St Alban's College

The Gauteng Champs Regatta at Roodeplaat Dam closed out the season in sweltering style this weekend, with our boys racing with incredible heart and doing St. Alban’s College proud! 🏆 We retained the trophy for Best Sculling School and took on new challenges with our U16s venturing into sweep rowing. Our coxed four secured bronze, finishing behind St. Benedict’s and St. John’s.

The club showcased outstanding quality across all top crews, achieving an impressive 11 podium finishes! 🌟

Highlights include:

U19 Single Scull: 🥇 Gold - Ollaf Moeller
U19 Double Scull: 🥇 Gold - Ollaf Moeller & George Cox, 🥈 Silver - Matthew Aydon & Julian De Villiers
U19 Coxed Quad: 🥇 Gold, 🥉 Bronze
U16 Single Scull: 🥉 Bronze - Calvin Damen
U16 Double Scull: 🥇 Gold - Luca Moeller & Calvin Damen, 🥈 Silver - Dembe Mugivhi & Pablo Garcia-Diaz
U16 Coxed Four: 🥉 Bronze
U15 Double Scull: 🥇 Gold - Liam Kyriazis & Michael Pearton
U14 Single Scull: 🥇 Gold - Liam Kyriazis

A massive shoutout to our dedicated parent supporters on the bank—your energy was unbeatable! 🎉 From small victories to first-time performances, every crew gave their best. A special thank you to our “parent paparazzi” for capturing these moments!

As the term winds down for exams, we send best wishes to our Form 3s embarking on Journey. Our Boatrace Eight is ready to take on the Kowie River in Port Alfred for Boatrace on 6th-7th December. Here’s to the next chapter!

The 2024 Carol Service at St Alban's College was a breathtaking experience. The theme, "Believe," resonated deeply as we celebrated the true spirit of Christmas. Thank you to all who participated, from the choir to the soloists. We wish our boys all the best in their upcoming exams and to our Form 3s, may your next chapter be filled with joy and success.

On Friday, 1st November, we had the honour of hosting the Independent Schools Marketing Association (ISMA) final meeting of the year, welcoming marketing teams from ISASA schools across Gauteng.

ISMA's termly meetings provide a platform for marketing professionals to discuss relevant topics and explore innovative solutions to common challenges. These gatherings ensure that all ISASA schools align with shared ideologies and work collaboratively to deliver a consistent offering.

St Alban’s College proudly secured two exceptional speakers: Katlego Malatji, Co-Founder of Homecoming Events and Director of Legal & Business Development at Sony Music Africa, and Sonja van den Berg, User Experience Design Expert and Lecturer at VEGA Pretoria.

The morning kicked off with a warm welcome from our Senior Deputy Head, Krinesan Moodley, who leads our Marketing team. He emphasised the vital role that every member of the school community— from receptionists to support staff and even the barista at the coffee shop—plays in our marketing efforts. He highlighted the importance of integrating all stakeholders into our marketing strategy instead of working in isolation.

Katlego reinforced this message, discussing the significance of stakeholder involvement in both marketing and event planning. He addressed the why, how, and what we aim to achieve when hosting events at our schools, offering insights that will guide us as we move forward.

Sonja spoke on user experience, stressing the need to understand every touchpoint that potential families and parents engage with throughout their journey. She encouraged us to improve our use of social media, websites, and events to achieve better outcomes.
Both speakers provided valuable insights that will assist us in planning effective marketing campaigns and future events.

Thank you to ISMA for all your thought-provoking meetings and interactions. We look forward to the new year of engagement.

🌱 Parent Conversations with Dave Goodwin: Partnering with Parents on the Journey of Intentional Education 🌱

At St Alban's, we believe preparing young men for the future is not solely the school's responsibility but a shared journey with our parent community. In today's fast-changing world, where digital distractions and societal shifts affect our boys' development, we must all continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn how to best support their education—together.

