Delivered by Advocate Tracy Dicker
Good morning Mrs Goedeke, honoured guests, members of staff, parents, the grades 8 to 11 of Herschel and most importantly our grade 12s. It is my honour and privilege as outgoing Chair of the Herschel council to welcome you, together with the incoming Chair, Tumelo Baloyi, to Herschel’s 2023 Prize-giving and Valedictory celebration.
So, we’re here to celebrate our school and our class of 2023. As I have mentioned previously, if you follow Herschel on Instagram, have regard to the Head’s reports, attend sporting or cultural events, walk through the school, and chat with the pupils, you will know, and see, that the school is thriving.
Herschel remains a leading institution in the educational space as we continue the transition to IEB and grow and ensure our relevance in the 21st century. Many projects have been completed, including revamping the grade 7 classrooms, the senior school consumer studies classroom, and the replacement of the astroturf, amongst many others.
The school gym has been equipped and we also have biokineticists and a developing scientific approach to sports training and fitness.
The success of Herschel would not be possible without our amazing parent body, the incredible leadership and dedication of Heather Goedeke, Renee Swartz and their management and executive teams, and all staff members including teaching staff, ground staff, security staff and admin staff, who have, as always, gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the school functions optimally. Thank you for all your efforts, but most importantly for continuing to work together as a team, supporting each other and the school and continuing to inspire all the girls – from pre-nursery to grade 12.
An enormous thank you to all the Council members, Sub-committee members, members of the Prep PA and Senior School House Reps, who I have worked with over the years. I extend my gratitude to all of you who gave so generously of your time and expertise.
We welcome Rowan Gordon and Jacques van Wyk on Council and a very special welcome to the new Chair of Council, Tumelo Baloyi and Deputy Chair, Prof. Sarah Howie. I have worked closely with both of you and know that the school and council are in fabulous hands. A strategy meeting is being held this week and we look forward to the feedback regarding future developments in all spheres of the school. Congratulations Tumelo and Sarah and thank you in anticipation for the role you will play going forward. This is a very special school, filled with very special people.
Finally, to all our students. Well done on making 2023 so special and memorable, but especially to the Grade 12s – congratulations! Today we recognise and celebrate your contributions and achievements and wish you well for the final exams and 2024.
As you start this new chapter in your lives, remember – you have been learning to make a difference, now go out and make that difference, wherever, whenever and however you choose.
Ad Dei Gloriam