Falcon College Newsletter – Term 2, 2025
As Term 2 gains pace, there’s great energy across campus. Students and staff are embracing fresh challenges in academics, sport, and beyond. Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s been happening:
Academics
Astra Academy: Our 2025 students continue to embrace the programme with enthusiasm. While still in the pioneering phase, they are fully engaged in all aspects. Interest from outside the College is growing, and we are actively developing the curriculum for the 2026 intake.
The Astra Academy Mid-Year Report
Hands-On Learning Beyond the Classroom
Astra Academy students have embraced experiential learning through farm work, trade skills, and industry visits. At the college farm they raised and processed livestock (ostriches, chickens, pigs) gaining firsthand animal husbandry and food production knowledge. They also mastered construction, plumbing, and metalwork skills and helped the ground staff prepare the sports
fields. Off-campus trips to a gold mine, pig farm, beef stud farm, and poultry operation provided real-world insights.
Classroom learning complimented these activities with a labour management course, first aid certification, and preparation to re-write IGCSE Maths.
This program bridges classroom theory with real-world skills, fostering resilience, responsibility, and career readiness—an education designed to prepare students for any future.
- Academic Consultancy: Lorraine Hill has completed her first round of staff appraisals and introduced new systems for academic tracking and accountability. She is also exploring the use of AI and remote learning tools to enhance classroom delivery — including the exciting possibility of “Classrooms on Wheels” to support learning during bus trips.
- Exam Preparation: NUST & Hillside: University lecturers from NUST and Hillside Teachers Training College are now supporting our exam students with targeted revision, working closely with our teachers to strengthen their academic outcomes.
- Staff Development: Consultant Brad Keller from Keller Education in South Africa, led a workshopon AI integration and student engagement. Teachers are now equipped with tools to make lessonsmore dynamic and interactive.
Campus Developments
- Astro Turf: The turf and lighting installations are nearly complete. We aim to host the Peterhouse
and Convent matches on the new pitch on June 6th and 7th. - Boreholes: Six new boreholes have been drilled—two sponsored by a parent, one by a Falconian,
two by Lime Mining, and one funded by the school. Piping is underway, and we aim to connect
them to our water system within the next 10 days. - Chemistry Lab: A full lab upgrade was completed, thanks to a generous Falconian donor.
- New Classrooms: Two classrooms have been added with Smart TVs.
- New Field: The newly seeded sports field is growing well and will hopefully be ready for use in
Term 3. - Solar Farm: Although there have been delays, the solar system is now nearing completion and will
soon provide reliable, cost-effective power across the campus.
Special Visits & Events
- Jackie Cameron Visit: The well-known chef visited to present culinary career paths and options
for post-school study. - Ele-Collection Visit: Next week, Ben Norton from Victoria Falls will present on plastic recycling,
sustainability, and their impact on the environment and conservation — especially focusing on
elephants. This promises to be a valuable learning opportunity for both our students and staff. - Inter-house Singing: Rehearsals have begun for one of our most anticipated events, scheduled for
the final week of term.
Sport
- Winter Sports Season: The winter sports season is in full swing, featuring competitive fixtures in hockey, netball, rugby, and soccer. Our teams are training hard, and school spirit is vibrant across all fields. Next weekend, we proudly host Peterhouse for boys’ rugby, hockey, and soccer, alongside Harare Dominican Convent for girls’ hockey, while also welcoming many Falconians back for Old Boys Day.
Welcome
We warmly welcome Stuart Anderson and Rutendo Mudiwa to our staff. Stuart has joined us as the Oates Housemaster, and Rutendo will be starting next week as our new Travel and Tourism teacher.
Falcon Parents Assembly (FPA) – From Nikki Henwood
From the beginning of the year, we have been working on restructuring the former sportscom into what we have named the FPA (Falcon Parents Assembly).