Dave Goodwin, our Director of Research, will reflect on critical topics that will spark meaningful discussions as we explore ways to empower all stakeholders to make informed decisions about these boys' growth. It's no longer enough to leave these decisions at the school gate—our boys need teachers, parents and guardians walking alongside them in their academic and personal development.

Through this partnership, we aim to build a shared understanding of the unique challenges boys face today and create a nurturing environment grounded in intentionality, confidence-building, and genuine connections.

This month's reflection we focus on the importance of sleep. As we move into exam season, juggling the balance between studying and sleep, should be a relevant topic within our community.

Follow the link to read more:

https://bit.ly/3YzJZEh

It's Journey departure week! As we celebrate 20 years of this incredible experience, let's start with some .

Last week, Joël Safari (Form 3) shared his thoughts at assembly about his upcoming journey and its significance to him and his family.

Thank you, Joël, for your vulnerability and openness. Your sincerity showed true strength, and we know it resonated with your peers.

An Unknown Journey

You are here to die.

This is, to many, the unchanging truth that the sole reason for your existence is a mere cycle of life and death.

And you cannot hide the truth. You can hide from the truth, yes, run from it as much as you would like, but the inevitable will happen, where your skin turns pale, and the light leaves your eyes, and worms eat the rotting flesh away from the bone on which it once so vibrantly sat, and your muscles crimp and writhe with pain after having worked for ninety more years…or perhaps

just one more second from now…

If just one more second separates life from death, then why even bother delaying their imminent union and filling the gap with mortal moments that cannot stand the test of time? Rather let the truth set you free from the regret of a tiring life that could be put to rest if you just accept, and wallow and wait for death’s dark cloak to capture and shield you from it.

Because you live that life for something.
Someone.
And it hurts too much to accept that they will eventually be lost. That the source of your joy will be ripped away, such that you are prepared to protect it even when your efforts are only temporary and cannot last forever.

This is love.
Looking not just death, but any unknown right in the eyes and still choosing to fight whatever it is for something other than yourself, and too many times, I have failed to understand its roots in me. Too many times, I have taken such a privilege for granted, always focusing on the love that I think I cannot receive, instead of appreciating the love that I did.

I become my mistakes in my worst thoughts, and convince myself that I would be nothing without my work today. One mistake and I am not good enough. Any drop and I am the pinnacle of disappointment for those around me, and outside of school, when the real world crashes down, I become anxious about the life ahead, afraid that I can never prove myself in the future.

However, these thoughts do not do justice to the people in my life that have sacrificed and struggled in silence for my good. Those that never stop protecting me from danger despite their vulnerabilities. Those that never stop protecting me from hurt despite their own gaping wounds.

I can never forget.

I used to believe that I was unlucky and that I would have no solace in the future, but I have no place to think such things, when I can do what I enjoy freely and live happily because of the people that care for me and that love me for me: family, friends…these are the people that have fought the unknown for you and me, and I am eternally grateful for them.

Twenty three days in the wild will be no different from the years they have cared for you. Every letter and food drop in the rain will be for you. Every blistered foot, and every aching back will be for you.

The unknown awaits us in a week, and not knowing what will happen might be terrifying, but every kilometre is a chance to appreciate the person next to you, the effort they put in everything they do that day, and just the fact that they are alive that day.

What happens the next day does not matter. It does not define today. All you need to focus on is your current self. Savour every part of this tiring life, because it is the only one. The rest will come with time, and eventually, time will win. Things will change and die but death cannot touch what you have now, so instead of stressing about the future, focus on yourself and what you are doing in the moment that you are proud of, because no matter what happens now or tomorrow, you will always be enough.

You will always be loved.

I can tell you this: I do not know what will happen in the future, or who I will become then either, but I do know this:

I am a student, who is stronger in academia and weaker in many other things.
I am a friend, with classmates that care for me and that I care for.
I am a cousin, and an uncle to their children.
I am a brother, to two older and wiser sisters.
I am a son, to parents for whom I am endlessly thankful.
I am Joel Safari.

