Class Photographs - Thornhill Primary School

40 years in print 1971-2011

40 years in print 1971-2011
Thornhill Thoughts
Contents
Page Number
Foreword 1
Staff Photo’s 2
Staff News 5
School Improvements 7
PTA News 8
Foundation Concert 10
Foundation Class Photo’s 12
Foundation Pages 18
Foundation Sports 38
Foundation Nativity 2010 40
Little Chefs 42
Health Week 43
ICT Dept 44
Creative Thinking Week 46
Famous People Museum 47
Setswana 48
French 50
Independence Day Celebrations 53
Junior Class Photo’s 54
Junior Pages 64
Outdoor Education pages 94
Marimba News 98
Thornhill Music Festivals 100
Thornhill Music Concerts 102
Standard 3 Music Workshop 104
Thornhill Chess 105
2011 Art Exhibition 106
Sports Pages 108
Interhouse Gala 110
Junior Engineers for Africa 124
Thornhill Photo Club 126
Autographs 127
Afterword 128
Foreword
Mr Ivor Greaves
Well it is that time of the year again where I find myself trying to piece
together where the year has gone? I would like to share with you a letter that
I have in my possession written by the late Mrs Margaret Dixon-Warren, an ex
teacher and parent of Thornhill Primary, rather appropriate for the 40th year
of Thornhill Thoughts.
I walked into Thornhill School one blistering hot day in November 1966 to
enroll my two older children. The school had opened on its present site in
1965 when it moved from a house in the Village. Two new primary schools
were built in the original capital project of Gaborone – Thornhill and Lesedi
Primary.
The grounds were bare, dusty and except for two broken swings near the
entrance, there was little else. Mr Tinnion, the Headmaster, greeted me and
confirmed the childrens’ admission for the following day – there were no waiting lists! Ninety-five children
attended the young school with only four in Std 7. There were seven classrooms and a rondavel, which
housed a small private nursery for 10 children. My children were happy despite the shortages of books and
apparatus. There were no extra-mural activities at that time.
The need for a hall was paramount as we assembled on the covered way near the staff room for all our
assemblies and events. When it rained we all crammed into a classroom. We decided that with ‘fundraisers’
we could start to build - our first fundraiser was Aladdin, performed in the town hall, with the entire
parent body and we raised R300.00.
A steel structure was designed with a concrete floor slab and a roof. There were no walls but only supports
for future windows and doors. What joy to assemble during 1971 on a smooth cement floor, what joy to
sing with a piano, which still had the candelabra attached. But at least it played and it could be left in
reasonable safety covered by a tarpaulin in case rain shot in through the non-existent windows! We didn’t
mind a scrap because we were ‘inside’ a building instead of braving the elements outside – what luxury!
I hope you take the time to reflect on how this amazing school started and realise how many motivated
and dedicated people have been involved in developing and moulding Thornhill to how we know it today!
Our children are incredibly privileged to be educated in Botswana and, attend a school that nurtures their
talents, so they can develop to their full potential and achieve their many goals.
It is in this nurturing that I have to pay testament to my incredibly dedicated and committed staff. They
have again worked tirelessly to ensure that the children are provided for at every given stage. It is due to
their hard work, that Thornhill is able to offer a truly magnificent education.
To all our Thornhill families that will be leaving at the end of this year, may you all take a ‘little part’ of
Thornhill with you wherever you go. I thank you all for your varied contribution and I trust as you start the
next chapter of your lives, it will be filled with much joy, success and fulfillment.
This edition of “Thornhill Thoughts” is again a magnificent depiction of the many memories created by
all involved with the Thornhill Family during 2011. These memories will be etched into the lives of the
children forever.
1

Mr Greaves
Headteacher
Mrs Schubert
Reception
Mrs Jogee
Standard 2
Coordinator
Mrs Pringle
Standard 4
Mrs Whitfield
Standard 6
Coordinator
Academic Staff
Thornhill Staff 2011
Mrs Warwick
Deputy
Miss Bellars
Standard 1
Coordinator
Mrs Barnard
Standard 3
Mrs Lahana
Standard 5
Mrs Baldwin
Standard 7
Mrs Stuart
Foundation Head
Mrs Dawson-Klein
Standard 1
Mrs Scales
Standard 3
Coordinator
Mrs Masheka
Standard 5
Mr Jogee
Standard 7
Mrs Chetty
Reception
Mrs Talbot
Standard 1
Mrs Watts
Standard 3
Mrs Vinen
Standard 5
Coordinator
Mrs Schaerer
Standard 7
Mrs O Halloran
Reception
Coordinator
Miss Booth
Standard 2
Mrs Makuyana
Standard 4
Mr Baldwin
Standard 6
Mrs Charama
French
Mrs Ross
Reception
Mrs Egner
Standard 2
Mrs Malherbe
Standard 4
Coordinator
Mr Chetty
Standard 6
Mrs Whittaker
French
Coordinator
Mrs Kale
Setswana
Mrs la Grange
PE
Mr Gibson
ICT
Chandapiwa Jersey
Assistant
Obakeng Kgaodi
Assistant
Tabitha Maenzanise
Facilitator
Academic Staff
Thornhill Staff 2011
Mrs Moremong
Setswana
Coordinator
Mrs Tweed
PE
Coordinator
Emma Vanicha
Assistant
Mrs Smith
ICT
Onkametse Rapaye
Assistant
Thembi Ndlovu
Facilitator
Gofaone Letsweletse
Assistant
Mma Ramokate
Setswana Assistant
Tshepang Gwafila
Facilitator
Mr Kamwi
Music
Mrs Bakkes
SEN
Mr Warwick
ICT
Coordinator
Irene Morwaagole
Assistant
Mrs January
Reading Support
Mrs Price
Music
Coordinator
Ms Mitton
SEN
Mrs Withey
Librarian
Judith Makobele
Assistant
Kerrune Peter
Assistant
Mr Dipeba
PE
Mrs Phillips
SEN
Mrs Berry
Library Assistant
Maemo Thakeng
Assistant
2 3
Benny Latlhang
Facilitator
Eugenia Dakpo
Facilitator
Hasina Petkar
Facilitator
Mrs Greaves
PE
Mrs Phillips
SEN
Mr Laverick
Teacher
Mandisa Mabuthoe
Assistant
Nomsa Nkomo
Facilitator

Mrs Majola
Bursar
Mr Stuart
Estate Manager
Mmoshenyana
Tlharesagae
Betty
Monnawatlala
Olgah
Supang
Admin Staff
Thornhill Staff 2011
Mrs Raman
Financial Controller
Abel
Kedinnetse
Mosimanegape
Koke
Botsile
Leteane
Onalenna Tiny
Morake
Miss Chabedi
Front Office
Ditiro
Leswena
Otukile Simone
Chaba
Keletso
Ramotoroko
Sipiwe
Moyo
Mrs Ramotlwa
Front Office
Joseph
Serumola
Tiroyaone
Photlokwe
Mmabanyatsi
Mpapi
Mrs Sekgokgo
Reprographics
Ground Staff
Mmatshipi Tebogo
Ntele
Kelebile
Ntesang
Wilson Gabriel
Chifa
Mosetsanagape
Ratsebe
Tikologo
Lekwape
Molefisi
Ntholwa
Mrs van Heerden
Industrial Supervisor
Mogatisi Nelly
Lesole
Tiny
Mogwera
2011
Staff News
After 23 years in Botswana, it is with a heavy heart that Ros Phillips says
goodbye. She taught in the UK, Tanzania and Zambia before coming to
Botswana but, she says, this has been by far the place where the happiest
years have been spent.
In Botswana, she taught for all of her time in Gaborone; first at Northside, then
Al Nur, followed by some years doing Special Needs support from home before
joining the staff at Thornhill.
“Thornhill has been a wonderful school to complete my teaching career in.”
she says. “Being involved in the introduction of a new Literacy Scheme has
been very exciting and has in many ways helped fulfill my passion for the
teaching of reading.”
She would like to thank all the senior staff at the school for their support and to all the teachers for their
enthusiasm, commitment and hard work. She believes that Thornhill will always remain a very special
school because of its unwavering belief in the importance of the children above all else and its constant
quest to offer the best education possible.
“Botswana is a delightful place for children to grow up and this is reflected in the happy, smiling faces of
the children at Thornhill. I shall miss every one of you but return to the grey skies of the UK confident that
the school will continue to go from strength to strength in the future. Thank you for allowing me a small
part in your development.”
Jill Mitton came to Botswana in 1999 after teaching for
10 years in Manchester, UK. As a trained teacher of the
deaf she worked for 5 years in Ramotswa, teaching
profoundly deaf children. It was a fabulous experience;
on arrival her only equipment was a chalkboard and a
piece of chalk. The classroom was not even electrified!
The children were wonderful, eager to learn, well
behaved and polite. That, for her, typifies teaching in
Botswana, the amazing children.
She came to Thornhill in 2004 and after 8 years still
loves everything about Thornhill, the children, the
staff, and the facilities.
“Teaching children from all four corners of the world in a happy harmonious environment has been one of
the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” she says. “My children love coming to school and so do I! We
will miss everyone, but look forward to our new adventure in England.”
4 5

2011
Staff News
Benita Botha joined Thornhill in January as our Library Assistant. The children
she taught in Library lessons grew to love her lessons – including hot
chocolate and stories on cold days, making bridges and role play as book
characters.
Mrs. Botha always went the extra mile for children and staff in her role in the
library. Thornhill benefitted from her care and humble expertise.
A very pregnant Mrs Botha left us at the end of the second term. A beautiful
baby girl, Nia was born on 19 September, adding to the three children strong
Botha family. We wish Benita all the best as she cares for her children at
home.
Matthew Laverick joined Thornhill after teaching for two years in the UK. His brother came to Botswana 14
years ago and after visiting in 2009, Matthew realised he wanted to come
and work in the country and made it one of his goals. Matthew comes
from County Durham in the north east of England and is looking forward to
experiencing the cultural differences here in Botswana, and of course the
warmer weather!
During his teaching career so far, Matthew has had experience of teaching
in all different standards in the UK and enjoys teaching children of all ages
at Primary level. After visiting Gaborone for the second time in August,
Matthew visited a number of schools, but felt most at home at Thornhill. He
was particularly impressed with the welcoming nature of the staff and how
happy the children were in the school.
In his spare time Matthew enjoys playing a number of sports, especially
football, as well as playing guitar and writing (he has decided to write a
book about his time here in Botswana).
Jenny Egner and Ann Gollifer have spent the last 17 years gathering and
recording conversations and interviews with and about internationally
celebrated Botswana painter, Coex’ae Qgam, known as Dada.
Their book, ‘I Don’t Know Why I was Created. Dada Coex’ae Qgam’ records the
life and work of Dada, including a comprehensive catalogue of her prints and
paintings.
Jenny says the book was a labour of love that took many years to complete.
We wanted to record the life, work and words of this amazing woman and
by doing so we hoped to also shine a light on the every day lives of the San
people of this country.
School Improvements
Main: The new stand on the field
Left: Paving and beds around the Foundation Hall
6 7

Term One
The first term was rather quiet this year with the Tuck-shop being rented out, and all catering for events being done
by them. Our first and only event for the 1st term was the Foundation Easter Egg Hunt. It was an eventful morning,
with lots of little faces looking forward to seeing the Easter bunny. They were extremely excited when they found his
footprints throughout the school and all tried to be the first to spot him. But the bunny had a good hiding place and
they first had to follow the clues before they could see him. They danced and laughed and hugged the bunny! The
bunny had lots of fun too, and looks forward to seeing all the little faces again next year!
Term Two
We held our annual Sponsored Walk on Saturday 23 July. It was a beautiful day and the turnout was excellent. The
children and their parents had a good time walking the course, and some of the braver ones took on the freezing
Polar Bear swim which is not for the faint hearted!
On Saturday 30 July we had our annual Golf day at Phakalane Golf Estate. We had a full field of golfers, giving their
best, and the day was ended off with an evening function where the best got rewarded with some wonderful prizes
generously donated by various companies and individuals.
Term Three
Term 3 kicked off with our Annual Fete. It was a super day, and everyone from young to old had a fabulous day.
There was waterslides, jumping castles, lots to eat for the hungry, games for the children and various stalls for mom
and dad to shop at.
We had our PTA Braai, where the Thornhill community can come together in an evening where the worries are left
Thornhill PTA
At the end of November we had our last event for the year, a Pub Evening for the parents. It was a super evening for
all, and a time of laughing and chatting.
Final Words
2011 has been a great year, and it was with the help of a fantastic PTA committee that all our events were such a
huge success. I would like to thank each and every one of the PTA members for their time and dedication. Thank
you to all the parents and children for your support with our fundraising events. It is thanks to all your support that
we saw a new grand stand emerge on the field! I would like to thank Mr. Dahlman our vice Chairman, Mrs. Marais
our Treasurer and Mrs. Williams our Secretary for all their input and hard work during the year.
To Mr. Greaves, the Teachers and all the Industrial Staff thank you for all your support and help with all the functions.
Thank You to all the various companies and Individuals for all your generous sponsorships and donations throughout
the year. Thank you to Mr Marais for all your input into the year.
It has been a pleasure for me to serve this year as Chairperson, and I appreciate all the support that I have received
throughout the year, and thank you to the committee of 2011!
Thank You!
Yolande Holzapfel
PTA Chairperson
behind and the children can play and the parents can socialize.
8 9

