SIBUSISO MOGALE AND SHIREEN SAPIRO
SWIMMING CHAMPIONS

On 24 and 25 March 2008 Shireen Sapiro, Grade 12, and Sibusiso Mogale, past pupil, took part in the Nedbank National Championships for the physically disabled. Shireen won nine gold and one silver medal for the relay and Sibusiso won five gold medals. Shireen Sapiro was selected for the second qualifying round for Beijing.

For the second time in six months she has set two new world records in the S10 disability category: one in the 50m backstroke event and the other in the 100m backstroke event.

She swam 50m backstroke in 33.89 sec at the Telkom Olympic Qualifying Championships in Durban and 100m backstroke on Sunday night in a time of 1.11.98 mins.

Shireen won a gold medal for Breaststroke at the South African Paralympic Team for Beijing!
Well done, Shireen. We are extremely proud of you!!

Sibusiso Mogale also swam all the events in Durban and is ranked in the Top eight in the country for all events. Well done, Sibusiso!

ASHTON DU TOIT
KARATE STAR

Ashton is also preparing for his 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt - Ashton is passionate and highly talented in all of his many and diverse activities that include rowing, music and drama.  His versatility is only overshadowed by his respect for his Karate training and his humility shows when he dons his Karate outfit (DoGi).  Ashton has shown an excellent understanding of the Karate saying "Bun Bu Ichi" (the pen and the sword are inseparable)!

DANIEL HARRISON
ATHLETIC STAR

Daniel Harrison, Grade 12, achieved the following results in his 2009 athletic season:
Selection to Central Gauteng Provincial Team (2nd Consecutive Year)
Finalist (400m) – SA National Youth/Junior Track & Field Championships
Bronze Medalist (Medley Relay Team, Anchor Leg) – SA National Youth/Junior T & F Championships
Listed on South Africa’s 2009 Top 10 Best Performance List for Youth (400m)
SA National Ranking: 4th
These results were achieved despite sustaining a hamstring injury two weeks before provincial trials. Congratulations, Daniel, we are so proud of you!

ASHLEIGH DAMES

GAUTENG HIGHLAND DANCING STAR

Ashleigh has been promoted from Novice to Intermediate to Premier in the last 6 months
She won numerous medals and trophies at the gatherings throughout the year.  At SA Champs she danced in the Premier section and was placed 4th overall.  She also won a gold, silver and bronze medals.  (This was a huge achievement for her as she has only been dancing for two and half years and was dancing against girls who have been dancing for an average of 8 years)
In August she took part in two fund raising performances for her dance studio at Wits Theatre.
Ashleigh also was chosen to dance in the South African Tatoo which is being held at Montecasino in September. Congratulations, Ashleigh!

BALLET STAR

Ashleigh auditioned and was chosen to take part in Mzansi Productions’ “African” version of The Nutcracker at Gold Reef City.  She danced the parts of a party child, the fight scene and a Merleton.  She absolutely loved taking part in Grease in which she choreographed and danced a ballet solo to Beauty School Drop-out.  Being part of the cast of Grease in the other dance numbers is what she enjoys. Well done Ashleigh, Bishop Bavin School is so proud of you!

KAYLA SHORTT

SWIMMING STAR

Kayla competed at the Level 2 Championships in February where she brought home 6 medals, but it was in Open Water Swimming that she triumphed and had her best season ever.

Kayla was the first swimmer ever from Bishop Bavin Seals to be selected for Open Water Nationals in Bloemfontein, where she was the first CGA swimmer home in the 3km event. This subsequently resulted in her being awarded her colours for National representation, as well as winning the CGA trophy for the Top Female Open Water Swimmer – all ages. 
Kayla also dominated the open water events in the 2008/2009 season, resulting in her winning the Elite Junior Open Water trophy for the 3rd year in succession.

The 2009 Midmar Mile was also a huge success. Together the team comprising of Kayla, Megan Gomes and Shireen Sapiro came 6th out of 650 teams.They were also part of a Guinness World Record for the most number of swimmers together at one event.

But undoubtedly the highlight of Kayla's 2009 swimming season was the Cadiz Freedom Swim. .The 7.5km swim from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand is considered to be one of the toughest cold water sea swims in the world.The water is 11-13 degrees and there are unpredictable sea swells. Kayla completed the event in 2hrs 45sec. Wow, congratulations, Kayla, we are so very proud of you!

KARATE STAR

Kayla is currently preparing for her 2nd Degree Junior Black Belt  - In spite of all her other activities, including her demanding swimming schedule, Kayla manages to find the time to devote herself to the discipline and training that is  the Karate Way.  Kayla inspires and encourages other students with her dedication and is always assisting other students on their own journeys.

Congratulations Kayla!!!