That is the unchanging truth.

By: Joël Safari (Form 3)

Happy 80th Birthday to a St Alban's College legend, Mr Pieter Vieyra!

At St Alban's College, our history is enriched by the remarkable individuals who have shaped it across generations. The legacy we carry forward is woven from the stories of our boys, supportive parents, dedicated educators, and our vibrant community. Among these extraordinary contributors, Pieter Vieyra stands out. With over two decades of service as a House Director and Deputy Head, he has profoundly influenced the very essence of our institution.

Congratulations on this milestone, Mr Vieyra, may it be the celebration of many more to come!

🔥 Yesterday marked the first-ever St Alban’s Dragon’s Den, held in partnership with FutureProofSA

After weeks of preparation, our Form 1 entrepreneurs took the stage to pitch their business ideas to our esteemed Dragons, Rowan Swartz (Founder of PayCrop) and Lisa Illingworth (Co-Founder of FutureProof SA). Nerves were high, but the atmosphere was electric as seven student groups delivered impressive pitches, confidently handling questions like seasoned professionals.

At the end of the day, the Dragons made their investments:

🏆 1st Place: Airless Sport – Awarded R5,000 to launch their venture!

🥈 2nd Place: Crest Co – Secured R2,000 and a mentorship with Lisa Illingworth!

🥉 Joint 3rd Place: Dough Drop and Eduwatch – Each received R1,500 to fuel their startups!

It was an exhilarating day filled with learning, growth, and invaluable experience for our young entrepreneurs. This opportunity gave them an authentic taste of the intensity, challenge, and excitement of pitching to real-world investors. Well done to all our budding innovators!

🏀 Incredible Performance by our Under-15 Basketball Team at the Inanda Hoops Challenge! 🏆

From Thursday, 24 October, to Sunday, 27 October, our U15s displayed exceptional skill and determination at the Annual Inanda Hoops Basketball Challenge!

The boys advanced confidently to the knockout rounds after a successful round of group matches, defeating St Peter’s and KES and narrowly falling to Hilton College by just 4 points. In the quarter-finals, they secured an 11-point victory over St Andrew’s, followed by a thrilling 34-33 semi-final win over St Benedict’s.

The final against hosts St David's was a fierce battle to the end, with our team narrowly missing out on gold by just 2 points (35-33), ultimately earning a well-deserved silver medal! 🥈

Special shoutout to Mahluli Ilunga, who finished as the tournament’s top points scorer and was named to the All-Stars team.

Congratulations to our talented U15s. Your dedication and teamwork made us all proud!

Over the midterm break, our U14A and 1st Water Polo Teams demonstrated their skills in two prestigious tournaments, gaining valuable experience and showcasing remarkable commitment.

The U14A Team competed in the Inanda Cup at St David’s Marist Inanda from 24–26 October, facing top schools from across Gauteng. This high-level competition offered a fantastic opportunity to build match experience and refine their skills.

Meanwhile, the 1st Team participated in the esteemed St Stithians Invitational Tournament from 24–27 October, marking their debut as the 2025 team. Recognised as one of the country’s premier events, this tournament served as an excellent learning platform as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Both teams displayed impressive potential, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in 2025!

The Rowing Club’s midterm camp ran from Thursday to Sunday, dedicated to final preparations for the Gauteng Schools Rowing Championships, scheduled for this weekend from 1-3 November 2024.

Over the four days, our boys made the most of their time on the water, sharing the dam with various schools and engaging in a highly productive camp. On Saturday, our junior rowers enjoyed some thrilling practice races at a GSRF regatta hosted by St Benedict's, where several of our 2025 newcomers had their first taste of competitive racing.

We look forward to seeing all our crews in action at Champs this weekend. Best of luck, everyone. Go St Alban’s!

