Picnic Proms - first quarter 2012!

A brilliant turnout was witnessed at our first Picnic Proms of 2012 held on Saturday 11 Feb.  Even though the year has just begun, it was evident that the Creative Arts Department had lost no time in 'Developing Greatness'! 

The programme kicked off with the reserve marimba band giving a vibrant rendition of 'Sway' and led on to a few young promising vocal soloists, pianists and even a worship band, interspersed with wonderfully entertaining renditions by the Junior and Senior Choirs who seem to have learned much repertoire in a short time.  Way to go, Mrs Hawthorn and Mrs du Casse!

A super musical comedy,  'Cinderella', workshopped and written during the December / January break and produced and directed by Mrs Pereira (assisted by Mrs Schnell and guitar teacher Roxy Oschman) was presented by children who had attended the hugely successful theatre camp run by Mrs Pereira.  What extraordinary talent was witnessed!    The afternoon rounded off with the HCA Marimba Band 2012 performing an energetic arrangement of 'La Bamba' and a current hit, 'Beautiful People'.

A tuckshop was provided by the Marimba Band 2012 who were raising funds for their tour to the International Marimba Festival in August - this was a huge success, and most people left filled to the brim with delicious ice cream from Huberto's after being persuaded to buy these in aid of fundraising....What a sacrifice!! 233 ice creams were sold!!!

A huge thank you to Picnic Proms co-ordinator, Mrs Pereira for her hard work and preparation in providing this opportunity for our young musicians and actors to shine!  Thank you to Mrs Schell for organising the drama team as continuity announcers.  Well done!

Thank you, too, to Mrs Roberts for her help in making everything run smoothly and holding the Creative Arts Department flag high!

The lead actress in the musical produced and
directed by Mrs Schnell & Mrs Pereira

Question:  Has there ever been any other school that has been blessed with children of such diverse creative ability?  There is so much talent here just waiting to be harnessed!  And so many supportive parents....Thank you, Lord, for this recipe for success! 

Zulu Cultural Day 2011

The exquisite beadwork and display that met our visitors at the entrance to the hall

 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! - Psalm 133:1

The sound of ululating women, the rhythmic beating of African drums, the smell of delicious traditional food and the sight of our media centre hall filled with Zulu people in beautiful traditional beads and finery was the scene that greeted parents and pupils alike at this year's Zulu Day, masterminded by our creative and hard-working Zulu teacher and put together by Gr6 learners, their parents and their teachers.

The children wore beadwork some of which they had made in Zulu class

First up was the HCA Senior Choir - proudly standing on the stage in their coloured T-shirts in the formation of the South African Flag. 

A moving rendition of 'Nkosi Sikelele', our National Anthem

Some beautiful traditional songs were sung to the delight of the participating audience and the gumboot dancers gave it their all!


The vibrant and energetic HCA Marimba Band performed next, also giving renditions of African traditional style music such as 'Thula, thula', 'Amen Allelujah' and 'Malaika'.

Kidding around whilst waiting their turn!

They also performed in their South African flavour kit - we truly are a Rainbow Nation!


After a delicious meal enjoyed by all - the hall was filled to capacity, without even room to walk between the tables - everyone listened to some inspiring and uplifting words in a speech given entirely in Zulu.  Of course, the day had to end with some passionate high kicks, claps, drums and dancing where all participated - young and old, all shapes and sizes...

As the invited guests left, they were treated to a peek at the delightful artwork that the children had been working on.

This was truly a day that will be remembered and treasured by all - a rich cultural experience that shows that we are indeed a nation that is blessed beyond measure in unique and wonderful customs seen nowhere else in the world - Africa is special, strong and passionate and we are raising a generation of children, with God's blessing, to see and accept all that is good about our incredible country.