We closed our first term 2011 with the Foundation Phase production “Winnie the Pooh”.
It was the pinnacle of a very busy but productive term.
The play was magnificent and as always we continue to be amazed at what our little pupils are capable of.
They retold the story of Winnie’s pursuit of honey and how he gets stuck in Rabbit’s hole. The story was
funny with a modern tilt, the costumes were beautiful and so colourful and the little actors performed very
well and were supported by 255 other little peers. Our lead actress,
Aeryn Shanahan was outstanding and an absolute natural on the stage
at the age of 8.
Each evening our curtain opened to a beautiful woodland scene with
the Std One pupils dressed as the most delightful green and yellow
caterpillars and the prettiest sunflowers to don the stage. The popular
Winnie the Pooh songs were enjoyed by all. Our parent body totally
supported each evening with laughter, applause and smiling faces.
The Foundation Phase team
were pleased and totally
satisfied with their efforts
in producing an extremely
successful play.
10 11

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Class Photographs

We had helmets and bikes and we pretended to
be traffic officers. We dressed up and gave people
fines for driving through the red robots and breaking
the rules of the road. We also helped people
cross the road when the robots were not working.
The traffic officer keeps us safe on the roads and
we should follow the rules of the road.
The Traffic Officer
Reception C
18 19

Reception H
Story composed by the Happy
Hippos (OH)
Melody hurts her arm
There was once a little girl, called Melody.
She was climbing up the tree in her
garden and she fell down!!
Her Mom and Dad took her to the
Thornhill Hospital. There Dr Naude looked
at her arm and felt it. She said we
will have to bandage your arm and put it
in a sling. Dr Naude said, “take lots of rest
and drink water and take your medicine
and eat healthy food. Don’t bend your
arm until it’s better and don’t move it too
much.”
Melody said, “Thank you Dr Naude and I
promise I won’t climb up the tree again!”
The end
20 21

Lisa - We always have fun when we build
with all the different blocks making them fit
together.
Thapelo - If I stand on the chair I can make
these blocks go higher and higher up to the
roof.
Michelle - I liked making a house out of the
blocks because we can play with the dolls in
the house like a real house.
Andrew - I liked building with the blocks
because my Dad is also a builder.
Mubeen - I liked building the tall house and I
had to wear a helmet.
Suhail - I loved getting dressed up.
Kitso - I always like building with the big big
blocks because you can make a house very
big.
Reception R
22 23

Reception S
The firefighters spray water from big pipes to quench
the fire.
We sprayed with syringes on the fire to kill it.
The firefighters wear special gears to protect them.
We dressed up as firefighters.
The professional firefighter sleeps in the fire station.
We pretended the jungle gym was our fire station and
we slid down the fire pole.
The fire fighters have rescue dogs to help save people.
We dressed up as firefighters and pretended to help our
friends laying on the carpet.
Sometimes the firefighters hold a tarp for people to
jump down on it.
We want to do that it looks like fun
24 25

Standard 1B
When I grow up I want to be a crossing guard. A crossing guard takes care of the cars so that the children
can cross the road. I will hold my stop sign. Bilaal
When I grow up I want to be a soldier. I am going to protect the city. Letona
When I grow up I want to be a chef. I like to make soup and spaghetti and
dessert because I love desserts. Rohan
When I grow up I want to be a rally driver and a custom car - maker. My rally
car is going to be a bat and my custom car is going to be a hot – rod. Sean
When I grow up I want to be a zookeeper. I will feed the animals. I like
animals and I will feed the snakes. Chad
When I grow up I want to be a chef. I would like to make eggs and bacon
and chips. I would like to work in the Grand Palm. Lekgotla
When I grow up I want to be an engineer. I will build bridges and roads and buildings. Zafir
When I grow up I want to be a Park boss. I will protect the grass and water it and make sure that the
playground is clean. Letang
When I grow up I want to be an Aquarium manager. I will see that the fish
tanks are clean. Joshua
When I grow up I want to be a business manager. I will take care of all the
people who work for me. Joseph
When I grow up I want to be a crossing guard. I will help the children to
cross the roads. I will hold my sign that says stop. Jaison
When I grow up I want to be a dentist. I will fix people’s teeth. I will put
braces on the children’s teeth. Saba
When I grow up I want to be a model. Models pose for magazines. Unami
When I grow up I want to be a make–up artist. A make–up artist does
make – up for weddings and modeling and for famous people. Maxine
When I grow up I want to be a teacher. I will be a kind teacher. I will love
my children. I will teach my children. I will be a good teacher. I will help
children. Wanjing
When I grow up I want to be a model. A model poses for TV and
magazines and newspapers. Ruta
When I grow up I want to be a teacher to help children and to teach them.
I will teach them to read. I will teach them to write. Phoebe
When I grow up I want to be a Chartered Accountant. Chartered
Accountants save money and type numbers.
I will see the staff and the staff will work
hard. Sangamitari
magazine. Ayankha
When I grow up.....
When I grow up I want to be a teacher with the children. I will help them to
learn about dinosaurs. Barona
When I grow up I want to be an artist. I am going to have artist classes. I will
teach people how to paint. Aamerah
When I grow up I want to be a dentist. I
am going to fix peoples teeth. I will put
braces on them. Ogone
When I grow up I want to be a
professional model because I get to work
around the stage and I will star in a
When I grow up I want to work at the office so I can have money to
buy a car like Appa. (Daddy). Radhika
When I grow up I want to be a ballerina because I love to dance. Hannah
When I grow up I want to be a policewoman. I will wear my police
uniform. I will have a gun and scare people with it. If anybody does
When I grow up I want to be a teacher. I will help the children with work and
something wrong I can go and take them to jail and to the Prime
painting. I will be a kind teacher. Sarah
26
Minister. Ella
27

Standard 1K
We reduced egg boxes to make bricks. We put water and glue into the egg boxes to make the mush. My
favourite part was making the mush for the bricks. Ismail
We collected egg boxes. We tore up the egg boxes. We put in glue and water
to make the mush. Mr Warwick came to take pictures of us. It was great
fun. I liked to mix the mush best of all. Abigail
My favourite part was the building. I had fun building the pyramid from the
bricks that we made. We used egg boxes to make our bricks. I loved mixing
the mush. Mr Warwick came to take pictures of us. Batsomi
We tore up egg boxes. We made bricks out of the boxes. My friends helped
me. We worked so hard but it was great fun. I really liked to build the pyramids.
Rebolokeng
I was tearing the egg boxes because we needed to build a pyramid. We
tore so many egg boxes because we had to make so many bricks. We made
mush by adding glue and water. Mr Warwick came to take photographs.
Neeravh
Our Creative Thinking
Week Activities
I had lots of fun building the pyramid.
We made it out of bricks. We tore up
lots of egg boxes to make the bricks.
We used glue and water to make the
mush. Etienne
My friends and I were tearing up lots
of egg boxes. It was hard but it was
great fun. We made some bricks.
We used butter tubs to make them.
Lindiwe.
My friends and I were outside making
bricks out of egg boxes. We got the
egg boxes from our houses. The making
of the mush was good fun. Findo
I was tearing up egg boxes with my
friend. I was also making bricks to
build a pyramid. The pyramid had a
point on top. Nicola.
I made mush out of the egg boxes. I
made a brick. I built a pyramid. It was
great fun. This was a great day. I loved
it all. Keegan
We tore egg boxes to make mush to
make bricks to build a pyramid. It
was such great fun. We had to collect
the egg boxes from home. We used
glue and water to make the mush.
We made our bricks out of the mush.
Maya
I mixed the egg boxes with glue and water. Tema helped me. We put this mush into margarine tubs to
make bricks. Then we made pyramids. It was so much fun. Lefika
We made bricks from egg boxes that we brought from home. I liked building the pyramid. It was such
fun. Mr Warwick took pictures of us. Mark
We were tearing egg boxes for Creative Thinking Week. We mixed it with glue and water. We made bricks.
We built a pyramid. Mr Warwick came to take pictures of us. It was great fun doing this. Suchitra
My friends and I tore up egg boxes. We made mush with water and glue.
We put them into margarine tubs to make our bricks for building. Angelika
28 29

Standard 1T
We put hot water then we put a stone in the pot.
After that we put salt and pepper then carrots.
After we put them in we put in potatoes. Patricia
We made stone soup. Lelentle put the stone in
the pot. The soup was delicious. Danika
We made stone soup and we put in hot water and
we put in a stone and we put in salt and pepper.
We put in carrots and then we put in potatoes
and then we put in turnips, leeks, green pepper
and then we put in parsley and tomatoes. It was
delicious. Adina
We made stone soup. We put hot water in the pot.
I put in a stone and salt and pepper and carrots,
potatoes and turnips, leeks, green peppers and I
put in parsley and tomatoes. I peeled my finger. It
bled. Ridwaan
We put hot water in the pot. We put a stone in
the pot. Then we put in salt and pepper. We also
put in carrots. We added some potatoes to the
pot. We put in turnips. We put in leeks. We put
in green pepper and we put in parsley. We put in
tomatoes. Roelof
We made stone soup. I put a stone inside the
pot. We put hot water in the pot. We added
vegetables. It tasted good. Jasmine
I made stone soup with my friends. Then we put
in hot water and a stone and salt and pepper. We
cut cabbage and tomatoes. Kelly
We made stone soup. We put a stone in the
pot. Then we put hot water in the pot. We put
in carrots and tomatoes and turnips and green
pepper and leeks and parsley. Sefalana
We put in hot water and we put a stone in the
pot. We put in pepper and we put in carrots and
we put in potatoes and we put in turnips and we
put in green peppers and leeks. Kediretswe
One of my friends put in hot water and a stone.
We put in salt and pepper. We added cut up
vegetables. Donna - Marie
I put in the
potatoes and
Lelentle put
in the hot
water and
he put in the
stone. We put
in carrots.
Wilmien
I put hot
water in the
pot. Then the
stone and I
put in salt
and pepper.
Maseeha
We made stone soup and we put in hot water
and we put in a stone. We put in salt and pepper
and we put in carrots and we put in potatoes. We
put in turnips and we put in leeks and we put in
green peppers. We put in parsley and tomatoes.
Thomas
We made stone soup. We made it with our
friends. We put hot water in first then we put in a
stone and then we put in salt and pepper, carrots,
potatoes, turnips, leeks, green pepper, parsley
and tomatoes and let it boil. After it was cooked
we ate it and it was delicious. Ashikasai
I made stone soup. I put in the stone. Lelentle
Stone Soup
I made stone soup with my friends. We put in
the hot water. We also put a stone inside the
soup and salt and pepper. Then we put in some
tomatoes and turnips. Cameron
I was making stone soup with my friend. We
made it with hot water and a stone and salt and
pepper and with nice vegetables. Lily
I made stone soup. Lelentle put the stone in the
water. Then we put in vegetables. Vatikomborera
I made stone soup with my friends. First we put
in hot water after that we put in the stone. Then I
put in salt and pepper, then carrots. Ghamo
We made stone soup. We put the stone in the pot
with the vegetables. We cooked the soup for a
long time and we ate it. Tumelo
We made stone soup. We put hot water in the
pot. Then we put a stone in. Then we put lots of
cut up vegetables in the water. Phazha
We made stone soup in our class. First we put
a stone in our pot. Then we put hot water in
with salt and pepper. Next we chopped up lots
of vegetables and put them into the pot. We put
turnips, leeks, green pepper, parsley, potatoes,
tomatoes and carrots. Aidan
30 31