This morning, our Senior Deputy Headmaster, Mr Moodley, and 2024 Head of School, Zack Richardson, visited the Grade 6 boys at Waterkloof House Preparatory School (WHPS). It was a wonderful chance for the boys to learn about life at St Alban’s College and to connect with Zack, a current student and WHPS Old Boy, as he nears the end of his memorable five year journey with us. Zack shared his experiences, answered insightful questions, and offered a glimpse into the friendships, learning, and growth that define St Alban’s.

We look forward to welcoming the next generation who will shape, and be shaped by, the Albanian spirit!

On 22 October, we proudly celebrated our 2025 Scholarship Winners! It was a memorable evening for the future Albanian boys and their families, filled with introductions to House Directors, conversations with staff, and a warm welcome from our Headmaster, Mr Shane Kidwell.

Mr Kidwell shared inspiring words, reminding us that these Grade 8 boys are already leaders, setting the tone for an extraordinary five-year journey. As new scholarship recipients, we encourage them to aim high, dream big, and remember that success is a journey, not a destination.

We can't wait to see these young men grow and thrive within the Albanian Brotherhood!

We Remember - John Viviers
A Tribute by Revd. David Swanepoel

Those of us who were involved in St Alban’s College's founding over 60 years ago have had to come to terms with its founders' slow attrition. The latest is the death (at age 94 and one day!) of John Holmes Viviers, who was not only a founder of the College but also the parent of an Old Albanian and a Trustee of the College for some years.

John was a lawyer by profession and a distinguished one at that. He ended his career as Senior Partner of Savage, Adams and Jooste. He also employed his legal talent in the service of the Anglican Church in this Diocese both as Diocesan Registrar and, later, as a distinguished Diocesan Chancellor, often in situations of a political nature where the church, known for its unrelenting position concerning Apartheid, was from time to time in need of critical legal advice.

In recognition of his services to the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Pretoria in these two positions and also as a Founder and loyal member of Trinity Church (after being Churchwarden at Christ Church, Arcadia, before the founding of Trinity Church), Bishop Richard Kraft awarded John the prestigious award of the Order of St Alban, the Martyr. John continued to serve Trinity Church as a Lay Minister and also in an administrative capacity until not long before his death.

He was an exemplary family man with three sons and a wife named Gill. She supported him in all he did and served with him as a Lay Minister in the Sanctuary at Trinity Church and in other ecclesiastical roles.

I came to know and love Gill and John properly (having been acquainted with them for decades) when they became members of a Bible Study group I conducted in my retirement, and I learnt of their deep spirituality and commitment to our Lord.

At John’s funeral, we learnt of many commendable traits in his character and his living out of his Christian commitment. One comment I heard before his funeral that was especially apt for me was when someone described him as “a gentleman but especially a gentle man.”

I remember him and admire him for what I call his complete integrity. By that, I do not refer solely to his impeccable and uncompromising honesty but to his wholeness, which also suggests his holiness. He knew who he was, and he was loyal to whom he was. He stood for all he stood for in every situation of his life, even weathering the ugly storms that sometimes beset him. Like one of my great heroes from history, St Thomas More, he had a fine sense of selfhod.

As I write this, I am struck that if St Alban’s College could produce human and moral examples like those of John Viviers, founder and custodian of what he founded, the College would be doing marvellously well.

May he Rest in Peace and rise in glory.

As we celebrate International Artist Day, we want to take a moment to honour the incredible talent of our boys at St Alban's College. Our young artists continuously impress us with their creativity, passion, and dedication, producing art that inspires and makes us proud. Their work not only brightens our school but also showcases the power of imagination and the beauty of self-expression. Art is an important tool for self expression, and a critical component of our academic curriculum. Today, we celebrate their unique contributions and the joy they bring through their art. Thank you to our artists for sharing your gifts with us—keep creating and inspiring!