KYLE SPINOLA
CHESS CHAMPION

The 2008 S. A. Junior Chess Championships was held in Potchefstroom during the first two weeks of December. Kyle Spinola represented East Gauteng Province U/10 team.
On the team event, Kyle won five out of seven games and for the individuals, six out of nine, placing him fourteenth in the country. Kyle was also selected ‘Man of the Game’ during the team event, three times for his strategic and well played games. Once again Kyle has been chosen to represent the province on the 2009 S.A. Junior Chess Championships to be held in Cape Town. Congratulations Kyle!

ASHLEIGH STRANGE
FENCING CHAMP

 Ashleigh Strange, matriculant 2009, represented South Africa at the World Fencing Championships in Ireland 2009 in the U/20 category. She won numerous National and Provincial Gauteng medals for last season.
Congratulations Ashleigh!

LEAGO MATHABATHE
FENCING CHAMP
Qualified to represent South Africa at the World Fencing Championships in Ireland this year.
She has received her Provincial Gauteng Colours in various age groups.  She has also received numerous medals at both National and Provincial level. Well done Leago !

NATALIE EHLERS
FENCING CHAMP

Natalie Ehlers, Grade 12, received Provincial Gauteng Colours for various age groups. She has also won numerous Provincial Gauteng medals. Well done, Natalie!

DEMI SCHULTZ
FENCING CHAMP

Demi-Lee, Grade 10, represented South Africa at World Championships in Ireland 2009 in the U/17 category. She received Provincial Gauteng Colours in a variety of age groups Demi-Lee has won numerous National and Provincial Gauteng medals in the last season.
We are very proud of you, Demi-Lee!

LEBOHANG MAKUBEDU
FENCING CHAMP

Lebohang Makubedu, Grade 10, won a National Fencing medal for last season. Well done, Lebohang!

LYNN GAITSKILL
BALLET STAR

Lynn Gaitskill, Grade 8, once again achieved a distinction in her Royal Academy of Dance Classical Ballet exam. She received 82% for her grade 7 exam in June 2009.

She participated in 3 ballet festivals in the second half of 2008, achieving the following:

Johannesburg Dance Festival – Group National Any Age – 80% – 2nd place
Concor de Ballet – Group National – 1st place – they received 3 trophies.
East Rand Dance Festival:
Greek Set Dance 12 years – Amateur – A+ - 1st place
Classical Set Dance 12 years – Amateur – A
National Groups 15 and under - Amateur A+ - 1st place
Last year Lynn won the KenRho Park Junior (U16) Girls Singles Tennis Championships. In 2009, she was runner up in the KenRho Park Tennis Ladies Singles Plate event. Lynn has also been selected for the Gauteng East 2009 Tennis Squad. She has played in one SA Junior Tennis tournament this year, Gauteng East Mini 1, in June and came 19th in the Girls U14. Well done, Lynn, we are so proud of you!

SANDILE TATI
SOCCER CHAMPION

Took part in the Engen Cup soccer tournament, scored six goals and was selected as player of the tournament. Sandile plays provincial soccer and was signed professionally to Cosmos Soccer Club in February 2009. Sandile was selected out of hundreds of potential candidates to attend trials in France for PSG  which is a renowned French soccer club. Congratulations Sandile!

BRENDEN CRAWFORD
SWIMMING STAR

At the Bishop Bavin School Champs 2009 – Brenden Crawford, a Grade 8 pupil, won the Victor Ludorum and managed to break 3 out of 4 records.

Brenden took part in the Gauteng Regional School Trials where he medaled in 5 events - 4 Golds - 200m Breast, 100m Breast, 50m Breast and 200m Free and 1 Bronze - 200m Individual Medley.  This qualified him to compete in the Gauteng Provincial School Trials where he achieved 2 Golds and 1 Silver for all his Breast Stroke events.  He was then selected to represent Gauteng at the National Aquatics Championships in March, where he achieved 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Medals.  He was also selected as Captain of the Gauteng Team.

He also competed in the Telkom SA National Level 3 Championship in Sasolburg in March.  Brenden achieved 1 Gold and 1 Bronze, just missing a second Bronze by split seconds.

He was invited to the CGA Level 3 and Senior National B Awards Luncheon in July, where he received an award for his achievements at the SA National Level 3 Championship. Well done, Brenden, we are so proud of you!

In July he swam the Senior Champs where he achieved a 5th Place for the 100 Breast and a 4th Place in the 200 Breast, swimming in 15 year old events.

In August he swam the Junior Short Course Champs, here he achieved 2 Gold and 2 Silver with the following results:
1st Place - 100m Breast
1st Place - 50m Breast
2nd Place - Medley Relay
2nd Place - Freestyle Relay
4th Place - 100m Individual Medley

At the end of September he will be travelling to Durban to swim the KZN Seagulls Winter Short Course Championships 2009. We wish him all the best!

