2023 Academy Valedictory Service

The St John's College and Prep Academy Prize-Giving and Valedictory Service, which took place in The Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, 31 October, is always a special occasion as we celebrate the achievements of our Academy students. It is also always a sad occasion as we say farewell to our Grade 7s and matrics as their time with us comes to an end.

The Academy is one of the flagship community engagement programmes at St John’s, and this year was extra special as we celebrated 15 years of the College Academy, with many of our ‘old boys’ as well as Mrs Agnes Nugent, former Head of the Academy, in attendance.

“When I arrived in 2021, I was welcomed by this Class of 2023, then in Grade 10. We have often joked that you boys are like my first-born children of the Academy programme,” said Mr Mickey Mashego, Head of Community Engagement at St John’s. “Even at that early stage, I was taken by your resilience, tenacity, and commitment to the Academy programme, and I quickly began to appreciate the magic of the Academy.”

The College Academy has evolved in recent years, expanding subject offerings and extramural activities while maintaining its commitment to academic excellence. Today, the College Academy offers English, Mathematics, Physics, Geography, Life Sciences, Business Studies and Further Studies Maths. The extramural programme includes cycling, swimming, soccer, chess, cricket, First Aid, drama, physical conditioning, and most recently tennis.

The footprint in our community has grown from 72 students to 130 students with the addition of the in-school Grade 9 Maths programme, led by our exceptional teachers, which has proven to be an invaluable addition and support to our partner schools.

Beyond academic excellence, the Academy has also instilled a deep sense of responsibility towards our community. Former students have become mentors, tutors, and leaders, embodying the Academy's ethos of reciprocity. Our Academy students have trained as First Aiders and supported the College team at events like the Easter Rugby Festival, Basketball Tournament and Football Festival. Our Grade 10s and 11s are working with our IT teachers and school counsellor to develop an app that will support mental health among fellow students in our precinct, and next year, we will welcome one of our matrics, Jordan Ndlovu as an intern in the Pre-Prep as part of the Realema Teacher Internship programme.

As part of the Valedictory service, Certificates of Diligence were awarded to all 16 Grade 7 boys in the Prep Academy programme, with the Certificate of Academic Excellence awarded to Idris Mandiena for achieving more than 85% in English and Mathematics throughout his Grade 7 year.

“Boys, I only have one thing to say as we send you off to tackle new territories. Since it’s your race, always go at your own pace and give it all you have. Above everything, remember to show kindness and respect to whoever you encounter as we need kind young men in this day and age,” said Ms Lucia Mangolo, Head of the Prep Academy.

The accomplishments of the Grade 12 Class of 2023 were celebrated, and the teachers, mentors, families, and supporters, whose collective efforts have shaped the Academy, were also acknowledged for their dedication.

The Awards were conferred, and the new Academy leadership was announced, with Ahmed Kaseya and Khanya Ntshalintshali stepping into their roles next year as Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy, respectively.

The Valedictory Service was not just about accolades but was a moving testament to the Academy's commitment to nurturing holistic, responsible, and socially aware individuals. The future holds promise as the Class of 2023 leaves us well-equipped with the knowledge and values to shape a better tomorrow.

THANK YOU

The Chaplaincy. The start of the year was plagued by rolling blackouts with a prolonged load-shedding schedule, which meant our students would be without lights often for more than six hours at a time. The Chaplaincy stepped in and provided each Academy student with load-shedding lightbulbs to ensure they could keep the lights on and continue studying despite the darkness.

The Mills Family: This year, we bid farewell to a close friend of the Academy—a family who has walked an incredible journey with us. The Mills Family have supported their son William to run the most remarkable Academy cycling programme, which has seen many students embrace the sport and become avid cyclist who have flown our flag high at multiple competitions around the country. Their impact on our community is immeasurable, and we can never repay the dedication, love and compassion you have shown our students over the years.

Mrs Subbiah and Mr Moremi are our enablers at Highlands North and Barnato Park, respectively, playing pivotal coordinating roles in the Academy programme at their respective schools. They ensure that we can access the students, reports, venues and any other support whenever needed.

Michael and Hector North, whose support continues to be the backbone of this wonderful programme, have allowed us to reach hundreds of students in our community and inspire many talented boys to pursue their academic dreams with the guidance and mentorship they require to excel! We are truly blessed to have a partner ready to collaborate and make this programme possible.

Lastly, thanks to all the teachers, coaches, teacher interns, mentors, support staff, kitchen staff, Academy Alumni, Chaplains, the Transformation and Diversity Office, Mrs Kate Lowings in the Advancement Office and our College parents for your love and support for our Academy students. This programme stands proudly on your shoulders and continues to strengthen our school’s impact on our community.