St Alban’s Cricket Teams Tour to Bloemfontein

This past weekend the St Alban’s College U14A, U15A, and 1st XI cricket tour to Bloemfontein was an incredible success, blending fierce competition with unforgettable experiences. The boys faced off against the renowned Grey College and St Andrew’s School, showcasing their talent, determination, and love for the game.

From the first ball, it was clear the tour would be both challenging and fun. Our U14A and U15A teams displayed remarkable resilience and enthusiasm, taking on tough opponents with skill and heart. Each game was a chance to grow, and the boys embraced every moment. The 1st XI delivered some thrilling performances, facing seasoned opponents and playing in the true spirit of cricket, with friendly rivalry and mutual respect creating a fantastic atmosphere on and off the field.

Beyond the competition, the tour was filled with laughter, team bonding, and shared experiences. The camaraderie among the boys shone through as they made memories that will last a lifetime.

A massive thank you to everyone involved—looking forward to building on the lessons learned and the friendships made during this special tour.

St Alban's College Rowing participates in the Inaugural Mile Regatta on the Vaal

This past weekend, our U16 and Open Boys age groups recently competed at the inaugural Mile Regatta on the Vaal River, hosted by St Andrew’s School for Girls. This regatta marks the revival of the prestigious River Vaal Regatta, last held in 2009.

Despite Sunday afternoon’s races being cut short due to storms, St Alban’s College completed all our racing. The regatta followed a Henley Royal Regatta format—two-crew, side-by-side knockout racing.

U16 Highlights: Our coxed four crew continued their progress in sweep rowing, reaching the semi-final before being edged out by a spirited St John’s team, who finished 2nd overall. The A-quad put up a strong fight, but narrowly lost in the semi-final to K.E.S., while the same crew defeated our B-quad in the quarter-finals.

For the first time, we fielded an U16 eight, combining our A-quad and coxed four. This newly formed crew beat K.E.S. by two lengths in the quarter-final before being bested by the unbeaten St Benedict’s team in the semi-final—a significant milestone for our club.

Open Highlights: In the Open age group, we competed in two events: the eight and the quad. Our 2nd quad faced a tough semi-final against K.E.S., but our 1st quad triumphed over them in the final, proudly taking home the Glave Trophy—a new addition to this regatta, donated by our club.

In the eight, we combined our two quads and, despite a valiant effort, lost by just ½ a length to K.E.S. in the quarter-final. K.E.S. went on to narrowly lose to St John’s in the semi-final, while the final between St John’s and St Benedict’s could not be raced due to weather conditions.

Overall, it was a fantastic weekend of racing and camaraderie for our boys, who camped at the venue from Friday. This experience has prepared us well for the upcoming training camp and the Gauteng Champs—our main focus this term.

A big thank you to the organisers for a well-run event, to our dedicated staff, and to the many parents who supported with catering, camping, and the creation of the beautiful trophy we donated.

On Tuesday, October 15th, we hosted our Final Form 5 Art Exhibition. Our Visual Art students presented short speeches and rationales about their artworks before the exhibition opened for viewing. A standout moment came when Andrew Swanepoel spoke about his piece, which centred on vibrations through the air—right on cue, nature added a dramatic touch with a rumble of thunder to emphasise his point!

This year's IEB theme, “Truth vs Fiction,” was explored in diverse and unique ways by each student, who developed personal subthemes within their work. Their pieces highlighted their distinctive skills and creative interpretations, resulting in a captivating and thought-provoking exhibition. Well done to all our art students on this final display of talent for the school! 🎨

Dear St Alban's College Community,

It is with profound sadness that I share the news of the passing of our cherished colleague, Mr Philemon Matlamela. Affectionately known to many as "Philly," he dedicated 26 years of faithful service to St Alban's College, leaving an indelible mark on our school community.

Philly’s unwavering commitment and his contributions across various departments have enriched the lives of countless students, staff, and alumni. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we grieve his loss, let us also honour his life and the positive impact he made on our College. In this time of sorrow, may we find comfort in the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1: "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

As a mark of respect and in honour of our beloved colleague, the College will fly its flags at half-mast.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Matlamela's family during this difficult time. May they find peace and strength in the cherished memories they hold of him.

