985 Christmas Show. The following girls took part: Clare Coughlan,Jane Coughlan, Hayley Eastwood, Andrea Pestles, Lauren James, Beena Valla, Vicky Hunter, Saijal Gulab, Sarah Pratt, Shilpa Gulab, Theresa Ruckland, Toria Robertson and Linda Mitten.

Speech and Drama. Miss Rothwell, who has long associations with the school, came once a week to hold both junior and senior group Speech and Drama lessons.

Horse-Riding. Many children take advantage of the wonderful opportunity to learn to ride at the Tarisira Riding School adjoining our school grounds. Mrs Johnston presented the following children with prizes at the end of the year's instruction

1. Gordon Duff (constant effort) 2. Kelly Heathcote (most improvement) 3. Kashif Sharief (for courage)

Music. Mrs Andrews gave piano lessons in the first term but has stopped temporarily; we congratulate her on the birth of her son. Miss Ruddle coped admirably in the third term and engendered great interest and eagerness to learn in all the children.

Art. Mrs Niven came over from Peterhouse to give art lessons to our Grades 2, 4 and 5 children three times a week, and is responsible with the children's help for the very fine and imaginative art displays that have adorned the school on Parents' Days.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

These were introduced in the third term. Clubs included puppet-making, drama, computers, knitting, needle-work, crochet and fishing. I must thank Mr Terry Swales for assisting with the fishing club. and Mr Mitchell for letting us use his dam. To date we have caught 3 frogs!

SCHOOL PLAY

During the Trinity Term Mrs. Jardine successfully produced and directed "The Wizard of Oz". The following boys and girls distinguished themselves as principals:

Dorothy - Vicky Hunter
Toto - Andrea Pestles
Scarecrow - Ivan Edgar
Tin Ma - Simon Hudson
Lion - Farnaaz Sharief
Aunt Em - Hanley Eastwood
Uncle Henry - Daniel Judson
North Witch - Clare Coughlan
West Witch - Bongi Matambo
Oz - Kimesh Naik

END OF YEAR INFANTS' NATIVITY PLAY

Our Nativity Play was incorporated into the Carol Service which was held in the chapel on Thursday 28th November. It was a really special occasion. The infants, under the guidance of Mrs Lues and Mrs Munch, really put their hearts into a performance that touched us all by its simple sincerity.

MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

At the end of June, forty boys and girls from Grades 4 and 5 attended the Geoff Cox Mountain School course, at Nyanga. Informal lessons during the morning were conducted at Trout Hatcheries, Erin Forestry Estates and Claremont Orchards. The adventure side, carried out in the afternoon, involved the children in activities such as abseiling, rock climbing, orienteering, canoing, a rope obstacle course and shooting - the emphasis being on building up confidence and engendering co-operation between the children. I was amazed at how well our children coped, and heartened to see how everyone was able to distinguish him/herself at something.

THE SPRINGVALE HOUSE SECRETARY SPEAKS ......

8th of March 1985.

"Loving shepherd of thy sheep" sing the 93 children of Springvale House (actually its the only hymn they know!) boosted for this special occasion by the Lower School choir. The volume doesn't exactly lift the thatch off their chapel, but then, they haven't had all that much time to learn it since their school opened six weeks ago Now they stand importantly in their pews, looking very small; the boys in Peterhouse khaki and the girls in blue and white checked dresses, while their chaplain dedicates the school and all its works to the Greater Glory of God. Patrick is here. Canon Grinham is here too. He founded Springvale in 1951, saw it close down in 1979 and is back again now in his 93rd year not exactly to see his old school re-open but to take part in the Dedication of the new school, that aims to carry and to extend his work for Christain education for "generations to come"

After the service the school buildings are blessed, and the children are able to look at their Founder with the frank curiosity they might have afforded Julius Caesar or Father Christmas, had either of them been able to be with us today. The Headmaster adds to this emotional occasion by revealing himself to the parents (for the first time) in a moving speech, and a Lower School boy faints.

18th of July 1985.

"Accept and bless O Lord this school" .... morning assembly on the grass outside the main (the only!) school building.

The Headmaster faces his school, lined up today in pink cheeks and tracksuits, hats in hands, and gives out the notices for the day. The staff, freezingly NOT in tracksuits, glance surreptitiously at their time-tables, and Benji considers the flag-pole. Another school day. Later there will be lessons, play-time, more lessons. lunch, games, and so on. In it all the children will be encouraged to give of their best, to be truthful and considerate, and above all to enjoy their lives and be proud of their school. But hang on - this sounds just like every other school one has ever known, and this school is different. They say that looking into the eyes gives a glimpse of the soul, and I'm going to give you a peek into the Petty Cash Box because I think it's in there that you are going to get your insight into the real nature of' Springvale House.

There's not much actual CASH in here, but a whole lot of scraps of paper ... "Remember refund for 73 tickets to the Circus"; "Debt for flowers and getwell card for one of the staff'; "Pay tuck-shop back for bag of jelly-babies for entrance-exam candidates"; and at the bottom of all this sort of thing "i.o.u. x rather large sum!) signed The Tooth Fairy'.

That is Springvale House.