If I could be invisible I would…..
be in a race. I will scare people in the race. Then I can be first. Anne
scare my brother and sisters by making a big noise when they are asleep in bed. Anthony
make funny noises. I will make my brother scared. Kate
be an invisible detective and I will solve crimes. I would also be an invisible doctor helping invisible
people. Katlego
eat all the peanuts in the world because they are crunchy. I would never go to bed even if I yawn. Tinashe
go shopping and buy chips. Then I would escape. Botsile
scare my brother by making a funny noise. Richard
get locked in the supermarket and eat all night. Leon
kick someone’s soccer ball to give them a fright. Brandon
change the time on people’s clocks. I would go into people’s homes and turn their clocks back. James
go all around the world. I would sneak into the aeroplane. Naya
go to Sweets from Heaven and eat all the sweets. Andile
make a lot of noise and scare my sister. Isabella
Standard 2B
be skating around the place. I would give superman to Sidharth if I was invisible. Anirudh
scare everyone then I would sneak into a plane and go to South Africa. Mothei
go to my cousins house and play his video games. I would then go back home and scare my brother by
going whooooo! Thato
tickle my brother while he is sleeping and eat all the candy. Layla
scare people and make them act like maniacs. I would go through them. Gape
scare people away because I am invisible. I would sneak into a shop and buy chocolate too. Malaika
give my brother a surprise. I’d give a fly a taste of its own medicine. Joel
put a tablecloth on me and go ooohhh and take a torch and scare my sister. Mikael
go to a tropical island by boat and drink coconut milk. Lara
go in a plane with a smelly bomb. Mohammad
eat all the pieces of chicken at KFC. Another thing I would like to do is swim with the fish all day long.
Natasha
ride my bicycle when it is the right time. I would go outside without telling anyone. Sidharth
scare a bully. I would sneak up on him and make funny noises. Aisha
go to the shop and get all the sweets. I would stay up late and take all the cookies and gobble them all up.
Tamara
32 33

Standard 2E
Stories and Pictures
The Evil Wizard by Umphilo Phiri
There was a loud bang on Detective Toy’s door. Detective Toy opened his door. Suddenly it was a wizard.
The wizard’s name was Dan. Dan was a villain, but Detective Toy didn’t know. Detective Toy lived in a
house. One day on Sunday Detective Toy saw Dan stealing some money. Detective Toy didn’t let him get
away. But Dan did get away.
He jacked a car from my neighbor Jaden. I ran to his evil lair. First I got Jaden’s car back then I stopped
Dan but he used his wizard powers. I dodged his powers and kicked him into the lava. He was never seen
again.
Our visit to the Game Reserve by Advait Panicker
We went to a building and Aunty Maemo showed us models of
animals. After that we drove to a far place. On the way we saw a
steenbok, vervet monkeys and we reached a toilet. When we came
back a monkey jumped on me and Khumo. Next we saw spider
webs, 8 zebras, some impalas, warthogs and ostriches. Later we
saw guinea fowls, white faced ducks and tick birds. Next we went
back to the building and ate. After that we went to school.
Samurais vs. Aliens by Bokang Obuseng
Bokang, Rishabh and Phazha were samurais. We travelled to outer
space. We saw aliens who wanted to blow up Earth. We tried to
defeat them but there were too many. They made us prisoners. Out
of nowhere Super Khumo came! He broke the bars. We all took our
two swords. We beat all of them but we didn’t see the master was
still there. It took all our powers together to defeat him. We did!!
How a Seed Grows by Ember Healy
When a flower is big enough it grows seeds. When the
wind blows a seed goes off it. If the soil is wet enough it
immediately grows. If it is not wet enough it will have to wait
‘til the next piece of rain. When the seed gets wet it starts
swelling up and then it splits open. Then the shoot starts
growing. Then the root starts growing. After it splits open it
starts to grow buds. Buds are flowers but then are closed up
and also it starts to grow leaves. It also grows taller too. After
it grows buds they turn into a flower. The most important
thing flowers need: sun, water, roots, bees, birds and soil.
Owl Babies –a story re-told by Amantle
Peloewetse
There were three owls with their mother. One night all
the owls woke up and found her gone. They waited and
waited. They were worried. Sarah thought she went to get
them something to eat. Percy thought the same. ‘I want my
mummy’ said Bill. ‘Maybe she got eaten up by a fox’ said
Sarah. ‘I want my mummy’ said Bill. Later on the owls went
out and sat on their branches. Sarah sat on the fat branch.
Percy sat on the small branch and Bill sat on the ivy. Sarah
said, “come on my branch”. As they came up and wished
she came back and she came! The owl babies jumped up and
down. ‘What’s all the fuss?’ said mother owl. ‘We thought you
were being eaten by a fox’ said Sarah and Percy. ‘I love my
mummy’ said Bill. ‘You knew I was going to come.’
How to Make a Car from Recycled Materials by
Maryke Scholtes
We need two boxes to make your car. You need four bottle
tops. Then we burnt a hole in the bottle tops. We got pegs
and we got styrofoam trays. Then we got wooden skewers.
We stuck the pegs on the back and the front of the styrofoam
tray. We stuck two axels in the pegs. We put on the wheels
and we put a little bit of wood glue in the holes. Next we
painted it with glue and water. Then we cut windows and
doors and we painted the car. We made antennas and a
number plate. Then you are finished.
Making a Car from Recycled Materials by
Sharan Velambath
First we must bring some recycled materials. Next we have to
glue four pegs on a styrofoam tray for the base. Then you put
two wooden skewers through the pegs. You really have to
burn holes. Then you pop the wheels on the wooden skewers
to make the car go. Next you paint the two boxes with
water and glue. After that you stick or tape two of the boxes
together then you tape them on the base. After that you
paint the whole car. Then we stick number plates on both
sides. If you want to you can make some seats. Then you’re
done making your car.
34 35

Hello,
I am Liya the butterfly.
I am oh, so colourful. Please don’t
tramp on flowers. Without flowers
the earth would not be pretty and
I would not exist. So join in
the Green Groove with Std 2J
Minakshi
‘‘ We used recycled
materials to build our
motorcars ”
Michael
the ladybug is a hairy bug.He
has lots of places to hide. He has lots
to eat too. Please stop burning the
bush because you will surely
kill him. Join Michael in the
Green Groove. Luqmaan
Hi,
my name is Amy Marie
but you can call me Amy. In case you
haven’t noticed, I’m a magnificent
ladybird. But remember to
keep planting so that I
can have aphids for
tea. Aeryn
We went on a trip to Gaborone Game Reserve to learn to identify animals
and to find out what they eat and where they live. Siana
Letters to the President Standard 2J
Dear Sir
I would like to tell you about the serious problem that is happening
in Botswana. People are not thinking of saving our country.
People are showing that they do not care! Do not throw glass
bottles on the road! There are so many children who get cut. We
must remember to recycle paper, plastic, glass and most of all
remember water! Now enough shouting marks! How are we going
to tell the people all over the world? We must tell them through
the newspapers, TV, radio or magazines because I would read
that magazine.
Baile
Dear Sir
I would like to tell you the problems that we have with litter, for example: throwing glass bottles on the
road and leaving plastic in the bush for animals to eat and die. We need to recycle plastic, paper and glass
bottles. We must save our planet by not wasting water. We must replenish Nature and make it such a
happy place and we must plant more beautiful flowers and trees. So I think you could tell people to stop
by telling them on the radio, newspaper or t.v.
Lots of love
Aeryn
‘‘ We learnt how to replenish
the environment by planting
grass and butter beans .”
We need to look after all our insects and animals by taking care
of our environment.
A day in the life of a Wasp
One dark, stormy morning I jumped up and I woke up and I fell over a tulip and then I
saw a ladybug called Abel. Suddenly I bumped into a spider’s web and a spider came
to eat me but I stung the spider on its head. I flew away and I bumped into a bumble
bee and it chased me and I stung the bumble bee. So I went to the river but there was
a big bottle blocking the way so I called my friends. We carried the bottle to the jungle
yard and then I flew back home.
Calvin
We saw lots of litter at the Game Reserve and we were worried that the
animals would eat the litter in the park. Alice
36 37

Foundation Sports Day
Foundation Sports Day took on the theme of World Cup Rugby this year. The children all dressed in Black
and White representing the New Zealand Kiwis performing their own interpretation of the “Haka” lead by
Mr Dipeba.
After an impressive show of strength from our young warriors, they went off to their respective areas and
competed in many different skills learnt throughout the term. The firm favourite was the tackle bags, which
brought to light some prospective players for the Botswana Vultures.
Once again a good day was had by everyone.
38 39

The Smallest Angel
South Africa and Botswana. The
children learnt songs in French,
Dutch, Zulu, Hindi, English and
Setswana and performed with
great gusto!
Six confident angels took us
around the countries and
reported what they had seen
and the story eventually ended
up in a stable in Bethlehem.
The Reception pupils set the
Nativity scene with cows, sheep,
shepherds, wisemen and angels
surrounding Mary, Joseph and
the newborn baby Jesus. Our
idyllic setting around the school
pool covered with floating
candles is always a breathtaking
sight.
It concluded with our own
teacher assistant Mpho
Kweperepe singing the lullaby
“Tula Tu”. A very special moment
for us as staff, as Mpho leaves
Thornhill School after twelve
years.
As always, the evening was
very special and a time to be
reminded of what Christmas is
all about; families, sharing and
giving.
40
Our 2010 annual nativity concluded an exciting year for Southern Africa,
as the world came to South Africa for the World Cup Soccer. “The Smallest
Angel” written and composed by Patricia Lee provided us with the perfect
backdrop for our International Christmas story.
Our children were appropriately dressed in colours or traditional clothing
from around the world and it incorporated countries like Scotland, North
America, China, India, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Hawaii, France,
41

Little Chefs
On Monday, 1 August and Wednesday,
3 August respectively our Reception
pupils visited Young Chef’s
Academy for an amazing cooking
experience!
The children were very excited
and couldn’t wait to put on their
aprons and chefs’ hats so that
they could start experimenting
with all the ingredients and utensils
in the ever so exciting kitchen
set up. They eagerly took turns to
measure, pour, mix and stir all the
ingredients to make the dough and
then it was just as much fun rolling
the sticky dough into a circle
shape. Next began the chopping
and grating then they got to sprinkle
on all these interesting toppings
and lastly they got to roll the
dough and cut it into “ wheels”…..
and voila…..their “Breakfast Pinwheels”
where ready for the oven!
The excitement levels rose as the
aroma of the pinwheels wafted out
of the oven…then within no time at
all their “creations” were gobbled
up and fingers and lips licked….
DELICIOUS !!
What did the children think about
their experience?
Some of their comments :
Kurt : “ I liked the smell of the
yummy food!”
Andrew: “ I liked the food because
I made it!”
Melissa : “ I liked rolling the
squishy dough!”
Watapiwa: “I liked the flour on my
hands!”
Nokwazi : “ I want to be a chef one
day! “
Amir : “ I liked to do everything…it
was such fun!”
Health Week
A Happy and Healthy Body, Mind and Planet.
During Health Week, the whole school was
involved in a running challenge first thing in
the morning. Parents were invited to come
and run with their children to get the morning
off to a good start.
Health Week Survey
We conducted a survey of the lunchboxes during
Health Week and we compared the results
with the last survey, which took place two
years ago.
Across the school, just over half the children
eat brown bread rather than white bread,
while most brown bread is eaten amongst the
older children – Std 5, 6 and 7. We, therefore,
need to encourage the children in Reception
to move away from white bread to brown.
There also continues to be progress in the
number of children bringing fruit or vegetables
to school but at the same time more
children are also bringing high sugar foods.
Other activities included: yoga exercises
by Thornhill parent, Elaine Welsh; aerobics
classes by Justice Dipeba with Std 5, 6 and 7;
Std 1 made butter and cheese from milk and
Std 3 made some super smoothies.
On Blue Ribbon Day, Friday 25 March, teachers
gave every child a blue ribbon acknowledging
that which is good and positive within them.
The children then took ribbons home to give
to their family.
42 43

Thornhill ICT Department
We are, as many people have pointed out, in a technological revolution, the like of which, we haven’t
seen in human history. I have a feeling that it won’t be as painful for the average citizen as the Industrial
Revolution though. We rely on technology and in truth we always have. However, the point is that
technologies have enhanced our lives immeasurably, but people continue to be suspicious of new gadgets
because they don’t know how they work. Well most people don’t know how their fridges or microwaves
work, but they are quite happy to put their sandwiches in one and their sausage roll in the other. The point
is, you don’t have to understand information technologies any more, you just have to use them in the
same way you use the microwave, well minus the sausage roll.
We can now communicate with each other in so many ways; email, SMS, instant messaging, video calls -
you name it we can do it, from desktop machines to gadgets no bigger than the palms of our hands. This
is a good thing, I bet if you were to ask around the institution you work in, ‘What can be improved?’ Pretty
high on the list would be communication. How much easier does it have to get?
Our children do not share the reservations that some adults have about these technologies - they embrace
them, use them and create new ideas, which they share with others. Sharing and collaboration are very
important ideals in the 21st Century. More people share their thoughts and ideas now than have ever done
in human history via blogs, tweets and social networking. Now, most of this is bound to be the seemingly
inconsequential stuff of people’s lives, but it is this that forms the frameworks for the consequential to
take place. Information from one source can be the key to unlocking a problem in another completely
different field.
The way we access our information is changing, books are now eBooks, and this is extending out from
the traditional publishing houses to people producing their own books, never before has it been easier to
produce your own book. If you know your way around a word processor and a camera you can produce
a book, get it published on iBooks or something similar and hey presto you’re an author. Now, whether
anybody is interested in that book is up to the author, but it’s there.
As eBooks mature, their content has become enriched with video and audio tracks being added. This
can only be good news for textbooks, which are struggling to compete with YouTube, iTunes U, The Khan
Academy, Podcasts and their like. So as the mobile tech revolution rumbles on it can only be good news for
education as the opportunities for learning expand and diversify. Some people might think that this would
make our job more difficult, but on the contrary it makes our job much more interesting.
Frank Warwick
ICT Coordinator
44 45

