St Michael’s has always prepared incoming Grade 8s for their high school journey by integrating them over a span of two weeks, including a weekend sleepover which is fascilitated by that year’s matric class, and this year was no different.
This year St Michael’s celebrated their 100th annual Speech Night, an award ceremony that commemorates academic, sporting, and cultural excellence. However, due to the coronavirus, things were a bit different – what was once a Speech Night, became a Speech Day and what once was a cathedral filled to the brim with excited learners and proud parents, became an empty chapel with only one grade of recipients present at a time. Nevertheless, elation bubbled over, and pride filled the room as learners prepared themselves to receive the well-deserved recognition of the hard work that allowed them to produce excellent results in a difficult year.
In a small school such as St Michael’s, one teacher can play a very significant role. Mrs Karen Venter, the SMS Physical Sciences educator for the past two years, was one such teacher. It is with heavy hearts that the SMS community says goodbye to her as she begins a new phase in her life: completing her PhD.
Under normal circumstances, the induction of the newly elected proctor body, where the current matric class passes on their role as leaders of the school to the next matric class, forms part of the Valedictory Service. This year, in order to accommodate social distancing, the induction was a separate service, attended only by the Grade Elevens, the RCL members of lower grades and their parents. In spite of this, the occasion still proved to be an enjoyable and meaningful one.
Founders day was extra special this year, considering that it was one of the very last events the school enjoyed together, before the commencement of the national Corona-virus lockdown.Founders day was extra special this year, considering that it was one of the very last events the school enjoyed together, before the commencement of the national Corona-virus lockdown.Founders day was extra special this year, considering that it was one of the very last events the school enjoyed together, before the commencement of the national Corona-virus lockdown.
Black Lives Matter is a movement that has swept its way through the world following the unjust death of George Floyd due to police brutality by the Minneapolis police in America and it swiftly made its way to South Africa and to St Michael’s.Black Lives Matter is a movement that has swept its way through the world following the unjust death of George Floyd due to police brutality by the Minneapolis police in America and it swiftly made its way to South Africa and to St Michael’s.
On Friday the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) for 2021 had its first meeting, a meeting that was bubbling with excitement as the proctors waited in anticipation to discuss the bright and beautiful future of St Michael’s.
Matric Achievers’ Assembly
For approximately the last 15 years I have been asked to perform the duty as Master of Ceremonies at the Honours Dinner of St Michael’s. This event takes place early in the year and is one of the school’s most prestigious functions. Learners from all disciplines are being honoured at this dinner where a guest speaker also gives an inspirational speech whereafter a mouth-watering meal is being served.
Semester recently conducted a virtual interview with Professor Felicity Burt of the Department of Virology from the University of Free State. She shared some valuable insights for school learners about the Corona virus and the prevention of its spread.
The Semester, school newpaper of St Michael's, has a devoted editorial team that comprises journalists, photographers, coloumnists and cartoonists. The Semester aims to provide information, educate and entertain.