STEPHEN GAITSKILL
TENNIS CHAMP

Stephen Gaitskill, Grade 5, has been a member of the Junior Gauteng East Tennis Provincial Squad for over a year now and has participated in 2 friendly matches against Gauteng West. In Nov 2008, in the Gauteng East Junior Closed Tennis Tournament, after a closely fought match, he was runner-up in the Boys U10 Singles section and together with his singles final opponent, won the Boys U10 Doubles section. He also received the Male Tennis Player of the Year trophy for the Preparatory school in 2008.
Last year he won the KenRho Park Junior (U16) Boys Singles and the Junior Doubles Tennis Championships. In 2009, he and his partner won the KenRho Park Tennis Mens Doubles Handicap event.
Stephen has played in a number of SA Junior Tennis tournaments in the last year and for most of the last 6 months has been ranked below 100 in the SA Boys U12. As at July, his top 3 placings for 2009 were:
Gauteng North Belgrave Grand Prix - July 09 – place 16
Gauteng East Mini 1 – June 09 – place 18
Gauteng Central Slazenger Junior Weekender 1 – Jan 2009 – place 18.
Congratulations Stephen!

TYLA FOURIE

Tyla Fourie, Grade 6 pupil, is to be commended for achieving gold in Kumon Mathematics. On 30 May 2009, Tyla was invited to the Gold Asr’ceremony to accept her gold award. She is currently doing Grade 9 Maths. Well done Tyla!

CLINTON WERNICK
TENNIS STAR

This year has been an extremely exciting year in Clinton's tennis career. Not only was he selected for both the Gauteng East Junior Inter-provincial & High School's teams - he was also the captain of both. This is the 6th consecutive year that Clinton has represented Gauteng East Junior teams. He has also captained the Interpro team for 2 consecutive years. This is remarkable in that he is still a first-year under 18.

The pinnacle of the year was his selection as the number 1 player for the U/19 SA School's team that toured Europe in June 2009. This in itself is an achievement as he still qualifies for the U/17 team! Once again, this is the 4th time Clinton has been selected to represent SA Schools. While touring, he played on clay - a novel experience - & did well particularly in the doubles; winning one tournament & runner-up in another.

He currently represents Bedfordview Country Club tennis at club level. He plays in the Bundesliga, which is the highest & toughest of the Gauteng leagues. He holds the record for not having lost a singles match in 3 league seasons played! He also captained the team in the Gauteng East league, where the team ended second.

Clinton has represented Bishop Bavin in the school's league since Grade 3. He has done extremely well and  is grateful to Bishop Bavin for the opportunities afforded him & support from the heads and staff to further his tennis career. 

EVITTA IVANOV
SWIMMING STAR

Evitta Ivanov  is a member of the Bishop Bavin Seals Swimming Club and was ranked in the top 8 at the Gauteng Aqua Champs.
Evitta has swum in all the Inter-house and Inter-School Galas and achieved first place in all her races.
Well done Evitta!

KABELO MOTSHEKGA
CHESS CHAMPION

Kabelo, matriculant 2009, received his National Colours for chess.
He toop part in the African Youth Chess Championship and ranked 4th in his age group.
Kabelo has been selected to play for Gauteng South at the South African Chess Junior Championship.
Congratulations Kabelo, we are proud of you.

KUDAH MAKUZAH
CHESS CHAMPION

Kuda has been re-elected to play for U/20 East Gauteng Chess.
He will play in the Nationals in Cape Town in December 2009.
Congratulations and good luck Kuda!

MARTIN HAYFORD
CHESS CHAMPION

Martin Hayford has been re-elected to play for U/20 East Gauteng Chess .
He will play in the Nationals in Cape Town in December 2009.
Well Martin and good luck!

PRAGNA SINGH
CHESS CHAMPION

Pragna has been selected to play for the U/10 East Gauteng Chess team.
She willplay in the National Championship in Cape Town in December 2009.
Well done and good luck Pragna!

ROGAN BOTHA
CRICKET CHAMPION

Congratulations to Rogan Botha, Grade 7, who was recently selected for the JHB U/13 cricket side for the 2009 cricket season. We are very proud of you!

SARITA NAIDOO
ARTISTIC GYMNASTIC

Sarita, Naidoo, a grade 3 learner, and budding gymnastic has changed her discipline from Rhythmic to Artistic Gymnastics from January 2009. In May, she was awarded her Gauteng Colours and in June she was awarded her South African Junior Colours. Sarita is currently on level 2 and can compete for full South African Colours from Level 4. Congratulations, Sarita, you have made us so proud!

SKYE AND SAVANNAH SHEERIN
SWIMMING STARS

Sky Sheerin, a grade 5 learner, was the winner of the Junior Victrix Ludorum Cup this year. Her sister, Savvanah Sheerin, a grade 2 learner, participated in CGA Level O galas and has won one silver medal and ribbons. Both Skye and Savannah are currently participating in CGA Level 1 galas. Well done to both both of you!