Creative Thinking Week
Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you
can think up if only you try! Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!
This year Creative Thinking Week took place in the second week of the third term. The theme this year was “Abandon
the Cube” and once again children in all the year groups were challenged to think laterally.
The Reception children were exposed to many activities that made them step out of their “comfort zone”, including
three legged races in the garden, writing their names and drawing pictures with their toes!
Std 1’s “Abandon the Cube” by making bricks out of recycled egg boxes to build an Ancient Egyptian Pyramid. Std
2’s were encouraged to collect recycled material for their D&T activity. They had to construct a moving vehicle with a
door that can open and close by following a diagram.
The Std 3’s had a wonderful time as their theme was “Chocolate!” They’ve learned about the history, harvesting and
processing of chocolate, tasted different kinds of chocolate, wrote a non-fiction books on chocolate and designed
wrappers for the new chocolate they invented.
The Std 4’s have looked at creative ways to recycle, re-use and reduce plastic bottles as part of our Saving the World
theme. The children planted their own mini-gardens inside plastic bottles and are growing herbs and flowers. They
are now more aware of the importance of growing their own food.
Std 5’s had great fun with a variety of problem solving activities. Std 6’s had to design bridges with materials
“bought” from their teachers using a limited budget. Std 7’s made their own pasta and invented new packaging for
their product.
All the children had a wonderful time and can’t wait for next year’s creative thinking week.
Standard 3 Famous
People Museum
The Std. 3 children have been learning about
Famous people this term. It has been a really fun
topic and we have all learnt so much. We have
had the opportunity to learn some new research
skills finding out about Famous People on the
Internet. We have also discussed whether Robin
Hood was in fact an olden day super hero, read
the shortened version of A Long Walk to Freedom
and written a letter to Nelson Mandela and tried
to paint in the style of Van Gogh. The culmination
of our studies has been the Famous People
Museum where we each made a model about
someone famous who we found interesting. There
was a wonderful range on display from Sir Isaac
Newton to Fred Perry and Oprah Winfrey.
46 47

Phiri le Phokoje
Nna mo leinaneng la ga phokoje le phiri ke ratile fa phiri a na a
bina le marago a gagwe. Neo 3B
Nna ke ratile fa phiri le phokoje ba bina , phokoje a ba a tsenya
bojang mo maragong a ga phiri. Phenyo 3B
Mo leinaneng la ga phokoje le phiri ke ratile fa nne phokoje a ntsha
bojang mo maragong a ga phiri. Go a ntshegisa thata. Kgosi 3B
Ke ratile fa phiri a na a tshwerwe ke mala a ba a tla a tsena mo
sekgweng gore a ithuse Hlubi 3B
Ke ratile fa phiri fa a bina. Ba bina ba tshega. E ne le monate. Ke
ne ke rata. Naledi 3B
Nna ke ratile fa phiri a bina le basadi le bojang mo maragong. Basadi ba mo tshega.
Tabitah 3B
Nna mo leinaneng la ga phokoje le phiri ke ratile fa phiri wa tsenya bojang mo
marago. Motheo 3B
Ke ratile fa phiri a ja dinku , a ja mafura ya dinku. Fa a fetsa a re ke na le mala.
Reoflwe 3B
Nna ke ratile fa phokoje a goga bojwang mo maragong a ga phiri a ba mafura a tswa.
Nna ke ratile fa a ya Khwaereng. Ba bina le ba a ja dinku. O jele mafura a mantsi e be
phiri a re phokoje ke tshwerwe ke mala nthuse! Atang 3B
Nna ke ratile fa phiri a bina. Saif 3B
Ke ratile fa phiri le phokoje ba tsamaya ko khwaereng ba bina le banyana. Diabi 3B
Conversational Setswana
The song that we learnt for the Botswana day was very
interesting. I enjoyed singing it and it was a great honour
to sing it in assembly. Liwei 6w
In Setswana we learnt about body parts, which was
interesting. We also learnt a song to go with it, which
was fun and catchy. Courage 6W
Setswana is the hardest subject for me to learn. I usually
hate learning languages that are hard. For some
reason I adore learning Setswana! The songs we learn
are EXTREMLY FUN! The games we play make my day.
I’ll never forget Setswana. Isabella 6c
On 29 September we had Botswana day. We had to
wear the Botswana colours. The conversational class
had to sing a song that was fun, but scary. All the STDs
did a song. At the end it was fun. Thank you to Mma
Kale for making it fun. Jessica 6B
On 29 September we had Botswana day. We could come
in traditional clothes or blue, white and black. The Std
6 Conversational Class all had to do a song. We went
fourth and all stood up it was scary everyone was staring
at us as we sang. Then we had to go back to our
benches, but at the end we had fun. Ashleigh 6C
Setswana is awesome
But not if you’re dumb
Come and play
At midday
When you play Sunababy
You feel a little crazy
When you work
You feel a little jerk. Seth 6C
Monday came
Setswana was on the way
Work first
Then play
Sunababy
Marabaraba
It is cool
And it rules. Lena 6C
48 49

Moi, j’adore le francais because we learn and have fun at the same time, like when we play Open Gates and the
password was in French. Malebo 6B
J’adore le francais because we learn so many new things and we learn our numbers, colours, sports and how to have
a conversation. My favourite part is learning is having competitions with the boys. It can be difficult but gets easier
in the end. Aratwa 6C
J’adore French so much! Thank you for a fantastic language to learn. It’s the weirdest and funniest subject of them
all. We really appreciate the awesome teachers you gave us. J’adore French in my life. Thank you. Tefo 6W
I enjoy learning Le francais because it’s good to know more than one language. J’adore all the French games but my
favourite is Open Gates! Leitse 6C
J’adore le francais. Ever since I started learning French, I have always had an enormous amount of fun. Thank you for
letting us learn French. Sediko 6W
J’adore le francais parce que c’est interessant, bien, super et excellent! J’adore le francais parce que c’est facile.
Oageng 6B
French is a fun cool language. You sing songs, draw pictures and say
funny words. I like French because it taught me a fifth language.
I enjoy French
because it’s
educational. In fact
it’s even better
because we have
a teacher from
France.
France is one of
the most romantic
places in the world.
It has beautiful
people, beautiful
places like la Tour
Eiffel. It is one of the best landmarks in my opinion and things you
can say like “j’adore le foot” meaning I love soccer.
The flag is blue, white and red. The best thing is that our teacher is an
angel sent from heaven to teach us a beautiful language.
Atang 6W
French! French! French! I love French because it’s really interesting as
other people might say (j’adore le francais parceque c’est interessant).
We learn French games and how to speak French of course and their
festivities like “la Chandeleur”. That day we made pancakes (les
crepes). We learnt to count up to 20. We started learning French in Std
4, well conversational French. I think it is one of the best subjects I’ve
ever learnt and one more thing: I hope French never goes away!!!
Mimi 6C
I started Conversational French in Std4 and Madame Whittaker was
very patient with us as well as being nice. The following term, I came
back with excitement and had fun with my friends and Madame.
We’ve had lots of fun and there is more to come!
Mojo 6C
Conversational French is the best class. Personally I love learning
French. In conversational French we have learnt the basics like
numbers, colours, adjectives, countries and so on. The methods we
use let us understand very quickly. In French we also play games
that also help us remember the things we have learnt in that lesson.
French is fun and I love it and I hope it will always be there.
Refilwe 6B
Conversational French is a great subject. It helps me with my French
and has a lot of exciting and cool games. It’s a little similar to English
so it’s easy to learn. We started doing Conversational French in Sd 4. We have learnt body parts, how to make a small
conversation etc. French is a great subject that I don’t think I’ll ever stop liking!
Kabelo 6B
I think French is an awesome language that is great to learn. It does have traditions, which I personally love because
in one of them, we got to make pancakes “yum yum”. French is known in many parts of the world so by taking
conversational French you can have some source of communication in French speaking countries. I love French and it
would not be as great if I did not have such a great teacher!
Mimi 6B
I love French and I think it’s a very nice subject and if I could choose one language, it would be French. I love the
way it is so interesting and all the words are so cool. One day, I want to go to France and see the Eiffel tower and go
to all the awesome restaurants and I love pancakes “Yum” delicious! My favorite French game is “pouet pouet” and
Madame Whittaker is one of the best teachers in the school.
Junior 6B
50 51

On 29 September 2011, Thornhill
School celebrated Botswana’s
45th Independence unniversary.
Everybody was dressed the
colours of Botswana. The Setswana
department did an assembly for
that day. The std 3 to 7 Setswana
children presented some songs and
dances. The Std 6 Conversational
children presented some songs.
There were also entertainers from
outside like Ntirelang and Cedric
who played the guitar. Mandisa
(from Thornhill) and Kagiso recited
poems. The Sedibeng Choir and
Mogwana dance group also graced
the occasion. It was a lovely
assembly and everybody enjoyed it.
Mrs S Moremong
Independence
Celebrations
2011
52 53

Class Photographs
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The best bits of
The best thing I liked in Std.3 was reading. Vedika 3W
I enjoyed everything in Std.3 because nothing was boring. Nikhil 3W
I loved Art this year. It was very fun. My favourite
lesson was when we made the boats. Luke 3W
Every afternoon Mrs.Watts reads wonderful stories
to us. I also enjoyed making Gloop and learning
about chocolate. Chayanne 3W
I enjoyed the soccer and cricket matches. We
lost some matches but it’s not about winning or
losing, it’s about fun. Ricky 3W
It’s really hard for me to say because I’ve enjoyed
mostly everything we’ve done a lot. Zach 3W
I enjoyed art, making boats, playing soccer,
making paper aeroplanes, the sleepover and
computers. I learned that we must be kind,
unselfish and share. Ryan 3W
What I enjoyed most was the sleepover. I enjoyed
it because we played games and ate pizza. After
that we went back to the library and got into our
sleeping bags and talked till ten. Leatile 3W
What I enjoyed most was raising money and
bringing food for the BSPCA. I enjoyed that most
because it’s raising money to help poor, sick
animals. Chrissie 3S
I enjoyed playing Netball because it was fun and in the morning I like to see Mrs Watts with a big smile.
Mamello 3W
64 65

I enjoyed marimbas and recorders and learning how to play all of the different notes and songs. Joseph 3S
The best bits of
I really enjoyed JEFA and having the experience of using computers to make LEGO models. Chando 3S
I liked the Basarwa Day the most. I liked it because I was the only Eskimo. I liked it when we made a
necklace and a fish out of soap. Ryk 3S
I enjoyed writing stories and using my drawing book. I liked maths, reading and spelling even better. Jack 3S
I enjoyed doing JEFA because I like to build and create things. Akshay 3S
66 67

The best bits of
The thing I liked the most was shopping Friday
because we got lots of sweets. And another
thing I liked was the BSPCA because I liked all
the cats and dogs. I also liked visiting Flying
Mission because we went in an aeroplane and a
person showed us around. Rhys 3B
The things I enjoyed in Std 3 were shopping
Friday because we got lots of sweets. I also
enjoyed the sleep over because we played
hide and seek. I liked the Std 3 and 4 concert,
I enjoyed playing the drums. I also enjoyed the
dinosaur art because it was fun. Nathan 3B
I liked the sleep over at the Library because
we played hide and seek and we were reading
books. I also liked the swimming gala because
we played a game afterwards. Alexander 3B
The things I mostly enjoyed in Std 3 were the
BSPCA because we saw a lot of dogs, cats and
lambs. I liked it when we made fossils because
it took two days. I loved it when we went
for the sleep over because we got to swim.
Keerthana 3B
All the Std 3’s went to a wonderful place called
BSPCA. At the BSPCA I saw different kinds of
dogs. We made and floated our boats and we
flew our kites. I will forever remember all the
Std 3 staff members. Diabi 3B
The things I most enjoyed in Std 3 were the Std 3 and 4 Music Concert because Neo, Reofilwe and myself
were dancing and every one was clapping and clapping! It was great that night, I’ll never forget it! The
other thing I enjoyed was making and flying our kites. Tabitah 3B
The things I most enjoyed in Std 3 were Flying
Mission because we got to see the aeroplane,
there was also a sick flying aeroplane and
all of my friends got to go inside it and it
was beautiful. I also liked making smoothies
because it is nice making smoothies in the
class. I love Std 3, you do a lot of exciting
things and Mrs Barnard is the best teacher
ever. Naledi 3B
We went to the BSPCA and we saw all the animals. We also went to the Flying Mission, we saw so many
planes. We wrote a story about chocolate, it was fun. We also made fossils, we painted them brown to
make them look old. Making Smoothies was also lots of fun! Muhammed 3B
68 69

