The 2010 Challenge: Design & build a self-powered ball-shooter that can travel from the start area to the shooting area and shoot a tennis ball at the goals without human intervention. The power source of the ball-shooter may be mechanical, gravity, pneumatic, hydraulic or any combination of these. Friday 11 May saw the DSS Technology Olympiad take place in the Grade 8 class. The machines were judged on number of balls shot, aesthetics, maneuverability and efficiency.
Speed stacks took off in a big way at Domino this term. The craze started in the Intermediate Phase and is slowly spreading. Watch this space for future in-school competitions and who knows where we might end?
DSS took part in a few matches in term 1. Click on the link below to see the action and results.
Parents of the FET learners were invited to an evening at school on 4 March. The parents were addressed on a number of important issues that pertain to their children’s education and well-being. They were invited to chat to the teachers as well as look through their children’s books.
In the first term we ran a times table intervention program on Fridays for the last month of the term for the senior phase learners. The learners had to spend a minimum of one hour per week practicing their times tables, using a computer program. After this, each learner was tested individually, using an electronic test which required learners to give each answer in under 5 seconds. 39 learners scored 95% or higher on this test. These learners participated in the verbal round, held in the last week of school, from which three winners were identified. These were: Micaela Joosten (3rd), Estelle Pretorius (2nd) and Benjamin Hlongwane (1st).
Electives were offered as part of the extramural activities programme this term. These activities involve learning basic life skills which do not form part of the official school curriculum such as flower arranging, car washing, personal hygiene, basic vehicle maintenance to name but a few. Learners signed up for their choices and attended the classes from 3-4pm.
The Prefects attended a leadership course held in the beautiful Babanango Valley at the end of Term 1. They gained much experience in leadership and team work skills. They slept in tents in the great outdoors. It wasn’t only the outdoors that was great but the food was delicious and views – spectacular.
DSS is in the very wet summer region of KZN. Summer = rain = muddy roads = potholes. Potholers are learners who are elected to fill the potholes that are an inevitable part of summer at school. In addition to performing a service to the school, these boys are also learning that work does not only involve the muscles that push pens but also those that push wheelbarrows.
On 23 March, Ms Miriam Cain addressed to FET Phase regarding issues such as abortion, pregnancy, and adoption from the Christian perspective. Ms Cain is a member of a child-care centre called Abba House and she was able to give extensive factual information regarding her work, her encounters with and research into the above issues.