UP School Leaders Conference 2016
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UP School Leaders Conference 2016
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UP SCHOOL LEADERS CONFERENCE 2016 Conference Theme: From Excellent to Extraordinaire The University of Pretoria’s Recruitment Division in the Department of Enrolment and Student Administration held their first UP School Leaders Conference from Friday, 7 October 2016 to Sunday, 9 October 2016. The Conference was attended by 55 Grade 11 learners from various schools in Gauteng who have been chosen as head prefects, vice-head prefects and prefects for the 2017 school-year. An interesting and exciting programme was prepared to ensure an excellent learning experience to all these leaders:
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The Conference was organised by Dr Pieter Clase, Senior Assistant Director: Recruitment and his team. Four members of the JuniorTukkie Student Society Executive Committee assisted with the registration and attended to the needs of the presenters during the Conference.
The Programme Director and presenters were as follows:
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The main objective of the Conference was to prepare these newly elected leaders for challenges they may face during their leadership-year. The programme comprised presentations and interactive sessions that were interesting, relevant and informative.
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The learners received a warm welcome from UP staff and JuniorTukkie student helpers when they arrived at the venue. Each learner received a conference bag, information pack and a golf shirt as a gift from UP. Student helpers showed the learners to their rooms and ensured that all their needs were met. The UP School Leaders Conference made it possible for leaders from the different schools to meet each other and some even became very good friends. On Friday evening, Mr Johan Kloppers discussed the logistics of the Conference:
A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. John C. Maxwell
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Mr Ferdie Heunis and his Roarrr team set the ball rolling with their ice-breaker session that challenged learners’ thinking and creativity while providing heaps of fun:
Joël Miruho, head boy at Maragon Olympus College and junior deputy mayor of the Junior City Council of Pretoria (2016), and Ms Chanté Groenewald, former head girl of Hoërskool Zwartkop and a final-year BCom (Accounting) student in 2016 at UP, presented a session entitled ‘Believing in the unbelievable’. The learners all agreed that they received much-needed inspiration and advice from Chanté and Joël, a former and a current school leader.
Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower. Steve Jobs
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Saturday morning, 8 October, was started with a delicious breakfast after which Dr Pieter Clase gave delegates essential information about UP’s extensive range of outstanding academic programmes. He guided them in making responsible study and career choices.
Mr Petrus Lombard addressed the learners on the advantages of becoming a member of the JuniorTukkie Club. A virtual tour of the Campus gave learners a glimpse of student life at Tuks.
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. W arren Bennis
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Dr Wynoma Michaels captured delegates’ attention with her session, ‘I am different’. She emphasised everyone’s personal uniqueness and advised that one should refrain from stereotyping others on the basis of differences.
In the session, ‘Finding your voice’, Mr Manie Bosman discussed several interesting topics related to value-driven leadership in a changing era. All the delegates were actively engaged in and motivated by this powerful, inspirational presentation.
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Saturday evening’s Prestige Function was undoubtedly a highlight of the programme. The UP School Leaders Prestige Function was attended by Prof Cheryl de la Rey, ViceChancellor and Principal of UP, Prof Carolina Koornhof, an Executive Director, Ms Cila Myburgh, Director of Enrolment and Student Administration, Mr Wallace Isaacs, Deputy Director: Recruitment and Ms Carlien Nell, Senior Market Researcher. All presenters and delegates were also present. Prof Koornhof welcomed and introduced Prof De la Rey who delivered an inspiring and interesting address on ‘gathering positivity regarding their future studies, navigating uncertainty and building resilience’.
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Hans-Peter Fechter, SunĂŠ Stander and Martinus Breitenbach shared their musical talents while Erastus Heystek and Emma-Maryn Gouws entertained the guests with a humorous play.
Words of appreciation from school leaders:
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Footloose!