Saving the World
Mural
As part of their topic on Saving the World, the children in 4A created a beautiful rainforest mural. They
looked at images of all the animals found in the different layers of the rainforests and drew and painted
their favourite animals to go on the mural. They have also made leaf rubbings and drew plants. The end
result was a lovely, green forest – full of vibrant colours, insects, snakes and animals.
Then, one afternoon, Mrs Malherbe destroyed the rainforest. She cut down the trees, removed the animals
and ripped leaves apart. The class was very shocked when they walked in the next morning and their
mural was gone:
When I walked into the room, I felt bad because animals are dying. Theo
I felt angry, because I felt how it must feel when rainforests are destroyed. Dale
I felt heart broken, because all my hard work was ruined! Sunniva
I felt sad that our rainforest was being cut down by farmers that needed the land for their crops. Reatile
I felt mad, because all our work was destroyed! Daryl
I felt annoyed and very, very sad. It took us about three weeks to complete and it was all gone. Aaliyah
I felt disappointed because the rainforest was destroyed. Animals were dead and it was burnt down. Tokelo
I felt unhappy because all our hard work was ruined. Zimuzo
I felt sad because all our hard work
was ruined and it took us ages to
finish it. I also feel terrible because
they kill the animals and it’s not
quite right to kill animals. Boago
I felt so angry because all my work
was torn down and that happens in
real rainforests – birds catch fire and
animals die. Neo
I felt angry and sad at the same
time because rainforests are homes
to different kinds of animals and
animals need to live – they are part
of this world. Nicola
4A Rainforest Activity
Face Painting
The children also studied images of rainforest people. Indigenous tribes often use painting to camouflage
themselves when hunting or to scare their enemy during tribal battles. Face paintings are also done during
religious ceremonies and has a lot of symbolic value. The children then painted each other’s faces to
recreate the look of rainforest people.
70 71

4M Letters to the World
Our major theme for the third term has been ‘The Rainforests of the World”. Whilst the learners have enjoyed
learning about rainforests and marveling at how beautiful they are, they have been disheartened by the damage
that humankind has and is inflicting on the ‘lungs of the planet’. The learners have found it unbelievable that adults
can be so shortsighted as to destroy rainforests that are so beneficial for our survival. With this in mind, Std 4M has
written letters to express their feelings. Here are a few of their letters.
Dear People of the world,
I am writing this letter to inform you of how I feel about the rainforests of the world.
There is a problem – people are constantly cutting down trees, polluting the air and digging trenches. This must not
continue because the trees are very important for our survival.
There is a way to fix the problem. People can stop cutting down trees and plant more of them. You can stop using
cars that produce a lot of smoke and only use green cars, which are environmentally friendly.
Good people of the world I hope you do something to help.
Yours sincerely
Naomi
Dear People of the World,
Rainforests are being chopped down and we should stop it.
People will not be able to breathe and humans will become extinct. People in the future will never see the beautiful
plants we have because everyone and everything will be dead. Here is a fact, you will also be dead, and so you must
reuse your waste.
It does not matter if you live in a big or small house or if you are rich or poor. What matters is that we are alive. We
should all be proud because God created us and the rainforests will help us in the future.
Yours truly
Timika
Dear People of the World,
If deforestation continues your children, in ten years, will not know what a tree is. Not only that but if you cut down
a rainforest, the animals won’t have home anymore. Just imagine being a bird that migrates and returns to find all
trees burnt down and it’s nest gone.
When you burn or cut the rainforest you are burning or cutting earth’s heart. People should protect the rainforests
by building houses and cattle ranches elsewhere.
Please think about what I have written and make the planet
and the animals of the rainforest happy.
Yours sincerely
Malo
Dear People of the world.
I am writing this letter to tell you about how I feel about the
rainforests and how we can save them.
In the rainforests there are wonderful animals that you have
not seen but they are becoming extinct because of people
chopping down the rainforest trees and destroying the homes
of the animals.
People are cutting down the trees because the trees are very
tall and they can make lots of money from them, These people
just think of the money they will make but they don’t think
about the animals.
The rainforest is home to millions of animals, so please save
them.
Yours truly
Hamzah
Dear People of the world,
In the rainforest you can find lots of beautiful animals, but you
keep cutting down the trees!
If people cut down the trees the animals will die.
Yours sincerely
Theo
Dear People of the world,
I would like to tell you why our rainforests and earth are in danger.
Rainforests are in danger because we keep cutting them down to make paper and build houses. When all the
rainforest are gone, we will have no oxygen to breathe and the air will be polluted. When we have children, they will
not even know what a tree is.
We can all stop this by using less paper; which means planting more trees and cutting less. The future depends on
what we do now.
Yours truly
Chikondi
Dear People of the world,
Damaging the rainforest is a very serious matter. I am really disappointed that some people are too lazy to plant
seeds after they have cut down trees. I would think that people who don’t plant trees or who cut down all the trees,
are not good people.
We can all stop deforestation by planting trees and using renewable resources to replace wood.
Yours sincerely
Keanu
Dear People of the world,
I am writing this letter because I am not happy about what people are doing to the rainforests. It’s not just the
people who are cutting down the rainforest who are to blame, but it is us (who are not doing anything) also. Yes! We
are not doing anything to help the rainforests. We all could do something.
Without rainforests we will die because we need the oxygen they produce. We are destroying the habitats of all the
different species. There are animals and plants that have not been discovered yet. Some animals have even become
extinct.
I think that if people are cutting down trees then they are just killing themselves and everybody else. We should help
by planting more trees.
Yours sincerely
Hannah
72 73

Standard 4P
Planters
We also made some plant containers
out of bottles. We planted different
kinds of plants with a partner. The
plants grew really well. We all
shared watering them. Leungo
We made plant holders to put flowers
in. I was paired up with Daniel and
we planted a Petunia. Some people
put stones under the compost we
planted it with. Now our Petunia
flowers are huge and pretty. Oitsile
The Challenge
On Wednesday 12th October, we, the
Std 4’s did a wonderful project about
re-using plastic bottles. We built a long
diamond shaped raft. Daniel Taylor did
it with some of the boys. We had to pick
someone to ride The SS Pringle. The
lucky person was Nicholas Knight – the
new boy in our class. We helped get
Nicholas on the raft. He was riding
away on the great big Mummy Pool.
I think the duck tape stuck the raft
together. It was a success! Leleti
We had to build a strong raft, which had
to carry a nine year old child across the
pool. The raft was made out of plastic
bottles and duck tape. It got the child
across the pool but unfortunately some
of the bottles fell off.
74 75

Std 5L’s Thoughts on
their Buddies.
I can’t give solutions to all of life’s
problems, doubts, or fears. But I can listen
to you, and together we will search for
answers.
I can’t change your past with all it’s
heartache and pain, nor the future with its
untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me
to care.
I can’t keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may
grasp it and not fall.
Your joys, triumphs, successes, and
happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.
Your decisions in life are not mine to make,
nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you, and
help you when you ask.
I can’t prevent you from falling away from
friendship, from your values, from me.
I can only pray for you, talk to you and
wait for you.
I can’t give you boundaries which I have
determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change,
room to grow, room to be yourself.
I can’t keep your heart from breaking and
hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up
the pieces and put them back in place.
I can’t tell you who you are.
I can only love you and be your friend. 5L
76 77

Thank you Teachers
Teachers are not selfish people. They share their knowledge with thousands of students who pass through
their hands. They perform many little miracles everyday. We salute our teachers
Thank you teacher for lending me a helping hand. Tanushri
Thank you for disciplining me because if you didn’t, I could be travelling on a harsh road. Tino
Thank you teachers for teaching us and making us smarter. Laone
Thank you teachers for teaching us stuff we love to know. Adrian
Thank you teachers for teaching me stuff that I didn’t know about. Khotso
Thank you teachers for teaching me with love and care. Thabang
Thank you for loving me, caring and being there for me all the time. Bosa
Thank you teachers for teaching me almost
everything I should know. Tumelo
Thank you teachers for loving and caring for
me. Meghan
Thank you teachers for teaching us great stuff
and helping us to be intelligent. Arnold.
I thank you teachers for your dedication to
teach us stuff and to help us grow, we all
love you so much! We respect all you do. So
teachers I thank you with all my love and
care. Tumi
Thank you teachers for loving us
unconditionally. Matthew
Thank you teachers for building me up
through out all my years at Thornhill. Michael
Thank you teachers for lending me a helping
hand when I have got a problem! Eziafa
Thank you teachers for giving me the best gift
of life…. EDUCATION! Mohammed
Thank you teachers for your patience,
kindness and for loving me. Farah
Thank you teachers for being there when I
needed you most. Idris
Thank you teachers for building me up.
Nqobile
Thank you teacher for being our role model,
you take your time to teach us things we love
to know. Refilwe
Thank you teachers for teaching me stuff and
helping me when I need you. Jip
Thank you teachers for picking me up when
I’m feeling low. Katryanna
Thank you teachers for making me a
bookworm! I used to hate reading. Nitant
Thank you teachers for being kind to us and may god bless you all the time. Cale
78 79

During the course of the year Std 5V have enjoyed using a variety of mediums and skills
during their art lessons. We enjoyed drawing symmetrical butterflies and then used a
contrast of black and white paper and folding techniques to create Animal masks with a 3-D
twist.
We had fun using felt and beads to enhance our “African Dolls” and then experimented with chalk and
charcoal to draw our African animals. We learnt the effectiveness of skillful shading and outlining and were
very pleased with our final results.
Our Hand designs were inspired by artwork at the Art Exhibition. We learnt that by being careful and not
rushing our work we could produce work we could be proud of. We thoroughly enjoyed our lessons.
80 81

Electricity
To conduct or not to conduct, that is the question?
In Science this term I enjoyed testing what things are good conductors of electricity, especially watching
the hot electrons burn the graphite (pencil lead). I also enjoyed discovering things you wouldn’t expect to
be a good conductor or a bad conductor of electricity such as a pencil sharpener (good conductor), silver
chain (poor conductor). I also enjoyed the way the bulb became brighter when we added another cell or
shortened the wire. This is useful knowledge for I now know how electricity works on a daily basis. Lachlan
6W
As we walked to the Science room we were excited to be doing electricity. We were told a few rules and
got to work. We practised circuits and learned about parallel and series circuits. Some groups finished early
and so we went on to use motors and buzzers. We were amazed at the motors (we made a fan) but the
buzzers pierced our ears. It was fun and we learned a lot! Tawana 6W
Learning about electricity was incredibly exciting. Building circuits in the Science Lab, working with motors,
light bulbs and even buzzers was fun. The best fun was when we burnt pencil lead, watching the lead heat
up and smoke. This is what I will never forget. Lesedi 6W
This term we were learning about electricity in Science. We did some experiments in the Science Lab. We
were making bulbs light up by using a battery, wires, light bulb and it worked. Then we used pencil lead
(graphite), we connected it to the wire and the lead started to melt and sparks came out. I enjoyed doing
electricity because it was fun and I learned a lot. Bokang 6W
St Peter’s Winter
Warmer Campaign.
Every year the std 6’s make a collection of warm
blankets, clothes and shoes for the children of St
Peter’s. This year we collected enough to fill a truck
and a trailer as well as two buses. We took them
to the centre and when we arrived, we formed a
human chain and put all the donations into an
office – it was very full afterwards.
We then played with them and had as much fun as
possible.
As the year goes on we will use the money we
have raised to throw them a Christmas party and in
return they do a little Nativity play for us. It is the
most beautiful thing ever to see a smile on a child’s
face. Mitchell 6W
In the second term, Mrs Whitfield took some std 6’s
to deliver some wonderful winter clothes, blankets
and shoes. Each child received two blankets, one
for school and one for home.
After that we were able to play with them and it
was the most fun I had all day.
Then we went to the kitchen and helped set out the
food and drink for the St Peter’s children, it was a
great experience. Sediko 6W
I was chosen to go to St Peter’s to deliver the
blankets, clothes, shoes and toys from the Winter
Warmer Campaign held at our school. When we got
there we formed a human chain to get the stuff
into their storeroom. When we left the store room,
there was completely full.
Each child received two blankets, one for home and
one for school. The children were very happy. Thank
you for all your donations, the children were very
thankful. Kayla 6W
82 83

