JASMINE ALI

The SMS girls were emotional when they saw Mr Van Wyk enter the chapel. He accepted the post of Headmaster at Grey College earlier in the year and had been invited to hand out the Matric Farewell invitations at the Senior School chapel service.

The matric girls showcased their unique personalities in the way they had transformed their school uniforms while the Grade 8s paraded in matric uniform. ‘Forty Days was a wonderful day because, for a day, I could experience what it feels like to be in matric,’ says Rethabile De-Huis, a Grade 8 learner.

After the chapel service the matrics and teachers played exciting netball and hockey matches against one another. The teachers won both matches which was no surprise as the umpire, Ms Rumarie van der Walt, was very feisty with yellow and red cards being handed to the matrics for penalties and for all their sins of the past!

After the games the matrics left for Mimosa Mall to enjoy breakfast together and encourage one another for the looming Prelims. ‘Ever since I was in Grade 1, I found the idea of Forty Days intriguing and exciting. I could not wait to paint my school uniform and dress up. However, on the day, I realised that celebrating how far my classmates and I have come is far more important although I enjoyed everyone’s outfits. I must say that the real cherry on the cake was receiving our Matric Farewell invitations. ‘Seeing the effort our teachers and Grade 8s had made to create a memorable event, was heartwarming,’ says Olo Ntlakana in Grade 12.

Later in the day, the Inter-House Singing took place. The houses sang songs such as ‘It don’t have to change’ by John Legend, ‘Danko Melody’ by the Soweto Youth Choir and many more. Clarendon came first, Buxton second, and Athlone third.

Forty Days was filled with fun and games and was a memorable day because it helped strengthen the bond between learners and teachers.