Circles of Relection, MAR'16

10–12 March 2016

10 February 2016

Dear Fellow Educators of Boys

Thank you to those who have registered for the upcoming IBSC conference to be hosted by St David’s Marist Inanda from 10-12 March. We have a full and exciting programme comprising nearly 30 breakaway options with topics ranging from Junior Primary matters to High School interests. Four keynote speakers will share their stories and provide valuable insights on a range of topics.

There is room for both learning and relaxation with a trip to Lily’s Leaf Farm as part of the programme as well as time to catch up and network at the cocktail evening and gala dinner.

Conference Programme Schedule

The conference commences on Thursday, 10 March with registration from 14h30 - 16h00 and will draw to a close at 12h00 on Saturday, 12 March. Consult the printable programme.

Conference Theme

The theme for the 2016 Conference is “Circles of Reflection: Sharing our Story”. We believe strongly that we need to take time, in our busy lives, to reflect on our journeys, individually and collectively; to share our joys, our sorrows, our successes, our learnings and our hopes and dreams for our boys, our schools, our country and our world. We hope that, through this conference, we will continue on our journeys feeling more connected, more encouraged and more inspired than ever.

To this end, we have incorporated speakers who have wonderful stories to tell about their own personal and professional journeys. They will share some of the knowledge and insights that they have learnt along the way. We have also included sessions aimed at acknowledging and sharing best practice in boys’ schools. As such, we are inviting teachers, housemasters, coaches, school counsellors, interns and leaders of boys’ schools to present and share their stories.

Conference Speakers

In line with the conference theme, a number of excellent speakers have been secured. These include Sean Brokensha, the ‘music guru’, who will share his thoughts on the use of music as a powerful tool in teaching boys. Dr Ali Bacher, former South African Cricket Captain and CEO of SA Cricket; Prof Mary Scholes, the Dean of Postgraduate Affairs at WITS University; and Dr Ian McCallum, environmentalist, medical doctor.

Pre-Tour and Entertainment

Besides the valuable input on offer, the programme has been designed in such a way that there is time to meet old friends and make new ones, interact with like-minded professionals, view exhibits and enjoy a time of renewal and relaxation.

Two pre-conference options are available on Thursday morning, 10 March 2016. We’re offering a round of golf at The Wanderers Golf Club or alternatively, a trip to the Cradle of Humankind. Should you wish to participate in one of these activities, please indicate your interest on the registration form. Please note that the pre-conference options will be reflected on your invoice. These costs are not included in the conference fee.

Continuing the theme of the 2015 IBSC Annual Global Conference, ‘Lessons from Madiba’, the conference fee includes a trip to Liliesleaf Farm, once the nerve centre of the liberation movement and a place of refuge for leaders. Today, Liliesleaf Farm is one of South Africa’s foremost, award-winning heritage sites where the journey to democracy in South Africa is celebrated

The conference dinner, on Friday 11 March, promises to be a memorable event. The guest speaker is Ms Sheri Brynard. Ms Brynard lives with Down Syndrome and has set new boundaries for people living with Down Syndrome and intellectual disabilities by qualifying as a teacher assistant. She has been the recipient of numerous national and international awards for her contribution to changing perceptions towards people with intellectual disabilities. Hers is an inspirational story.

Conference Registration and Booking Details

Conference registration is now open. Early bird registration closes on 11 December 2015 and enjoys a significantly reduced conference fee. The conference registration form also contains the full details associated with travel and accommodation. Alternately, you may register online.

Please register as soon as possible. The final date for registration is 26 February.

Travel and Accommodation

Delegates arriving at OR Tambo International Airport are encouraged to use the Gautrain to Rosebank or Sandton stations, depending on where accommodation is booked. We recommend Gautrain buses and Uber taxis for ground transport. The conference hotels, the Protea Wanderers and Holiday Inn Rosebank are both within 3 km of St David’s and the Rosebank station. Shuttle service will be available at certain times.

Breakaway Sessions – An Opportunity to Tell Your Story

As noted above, this conference is for all who are involved in teaching, coaching and interacting with boys. The conference programme is designed to invite, encourage and provide an opportunity for teachers to share their stories and experiences on best practice in teaching boys. This is an excellent professional growth opportunity. We appeal to Heads of Schools to encourage members of their staff to present their stories at one of the breakaway sessions. Please consult Breakaway Sessions for further details.

We believe that we are in for an exciting and uplifting conference. We urge you to attend and look forward to welcoming you to St David’s Marist Inanda in March.

Yours sincerely,




Mike Thiel and Conference Organising Committee