Art
For the art exhibition 6B made papier-mache sharks heads
in groups of two or three. It took everybody a long time, as
we had to be very patient as we applied each layer strip by
strip, Once the heads were completed we painted them. It
was a fun exercise but it took a lot longer than we expected.
Ciara 6B
Last term we made shark heads for the art exhibition.
We worked in pairs and my partner was Junior. Yes when
I heard that I thought we would never finish. Junior and
I made a vicious hammerhead that would eat anything
that was in its way. To make the heads we needed two
envelopes, paint, loads of glue and even more newspaper.
Although it did take a lot of time we surprisingly finished.
We both enjoyed ourselves and thought it was cool working
with the smelly glue. Mimi Mbaakanyi
In the beginning of the second term 6B had the opportunity
to construct a shark head using only papier maché and
paint. This would be displayed for the art exhibition.
At first it seemed difficult but with the help of our teacher,
Mr Baldwin, we all managed. We started by folding the
envelopes crushing papier maché After a week of non-stop
work we were ready to make the mouth. Later on through
the term we added sand paper to smooth the surface of the
shark and applied paint. We then drilled holes
for the eyes and placed tiny pieces of wood in them.
The final touches were soon made and the sharks were
mounted on to the wall of the exhibition room. Building the
shark heads was extremely fun. I just wish I could do it
again. Kauri
For art in Std 6B we were asked to get a partner and build
a shark head. The process was very long; it took us about 6
weeks. This is how it started: we had to get an A4 envelope
and stuff it with rolls of newspaper. Secondly we had to get
a paper plate and stick the envelope on to the plate and let
it set. Then came the fun part we had to papier maché it!
That was a very sticky process
After it was dry we had to sand it. Then we had to make the
mouth with a smaller envelope and papier maché the mouth, after papier machéing the mouth we had to paint it.
After painting the mouth we had to paint the shark head. Then Mr. Baldwin asked us to collect marbles for the eyes. But
no one did that so we had to use wood! So we had drill a hole in the shark head and stick the wood in, then we had to
sand it. Then all we had to do was place it on a board and it was ready. Danielle
In the beginning of the second term, we had to do something for the art exhibition, Mr Baldwin told us that we were
doing shark heads. I thought this would be fun
The next month, it was really boring, we had to take an envelope and we put newspaper inside. We had to glue it
together and papier maché the outside. This envelope was the jaw. After that, we took another envelope for the head.
We did the same thing but this time we had to put more newspaper inside. We papier maché that too. After that we
sanded it with sand paper. After we added wine corks for the eyes. We had to paint it black, white and red.
It was a great experience and I really enjoyed it. I hope to do something like that again. Unnikrishnan
Creative Thinking
In Creative Thinking week everyone in STD 6 had
to construct a bridge for problem solving. We were
split into small groups and were given 3 days to
complete the bridge using newspapers, paperclips
and cellotape. We were given 100 Bob the Builder
dollars with which we could buy our supplies. We
had to be careful as to what we bought, as there
were no refunds and we could not steal money or
supplies.
Our bridge had to cross a 30cm gap and hold the
weight of a toy car. I did not like it when the price
of newspapers was increased, but I enjoyed the
experience and would like to try it again.
For creative thinking week the STD 6’s had to
build the best possible bridges ever. It started
off when our teachers put us into groups. Then
came the good part, our teachers told us we were
working with money. Everyone was ecstatic until
we heard it was fake (ahhh). We had such an
awesome time building. I wish we could do this
everyday. In the end my team didn’t win. Connor
84 85

Forces
Forces are really really cool
and with Mr Chetty they’re always a drool
whether you kick a ball
or go to the mall
You use a force
Even when riding a horse! Aakash 6C
Towards the end of the school day Mr. Chetty did a science lesson on forces.
Everybody thought,”Ahhh, Science!” But I was so excited I coudn’t sit down. As
usual... He told us about different types of forces like moments, air-resistance,
gravity, push/pull and so on. I love science and truly enjoyed the lesson. Do
you? Mojo 6c
Kgale Hill
Extreme excitement sprinted through
my veins when the 10th of August
arrived. The day we were climbing
Kgale Hill!! Everyone was bouncing
around with joy. All of us acted like animals in a zoo. I had a grin from ear
to ear the whole day. When we arrived at the foot of Kgale Hill Mr Baldwin
taught us a bit about weathering and how mountains are formed. By the time we reached half way I was
panting like a dog. When we finally!!! reached the summit, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was an amazing
sight. Gaborone looked like a speck of sand. Laughing and not thinking about school was relaxing. The only
problem was, we had to trudge back down the hill!. Isabella 6c
One bright sunny morning, on the 10th of August, we were going to climb Kgale Hill as part of a Geography
lesson on Contour lines & weathering. We all arrived at school shaking with excitement. We were split into
two groups. Group one went first accompanied by Mrs Whitfield & Mrs Petkar, and group two went with Mr
Baldwin & Mr Chetty. We arrived at Kgale Hill, anxious to begin climbing. The climb was tough and tiring
but it was all worth it when we reached the top and saw the breath-taking view. I hope the next year Std 6
classes will enjoy it as much as I did! Zaairah 6C
Dissection
We headed towards the
science lab, waiting to
see what was ahead of
us. As we entered the
room everyone smelled
a bad odour. It smelt like
something had died in
there. Mr Chetty pulled
out a big black bag and
placed it on the table. He
took off the rubber band
and out leapt cow kidneys,
pancreas, heart, liver and
lungs. Gross! Everyone
headed for the door,
hurrying for fresh air. When
Mr Chetty finished talking
he gave us all a chance to
touch and feel all sorts of
different types of organs.
It was a lot of fun and very
interesting. Lena 6C
In term 2 we went to the Science Lab and explored the interesting organs
of a cow. We walked into the lab, disgust was in the air. Everyone hated
the terrible smell. The organs were all laid out on the table. The lungs were
GIGANTIC!!! The liver, heart and pancreas were also strangely, breathtaking!.
The organs all felt like jelly. Luckily, we touched it with gloves and not our
bare hands! We learned a lot about the inside of the cow and humans.
Despite the horrible smell, we had an awesome time! STD 5’s here is
something for you to look forward to next year. Casey 6C
86 87

What I will miss the most about Thornhill:
Words can’t explain how much I will miss this school!
I will miss the heated pool (NO excuses for not wanting to swim on cold days!) I will also miss the library
days and drinking hot chocolate there in winter. Friday PIE DAY – How I loved those pies! I will miss all the
many afternoon activities but mostly I will miss our school itself and the friendly staff. I have had a great
time from beginning to end and it has been a wonderful journey! Katlego
I will miss all the funfilled activities that we took part in and all the jokes that the teachers made up. I will
miss good times – like when we went to camp. What I will miss the most though are all the good friends I
made along the way! Sean
I have had a great time here at Thornhill
and I am proud to say that I went to this
school. Mostly, I will miss all my friends
who are going off to different schools
and the good times and jokes we shared
together.
Rashaad
Although I have only been at Thornhill
since Std 5, I will really miss this friendly
environment! I will also miss all the different
and creative activities we took part
in. Being part of Std 7, with all its special
privileges has been really great! Safiyya
Standard 7B
88 89

Standard 7j
Thornhill Thoughts
It was my first year of French, I enjoyed it thoroughly. I enjoyed the sports and there was great
competition. Aaron
My time at Thornhill has been awesome. I have enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you Thornhill. Andre
I love Thornhill very much and I am going to miss all my friends when I leave. Being in the marimba band
has been awesome. Clara
Being a Std 7 is cool. We have privileges others don’t. Memories have been made that I will never forget.
Gwen
Thornhill was fun. Great teachers fun activities I will miss you all. Colby
Thornhill keeps us busy busy. They know children very well. A little bit of discipline is the way to go. Martin
Thornhill is a great and fun school to be in. The part I liked most was going on camp in Std 6. Chikondi
I have had a very good experience at Thornhill. The sport has been my favourite because there has been
great competition. Sheldon
Thornhill is so cool and green, it’s let me be who I want to be. Chelsey
Thornhill has been a great school for me and I have had some very good times. It will be in my memory
forever. Roberto
Thornhill was a wonderful experience. Having friends, going on camp and having fun really made the
difference. Ian
Thornhill I hold in hands so dear,
I will always miss you but I will always be here,
as I turn this book into the new chapter,
Thornhill is going to be a happily ever after.
Desiree
I can’t believe it’s nearly the end of the year.
Term three and I am so near.
To leaving my school in which I have worked so hard.
Don’t worry Thornhill you will always be close to my
heart. Hannah
90 91