Leadership is the k ey to 99% of all successful efforts Kenneth Blanchard
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DAY 3 On the last day of the Conference, Mr Wallace Isaacs led an open discussion on various topics, which gave learners the opportunity to air their views on current controversial issues. The learners’ responses were as follows:
TOPIC 1 • • •
A South African nation: ensuring unity through diversity
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South Africa is a true rainbow nation. South Africans should stop blaming apartheid and start moving forward as the rainbow nation. We as South Africans should overcome our differences (people, races, beliefs, cultures, religions, languages) and move forward to achieve a common goal South Africans should have an attitude of caring, listening, loving, respecting and having a system of equity and not just equality Young people in South Africa should be open-minded and coming together as one There is no need for South Africans to conform but we should rather be accommodating and integrating We should all make sure that the goal be serve and that is to be humble servants. The human body consists of different parts. Each part fulfils a specific function. As we all differ, we are like different parts. In order for the body to function effectively, we need each other. We need our diversity to function as a unit.
UP School Leaders Conference 2016
TOPIC 2
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My future lies in SouthAfrica. Or abroad?
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TOPIC 3
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Transformation in sport: justified or politically inspired?
TOPIC 4
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Social media: a monster or a rescuer?
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Every young South African should be the change South Africa needs but should also be available to lend a hand abroad. It should not be only about myself but also about helping other people and creating opportunities for other South Africans. Stay to make the difference here in South Africa. Go abroad only to gain experience but always come back and give back to South Africa. Your future lies where you make it but your roots lie in South Africa. Today is tomorrow. We are the future. In South Africa we determine our own future. Our generation has the ability to succeed. There are betters opportunities to make a positive difference in South Africa than abroad.
Transformation in sport is politically inspired - sport should be about talent and not about past issues. Selection for sports teams should not be based on skin colour or race; rather on skills and talent. In South Africa transformation in sport is inspired from a pleaser's viewpoint and in that way we are shooting ourselves in the feet as unfair selection criteria are used to make it seems fair. Quotas cause more problems in an already divided community. The elder generation that is leading the country have the wisdom but not the innovation that the younger generation has.
Social media can be seen as both a monster and a rescuer it depends how you use it. It can be used to portray something inspiring or something evil As a rescuer it is an effective communication tool to make you aware of international situations and to keep you in touch with the world. It can also serve to motivate you. As a monster it can leads to cyber bullying and put you in comfort zone without vision and with no privacy. Social media is only a platform - it cannot be seen as either a rescuer or a monster. It is the person using the social media who is the monster or rescuer.
The k ey to successful leadership today is influence, not authority. Kenneth Blanchard
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TOPIC 5
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Discipline in schools: overemphasised or underemphasised?
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It depends on how discipline is implemented - if discipline is implemented with respect and human dignity, it cannot be overrated or underrated. If discipline is implemented incorrectly, it causes rebellion. The foundation should be laid at home; it is unfair that the school should take all the responsibility. Rules are there for a reason and discipline should be enforced in all forms. Discipline is mostly underemphasised, at school bad actions get cheered on and learners are not afraid of the consequences. Not strict enough At some schools there are wonderful rules on paper but no application in practice. The ideal situation should be to focus on respect; not rules. Punishment should be fair. Use social media mostly in a negative way.
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Free education: a realistic expectation or a pie in the sky?
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Free education is a realistic expectation but not in the time we find ourselves in in South Africa; we need respectful leadership which we do not have currently. It is not possible on the short term but on the long term knowledge should be gained from abroad and implemented in South Africa. Free education is currently a fantasy; the economy is not strong enough in South Africa as a developing country - not a developed country. Economic issues should first be addressed before free education can be considered.
TOPIC 7
Creating legacies in schools: through single or double medium schools?
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Legacies in schools are not created through either single or double medium schools as the language of a school does not define your legacy. Our aim should be to leave a legacy no matter in what school we are; grow where you are planted. Keep the history and legacy of the school but accommodate more people to support diversity. Main goal should be to strive for single medium schools in order to empower all languages Double medium schools create more opportunities, more acceptance, more challenges, more success. It also ensures diversity which creates a better legacy.
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TOPIC 8 •
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Sport in schools: overrated or underrated?
