Address by Deputy Head: Academics – Mrs Jeanette Finnie
In a survey conducted on South African schools 5 years ago the following information was gathered from more than 23 000 public schools:
- 85% have no laboratory
- 77% have no library
- 72% have no internet access
- 19% have either no sanitation or illegal pit latrines
- 239 schools have no electricity
- 1000 schools have no sport facilities
I would ask you to think now, about your school: a school with outstanding facilities academically, from a co-curricular point of view and in the context of our overall school experience. Think of your classes and how they compare to those doing Maths or English for example in a classroom with 45 students and sometimes 2 or 3 to desk. Possibly the teacher has a chalkboard, or in some cases not.
There is no doubt that we all, teachers, administrative staff and you our students, are in a very privileged environment.
- What are we doing with that privilege?
- Are we seizing it with both hands and making full use of what is on offer?
- Are you making every effort in the classroom to listen to your qualified and committed teachers?
- Are you making use of academic support to do the very best that you can academically?
- Are you working with your coaches and team members to produce excellence in your chosen co-curricular activity?
Or, are you perhaps one of those students who just “passes through this school” and hardly leaves a mark? Are you just sitting back and expecting all the benefits of the privilege that you have at this school, to land in your lap? Perhaps you are expecting your parents or your teachers to do this for you.
Every year, I am saddened to see, when it comes to writing the testimonials for the 6th Form, that there are still boys who have passed through the school, with all that it has to offer, without leaving a mark, without leaving a legacy for the future. There is little to say in that testimonial other than that he attended Maritzburg College…what a waste, what a waste of an enormous privilege.
Acknowledging our privilege isn’t about guilt or shame; it’s about being aware of the opportunities and advantages that we have, and the doors that they open for us.
I challenge you today, to use the privilege and opportunities that you have as a student in this school. Make a difference in your circle of influence. Engage fully in your mentor classes; help and support others; make a positive impact in your classroom; influence others by your behaviour and by what you say. Remember that your actions extend beyond your immediate circle. They ripple through the lives of your family, friends, teachers, and the broader community.
Be a role-model to others, learn from others, do your best, and distance yourself from negativity. Ensure that you can look back on your school days and be proud of yourself and your school. In the midst of our privilege, this is our responsibility. This is what we owe to others and to those who are not fortunate enough to share in our experience.
This privilege may last for 5 years only, but when you leave, make sure that you have done enough for it to last a lifetime. It is from schools such as ours, that good and honourable men are grown, that leaders are born, entrepreneurs and high-flying professionals are made, but it is up to you, and it is your choice how you use this privilege.
Throughout our lives, we will encounter numerous decisions, some will be small and unimportant, while others will carry significant weight. However, one thing is certain: every choice we make has consequences, and we must be accountable for our choices.
Ensure that you make yourself worthy of what you have been given, and make your journey memorable.
Time is short, start now.