From the newly formed Support Management Team

The Support Management Team is a new creation and comprises Mr Michael Gates as Principal, Mr Graeme Broster (Operations), Ms Lynda Niddrie (Finance), Mr Myles Siebrits (Campus) and Mr Francis Vogts (ICT). Together they manage the bulk of the non-teaching functions of the school that support the teaching and learning that takes place in the classroom. Our weekly meetings discuss a range of issues; from security to events, water purification to community outreach.

Step into the shoes of the Support Management Team

Our water purification plant was officially opened on 2 August by Education MEC, Ms Debbie Schäfer. The water extracted from our borehole undergoes a range of purification treatments and is regularly tested to ensure that it meets the SANS 241 specifications for water purity. The pump is capable of extracting 20,000 litres of water per day, more than enough to meet the needs of the entire campus.

Pictured here are Mr Michael Gates (Principal), Mr Len Worthington-Smith (Technical Consultant), Zahra Mohamed (Headgirl), Minister Schäfer, Mr Andrew Hulsman (AWH Water) and Mr Myles Siebrits (Project Manager).

Now an established part of the Grade 8 Life Orientation curriculum, our Campus Staff introduces the learners to the Rustenburg Vegetable Patch. Using compost made from the organic waste generated on campus, the vegetable patch supplies the Hostel Kitchen as well as our grounds and cleaning staff members with organically-grown produce. The experience increases the learners’ awareness of where their food comes from, and the need to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.

In preparation for the roll-out of iPads for use in the classroom by the 2019 Grade 8 class, all teachers were given an iPad Pro along with an Apple Pencil in January. Ms Juanita Atkinson, Ms Kyla Thompson and Ms Floriane Blanc-Marquis are in the new Tech Training Room, showing off their new skills during one of the regularly scheduled training times. Introducing the iPads has also required an upgrade to the school’s Wi-Fi network and internet connection.

The Grounds and Cleaning staff were treated to a special lunch and cookery lesson by the Consumer Studies teachers and members of Bon Appetit. Here Emanuel Vureya and Kudakwashe Mwaedza show off their newly-gained abilities.

Our relationship with Bokmakierie Primary School in Athlone was strengthened this year as we joined with the Lions Club of Kirstenbosch to donate time and equipment toward the outfitting of their Computer Centre. Seen here is Mr Gates with Kirstenbosch Lions Club President, Mr Philip Bam, at the opening ceremony. The connection is ongoing, with the next steps being connecting the lab to the internet and providing support and training to the learners and staff.