Matriculating Class of 2020 triumphs over adversity
For all South Africans, the Covid 19 pandemic was a significant trial with all kinds of deprivation and painful experiences, but this was particularly the case for the matriculating class of 2020.
Out of all of the grades in the schooling system, the grade 12s had the most challenges to face in terms of content and time frames; they had their June examinations canceled and their preliminary and final examinations postponed.
This meant that the vital practice of the June examinations was lost and the time frame for mediation between the preliminary and final examinations was drastically reduced.
A variety of methods were adopted like moving content online to the Willowmoore Google classroom space, pre-recording lessons, and the staging of assessments online to counteract the challenge of comorbidities.
There were even students who were trapped in foreign countries and who had to attend school electronically.
Nonetheless, the matriculating class of 2020 produced some of the most impressive results ever.
This year the class achieved an overall pass rate of 94%, and the highest rate of Bachelor pass ever achieved at 61%. 77 distinctions were scored by the matriculants and the highest scoring matriculant was Azraa Sidat with 7 distinctions.
Grade 12 learner awarded Prestige blazer
Zainaaz Hansa has been awarded the highest Colours recognition which can be accorded by Willowmoore High: the Prestige blazer (previously known as the cum laude blazer.)
This cream blazer is awarded to a student who has achieved Full Colours in the Academic Field, as well as Full Colours in two other fields (Culture, Sport, Service or E-Tech). This blazer was last awarded in 2009 which goes to show the exceptional nature of the achievement.
The Race for Space recognizes Willowmoore excellence
The Race for Space is an initiative aimed at high school students where a series of tasks are assigned for the purpose of selecting likely candidates to be exposed to the technology and concepts of space travel and eventual colonization.
In South Africa this initiative is spearheaded by Sci Bono, which also had assisted Willowmoore in establishing its successful robotics team.
The Race to Space was advertised on social media and two Willowmoore students, A. Loonat and A.M. Laher, both completed essays of sufficient merit to progress to the next round of selection. We wish them well on their journey through this event.
Willowmoore High Extra Murals commence
One of the many consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic has been the complete cancellation of the Willowmoore extra mural programme, but now legislation has been eased and these activities now commence.
Soccer, Netball, Basketball and Hockey will kick off as of term 2, and public speaking, debating and have already commenced through electronic participation.
Chess recently commenced with a friendly match versus Teaching For Success, a private school. TFS won by 25.5 points to 22.5 after 6 rounds for each player.
Willowmoore High introduces Counsellor programme
The anxiety and fear experienced by the typical teenager is increasing and the opportunities for counselling and assistance are rare.
In the light of this Willowmoore High, under the aegis of Mrs Hennessey the school social worker, intends to create a team of trained peer counsellors to help their fellow learners with their day to day stresses.
Students will formally apply for consideration and then undergo extensive training on counselling as well as the protocols of counselling. As the training is so important and ongoing, applicants will apply at the beginning of grade 10, and then continue up until mid grade 12.
A designated safe space is to be established for counselling but the counsellors will also sport insignia so that they can be found when needed. Details for application will be published shortly.
Willowmoore High recognizes long service of its staff
Willowmoore has long enjoyed a reputation for having many of its staff remain at the school for extended periods of time, and to even have educators retire from the school with unbroken service since they first entered the profession.
It is in recognition of this ongoing commitment and dedication that a ceremony was held recently to honour those members of staff who have achieved service milestones. Mrs Hennessey (5 years), Mrs Moodley (5 years), Mrs Kera (10 years), Mrs Dube (10 years), Mrs Fourie(10 years), Mr Cook (15 years), Mrs Nkosi (25 years) and Mr Ndebele (25 years). Well done to these committed members of staff, and thank you to Mrs Naidoo and her team for organizing the event.
State funded TAs prove their worth
Thanks to resources from the President’s Fund, Willowmoore High has been privileged enough to enjoy the support provided by Teaching Assistants from the beginning of this year.
These young people have been involved in every aspect of the school from access control to administration and relief teaching, all of which have taken a massive strain off the staff of the school. We hope to enjoy their assistance for the foreseeable future.
WILLOWMOORE CARES
CAT FOOD DONATION
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the most incredible donation of cat food delivered to Harties Feral Cat Rescue
Harties Feral Cat Rescue currently feeds and cares for 800 abandoned/feral cats in the greater Hartbeespoort area every day, amounting to a staggering 1.2 ton food per month. We are a small group of volunteers with full-time careers and our compassion for these cats propels us to trap, neuter and return them to their outdoor homes.
