Blouvlei LSEN school goes oriental at their graduation

-
the staff of Blouvlei LSEN
Joshua (right), Ryan (next to Joshua) and Joshua's mom.

 

Regular readers will know that I am a diehard fan of Blouvlei LSEN school in Retreat. Tonight the 2013 graduation had an eastern theme. All the honored guests - the learners and their parents looked stunning in their eastern-nuanced outfits.

 

 

Tonight was another spectacular event. All the speakers reminded the learners and their parents that they are extraordinary human beings. Gideon, the Head of Department, usually the composed, witty Programme director, was visibly moved when he paid tribute to the learners, his heart was full. One could hear his disappointment and feel his hurt for the boy whose mom refused to allow him to attend the graduation. Gideon also shared the story of another graduate who, after many dark, stormy periods in his life, transformed into a dependable leader on whom his peers and teachers looked up to.

 

Maureen, Cordelis and Arthur

We listened to Joshua thanking the school and everybody who helped to shape his life since his arrival at Blouvlei at the tender age of 8. We were in awe of Ryan, another learner speaker, who thanked everybody and reminded us that it is only through grace that we have life. Fabulous

 

 

We are told that Joshua wants to continue his studies at an FET college - a stellar leap. Gideon, his teacher and 'Jossie's ' mother, believe he can succeed and hope Joshua is given another opportunity. Is this not an amazing story of faith, of believing in oneself?

 

Nick, my colleague played the saxophone, Maureen, the Head, affirmed all her learners and her staff and Arthur Cowley, underscored how precious the learners are. Then, against this harmonious backdrop of tributes, it was time to eat, socialise and build memorie.

 

Aaah... What a super way to end the day. I am so blessed to be in the company of fellow human beings who can help me chip at those raw edges....

The SMT of Blouvlei and I in this selfie.

 

 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to my new Youtube Channel, School Corridor

-
Image
I know, I know... this blog has been in hibernation for a loooong while. I finally found a new way of reaching out to you. The School Corridor Tatler is really a super communication channel, but I have upped my game. I have taken the plunge and now I am the proud creator of... Drum roll please... The School Corridor Youtube Channel! I hope you enjoy this very first video of the School Corridor Channel. I am super excited to have you there as well. Let's learn and have fun together! The School Corridor Channel is here to grow, inspire and empower you as leaders at schools or anywhere else. School Corridor Youtube Channel Focus The content will cover three streams: Talks and presentations on leadership research, qualities of great leadership and how you can help yourself grow to become a great leader. Personal well-being will also be a focus. The second stream will focus on Q&As, interviews and book reviews. The third stream will focus on instructional vi...
Read more

The launch of Child Protection and Youth Month at Metro South EducationDistrict.

-
Image
  The Social Worker component at our education district launched our Child Protection and Youth Month campaign. The sad reality is that our children are extremely vulnerable and they are subjected to all forms of abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. We were reminded that our children are entrusted to us; that it is our legal and moral responsibility to protect our children against all forms of abuse. Glen van Harte delivering his keynote address. Our district director, Glen van Harte, said, "We need to recommit and reenergize ourselves to look after our children. We have to watch our language. Language has the ability to leave scars that are often far more damaging than physical scars. We have to mediate the language we use with one another and with children. We need to be mindful of the relationships we have with one another and with our teachers. It is also important to look after ourselves so that we can look after our children." Lucinda Pelston, our Sen...
Read more

Dalin Oliver provides laughter therapy for teachers at our district today.

-
Image
As I have explained, our education district, Metro South Education District (MSED) has started our MSED Talks. Our director, Glen van Harte, has a nickname for the talks, MSED FLs. Before your minds race to wonderfully, crazy never lands, FL stands for Friday Lectures. #Dalin Oliver and Glen van Harte, Director of MSED Today we had #Dalin Oliver, a vibrant comedian, ex-teacher and a sports presenter on Goodhope FM radio station. Crowd enjoying Dalin Oliver The attendance was fantastic too. Many of our schools joined us and we had a large group of Metro Central district colleagues in the house as well. Vanessa Berry, Head of Lantana Primary School and Andre Pretorius, Head of Heathfield Primary School enjoying the pre-talk snacks. Dalin''s talk was entitled, I came. I taught. I left, a title drawn from his popular comedy show. Dilan's rapport with the large crowd was brilliant. Despite his youth, he knows how to engage a rather mature audienc...
Read more