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Overall sport is mostly overrated in schools while culture and academics in some schools are undermined. It however differs from school to school. A neutral approach is needed; a balance should be maintained between academics, culture and sport. This should also be the trend nationally. Sport can create unity amongst members of a school community. Sport became too competitive, not using own players but buying from other schools. Sport should create unity, community and good sportsmanship and should expose the school community to different opportunities.
TOPIC 9
Bullying in schools: whose responsibility to do what?
TOPIC 10
Advice from a learner to the President of South Africa.
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It is the responsibility of every learner to see to it that bullying in schools is stopped - you do not need a badge or title to address this problem. It should be the a school leadership responsibility to put emphasis on the problem and to get it out of schools Everybody should be involved from the top down: principal, teachers, learners.
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Stop playing the race card Instead of focussing on the past, move forward. Utilise the innovative ideas of the younger generation. Make informed decisions. Corruption should be killed. Implement diversity (cultures). Be transparent. A president needs to understand what is meant by "power" and only use power to empower people. Be dedicated and more involved. Make a positive difference. See to it that the government is productive. Delegating tasks to people that specialise in specific areas. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. Do not make promises you cannot keep. Make sure you surround yourself with capable people; not friends. Serve instead of being served. Lead by example. Leadership is a platform – not a spotlight.
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Parents joined their children for the last session on Sunday morning. This session was presented by Prof Kobus Maree who dealt with the topic: ‘Parent and learner mentor/mentee’. Parents received valuable hints to help them support their children in their leadership roles. Prof Maree emphasised the importance of making a positive difference in other people’s lives.
All guests enjoyed a tasty finger lunch before departure. The feedback we received from delegates clearly shows that they thoroughly enjoyed the Conference. Here are a few:
‘Everything at the Conference was superb. I really hope we aren’t the last group to get such an opportunity. You have planted a seed in our hearts and minds.’
‘This was a very good Camp. One of the best Leadership Camps I have been on. It should definitely continue in years to come.’
‘Accommodation was great, the food was great. We were treated well and welcomed very well. I just wished it could have been longer.’
‘Baie dankie vir die ongelooflike geleentheid.’
‘Ek het die naweek vreeslik baie geniet. Lekker en leersaam.’
‘It must be a week, not only three days.’
‘Joël Miruho was an excellent choice, since he is still fulfilling his role as head boy and gave practical advice.’
‘Dit was regtig 'n belewenis en ek voel dat elke liewe kind die geleentheid moet kry om die Konferensie by te woon.’
‘Wonderful experience, a lot learned, amazing food, very satisfied and no complaints.’
The University of Pretoria is proud to be associated with these bright learners and we will continue, to the best of our abilities, to add value to potential future leaders.
Leadership is the k ey to 99% of all successful efforts. Kenneth Blanchard
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About the University of Pretoria (As on 1 January 2016) 9
Faculties and one Business School
88
Institutes, Centres and Units (excluding Bureaux)
46
Research Chairs
1 453
Programmes
230
Degrees, certificates and diplomas
179
Undergraduate programmes
1 274
Postgraduate programmes
59 514 Number of student registrations
6 249
Honours, master’s and doctoral graduates
13 677 Total number of students graduating
90%
Students who passed their examinations in relation to the number of students who wrote examinations
91%
Number of students employed within six months of graduating from UP
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Make today matter
University of Pretoria contact information Learners and parents are most welcome to contact the Department of Enrolment
and Student Administration at the University for any
enquiries and advice. Tel
+27 (0)12 420 3111
ssc@up.ac.za
Website
www.up.ac.za
Physical address University of Pretoria, cnr Lynnwood Road and Roper Street, Hatfield
Postal address University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028
Scan to become a JuniorTukkie:
JuniorTukkie contact information Tel
+27 (0)12 420 5102/6606
junior.tukkie@up.ac.za
Website
www.up.ac.za/juniortukkie
UP School Leaders Conference 2016
University of Pretoria
Universiteit van Pretoria
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Yunibesithi ya Pretoria
Private Bag/Privaatsak/Mokotla wa Poso X20, Hatfield 0028, South Africa/Suid-Afrika/Afrika Borwa Tel +27 (0)12 420 3111, Fax/Faks/Fekse +27 (0)12 420 4555, www.up.ac.za