We also feed them so that they will not become a nuisance when they go in search of food. Our biggest challenge is finding kind, compassionate and willing donors to help us in our mission. Willowmoore High’s donation is particularly special every year, because of the dedication it takes to acquire the funds enabling Mrs Joubert to purchase the food. May I mention that we do not have a single school in our area willing to go to the extraordinary measures of your school, staff and students ! By donating every year, you foster compassion in your students toward animals with no voice – which makes you a hero in our books.
V. Courtenay, Vice Chair, Harties Feral Cat Rescue
Dignity Packs for Women’s Day
To commemorate Women’s Day Willowmoore High will be assembling Dignity packs to assist women in need.
Items that can donated towards the dignity pack include face cloths, soap, tooth paste, tooth brushes, body spray, and roll-on deodorants.
There are many women who are living in dire conditions and whom the caring community of Willowmoore can assist in facing the world with dignity.
All donations can be given to the Interact educators or Mrs Naidoo
Willowmoore Gallery
Grade tutors offer their guidance
Willowmoore High maintains a network of support educators to assist your child in their school lives.
Please feel free to contact them with any of your concerns or encourage your child to approach them for an interview.
All interactions are treated with confidentiality to best suite the welfare of your child.
Grade Tutor contact details
Grade 8
Mr Brown and Mrs Tsotetsi
brownw@willowmoore.co.za
tsotetsi@willowmoore.co.za
Grade 9
Mrs Chotoo and Mr Maredi
cchotoo@willowmoore.co.za
tmaredi@willowmoore.co.za
Grade 10
Mrs Khumalo and Mr Ramyaha
tkhumalo@willowmoore.co.za
mramayaha@willowmoore.co.za
Grade 11
Ms Kera and Mr Mpiyakhe
ykera@willowmoore.co.za
mmpiyakhe@willowmoore.co.za
Grade 12
Ms Gallagher
cgallagher@willowmoore.co.za
Mrs C. Jennings
Cjennings@willowmoore.co.za
School Counsellors and Additional Support
The SBST member for general counselling is Mrs Kata –tkata@willowmoore.co.za
The SBST member for homework sessions in the afternoon is Ms Zerf –mzerf@willowmoore.co.za
The SBST member for account related issues and the feeding scheme is Mrs Healey. bhealey@willowmoore.co.za
The Student Liaison Officer, Mrs van der Heever, is responsible for general counselling and basic first aid assistance – nvanderheerver@willowmoore.co.za
The social worker, Mrs Hennessy, is available on referral from one of the above SBST members and she will make an appointment with the learner and/or family. chennessy@willowmoore.co.za
Important forthcoming dates
- Term 2: 3/5 for yellow group and 10/5 for green group
For all grades term 2 will commence on day 6 - 13 May Ascension Day and Eid al-Fitr
- 25 May: Africa Day
- 5 June: World Environment Day
- 16 June: Youth day
Vision
Willowmoore High strives to create relevant and equitable, holistic quality education that will produce well rounded, responsible and respectful leaders who will contribute meaningfully in tomorrow’s communities.
Mission
Willowmoore High strives to create an ongoing positive, innovative and inclusive learning environment for our diverse community
strives to maintain a safe, functional and technologically focused school for the well rounded development of all learners
strives to uphold the ethos of mutual respect of human rights and South African culture
From the Desk of the Principal
Welcome to 2021, and especially to our new students in grade 8. The theme for this year already seems to be compensating for the depredations of 2020.
We still cannot gauge how much harm the Covid 19 pandemic has had on the education process and recent speculation in the media has gone as far as suggesting 2030 for the completion of this remediation.
At Willowmoore we have a wide range of support mechanisms to assist all of our students as they face their daily challenges. Firstly, there is our commitment to providing support through Google classroom on which educators place work and resources. Please access the Google classrooms with your official Willowmoore email address.
Secondly, there are extra lessons every week and any student is free to attend these. Remind your child to sign the register at these lessons.
A proper study routine which is updated through notices placed in the LO Google classrooms, will produce benefits.
Finally, Willowmoore employs a permanent social worker, Mrs Hennessey, who is available for consultation and referral. There are other educators who are members of the School Based Support Team. Together we can make a difference.