Our committee is a dedicated group of parents, representing sport and culture, working closely with the school leadership to help build a strong, connected and supportive Falcon family. We look forward to engaging our Falcon parents too in creating a positive and exciting environment for our students, and having fun along the way…
Our goal is to:
- Strengthen communication
- Support school initiatives and projects
- Fund-raise, Fun-raise and Friend-raise!
We have a few big sports meets this term and would always welcome help from parents in any form of:
- – time or donations, please contact Antonia Butcher (0772673194) for details.
- Nikki Henwood – (0772 240 201) - (Chair)
Thanks to all staff, parents, and students for your continued energy and support. Let’s finish Term 2 strong – onward and upward.
Here are some details for your interest.
Academics
Top in the world for AS German:
- Linus Hünemeier
Astra Academy Awards
Welding Certificate
- Jade Stockil – Distinction
- Dylan Burton – Pass
- Paida Tawanda Denhere – Pass
- Skyla Jane Schoultz – Pass
- Mitchell Stanley – Pass
- Zoe Betty Whaley – Pass
- Gerald Anotidashe Zhou – Pass
- Oliver Robin Zietsman – Pass
First Aid Certificate
- Paida Tawanda Denhere
- Skyla Jane Schoultz
- Mitchell Stanley
- Jade Stockil
- Zoe Betty Whaley
- Gerald Anotidashe Zhou
- Oliver Robin Zietsman
Clubs
MUN Report – (Chisipite MUN Conference)
The conference was a wonderful learning experience for all the Falcon delegates attending. Majority of the delegates engaged in fruitful debates embodying the theme on how the youth can spearhead positive change. A notable highlight was Musawenkosi Gwizi passing his first amendment in GA3. It was truly commendable to see all the delegates push themselves to be engaged in the debates, particularly as it was the juniors' first conference experience.
Falcon College Interact Club Donation Visit:
The Falcon College Interact Club recently carried out a meaningful outreach initiative, visiting Mvuthuand Mawabeni Secondary Schools to donate textbooks and clothing. The donated books, many of which were allocated to enhance school libraries and Geography departments, will go a long way in supporting learning and broadening access to educational resources. In addition, the clothing donations were gratefully received by both school communities.
The staff and students expressed sincere appreciation for the generosity shown. It was a powerful reminder of the difference small acts of kindness can make. We are proud of our Interact Club members for their initiative, teamwork, and strong sense of social responsibility—values that truly reflect the Falcon College spirit.
Inter-schools Public Speaking competition:
Hall buzzed with energy as Public Speaking students took the stage. Congratulations to Petra (1st), Dominican Convent (2nd), and Masiyephambili (3rd). Falcon placed 4th but stood out for producing the best speech write-ups. Many thanks to the adjudicators Mr. Moyo and Mrs. Mlotshwa for their valuable guidance and support.
Mountain Bike Club:
The Falcon Mountain Bike Club took part in the Kusahnya challenge in Nyanga on Sunday. The team completed a 26km loop under very challenging weather conditions. All team members completed the challenge and represented the College with pride at a well-attended public cycling event.
Sporting
- Hockey
- Congratulations to the following Hockey boys who made Matabeleland U17:
- U17A side
- Luke Rosenfels, Bongani Sambo, Tyrese Mukotekwa, Benjamin Mwango, Christopher
- Thomas, Taropafadz Mukuri, Paul Henwood
- U17B side
- Ryan Ncube, Seabo Rammidi, Hayden Johnson
- Congratulations to the following hockey girls selected for Matabeleland U18:
- Matabeleland U18A
- Janelle Wightman, Jennifer Van der Merwe, Courtney Stockenstrom, Kerry Jarman,
- Sarah Henwood, Kodie Hale, Hannah Godfrey, Jodi Bawden, Jodie Anderson, Ilayah Afzal
- Matabeleland U18 B
- Zara Zietsman, Skyla Schoultz, Baelyn Butcher, Imaan Afzal
- NTR Nandipa Mutimbili
- Hockey Girls Matabeleland U16A
- Joice Mandozana, Neo Tswarayi, Yalezwa Chiweshe, Nomaqhawe
- Majuba, Amy Barry, Ratidzo Zimunhu, Rahchel Moyo, Lola Accorsi.
