JAELENE THOMPSON
It is official! St Michael’s School for Girls is the only Platinum School in the Free State!
It is an exceptional honour to be invited back to your Alma Mater to receive recognition for your achievements in the National Senior Certificate examinations. It is a St Michael’s tradition to congratulate the matric achievers of the previous year by inviting them to a special chapel ceremony. This year, each girl received a rose and a beautiful pendant for academic excellence and national sporting achievements. The circle on the pendant symbolises the first part of the individual’s life journey. Furthermore, it has Psalm 91 engraved upon it to remind the achievers to have confidence in God.
The 2021 Top Matric Achiever was Katherine Burt-Robinson, who obtained 7 distinctions and an overall average of 91%which placed her in the Top 100 in the Free State. Jasca de Abreu, Tshepang Motsetse and Fiona Lee accomplished 8 distinctions. Marloné Surtees, Phemelo Radikeledi, Céleste-Marie Engeström and Nicole Thikeson all attained 5 distinctions while Kgosatsana Mabalane, Zané Harmse and Mpho Raliopane each obtained 4 distinctions.
Old Girl, Shindre-Lee Simmons, was also invited to the Matric Achievers Chapel Service. She had been selected for SA Hockey’s senior women’s squad that played in the African Hockey Cup of Nations Tournament in Ghana where she also scored her maiden goal in international hockey.
In their acceptance speeches, the achievers gave sterling advice to current FET-phase learners on how to prioritise studies starting from Grade 10 because that is where the foundation is laid. They stressed the importance of taking care of your mental health during exams and being there for your peers because they are all experiencing the same emotions and will understand.
After four consecutive years of winning the Workmanship Cup, awarded annually to the grade that attains the highest overall grade average, it came as no surprise that the Matric Class of 2021 produced not only a 100% pass rate, but also a 100% Bachelors’ pass rate. At the Well-Done Function of the Free State Department of Education, St Michael’s was named a Golden School with 100% pass rate and also received an award as the only Platinum School in the Free State with 100% Bachelor’s Pass.
Nondumiso Masithela, the Head-Girl for 2022, says that she is extremely proud and honoured to be the head girl of a Platinum School. The Matric class of 2021 deserves all the credit though. She also feels nervous because all eyes are on the Class of 2022 to carry on the legacy. However, she believes that they can, as long as they continue to work really hard and have the support from the staff, their families and one another. Fingers crossed.
Acting Principal, Mrs Imelita van der Berg, says that today, St Michael’s is the jewel in the crown of Free State education. ‘To be named the Top Academic School in the province, is humbling, but also inspiring. The young women with whom we spend our days energise us. What a privilege it is to be part of Team SMS!’
