Conquering Covid-19 and acing matric
Dawnview High School’s top five achievers and principal Moeketsie Kolokoto spoke more about the challenges of the year and how they overcame them.
The first generation of matriculants who studied through a pandemic came out victorious and better than anyone expected.
Dawnview High School celebrated 25 distinctions with a pass rate of 86 per cent.
The top achievers and principal Moeketsie Kolokoto spoke more about the challenges of the year and how they overcame them.
“We used the rotation system, with some grades came to school and while others stayed at home,” said Kolokoto.
“We are grateful for this achievement because we expected a bloodbath but through the grace of the Lord and their hard work, we managed to achieve these distinctions.”
The schools top achiever was Kaleigh May with an average of 83.7 per cent consisting of seven distinctions in life orientation, life sciences, history, mathematics, English, Afrikaans, physical sciences and accounting.
ALSO READ: Primrose police achieve a conviction
“I am very proud of myself, I feel amazing. It is nice to know that my tears, frustrations and hard work paid off,” said May.
She added that Covid-19 benefited her because she works well alone. “Being at home was an advantage for me because it pushed me to strive for greater heights.”
Her advice to the class of 2021 was to take time for themselves.
“It is OK to take a break or to cry if you need to cry, it is a lot of pressure, especially now with Covid-19. Make sure you do the work when you get it otherwise it will not be done.”
George Watoni, another achiever, said he was happy his hard work paid off after he achieved three distinctions. He earned an average of 73 per cent with distinctions in geography, history and life orientation.
“Keep the end goal in mind. Working towards a goal helps you stay focused and motivated so do your best to work towards it,” said Watoni.
He added he was motivated by everyone around him who thought the 2020 learners were going to fail.
“I wanted to prove everyone wrong that no matter your circumstances you can achieve what you have in mind. I also am grateful because my class kept each other motivated.”
Other top achievers were Oartile Tholo, Oluhle Zondo and Mikayla Paolini.
For 2021, the principal said the Department of Education provided their school with assistant teachers to help the school with Covid-19 protocols.
“With enough staff, we can concentrate on teaching and conducting extra lessons. We will do our best to roll out other intervention programmes.
“Keep safe, don’t drop your guard and focus on the goal. Remove anxiety from your minds,” said Kolokoto.
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