- Matabeleland U16B
- Olivia Dance, Tiffany Small, Jordyn Dinhidza, Naledi Museba.
- Rugby:
- Congratulations to the following Rugby boys selected for U17:
- Matabeleland U17A
- Bradley Chipazi, Oscar Hale, Cole Tamangani, Peniel Dera, Luke Coventry,
- Simbarashe Zvandasara, Chad Shearing, Bryce Honiball, Grey Van der Merwe, Taidhg Kirkman, Liam
- Britten, Dumisani Msipa, Mufaro Kasekete, Thabo Kona, Tristan Van der Merwe
- Matabeleland U17B - Blake Connolly. Imberai Guzha, Takudzwa Bako, Solomon Mafusire, Panashe
- Masona
- Matabeleland U19A
- Tinotenda Dimhairo, Jasper May, Ethan Fouche, Ruan Nel, Takomborerwa
- Chigangacha, Joshua Littlewood, James Thompson, Zane Sibanda, Scott Wenham,
- Matabeleland U19B - Neil Rosenfels, A Mudheredhe, Troy Reed, Tiaan Muller
- Swimming:
- Congratulations to Olivia Accorsi and Teak Watson for being selected to represent Team Zimbabwe in
- Swimming at the AUSC Region 5 Games, which will be held in Swakopmund, Nambia, from the 4th to
- 13th July 2025.
- Equestrian:
- Zimbabwean Equestrian Federation Matabeleland May Show:
- Makenna French
- · Won her 80cm graded precision and speed class on Jay Kay 2
- · A clear round for 105cm (her first attempt at this height at a show) on Cruise Gigiolo, winning her that
- class
- Show Jumping - Drum City Boma Show 2025
- Congratulations to Meaghan Kulera who placed 3rd overall in the 90cm Championships. Virtual TriNations Dressage - Meghan Kulera and Gandalf - Winners of Class 3
- Golf:
- Logan Osborne - The Bulawayo Country Club 2025 Junior Champion Shield, for the best junior score on
- 36 holes
- World Karate Championships 2025 (Finland):
- Congratulations to Tiaan van der Merwe. We wish him the best of luck as he proudly represents
- Zimbabwe at the World Karate Championships in Finland from 5 June to 12 June 2025!
- Karate Grading results
- The following students achieved the following grades:
- 8th Kyu (yellow belt) - Tavonga Munetsi, Elias Simango, Lebone Gadihungwe, Mariska Raath, Christiana
- Mhondera
- 7th Kyu (orange belt) - Wenzile Sibanda, Bryan Marwiro,
- 6th Kyu (Green belt) - Hannah Schmidt, Tinotenda Marime,
- 5th Kyu (blue belt) - Courtney Schultz
- Squash
- Congratulations to the following students on their selection into the Zimbabwe Junior Squash National
- Team:
- Craig Magaya (U14), Sadie Sparks (U14), Joshua Engelbrecht (U19), Harry Johnson (U19), Ratidzo
- Zimunhu (U19), Melokuhle Ndebele (U19), Keep Masimba (U14), Rahchel Moyo (U16). They will
- represent Zimbabwe in the South Africa Schools Squash IPT from 27 June to 3 July 2025. Consultant Brad Keller from Keller Education in South Africa, led a workshop
on AI integration and student engagement. Teachers are now equipped with tools to make lessons
more dynamic and interactive.
Campus Developments
Sport
- Winter Sports Season: The winter sports season is in full swing, featuring competitive fixtures in
hockey, netball, rugby, and soccer. Our teams are training hard, and school spirit is vibrant across
all fields. Next weekend, we proudly host Peterhouse for boys’ rugby, hockey, and soccer,
alongside Harare Dominican Convent for girls’ hockey, while also welcoming many Falconians
back for Old Boys Day.