With heartfelt sympathy,
Revd. Thabang Bengani
Chaplain, St Alban's College

This morning, we officially inducted our Prefects into duty. They signed their pledge of commitment and received their Prefect ties (with the Glave embroidered on them).

May the Glave be worn with pride and courage, and may the symbol of the sword guide you and your brothers on this journey.

“THE ST ALBAN’S COLLEGE LEADERSHIP MANIFESTO

I undertake to uphold and live the Vision, Values, Mission, and Code of Conduct of the College to the best of my ability. In doing so, I will endeavour to promote the good name and reputation of the College. I am aware of my responsibility to be a good example to all.

I will show up, engage with others, and be courageous in all my interactions.

I commit to inspiring others by modelling lifelong learning and curiosity, displaying courage, embracing vulnerability, and being willing to learn from my mistakes. I will hold myself accountable for finding the potential in people and processes.

I will share my talents, ideas, and passions with the St Alban’s community so that others will be inspired to “dare greatly”.

I will endeavour to give and receive honest feedback and engage in candid conversations to demonstrate my commitment to my own growth and the growth of others.

In the spirit of fostering belonging at St Alban’s College, I will show respect for others and uphold their right to dignity and privacy. I will challenge any form of harassment, bullying or intimidation - whether emotional or physical - that undermines our commitment to foster being and belonging.

I will stop and report any contraventions of the College Code of Conduct to which I am privy.

I will hold myself accountable and accept responsibility for my actions. I acknowledge that the College will not accept responsibility for any action on my part, which may be in breach of this manifesto.

In signing this manifesto, I pledge to commit myself wholeheartedly to upholding the contents thereof.

Inspired by Brené Brown's Leadership Manifesto - Brown, B. (2015). Daring Greatly. New York, NY: Avery Publishing Group.”

We are visiting Kenya from 12-14 November 2024.

Join us in conversation as we explore high school options for your son.

Kenton College Preparatory School (Nairobi): https://bit.ly/3NpDezR

The Banda School (Nairobi): https://bit.ly/3NsbYkg

Pembroke House (Gilgil): Email us at [email protected]

See you in Kenya!

stalbanscollege.com

It's always exciting to engage with a group of young minds like the boys at Pridwin Preparatory School. Our Senior Deputy Headmaster, Mr Moodley, recently visited the Grade 6 boys, encouraging them to start thinking about their upcoming high school options. The boys had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about life at St Alban’s College while also getting to know their potential future Deputy Headmaster. It was a great chance to engage and inspire the next generation!

It seems the Form 3 students are already embracing their sense of adventure and change of scenery ahead of The Journey! Taking their math class outside in the fresh air is a wonderful way to mix things up and enjoy a more relaxed, inspiring learning environment. With only three weeks to go before their big adventure, their excitement and adventurous spirit are clearly building! The outdoors must have been the perfect setting to fuel their inspiration for what lies ahead.

Wishing the Matrics of 2024 the best of luck as they begin their IEB Final Exams!

You've worked incredibly hard to reach this point; now it’s time to give that final push.

Good luck—believe in yourselves, and give it your all. You’ve got this! 🌟

On Friday, 11 October, we hosted a successful Open Day for future Form 1 boys and their families. Our dynamic Clubs and Societies provided visitors with an exciting glimpse into life at St Alban’s, with the boys enthusiastically interacting with our Albanians. Parents and boys enjoyed guided tours led by our PR Club, exploring the boarding houses, meeting teachers, discovering a wide range of subjects, and experiencing our state-of-the-art sports facilities. It’s always a pleasure to welcome prospective members of the Albanian community, and we look forward to seeing you again. For more information about our admissions process, follow the link: https://stalbanscollege.com/admissions/ .