International School Hout Bay attends interSEK 2010 Mexico

Guadalajara, Mexico InterSEK 2010



Once again, as part of the InterSEK programme, the International School of Hout Bay was privileged to be invited to Guadalajara, Mexico, for the 2010 InterSEK Cultural Competition. The competition ran from the 13th to 24th May 2010.

The students were invited to apply to take part in the competition and were required to compete in at least 4 events. Many of our students competed in at least 6 categories.



International Baccalaureate Diploma Students as part of their CAS requirements were coordinators for the Dance, Theatre, Art and Choir competitions. Ms Judi Richardson volunteered and did a sterling job in coordinating the theatre production of the “ Antelope’s Party”



The coordinators ensured that Dance and Theatre practice times were arranged. This meant that students were busy practising at break times and on Saturday mornings leading up to the competition. The Art work was prepared in concept and the dances were choreographed. The singers perfected their song.



Those taking part in the Chess staged matches and established their opening gambits and deadly tactical moves. In the Science category, students prepared a project to determine the best possible paper that could be recycled. Maths competitors sharpened pencils and prepared to do battle. Photography students prepared their cameras and captured images of their experiences during the competition. These images were then downloaded in Mexico and the students had to prepare a slideshow for the judges. The artists maintained their focus by preparing a mural concept that reflected the impact that man was having on the planet.



In the video competition students had to inform the other delegations about their home city. Video clips were accumulated and edited. The students who took part in the Spelling Bee were provided with lists of the words and they practised their spelling.



In the final Saturday practice, parents had an opportunity to view a sample of the Dance, Theatre and Choir.



Finally the day arrived – Mr John Alexander and 12 students departed from Cape Town International Airport on KLM and landed at Amsterdam. From Europe the group flew via KLM across the Atlantic and then down the continental United States to eventually land at Mexico City. We then had to wait very patiently while we were processed at a snail’s pace through border control. This delay meant that we missed our original connecting flight. However, Mr Alexander made the students sprint to another counter and charmed the ground staff to book the group on a later flight to Guadalajara. Not so fortunate were the group from Paraguay who missed their flight, did not run fast enough and had to sleep at the airport and catch a morning flight. After 30 hours of travelling we finally arrived in Guadalajara.



Our first challenge was that AeroMexico managed to misplace 12 sets of luggage! After exhibiting great patience, the necessary claim forms were completed. “Si, si…..luggage arrive manyana,” said the official. “Ya…..ya...!” said the sceptical SA haggard teacher. Well, all of the luggage did arrive early the next day. Well done AeroMexico.



We were met in Guadalajara by the Director of the SEK School, Senor Edgar Sanchez Arrieta. After some delay with customs and fighting off mosquitoes in the bus we were off to the school. We arrived at the school after midnight. At the school, the SA students were introduced to their host families and were taken away to be hosted in true Mexican hospitality. The mammas were the typical Mexican motherly moms and our students were hugged, fed and kissed from the 1st minute.









On the Monday, the students returned to school, bursting with news and we all had a team “bosberaad” to chat about the weekend experiences.



The InterSEK then started with the Opening ceremony. Dignitaries made long speeches in rapid fire Spanish and the SA contingent stood proudly behind our flag and name board, not knowing what was going on. Mr Alexander eventually worked out the drift of the speeches and informed the students. We were then treated to a very colourful and traditional Aztec dance. Dancers moved in unison. Their rattles on their legs and arms setting up a rhythm. Their colourful skirts swished and drums banged. We were entranced by the show.



In summary, the students from Hout Bay competed very well. The dance was superb with all students remembering their moves. The Theatre was held in a dedicated theatre and the African theme was very popular. Ryan Reaper our “rabbit”, managed to wet the judges and School Director when the “wannabee” buck sprayed water from the “waterhole”. This brought the house down. Thank you again to Mrs Steinhagen and Mrs Sadler for all their assistance in securing the wonderful horns and finishing touches to the play.



Dylan Booth managed to achieve a 2nd place in Video. His animated lion was superb. He was singled out as being the most creative. In painting the mural, we achieved a 4 place out of the 10 schools competing. Joel Steinhagen and Bradley Davies must be singled out for their dedication in ensuring that the final concept was completed. They were ably assisted by Heather Belling, Tatjana Thunert and Alanna Wells. In fact, the mural became a team effort with most students contributing in some way.



Our students were relatively young and they must receive credit for their bravery in being willing to perform singing, dance and theatre acts in front of a large crowd. In the Choir, John-Paul Brunda was a thorn amongst the roses as he joined Alanna Wells, Jamaica-Rose Brunda and Tatjana Thunert in their performance. Reuben Feenstra was instrumental in choreographing the hip hop aspect of the dance routine. Jamaica-Rose Brunda managed to keep the dance group together and ensured that the final display was polished.



In Chess, the competition was stiff, however Thomas Seccombe managed to stay in for a good number of rounds. In Maths, Robbie Sadler and Thomas Seccombe were successful in answering the complex questions.



In addition to the competitions, the students were taken to the city centre and the famous markets. Sombreros were flying off the shelves as all the students competed to acquire the most colourful and largest sombrero.



Mexican food is superb and we were treated to a variety of spicy food. Enchiladas, tacos etc were wolfed down at every opportunity. The ever present chilli being extinguished by a quick grab for a slice of lime.

On Friday night we had the fiesta! Students spruced themselves up. Our students really came out of their taco shells and were dancing away with great exuberance in no time. It soon became evident that John-Paul Brunda and Reuben Feenstra were quite the catch as they seen dancing very amorously with glamorous Mexican chicas. Not to be outdone, the girls sallied forth and showed the Mexican boys how we dance in SA.



The end was nearing… In the closing ceremony, Robbie Sadler and Joel Steinhagen once again led the flag procession; the students were treated to Mariachi music and traditional Mexican dancing.



On Saturday, after tearful goodbyes and much hugging and kissing from the mammas, we were off. Mr Alexander had to pry our students away from the locked arms of sobbing Mexican mamma and pappas, not to mention the equally tearful chicas and chicos.









The flight back, while very long, was also a highlight. Some of out lucky students flew back business class on Air France from Mexico City to Paris!!! Mr Alexander remained in tourist class ! We then had the privilege to fly in the new Airbus 380 from Paris to Johannesburg. This model of Airbus is the largest commercial aircraft in the world. We all had more than 3 empty seats around us, so the tired SA contingent happily spread themselves out and snored all the way to South Africa.



In Cape Town, we arrived with our sombreros on and many a passenger and airport official tool a double take. We were tired but relieved to be home.



What a challenging tour. A great experience and a competition that the International School of Hout Bay can be proud to have taken part in! Thank you to all the parents for entrusting your children to Mr Alexander’s care. The group also wishes to express their appreciation to the staff who stayed behind minding the “fort”. A special appreciation and thank you must also be extended to the SEK organisation and SEK Guadalajara International School for the great amount of work, expense and time that was required to host such a competition. Finally, a big thank you to our Head, Mr Andy Wood for his support and encouragement.



Parents and family will be invited to a Mexico Feedback Evening. The date will be announced shortly, once the students have rested and exam timetables consulted.