Welcome
We warmly welcome Stuart Anderson and Rutendo Mudiwa to our staff. Stuart has joined us as the Oates
Housemaster, and Rutendo will be starting next week as our new Travel and Tourism teacher.
Falcon Parents Assembly (FPA) – From Nikki Henwood
From the beginning of the year, we have been working on restructuring the former sportscom into what
we have named the FPA (Falcon Parents Assembly).
Our committee is a dedicated group of parents, representing sport and culture, working closely with the
school leadership to help build a strong, connected and supportive Falcon family. We look forward to
engaging our Falcon parents too in creating a positive and exciting environment for our students, and
having fun along the way…
Our goal is to:
- Strengthen communication
- Support school initiatives and projects
- Fund-raise, Fun-raise and Friend-raise!
We have a few big sports meets this term and would always welcome help from parents in any form of:
– time or donations, please contact Antonia Butcher (0772673194) for details.
- Nikki Henwood – (0772 240 201) - (Chair)
Thanks to all staff, parents, and students for your continued energy and support. Let’s finish Term 2
strong – onward and upward.
Here are some details for your interest.
ACADEMICS
Top in the world for AS German: Linus Hünemeier
ASTRA ACADEMY AWARDS
Welding Certificate
Jade Stockil – Distinction, Dylan Burton – Pass, Paida Tawanda Denhere – Pass, Skyla Jane Schoultz –
Pass, Mitchell Stanley – Pass, Zoe Betty Whaley – Pass, Gerald Anotidashe Zhou – Pass, Oliver Robin
Zietsman – Pass,
First Aid Certificate
Paida Tawanda Denhere, Skyla Jane Schoultz, Mitchell Stanley, Jade Stockil, Zoe Betty Whaley, Gerald
Anotidashe Zhou, Oliver Robin Zietsman.
CLUBS
MUN report – (Chisipite MUN Conference)
The conference was a wonderful learning experience for all the Falcon delegates attending. Majority of the
delegates engaged in fruitful debates embodying the theme on how the youth can spearhead positive
change. A notable highlight was Musawenkosi Gwizi passing his first amendment in GA3. It was truly
commendable to see all the delegates push themselves to be engaged in the debates, particularly as it was
the juniors' first conference experience.
Falcon College Interact Club Donation Visit:
The Falcon College Interact Club recently carried out a meaningful outreach initiative, visiting Mvuthu
and Mawabeni Secondary Schools to donate textbooks and clothing. The donated books, many of which
were allocated to enhance school libraries and Geography departments, will go a long way in supporting
learning and broadening access to educational resources. In addition, the clothing donations were
gratefully received by both school communities.
The staff and students expressed sincere appreciation for the generosity shown. It was a powerful
reminder of the difference small acts of kindness can make. We are proud of our Interact Club members
for their initiative, teamwork, and strong sense of social responsibility—values that truly reflect the
Falcon College spirit.
Inter-schools Public Speaking competition:
Turner Hall buzzed with energy as Public Speaking students took the stage. Congratulations to Petra
(1st), Dominican Convent (2nd), and Masiyephambili (3rd). Falcon placed 4th but stood out for producing
the best speech write-ups. Many thanks to the adjudicators Mr. Moyo and Mrs. Mlotshwa for their
valuable guidance and support.
Mountain Bike Club:
The Falcon Mountain Bike Club took part in the Kusahnya challenge in Nyanga on Sunday. The team
completed a 26km loop under very challenging weather conditions. All team members completed the
challenge and represented the College with pride at a well-attended public cycling event.
