TRADITIONALLY Sir John Adamson publishes a school magazine at the end of each academic year. The publication highlights the achievements of the school throughout the year and also serves as a record of events for the year.
Last year a member of the editorial committee, Mrs Trynie Oosthuizen, who is also responsible for the layout and typesetting of the magazine, suggested that the 2014 edition of the Adamsonian be dedicated to Mr Nelson Mandela. Permission to do so was obtained from the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the preparation began.
The cover of the magazine has the most amazing pencil drawing of the statesman, which was done by one of the learners, Kimita Pather, who did the drawing when she was in grade 11 in 2010. She has captured the essence of the man in her superb work of art. Kimita was very excited and honoured that the magazine used her drawing on the cover, and she was one of the first people to receive a copy.
The magazine consists of the usual content, but with the Mandela theme throughout. There are wonderful words penned by Madiba and a brief summary with photos from before 1994 as well as after 1994 events. There are many fitting quotes that appear throughout.
The traditional flag and symbols have been used as watermarks on the pages – the sport section has the Springbok, and the Protea as a wonderful reminder of the importance of the achievement of the learners. The last page of the publication has a beautiful photo of the Mandela Bridge – a concrete reminder of the great statesman.
The magazine usually arrives at the school just before the end of the term so it can be handed out to learners. Fittingly the publication was delivered to the school on December 5, 2014 – the anniversary of Madiba’s death, which in itself was a great tribute to him.
Copies of the magazine are available at the school and can be purchased at R150 each.