Dear Parents, Friends and Staff

As we approach the middle of August there is a clear feeling that spring is not far off. The days are getting warmer, and one sees the first buds of spring starting to appear.

World Scholars Cup  

Last Saturday was quite a busy day for us and the highlight was clearly our participation in the World Scholars Cup  in Polokwane. What is The World Scholars Cup? (The World Scholar’s Cup · Home (scholarscup.org)) Founded by Daniel Berdichevsky the first World Scholar’s Cup took place in Korea in 2007: a small regional tournament hosted at the Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies. The first “global” round followed a few weeks later, bringing together students from Korea, Singapore, and the United States.

The idea behind the World Scholar’s Cup was to create something different than traditional academic competitions and conferences: a celebration of the joy of learning, a tournament as rewarding for the team that came in last as the for the team that came in first, an enrichment opportunity that motivated students not just to demonstrate their existing strengths but to discover new ones.

Values and Vision

The World Scholar’s Cup is:

• Inclusive
• Encouraging
• Interdisciplinary
• Discussion-based
• Forward-looking
• Team-oriented
• Whimsical

Our goals:

• To motivate students of all backgrounds to discover new strengths and practice new skills.
• To inspire a global community of future scholars and leaders.

 Mr Learnmore Nkomo writes the following:

MECS excels in the World Scholar’s Cup                    

Mokopane English Combined School took part in the World Scholar’s Cup held at Mitchell House College, Polokwane from the 5th and 6th of August 2023. The prestigious tournament was an invite-only event and MECS was privileged to be part of the exclusive invitees. The World Scholars Cup is comprised of 4 distinct disciplines namely, debate, collaborative writing, scholar’s bowl, and the scholar’s challenge quiz. Learners were put in a team of three members and participated in all 4 disciplines and the points generated from each discipline decided the overall team’s points achieved.

Eleven learners from MECS competed and scooped 61 medals – predominantly gold and a few silvers. The medal achievement breakdown is as follows –

1. Mmathapelo Mahlafunya       13 medals
2. Denzel Nyakudya                     11 medals
3. Emily Motsili                           9 medals
4. Lerato Langa                           7 medals
5. Palesa Ngoepe             6 medals
6. Masechaba Kutumela 5 medals
7. Qailah Mosam            3 medals
8. Admire Bwerinofa                   3 medals.
9. Boresetse Lelaka                     2 medals
10. Prince Setshedi                       1 medal
11. Reneilwe Tsebe                       1 medal

In addition, the team of Denzel Nyakudya, Lerato Langa, and Emily Motsili won the championship.

The following learners also qualified for the international tournament to be held in Cape Town this year as well as next year in Maputo, Mozambique. The international event involves learners from countries in the SADC region like Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique. These are the learners who got selected-

1. Denzel Nyakudya
2. Emily Motsili
3. Lerato Langa
4. Mmathapelo Mahlafunya
5. Palesa Ngoepe
6. Prince Setshedi
7. Reneilwe Tsebe
8. Admire Bwerinofa

Congratulations to the debate team for a successful weekend.

Archery

4 of our Archers participated in the AGA Provincials at Waterberg Academy in Vaalwater.

We especially want to congratulate Khumo Mokoena who placed 4th in 3D and in the top 10 for the High school Girls Bullseye. She is also our MVP for the day. All our Archers did really well and we are very proud of them

SPCA  Visit
A group of Primary School learners visited the local SPCA to handover items donated by learners on Tuesday

Mokopane SPCA Commented “School visit today… and what a joy. To educate our future animal owners was the highlight of the week. They are well behaved and have a love for all animals.  Thank you to Mokopane English Combined School for you visit and contribution of food, blankets and toys.”

Business Studies Simulation Game
The Business Studies Simulation task for Grade 12’s was held at Eagles Nest in Polokwane on Saturday accompanied by Mrs. Ameer.  The students worked through rigorous tasks under strict time limits to complete set tasks. It was certainly a valuable experience.

Conquesta assessments

The Grade 3, 6 and 9 groups all completed the Conquesta bench marking assessments this week. These assessments provide valuable data on leaner achievement.

Primary School  Central Debating League in Polokwane Saturday 12 August .

We wish our Junior Debating team all the very best for tomorrow’s competition.

Calendar Dates for next week
Bosveld Kunstefees all of next week
Wednesday 16  Soccer and Netball fixtures

Women’s Day  

On Wednesday  we celebrated the incredible role that women play in our school and in our  lives. Their strength, resilience, and boundless contributions enrich our world in countless ways. From nurturing families to leading nations, from pioneering scientific breakthroughs to shaping art and culture, women have been instrumental in shaping the tapestry of human history.

Let’s take this moment to express our gratitude and admiration for the women who inspire us, challenge us, and uplift us every day. Whether it’s your mother, sister, friend, colleague, or a trailblazing figure you admire, let’s honour their achievements and the progress we’ve made towards a more inclusive and equal society.

Remember, celebrating women isn’t just limited to a single month – it’s an ongoing commitment to recognising and uplifting their voices, stories, and achievements throughout the year. Here’s to the women who make the world a better place. Thank you for all that you do!

Warmest regards