Parents and learners of
After an opening prayer by Pastor Kekana, chairman of the SGB, The organizers welcomed all present, and Marius Frazenburg gave a short message of encouragement to the learners.
Principal Kerneels Kamfer then gave his report. He based his talk on a verse from Nehemiah in the Bible, about the importance of building. He used many different aspects of building: building relationships, building a culture of learning, and building a new section on the school. Kamfer expressed a desire to be able to offer technical subjects at the school, to equip the learners with technical skills for a trade. He remarked that much general renovation was also needed at the school, including proper fencing. He also reported that the school had its largest enrolment ever this year, with 530 learners, and that this was expected to increase again next year. As a result of this, the teaching staff will increase from the current 16 to 20.
A well-rehearsed dance routine followed from a group of girls, which was very moving. In her speech later in the evening, the mayor made several references to the song that accompanied the dance, entitled “I know that I can make it”. She felt that this was particularly appropriate, and urged all the learners to take the message to heart. She has also promised to make a copy of the song available to each and every learner of the school.
Next it was time for the subject awards, presented by various teachers. In each grade and each subject, a certificate was awarded to the top learner, as well as the most improved. This part of the evening, which is in many ways the most difficult to organise, ran very smoothly and professionally, and the coordinators are to be commended for this.
Deputy principal Melusi Koltana then spoke briefly before introducing the Mayor. He made a plea for the parents to work together with the school, and to support the school in the disciplining of the children. He likened the school and its learners to the gold and diamonds of
In her talk the mayor stressed the importance of education, and that the learners, their parents and the educators are a team, all wanting each learner to achieve their best. She urged the children not to take their parents’ sacrifices for granted, and to show them the respect they deserved. She closed by wishing all the learners well for their exams, and their future.
The main awards for the evening, for the top academic learner in each grade, were then presented by the mayor. Esteline Frolick was the top learner in grade eight, being the most outstanding pupil in three of her subjects. The top grade nine learner was Ben-Leigh Meintjies, who was the most improved pupil in no less than three subjects, and top in a fourth. Valmary Jack, the top grade ten learner, also had awards for being the top learner in three subjects. The only boy to feature in this elite group, Nadier Flippies in grade eleven, was outstanding, being the top learner in six subjects. The top matric learner was Ntombizandile Finnis, who was top in three subjects, and most improved in two. These fine achievements promise well for the school’s future!
A most entertaining musical item followed, from a group of talented young men known as the Gospel Ambassadors. They performed two beautifully harmonized songs, led by the clear voice of Arlen Jantjies. This modest group say they are “just a group of friends who love singing”, and perform mainly in churches.
Sports awards followed, with the most outstanding netball, rugby and soccer players from each age group receiving certificates. Two girls also received awards for athletics. Lastly came the special awards: to Vuyokazi Jantjies for achievements in girls soccer, to Nomafu Ngalo and Desvaline Coetzee for schoolwear, and to Nadier Flippies and Desvaline Coetze for discipline.
Two more music items rounded off the evening –a rap song performed by Aden Esau, and another harmony from the Gospel Ambassadors.
Milton Jacobs then gave a vote of thanks to the mayor, and ds Ronald Allies closed with a prayer. Audience, children and teachers then joined in a spirited rendition of Auld Lang Syne, before teachers and guests retired to the staff room for some well earned refreshments.
The mayor joins teachers in a spirited rendition of Auld lang Syne
Gospel Ambassadors
Vuyokazi Jantjies and Samantha May receive athletics awards from Helen Ngube
Mayor g12: Top G12 learner Ntombizandile Finnis receives her certificate from the mayor
Nadier: Nadier Flippies who received awards for top grade 11 learner and discipline