ITUMELENG SEMOLI
The atmosphere was tense as each grade took turns to listen to the Grade 11 manifestos in the Chapel. The learners in the audience sat expectantly; the only sounds that could be heard were the voice of the speaker and the footsteps as one speaker exited and the next one entered.
The speakers were quite confident in what they could bring to the table which made the voting more challenging.
The following week, the Proctors for 2022 were announced by the Principal, Mr Braam van Wyk. He was pleased to announce that Ayisha Mbikayi, Lethabo Sello, Refilwe Mokhotu, Tremaine Delport, Kaylen Simmons, Ashlee Bell, Boitumelo Mtsatse, Innez Ruiters, Tinya Chuang, Yi-Xuan Wu, Sebabatso Tauoa, Realeboga Thebe,
Kgomotso Alberts, Nkgatliseng Motheogane and Nondumiso Masithela were the new Proctors for 2022.
The newly elected leaders, as well as Mrs Melanie Schoeman, Mr Van Wyk and Mr Eric Moopeloa departed on a leadership camp to Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve. Here the ladies were forced to look fear in the eye and overcome it. They participated in numerous outdoor activities, including hiking and a high-rope obstacle course which proved to be such a challenge that many of the leaders were tearful.
During the course of the camp, a number of heart-felt impromptu conversations developed out in nature where the proctors and educators got to know one another better. Enough trust had been established to open up about personal issues that aren’t easy to speak about. Everyone agreed that the only way for growth to take place was through vulnerability.
The camp was completely different from previous camps the learners had attended. It was a ‘home-away-from-home’ experience. Everything, from the early-morning Bible Studies to Mrs Schoeman’s Tim-Tam slams in the evenings contributed to an unforgettable, formative experience.
In an interview with Mr Van Wyk, he expressed his excitement about the collaboration between the newly elected leaders and the rest of the school. He believes that they are a strong group that will be able to overcome any obstacles they have to face.
