Deutsche Schule

Hermannsburg

School

True & Steadfast

Educational excellence since 1856
with English and German tuition

GPS coordinates: S 29° 02,537’ E 30° 47,814’
Tel: +27 33 445 0601 ext 11 Fax: +27 33 445 0706 E-mail: school@hmbschool.co.za	Private Bag X01, Hermannsburg, KwaZulu-Natal, 3258, South Africa
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2009 in Review: Twelve Months of Progress

   While 2009 was packed with numerous sporting events, hundreds of academic, music, pottery and horse-riding lessons, among many other activities, a list of highlights might look something like this …

   Our new Principal took up the reins with a two-day think-tank for all the educators before the learners arrived for the start of the year. The positive vibe this generated sustained us through the stormy weather that marked the start of the school year. Thanks to the efforts of the parents and the local community, the flooded swimming pool, collapsed retaining walls and debris-littered campus were cleaned up and made ship-shape before the 10^th Mudman multisport event. Eskom soon repaired the main transformer, destroyed in spectacular fashion by lightning. The record-breaking Pinguin-Albatros-Möwe interhouse swimming gala was well-attended. The Germany Exchange Programme (GEP) visitors from Reutlingen in Germany arrived in good order to spend time at our school and with their host families. The Primary School hosted the annual Mini-Olympiade of the German Primary Schools in KZN. A busy first term closed with everyone looking forward to the Easter vacation to recharge their batteries.
   In the even busier second term, campers attending the Mighty Men conference, the KTM Rallye Raid and Schulfest provided the motivation to install gas geysers at the sports pavillion for a reliable hot water supply and to upgrade the shower facilities. At the same time the electrical installation at the sports fields was upgraded and floodlights were installed to provide the opportunity to use the tennis courts and adjoining fields at night. The funds raised by these events more than covered the costs of the improvements by a considerable margin. While the KTM Rallye Raid was taking place at the school, the High School learners went on Bush Camp to Elandskraal and Isandhlwana. The Primary School learners went to Babanango (Grades 1 - 6) and Mpumalanga (Grade 7). Schulfest was themed on "7de Laan" and the school hosted one of the stars of the popular television show for the weekend. The school hosted the International Museum Day, with the school choir once again performing to the delight of its audience. After the June examinations the Grade 11 learners went on their work experience while the rest of the school made ready to rest up during the July vacation. During July, several learners went to Italy with the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Choir. The Grade 10 class flew to Germany for their own, eagerly anticipated GEP Experience.
   The third term started with gusto and everyone cheered on their Houses in the Kudu-Eland-Nyala interhouse athletics meeting. The Speech & Drama Festival and the National Enviroquiz were well-supported by our learners. The Grade 9 learners started their GEP 2010 fundraising with the highly successful Annual HMB Golf Day. Also in this term the Primary School took part in an annual outreach, hosting the CINDI Sports Day with children from the local Umvoti AIDS Centre, while the tuneful High School learners attended a weekend Choir Camp. The annual Kindergottesdienst Wochenende (Sunday School camp) was the highlight for the younger set. The term ended with another dazzling Supper Theatre, showcasing the theatrical talents of our learners.
   While the Michaelmas vacation was a short study break for the Grade 12 class, the new term did start with the Matric Dance. A group of our learners participated with Wartburg-Kirchdorff in a Lesetag camp at Itala as part of a project promoting German literature. While some learners participated in a presentation to the Lutheran Church Synod in Johannesburg, the school choir presented two sold-out evening performances in Northern KZN a little later in the term. These choir performances followed the musical feat of the school choirs being awarded among the highest marks ever given at the UNISA examinations. The confirmands’ week-long retreat was followed by their Confirmation ceremony in the local Peter Paul church. The Kindergarten Graduation was closely followed by the ABC Schützenfest to welcome the 2010 Grade 1 class. The Grade 12, Primary School and High School Awards Ceremonies were also well-supported. Guest speakers included the South African Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr N. Nene, whose children attend the school, and the Reverend D. de Stadler, both of whom delivered though-provoking speeches. On 31 December the "lapa", as it is affectionately known, was christened. This spacious, thatched structure was funded and built by dedicated parents of the school, and is a most welcome addition to the facilities at the sports fields, being equipped with a built-in spit-braai. The project continues in 2010 …
   During 2009, the school was awarded partnership school status by the German authorities. In terms of this agreement, funds were made available to convert two rooms in the Primary School into a fully-equipped, modern science laboratory and lecture room, as well as purchasing computers and data projectors for installation in almost every classroom in both the High School and Primary School. Some classrooms will have E-beam devices (a form of smart board) installed. The purchase of a learning laboratory for the teaching of languages as well as other subjects was made possible by the generosity of the Ohlthaver Trust - this will be purchased and installed in 2010. By pooling resources and refurbishing where possible, computers were gathered for a new computer centre in the Primary School, which will come online in 2010.
   The educators of the school continued to keep up to date with current trends in education - both in South Africa and internationally - by attending conferences and regional development courses throughout the year. We are privileged to have such dedicated, motivated and qualified educators. Thanks go to our incredible parents, who support us in many ways, including lending us tractors, tending the gardens in our grounds and sponsoring gas ovens for the school kitchen. Last, and certainly not least, we are fortunate to have vibrant learners who have fostered a positive school spirit and ended the year on a high note.

Our Mission

To provide educational excellence in a Christian context.
To ensure the holistic enrichment of each individual
in order to confidently meet the challenges of a changing world.

Our Values

The pursuit of excellence in all endeavours. The conduct of all interactions with integrity, respect, trust and compassion. The fostering of an attitude of commitment, responsibility and pride.

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

acorn bullet Established as a school in 1856, Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg (DSH) is the oldest existing independent school in KwaZulu-Natal. The school actively promotes excellence within the learning environment. The school is committed to preparing all its learners to become competent members of, and contributors to, a modern, multicultural society. The school has a long and proud tradition of achievement and innovation. All its learners are offered the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the German language and culture. As a result, they gain a unique insight into the concept of the modern "global village".

acorn bullet English is the preferred medium of instruction. The ability to speak or understand German is not a prerequisite for entry into the school, except in the FET phase. Learners may be admitted at the Grade R level (Kindergarten) and remain at this level for 3 to 5 years. Learners may also be admitted in any of the Grades from Grade 1 to 12, subject to the school’s admission policy and procedure. All learners attend regular German lessons. The medium of instruction for History in the High School is German.

acorn bullet Learners who successfully graduate from the DSH, and obtain a German Language Diploma (DSD), are eligible for study permits and immediate entry into German universities.

acorn bullet The school’s country setting in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands offers the ideal environment for a well-rounded co-educational experience. The tranquil surroundings are an added bonus to the high academic standard offered by the school.

acorn bullet As an independent school, Hermannsburg provides a secure environment for its learners, promoting their personal growth and encouraging them to participate in their communities with commitment, tolerance, consideration and sincerity. Based on its Lutheran heritage, the school offers its learners an encounter with the Christian faith. The school is open to all who have the ability to fulfil the requirements set by the curriculum and who wish to avail themselves of what is offered.

acorn bullet Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg School builds on over 150 years of experience in education, to face the inevitable changes needed to keep up with the demands of a developing world.

For further information, click on the links at the side of the page, or contact the school directly.

Comments, suggestions or problems? Please contact the Public Relations Officer.

To visit our support and parent organizations, click on a link below:

	Hermannsburg Trust Hermannsburg Foundation

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