Standard 7S
Thornhill Moments and Memories
When I first came to Thornhill, my brother said it was a place on a hill with thorns.
I almost believed him after I saw my shoes after cross-country. I love Thornhill, the friendly people, the funny teachers,
the fun events, camps, discos, trips and more, but let me not bore you with endless words. I LOVE THORNHILL.
Ruby
I remember crying every team swimming session when I had to do breaststroke in time trials. Amantle
My best memory is making southern schools soccer and hanging around with friends but, I couldn’t do it without
friends, teachers but mostly Thornhill. Wanga
My most memorable moment was chipping my two front teeth in the toilets in Std 5. Martin
My best memory is when I was in Reception and we played kissing catch. Megan
My favourite memory is meeting new friends and doing my first play. Eric
I remember in Std 4, at the age of 9, I scored twice for the under 9 B side against Letlhabile from the semi-circle and
the other from half way, but after the match forgot to go to Mr Baldwin for his opinion. From then on I was a fan of
soccer and scored more as I got older. Thornhill is a place for memories. Kabo
What a rush! From playing in the sand pits to writing exams. Playing on tricycles to going to camp. Just being in
Thornhill is an adventure. I’m going to miss this place. Hope the next Std 7s are as awesome as we were. Gobopa
My favourite memory is when I first came to Thornhill, and I had a loving teacher named Mrs Ross and a fun friend
named Amantle. Amantle was my best friend and we did everything together, until Maduo came and pulled me away
from Amantle, but we are all besties now. Rosi
My best time was when we went to camp in Standard 5 and the camp instructors scared us in the dark. Thank you
Thornhill, I wouldn’t have gone without you. Garikai
My fun-filled struggle with all my awesome friends and amazing teachers I’m going to miss this school, from Std 4
to my amazing Std 7 year and I will always miss saying HI to Mrs Schaerer like 4 times a day. Bye, miss u all. Sven
My favourite moment at Thornhill is when I was at camp in Std 5 and my friends told me I was sleep walking, but I
wasn’t really sleep walking, I was just faking it. Hahaha!! Mpho
When I first came to Thornhill Primary School in Reception, I met a lot of people and a lot of teachers. I made a lot
friends on the first day and my Mom told me it was a perfect school for my education and of all the Primary schools
I heard about, I’m sure glad I went to this one. I hated the time when I got sent to Mr Greaves in Std 4 for jumping in
a puddle with my friends. I liked the pranks that we did. Jack
When my FAVOURITE teacher Mr Chetty would act out our History Lessons In Std 6. When I met my new best friends,
Thea, Lili ,Desiree and Celene. My two brothers Mpho and Garikai. Maduo
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Std 4 Camp Mokolodi
This year the Standard 4 children visited Mokolodi Nature Reserve. We slept out for two nights, the longest
time away from home for quite a few of the children.
The highlights of the camp, to name but a few, were: going on a (noisy!) game drive – it is very difficult for
26 nine to ten year olds to keep quiet when you’re that excited about spotting the tenth warthog! – seeing
the cheetahs in their enclosure, going on a lovely early morning nature walk, doing water studies at the
lake and watching a snake demonstration. The children learned a lot about nature conservation, an integral
part of this outdoor experience.
The children also had to learn to work in groups and to be responsible for keeping their dormitories neat
and tidy. Activities in the Lolwapa around the campfire at night were also very popular and we did not get
to bed before late.
This camp was a great learning experience and fun in so many ways. It gave each class the opportunity to
get to know each other better and set the tone for a successful year in Std 4.
During April, the Std 5’s set
off on their annual visit to
Camp Nelu, at Hekpoort, near
Magaliesburg. Some children had
the excitement of travelling in
the large bus hired from a local
transport company, while others
travelled in the school bus.
On arrival, the children were
delighted when they saw
beautiful manicured lawns and
neat chalets, overlooking a
crystal clear swimming pool.
The facilitators provided
stimulating activities throughout
the 4 day stay and remained
enthusiastic and energetic at all
times. They were well-informed
and time passed quickly as
each child was challenged with
a variety of activities including
obstacle courses, low ropes
and rock climbing. Fears were
overcome and new achievements
celebrated.
For some, this was the first
time they had left the country
without their parents – another
accomplishment!
A great time was had by all!
Std 5 Trip to Camp Nelu
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Std 6 Camp Tantebane 2010
On 15 November the standard six group went
to Camp Tantabane in Francistown. We did
lots of activities involving team work, played
games and went on lots of walks. Some of the
highlights for me were fishing, the obstacle
course and the shoe race. We had so much
fun and nearly cried when we left (some of us
did cry).
Desiree 6B
Std 7 Camp South Africa
2010
Instead of the usual lie-in on a Sunday morning, it was an early rise to get the bus to take us on our annual
Std 7 trip. This truly is the highlight of the Std 7 year and a look at what we did, will tell you exactly
why.
On arrival, we were divided into groups and took part in archery, “rock” climbing and “zip-line”. These
activities certainly involved different skills to the ones we’re used to using at school, and gave a chance for
a new set of people to shine. These activities also helped us to familiarise ourselves with the camp and its
beautiful surroundings of the green hills around Hekpoort in Gauteng.
Monday began with a trip to the Johannesburg War Museum, where we could see what we had learned
in History lessons on the Second World War, come to life. Following that was the trip to Soweto, where we
viewed the famous Soccer City that we saw so often on our TV screens during the World Cup. We also went
to the Hector Peterson Museum and down Vilikazi Street, which was interesting. For many of us, the most
exciting part of the day was a visit to the Clearwater Mall, where the most industrious time of the trip was
spent shopping!
Blue skies awaited us on Tuesday morning which meant good ‘beach’ weather. Yes, our day was spent in
the water at The Valley of the Waves at Sun City. It was difficult to choose which activities to do, but most
of us did the daring slides and bounced in the waves.
Wednesday started off with a trip to a cheese farm. We were given a most entertaining talk on the process
of cheese-making and filled a hole in our tummies with delicious cheeses to sample. After all that eating,
it was time to work it off with good exercise traipsing through the Sterkfontein Caves – not for the claustrophobic!
We were informed about the rock formatioms and famous finds there. Following this we went to
Maropeng, where we experienced a vortex and visited a great inter-active museum. By the end of this day
we were all certain of our origins.
The last day of activities started off with a visit to Robinson Crusoe and The Pirates of the Caribbean, a fantastic
pantomime. It took us a while to get into the “panto” way, but by the end of it, we were shouting,
booing, dancing and loving every minute of it. We were now so “hyped” up that it was just as well that our
next stop was Gold Reef City. This is the place for adrenalin “junkies” , riding on the likes of the Anaconda,
but for the more sedate, the Ferris wheel will do. All in all, it was a great climax to our week.
Sadly, on the Friday, we climbed onto the bus to come home, but the memories will stay with us always.
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Monday, 4 April saw many excited children from Thornhill, Northside, Baobab, Westwood and Botlhale
choirs gather at Maitisong for this year’s Choir Festival. The rehearsals in the afternoon went well and by
6pm Maitisong was packed with over 400 parents and friends eager to hear their children perform and they
were not disappointed. All of the children sang beautifully and we were also privileged to have a guest
choir, the Maikano Serenaders, perform 3 items for us.
The highlight of the evening was the finale, when all 260 children sang together and their renditions of
We’ve Got Friends On Our Left and Friends On our Right and We Are The Children brought tears to many
eyes! Many thanks to everyone involved in making the day a success and well done to the Thornhill Choir –
Mrs. Price is very proud of you all.
Thornhill Music Festivals
In June Thornhill Primary School held their annual Marimba Festival. Our parents dropped us off at school
and there we met with children from schools around Gaborone and a few from outside Gaborone. We were
then put into our different groups and luckily for me, I was put with two of my schoolmates, Eric and Faith.
They were a total of fifteen pupils in our group.The workshops consisted of Marimba, Dance, Mbira and
Drumming
In the afternoon we had two hours of serious rehearsals to prepare for the concert and thereafter had
dinner. It was really nice seeing all the different marimba uniforms from other schools in readiness for
the concert. Being the hosting school Thornhill played our songs last of all. The Marimba festival was an
unforgettable experience. Thanks to all the workshop leaders, Mr Sibindi, Mr Manzungu, Mr Ncube, Mr
Matlaku, Sally, Ms La Grange, Ms Tweed and the music department, Mrs Price and Mr Kamwi for organizing
the event.
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Marimba Magic CD
On Wednesday, 6 April, the Senior Marimba Band went to record a
CD called Marimba Magic 2. When we arrived we were all excited
and nervous because it was our first time to actually record a CD.
We had lunch and started recording after that. Although the studio
was a little crowded we managed well and despite our nerves, we
had lots of fun. After we recorded the songs we got to hear some
and were very happy with the sound. We would like to thank all
the people who made this recording possible.
Sandra 7J
Selibe Phikwe Trip
On Saturday 6 August 2011 Thornhill Primary School travelled to
Morula School, Selibe Phikwe for a Music Festival.
Three schools took part in the event, Thornhill School, Mount
Pleasant School and Morula School the hosts. We were then put
into our different groups and made friends with a lot of other
children.
We started with the marimba workshop and then we went to the
dance workshop were I was given the role of the lead dancer.
Straight after that we went for drums and Boomwhackers and
thereafter took a break.
In the evening our teachers organized a small concert for us. The
next day it was back to serious business because we knew that
the time for the final show was near. When time for the concert
came, we all enjoyed ourselves together with the audience.
Many thanks to our teachers Mr Kamwi and Mrs Price for
organisng this and a big thank you to Morula School for hosting
us, looking forward to the next event together.
Kabo 7S
St Stithians Trip
The senior marimba band left for St. Stithians on 28 September
Once we were on the road, we thought the road would never end
after for what seemed like 12 hours to some of us but actually just
6 hours, we got to the school and our jaws all dropped once we
saw how huge the school was. We had an hour to eat and chat,
we there after met our hosts and went home with them.
The next day was the busiest day of the whole trip, that afternoon
our marimba band went to play at Dainfern Golf Estate in
Randburg. It was by far the most impressive place we had ever
seen. We played most of our songs and had loads fun. That same
night we had a combined marimba concert at St Stithians with 8
different schools (us being the only band from Botswana), it was
great listening to all different schools and bands play their songs
on marimbas.
Many thanks to Mr Kamwi and Mrs price for taking us to such a
lovely place, and Mr Sibanda for the invitation and not forgetting
hosts for their hospitality, we cant forget Able for driving us
around South Africa on a very noisy bus we appreciate you !!!
Sandra 7J
Thornhill Marimba Band
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The Standard 5, 6 and 7 Concert
The Standard 5, 6 and 7 Concert took place on 8 and 9 November. There was a very varied programme, including
marimbas, recorder, guitar, piano, singing, boomwhackers and dance, showcasing the tremendous talent amongst our
children. Well done to all the Standard 5, 6 and 7 children, all of whom worked hard and performed well: the Music
Department are very proud of you.
For many of our Standard 7 children this may be the last music concert they are involved in and here are some of the
their thoughts:
All through my time at Thornhill I have loved playing marimbas and it has been one of the things that I have always
looked forward to and it hurts me that the High School I am going to does not have marimbas. I am going to miss everyone
in the hall playing recorder and marimbas together. It has been a lot of fun. Rashaad
I feel very sad that after 8 years I am leaving, but my last concert was amazing. The best parts were the marimbas and
singers. I will really miss Mrs. Price and Mr. Kamwi pushing us to do our best at marimbas and recorders. Omponye
I will miss playing the marimbas: the songs Mr. Kamwi taught us
are fantastic. Playing the recorder was also fun and I would get
very proud of myself when I got every note right: hearing Mrs.
Price say, ”Well done!” made me smile. I will definitely miss having
concerts and especially the marimbas as they won’t have them at
my school next year. Katlego
The Standard 3 and 4
Concert
The Standard 3 and 4 Concert took place
on 9 and 10 August. It was a culmination
of the hard work the children have put
in so far this year and also showed the
tremendous progress they have made.
All of the children sang, played the
recorder and marimbas and there were
many dances, piano solos and even the
addition of drum solos this year. The
children all performed very well and
Mrs. Price and Mr. Kamwi are very proud
of them. It was a wonderful way to end
the term.
Here are some of the children’s
comments:
Yesterday, it was the 3’s and 4’s music
concert and I’m sure we all had a lot
of fun. I liked watching all the dances,
marimbas and drums. I also liked it a
lot when we were playing the recorders.
Gouri 3W
I enjoyed playing the marimbas and I
liked the way Sebaga sang You Raise Me
Up. I also liked the dances, especially
Wendy and Anya’s and I liked Gareth
playing the drums. Chayanne 3W
I enjoyed the concert a lot, it was very
fun. At first I was scared, but then I
loved it. Erin 3W
I liked the dances and the fact that my
mum, dad and brother got to come. I
also liked the marimbas. Crissie 3S
I liked playing the marimbas and the
recorder and I also liked listening to
everyone playing. I liked it when my
mom and grandmom were there. Jack 3S
At the concert I enjoyed playing all the
instruments. I also enjoyed seeing my
parents there and they were proud of
me. Silas 3S
I enjoyed the marimbas and also the
recorders because they sound very, very
nice. I also liked my mum being there
for me. Lune 3S
I enjoyed everything at the Std 3 and 4
Concert. It was so so so so so so “FUN”.
I really enjoyed it. Wendy 3S
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Standard 3 Music Workshop
From 7 – 9 February a very excited group of Standard 3 children, along with some of their parents, took
part in a recorder workshop to give them a good grounding in recorder playing. The children learned
many techniques, lots of music notation and also worked on rhythms using drums. We were fortunate to
have some of our top Standard 7 recorder players leading one of the sessions and the Standard 3’s really
enjoyed being taught by them. The workshop ended with a ‘concert’ to showcase all they had learned and
the Std 7’s also played for them to show how well some of them will be able to play in the future, if they
work hard. The Std 3’s enjoyed the whole experience and learned a lot from it.
Here are some of their comments:
I liked it because it was fun and exciting. I liked it when we played Two At Twilight. Leon
I liked it when my parents came. It was so fun to do recorder and I learned a lot from my teachers. Yannis
I liked playing the drums in front of the parents. Ryan
I liked the recorder workshop – it was the bomb! Two At twilight was the best song for me so far. Zach
I liked the recorder workshop. It was fun for me but Two At Twilight was a little bit hard. I saw my mum
and she waved at me. Gareth
I liked the drumming, Two At Twilight and the Std 7 song. Thanks to Mrs Price and Mr Kamwi for teaching
us. Lune
I liked the concert and the Two At Twilight song. Thomas
I liked to learn all the songs and the notes. I also liked being with the Std 7’s. Joseph
I liked working with the Std 7’s and when we had to play for the parents. It was a lot of fun. Thanks Music
Staff. Wame
Chess 2011
I’m pleased to report that the Chess Club, once again, had a successful year and is as busy as ever. We’ve
welcomed a large number of Std 3’s this year and we are looking forward to seeing these budding players
develop to their full potential in the future.
The team played in several interschool fixtures during the first term and once again, performed well, winning
most of their matches. During the second term some of the players took part in a SSSA Individual
Championship Tournament. Priyav and Abhiram obtained first and second place in the u/13 section respectively.
We need to congratulate these two players on obtaining the titles of Candidate Masters this year.
Well done! It is also good to see a number of girls joining the club this year and we hope that they will
keep up their interest in Chess so that we can field a strong girls team in the future.
Mrs Malherbe
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Thornhill Art Exhibition
“Our World”
This year the Art Exhibition
was based on the theme of Our
World. Work on a wide variety of
topics was displayed; everything
from Day and Night to Dinosaurs,
Countries of the East and
Water. It was wonderful to see
such a variety of media being
used to make a range of 2D and
3D art.
It was a lot of hard work but the
final display was a real feast for
the eyes. The teachers and the
students must be congratulated
on their achievements.
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www.flickr.com/photos/thornhillprimary
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Basketball
As usual the popularity of girls and boys basketball was immense. Almost 30 girls and over 40 boys opted to come to
basketball as an afternoon activity. Lots of hard work and enthusiasm went into the practices, but unfortunately we
did not play in many fixtures against other schools.
The term is so busy with softball, tennis and swimming fixtures and as well as PSLE exams we only managed two
fixtures. One was against Baobab and the other against Dayspring. Lots of running up and down the court was done,
especially by the girls and a much more structured game was played by the boys!
On the whole both boys and girls did very well and I am sure many of them will continue with basketball in high
school.
Well done to all who took part.
Cross Country
InterHouse Cross Country
Once again the Inter House Cross Country got off with a bang with the U8’s and the invited
Std 2’s leading the way, only to realise they did not really know the route!! Yes it was the
Std 2’s who lead for most of the way, but along came Chando to take first place. The rest of
the races went as planned with some very closely contested finishes. The winners were as
follows:
U8 Chando & Naledi
U9 Janis & Annebelle & Amantle
U10 Benjamin & Hannah
U11 Aakash & Rebecca
U12 Mpho & Amantle
U13 Andre & Megan
Shashe house was the overall winner.
Well done to all the winners and it looks like once again next term we will have a very
competitive cross country school team. We will start practicing at lunch times in our first
week of second term.
InterSchool Cross Country
The Thornhill runners have enjoyed a very successful cross country season. The runners have been working hard at
practices to try and earn their certificates and we have had 4 inter school race meetings.
The first race saw us traveling to Lobatse to run against 7 other schools.
Our runners did very well with 90% of our runners coming in the top ten. Special mention must be made of the following
runners for coming first in their respective races: Chando, Aakash and Mpho. The team came third overall.
Our second race was against Legae in terrible winter conditions and the threat of the strikes hanging over us. The
children ran very well and ended up second overall. Aakash once again came first in his age group.
We then went to Acacia to run in a relay event where the children had lots of fun. No results were given for this race
but the children performed well in their teams.
The last race of the season was at Botlhale which proved a little more difficult for our children.
Our season culminated in a fun run against Northside at the Blue Tree. It was a lovely afternoon and all the children
enjoyed themselves. Thank you to Northside for organizing that event.
A great season was had by all and I would like to encourage the children to keep running. A healthy body is a
healthy mind.
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InterHouse Gala 2011
Our Interhouse Gala took place on Thursday 31 March. The Individual Medley and the Medley Relay was
swum in the morning with the rest of the events swum in the evening. The evening gala is popular with
the parents as they rush to this event straight after work. The atmosphere is always festive with the children
providing lots of entertainment both in the pool and the deck.
The competition was fierce with a record 211 children competing this year, for many this was their first
ever, competitive swimming event. Everyone gave their best effort.
The Interhouse Gala was won by Notwane and the spirit award was won by Chobe.
Congratulations to the following age group champions.
U8 Tabitha, Naledi and Nathan
U9 Shrinidhi and Letlotlo
U10 Mikayla and Connor Price
U11 Pulane and Kristian
U12 Amantle and Sean
U13 Chelsey and Sheldon
110 111

