Eastleigh Primary celebrates excellence at annual awards ceremony
Eastleigh Primary School honoured 151 learners on October 1 for outstanding achievements in academics, reading, discipline, and writing during its annual awards ceremony.
The Eastleigh Primary School Awards ceremony was a moment to acknowledge excellence and inspire motivation.
The event, held on October 1, was conducted by the school leaders, who are Grade Seven learners.
Four categories were recognised:
• Rise and Write Challenge
• Top Achiever
• Disciplined Learners Initiative
• Best Readers Initiative
Grade Seven learner and leader Kytana Gilbert welcomed everyone, saying, “Today is about celebrating hard work, dedication, and the recipients of awards in the classroom and beyond.”
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Principal Nonhlanhla Ngwenya said the gathering was not only about handing out certificates but also about shining a light on the values and achievements that make Eastleigh Primary a place of growth, unity, and excellence.
“At Eastleigh, we believe that education is more than books, tests, and classrooms; it is about shaping character, instilling discipline, sparking motivation, and nurturing the pursuit of excellence.
“That is why we introduced the four initiatives of excellence, and today we celebrate 151 learners who have risen to the challenge and made us proud.”
She commended the top achievers for their hard work, the neatness of their books, the consistency in their efforts, and their commitment to excellence. “You remind us that excellence is not an act; it is a habit.”
Regarding the Rise and Write Challenge, Ngwenya said it emphasised perseverance and motivation.
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“The learners in that challenge refused to be left behind and showed that it is not how you start, but how you finish.
“Your determination to rise each day and put pen to paper proves that with resilience, nothing is impossible. You stand before us as a living example that discipline turns effort into success. Thank you. We are proud of you.”
Deputy Principal Hanelene Muller encouraged learners to continue being disciplined and responsible, noting that discipline and respect go hand-in-hand.
She added that the Best Readers award is important because books teach imagination, expand vocabulary, and foster creativity.
“Books are the key to wisdom. Successful learners read, and it makes them clever,” she said.
Leader Khanyisa Mboweni offered words of motivation, reminding learners that although school can be challenging, mistakes are part of learning.
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Specialist in Remedial and Inclusive Teaching Strategies Dr Liz Hooijer shared the story of inventor Thomas Edison, who tried over 1,000 filaments before successfully creating a working light bulb.
“This highlights the value of perseverance and learning from mistakes. When things get difficult, seek help from your teachers, parents, and friends. You have done well by being here today through perseverance.”
School Governing Body representative Mimi Morai encouraged learners to compete only with themselves, focusing on personal growth.
In closing, Principal Ngwenya expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone for their contributions and encouraged continued collaboration to build a school committed to excellence.