SPORTING
Hockey
Congratulations to the following Hockey boys who made Matabeleland U17:
U17A side
Luke Rosenfels, Bongani Sambo, Tyrese Mukotekwa, Benjamin Mwango, Christopher
Thomas, Taropafadz Mukuri, Paul Henwood
U17B side
Ryan Ncube, Seabo Rammidi, Hayden Johnson
Congratulations to the following hockey girls selected for Matabeleland U18:
Matabeleland U18A
Janelle Wightman, Jennifer Van der Merwe, Courtney Stockenstrom, Kerry Jarman,
Sarah Henwood, Kodie Hale, Hannah Godfrey, Jodi Bawden, Jodie Anderson, Ilayah Afzal
Matabeleland U18 B
Zara Zietsman, Skyla Schoultz, Baelyn Butcher, Imaan Afzal
NTR Nandipa Mutimbili
Hockey Girls Matabeleland U16A
Joice Mandozana, Neo Tswarayi, Yalezwa Chiweshe, Nomaqhawe
Majuba, Amy Barry, Ratidzo Zimunhu, Rahchel Moyo, Lola Accorsi.
Matabeleland U16B
Olivia Dance, Tiffany Small, Jordyn Dinhidza, Naledi Museba.
Rugby:
Congratulations to the following Rugby boys selected for U17:
Matabeleland U17A
Bradley Chipazi
Oscar Hale
Cole Tamangani
Peniel Dera,
Luke Coventry,
Simbarashe Zvandasara, Chad Shearing, Bryce Honiball, Grey Van der Merwe, Taidhg Kirkman, Liam
Britten, Dumisani Msipa, Mufaro Kasekete, Thabo Kona, Tristan Van der Merwe
Matabeleland U17B - Blake Connolly. Imberai Guzha, Takudzwa Bako, Solomon Mafusire, Panashe
Masona
Matabeleland U19A
Tinotenda Dimhairo, Jasper May, Ethan Fouche, Ruan Nel, Takomborerwa
Chigangacha, Joshua Littlewood, James Thompson, Zane Sibanda, Scott Wenham,
Matabeleland U19B - Neil Rosenfels, A Mudheredhe, Troy Reed, Tiaan Muller
Swimming:
Congratulations to Olivia Accorsi and Teak Watson for being selected to represent Team Zimbabwe in
Swimming at the AUSC Region 5 Games, which will be held in Swakopmund, Nambia, from the 4th to
13th July 2025.
Equestrian:
Zimbabwean Equestrian Federation Matabeleland May Show:
Makenna French
· Won her 80cm graded precision and speed class on Jay Kay 2
· A clear round for 105cm (her first attempt at this height at a show) on Cruise Gigiolo, winning her that
class
Show Jumping - Drum City Boma Show 2025
Congratulations to Meaghan Kulera who placed 3rd overall in the 90cm Championships. Virtual TriNations Dressage - Meghan Kulera and Gandalf - Winners of Class 3
Golf:
Logan Osborne - The Bulawayo Country Club 2025 Junior Champion Shield, for the best junior score on
36 holes
World Karate Championships 2025 (Finland):
Congratulations to Tiaan van der Merwe. We wish him the best of luck as he proudly represents
Zimbabwe at the World Karate Championships in Finland from 5 June to 12 June 2025!
Karate Grading results:
The following students achieved the following grades:
8th Kyu (yellow belt) - Tavonga Munetsi, Elias Simango, Lebone Gadihungwe, Mariska Raath, Christiana
Mhondera
7th Kyu (orange belt) - Wenzile Sibanda, Bryan Marwiro,
6th Kyu (Green belt) - Hannah Schmidt, Tinotenda Marime,
5th Kyu (blue belt) - Courtney Schultz
Squash
Congratulations to the following students on their selection into the Zimbabwe Junior Squash National
Team:
- Craig Magaya (U14)
- Sadie Sparks (U14)
- Joshua Engelbrecht (U19)
- Harry Johnson (U19)
- Ratidzo Zimunhu (U19)
- Melokuhle Ndebele (U19)
- Keep Masimba (U14)
- Rahchel Moyo (U16)
They will represent Zimbabwe in the South Africa Schools Squash IPT from 27 June to 3 July 2025.