Football 2011
Our games on Thursday were all very
competitive and Thornhill gained many
victories. There were games usually
for the A & B teams, however, we did
manage to play C & D teams against
Northside. This was a highlight of the
season for those boys.
Congratulations to Aaron, Wanga, Sean
and Mpho who were selected to play for
the South against the North. All of them
performed very well.
An excellent season for soccer once
again, well done to all
112
Monday afternoons were very important times for many of the
boys. The one hour soccer practice really was not enough time
for them all, however, they came along and worked hard at their
skills and fitness. To be given a letter of inclusion in a team for
the Thursday matches was the cherry on the cake at the end of
their practicing. To see the Std 3’s and 4’s coming to school on
soccer days with their green and white socks on was evidence
enough at showing their enthusiasm for the game.
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Netball 2011
114 115
Well done to all the girls who played netball this season. It was good
to see Thornhill was able to field A & B teams throughout the age
groups. The U11’s and 13’s also played C & D teams against some other
schools too. Lots of enthusiasm for the game was in evidence and the
girls responded well to the expert coaching.
Many good and exciting games
were played on Thursdays
against excellent opposition
and Thornhill came out on top
in a lot of the encounters.
Congratulations to Chelsey
who was selected to play for
the South against the North.
She was awarded the best
player of her team, an excellent
achievement.
Well done to all the girls who
played netball and showed lots
of passion for the game.

Throughout the term we were able to field A, B and
sometimes C teams against other schools. For many
of the children it was their first softball fixture ever.
It was good to see so many of the U13 girls come
to practice and play the game to a reasonable level.
For the girls who practiced in the first term I think
it certainly was a valuable and productive exercise.
Their skill level was much better than in previous
years.
We had fixtures against Westwood, Northside,
Rainbow, Baobab and Al Nur. Thornhill did
exceptionally well in both 11 and U13 age groups.
An added note is the enthusiasm from a std 4 group
who do softball as an afternoon activity They are so
keen and their skill level is excellent. This can only
help the standard of our U11’s next year.
Well done to all the boys and girls who played
softball this year.
Softball 2011
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Under 9 Cricket
The U9 cricket group had a good season of cricket. Several festivals, 8-a-side
games and fixtures were played during the term which allowed every boy to be
involved in a game situation. The squad boys represented the school in Thursday
11-a-side games. These boys made some very good progress and by the end of
the season most of the boys had become decent cricketers and were able to
easily beat their opposing teams.
Mr Chetty and Mr Baldwin – U9 Coaches
Under11 Cricket
A bunch of enthusiastic U11 boys attended practices on a Monday while a select
group came for squad coaching on a Tuesday. The basics were covered in batting,
bowling and fielding. The team that was selected to play matches comprised a
mix of U11 veterans and some boys who came up from the U9 age group. The
boys played some fine cricket and managed to see out the season unbeaten. Our
captain, Aakash, had the honour of attending Southern Schools trials and being
selected for the Southern’s team - a fine achievement indeed!
At least half the team will still be U11’s next year, so this augurs well for this
particular age group. Well done to all the boys who came to U11 cricket. My
advice to all of you is practice, practice, and practice. Improve all aspects of your
game - batting, bowling and fielding. Many of you have the basics and are well on
the way to becoming good cricketers. Well done and I hope to see you all on the
cricket field next year.
Mr Jogee - U11 Coach
Under 13 Cricket
This season saw many a ‘budding’ young U13 cricketer come out to practice for
the season. The boys and girls were dedicated and enthusiastic, always willing to
work on improving their skills!
The U13B side were unbeaten and they had lots of fun in the process. The
U13A team also remained unbeaten this year and they showed impressive form
throughout. They certainly were a credit to themselves and Thornhill Primary.
Rashaad, Connor, Sean, Sheldon, Aaakash, Brandon, Sadul and Justin all attended
Southern School trials and acquitted themselves well. Rashaad, Connor (V/Capt),
Sean, Sheldon, Aakash and Brandon were all selected for the Southern’s team and
Sadul and Justin were selected for an Invitational side.
Well done to all the children who took part in this successful season.
Mr Greaves - U13 Coach
Night Cricket Series
Thornhill played in the ‘Night Cricket Series’ at Broadhurst Primary during the
first term. The team acquitted themselves superbly well winning all three night
matches. All the bolwers performed well, bowling a consistent line and length and
the batsmen applied themselves fully at the crease.
This disciplined approach enabled Thornhill to remain unbeaten during the series.
Well done to all the boys involved, you were great ambassadors for your school.
Rashaad was voted as the ‘player of the series’ and Sheldon received an award
for the ‘most improved.’
Mr Greaves - U13 Coach Cricket
2011
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Athletics 2011
The athletes performed exceptionally well at the Inter House Field and Track events. Well done to the
following children who were Victrix and Victor Ludorum respectively:
U8 Chayanne and Theo
U9 Akofang and Daniel
U10 Sebaga and Benjamin
U11Mimi and Aakash
U12 Grace and Mpho
U13 Clara and Rashaad
Well done to Shashe who came first overall, second Notwane, third Chobe and fourth Limpopo.
The Inter Schools Field events took place at Phakalane and Thornhill performed exceptionally well
particularly in the shot. We also had good performances in the high jump. At the end of the day we
were in third place.
The points gained from the Field events were carried on to the Inter Schools Track Athletics which took
place once again at the UB Stadium. Thiswas a bit of a disappointment as it was thought the National
Stadium might have been in use. This would have been an amazing experience for the children to
perform on the new track. Nevertheless, the University Stadium was still abuzz with noise not just from
the children who took part but from the running commentator who was keen to add to the atmosphere!
Thornhill ran against Phakalane, Baobab and Hillcrest. Our runners did the best they could and we had
one or two noteable performances. Well done to all the athletes who took part in these events.
120 121

This has been a really good year for both our tennis teams. We are reaping the rewards of all the work
that has been put into coaching tennis over the past few years. We are a force to be reckoned with,
thanks to the coaching at both team and development level.
Our school has benefited tremendously from having Coach Freedom join our two school coaches Mrs
Charama and Mrs Whitfield on the courts. He helps with the Komatsu Development Programme as well as
the school’s team tennis.
We are very proud of our results, in the first term the U11 won 3 of their 5 matches, narrowly loosing to
Northside and Rainbow, the U13 only lost against Northside, winning the other 4 matches.
We were well represented at Southern Schools level, with Sheldon Frost, Sean Price, Connor Greaves,
Grace Hungwe, Mufaro Chinwada and Mitchell Masinyandima being selected with Chelsey Laurent as the
reserve. In the South vs North tournament – both the Southern teams played well and beat the North.
In the 3rd term we played in doubles tournaments, the U13 went to one tournament at Acacia and won
14 of the 15 matches they played. Our U11’s were placed either 1st or 2nd in the 2 tournaments they
played in, well done to everyone involved.
We would also like to thank the parents for their commitment to their children and to our drivers Abel
and Joseph who ferry our children safely to all their matches.
Mrs N Charama and Mrs L Whitfield
Tennis 2011
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Thornhill was visited by Junior Engineers For Africa (JEFA) in the week of 19-23 September. The program included
courses for standard threes to sevens which took place during school hours, as well as courses in
the afternoon for those willing to pay for them. The children are exposed to a wide variety of engineering
terms and concepts and using the advanced LEGO components are able to apply these and learn so much.
Children’s comments:
In September groups of children from each standard signed up to do JEFA. This is a more advanced form of
making objects using LEGO. Our standard seven group did Robotics. I really enjoyed it a lot and I am sure
the other kids had just as much fun. I would like to thank the JEFA team for coming to our school and
teaching us so much. Andre 7S
I really enjoyed JEFA because we made exciting LEGO models
with the computers and with motors too. I also enjoyed playing
with the LEGO models and I had lots of fun. Chando 3S
I really enjoyed JEFA because I enjoyed making cool LEGO .
I especially liked it when we made the spinning top. I also
enjoyed making the merry-go round. I really had a lot of fun.
Lebopo 3S
124 125

Photography Club
A series of black and white portraits for this
year’s Art Exhibition. The images were taken
using a black background and a single light
source
Autographs
Images of smoke and water drops. The smoke was taken using a flash and
a snood with coloured filters. The water drops were taken using a constant
drip and the shutter set on multiple shots with a single flash.
126 127

Afterw rd
I have worked in the ICT department at Thornhill since 1999, but it may come as some surprise to you that
I have not always been the technophile I am today. As a schoolboy in Derbyshire in the early 1980’s, I can’t
say that I was greatly enamoured with computers. They were large, small green-screened televisions with
a keyboard and tape deck crudely grafted on them. You had to programme them with Basic to get them to
do anything, they were, for me, a complete waste of time. In fact I think I probably had only 4 computer
lessons in the whole 14 years of my schooling.
This was further reinforced when my friend Simon got a Sinclair ZX81. A small computer he built, somewhat
shoddily, himself. You plugged it into the TV and connected it to your cassette deck. He spent hours
copying Basic programmes from magazines, which then required hours of debugging and rarely worked
even then. These were mainly games like Space Invaders, which he cheerfully saved onto an ancient
cassette recorder for some future use, only to discover that they were no better the next time around.
What changed my mind was a small computer company called Apple and in particular a small beige box
called the Macintosh Classic. Its screen wasn’t green it was grey but, much more importantly, it didn’t need
programming, you could use applications installed on this thing called a hard drive which was 40Mb.
I came across this little gem of a thing in the final year of my degree at the Marine Station in Port Erin,
but there was a problem, you had to be a post-graduate student to use one and I wasn’t. At this point you
should know, that at times, I am not always very good with rules I don’t agree with, so I decided to use the
machine at 2 in the morning to write my research project up. No small bit of ambition when you consider
that any previous experience of computing was randomly banging the keyboard to see what happened or
listening to the sound the tapes made.
I made it thanks to the ease of use of the machine and a couple of little applications called MacWrite and
Cricket Graph. It was all point and click and to some degree, obvious how to use it. The whole event was
not without its scary moments. The constant fear of being caught, not saving something right and my
underlying suspicion that it couldn’t be this easy. I did, however, learn how to copy, paste, print (extremely
noisy and awe inspring in 1989) and insert things into text, stuff which I still use today.
I was, from that moment on, for better or worse a Mac man. I have used other machines when teaching,
but wherever possible, I will use a Mac. I am typing this on a MacBook Pro now. I have 3 iPods and 2 iPads,
but I’m not allowed an iPhone as I have a tendency to test phones to destruction in fairly short order.
Why have I stuck with Apple? This may have as much to do with the illicit, nocturnal nature of my learning
as it did with the ease of use of the machine. It is also that their products last for ages and its attention to
detail and design. This I think is largely due to Steve Jobs, a man who brought us devices and technologies
we never even thought we needed. He navigated Apple through the highs, lows and highs again. Let’s hope
he left a few directions for his successor.
Frank Warwick
128
Portraits of
Thornhill Primary School

PO Box 163
Gaborone
Botswana
++267 3952490
www.thornhillprimary.ac.bw