Class of 2013 – well done!

As the school results start coming in for schools across Johannesburg north, one cannot help but remember one’s own matric year: the stress of exams and the memories they made along the way.

Class of 2013, this is your year and this newspaper’s team want you to know that they are behind you in every decision you make.

Good luck for the years ahead – your college or university degrees, your gap years, and with starting your new careers.

For those matric pupils who did not make it, this is not the end of the road. There will be time to rewrite your exams and you will be given your moment to shine. Please keep in contact with your school to find out when and where these rewrites will be held and what you are required to do, should you wish to register.

The amount of pupils with a high number of distinctions is indeed praiseworthy. But, when it comes to some government schools, one cannot help but ask: are our pupils getting smarter, or has the standard dropped?

While achieving great results is remarkable, this newspaper would also like to recognise the pupils who succeeded in their own personal goals last year. To the pupils whose grades improved, their focus sharpened, and to those who made huge milestones in their personal and social development, well done and keep up the good work.

While there is a new beginning on the horizon, I urge matrics to be responsible and take the years ahead of them seriously. For those about to start university or embark on a gap year: yes, have fun, but please don’t forget your future depends on you doing well.