Kamdebo Primary Prizegiving

Parents and pupils of Kamdebo Primary School crammed the hall of the Lotusville Congregational Church last Tuesday evening for the annual prizegiving ceremony. The hall stage was beautifully decorated in the school colours of yellow and blue, and there was not a seat to spare in the hall, with many people standing at the back and along the sides. Masters of ceremony Ordelia Green and Christopher de Jager were fluent and articulate, and kept the proceedings moving at a brisk pace.

After the opening prayer and welcome, Henry Jantjies led the whole audience in a very rousing rendition of the school song, which all sang with great enthusiasm.

The guest speaker was Jannie Säfers, who is a past teacher of the school. Säfers began his speech with an amusing anecdote stressing the importance of knowing the full picture when considering a question.  He had the children’s full attention for this, and their (unexpected) participation in answering a question asked in the story. His message centred around the importance of the educational journey, starting from enrollment in grade R and ending at tertiary level. He shared some inspirational words from the psychiatrist Dr John Demartini, who due to learning problems at the beginning of his school career had been told he would never be able to achieve anything academically. After dropping out of school at the age of fourteen, Demartini eventually, through the intervention of others, went on to achieve his doctorate, and never gave up. Säfers urged the children and parents to make wise choices, that will bring pride to the school, making the most of the opportunities offered. Säfers was presented with a framed certificate in recognition of his contribution to the school over a period of eighteen years. 

 

The entertainment continued after this, with a wonderful haka performed by the grade 1a learners. The aggressive body movements and chanting were very impressive from such tiny figures!

A moving dance was then performed by the United Christian Student group, moving effortlessly and gracefully to a spiritual song.

The highlight of the evening was of course the presentation of certificates to the top achievers.  Over 160 learners received certificates for achievement, some for as many as nine different subjects.  The top learner in each class also received a medal and certificate – these were presented by Amir Sajad representing Lotusville Cash and Carry, who were one of the main sponsors of the evening.

The audience once again followed Henry Jantjies in a powerful and heartfelt rendition of the national anthem.

Head girl Santhia Klaasen then thanked the guest speaker, and gave gifts to Säfers and his wife.

 In his speech, principal Willem Säfers placed tremendous emphasis on the important role that parents play in their children’s lives. He stressed that parents have both the privilege and responsibility to be actively involved in their children’s education, and should be in regular contact with the school and teachers. Parents are the most important teachers for their children, and they should set the right example.

The special awards followed, with ten learners receiving recognition for success in the reading competition held earlier in the year at Luxolo. The top maths achiever in each of grade 6 and grade 7 also received certificates. The final trophy, for the best academic achievement in grade 7, was awarded to Jonicka Jansen, who received subject awards for a grand total of eight subjects.

The graceful dancers from the VCS

Grade 1a’s aggressive haka

Henry Jantjies leads the school song

Maths top achievers  Zuretha Tenteni (g7) and Alloreece Deysel (g6)

The pupils who excelled in the reading competition

Head girl Santhis Klaasen with guest speaker Jannie Säfers and his wife

The top pupils from each class

Top student Jonicka Jansen with guest speaker Jannie Säfers

Principal Willem Säfers with Jannie Säfers