Theme: Success
THEME: STRIVING FOR SUCCESS
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
– Psalm 1:1-3
Please bow your heads as we pray:
‘‘Dear Lord, through your guidance and support our goals and dreams can be achieved. As our boys continue with their assessments please support them in being as successful as they can be and reach their academic potential Amen.’
You are all in the process of writing your June ‘control tests’ and are almost at the half way mark and you will have a reasonable idea of how successful you have been so far
‘The secret of success is consistency of purpose.”
Benjamin Disraeli
‘Success’
The road to success is not straight
there is a curve called Failure,
a loop called confusion,
speed bumps called Friends,
red lights called Enemies, and
caution lights called Family.
But if you have a spare called Determination,
an engine called Perseverance,
insurance called Faith, and
a driver called Jesus,
you will make it to a place called Success!!
ACADEMIC SUCCESS AT TERTIARY LEVEL
Many of you will be considering what you may wish to do after school and to further your studies at some point. Recent student research by at tertiary level revealed the following:
- National dropout in 1st year of university sits at 29% (internationally at between 10 & 15%)
- Recent success rates were 78% overall
- Only 50% of students passed a degree after 5 years and only 32% a diploma after the same period
- A significant number of students change their courses 2 or 3 times
Ideally students should be well rounded and responsible i.e. HOLISTICALLY developed
Factors that impact on success:
- Inadequate preparation
- Lack of education
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of commitment
- Curriculum issues
- ICT and student support
- Institution fit
- Social Environment
- Poor time management
* There is the need to develop HABITS OF LEARNING
Students will succeed in environments/ settings that:
- Are committed to their success
- Hold high expectations
- Provide much needed academic and social support
- Provide frequent feedback
- Actively involve them in the learning process (collaborative learning)
There is a significant jump from high school to university and an adjustment is required.
Students require assistance in the transition
What do the students themselves say what needs to be done for success:
- Mindset change (need to work independently)
- Need to be positive, passionate, goal orientated
- Need for time management
- Lecture attendance (form study groups as well at school)
- Work consistently
- Take responsibility for their studies
- Prepare for lectures and do what is expected
- Consult lecturers
- Understand that knowledge builds year on year
- Need all the resources e.g. textbooks, stationery, study guides
- Academic honesty
The following quote by Thomas Edison is very relevant this time as you continue with your control tests
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
Thomas A Edison
I wish you every academic success in these assessments and trust that your goals are realised.
If not, you have Trial Exams for 6th Form and end of year exams to set the record straight
STAFFING MATTERS
It is my pleasure to announce the following staff changes and promotions:
- Concessions Co-Ordinator – Mrs Leigh-Ann Moffatt
- Subject Head Physical Education – Mr Francois Maritz
- Day Housemaster: Strachan – Mr Sheldon Bosch
- Day Housemaster: Nicholson – Mr Murray-John Smit
- Day Housemaster: Snow – Mr Jabulani Mhlongo
- HOD: Behaviour Management – Mr Ralph Paterson
- Academic HOD: Geography, History, LO, Technology, GRDS – Mr Gonas Govindisamy
COVID Update
As the number of Covid cases continue to rise nationally and regionally, may I remind you to maintain the basic protocols at all times, so that you and your family and your peers and staff, may remain Covid Free
Pro Aris et Focis
Chris Luman