ISABELLE KWAKWA

Tomorrow, 23 September, will be the first time in a few years that learners at SMS will celebrate Heritage Day by wearing their hoodies. Learners and teachers may come to school in their SMS hoodies with blue or black jeans. 

Sorry girls; if you do not have an SMS hoodie you have to wear your uniform.

The question on everyone’s lips is: Are girls going home early?

No. Unfortunately, due to isolation and with the school holidays around the corner, teachers and learners cannot afford to lose any more teaching time.

South Africans celebrate their culture and the diversity of their beliefs on Heritage Day. In the past, Heritage Day was known as Shaka Day, in commemoration of the late Shaka, the Zulu King. The 24th of September was presumed to be the date of his death back in 1828.

King Shaka played an important role in uniting the Zulu clans into one nation, which is exactly what St Michael’s will do on Hoodie Day: be united by wearing the same hoodies.

FYI everyone, the hooded pullover is a utilitarian garment that originated in the 1930s in the US for workers in cold, New York warehouses. The earliest clothing style was first produced by Champion in the 1930s and marketed to labourers working in freezing temperatures in upstate New York.

Finally, to those who are unhappy about not closing early tomorrow, remember that school is closing in a week’s time on Friday, the 1st of October. Hang in there!!