Birch Acres Secondary No. 2 unveils new name board with help from local partners
Birch Acres Secondary School No. 2 marked a major milestone as NETCO and El Shabbahc Civil Constructions partnered to sponsor and unveil its official name board.
Birch Acres Secondary School No. 2 took a significant step in establishing its identity on July 25 when two generous local organisations, Northern Education Transport Coordinators (NETCO) and El Shabbahc Civil Constructions Pty Ltd, partnered to unveil the school’s new name board.
The unveiling ceremony brought together learners, parents, educators and community members, all gathered to celebrate this milestone and the support shown to the newly established school.
Acting principal Rakeleje Seleho, who also leads Tembisa West Secondary School, described the event as the first of many steps in building a strong foundation for the school.
Photo: Masego Mashilo
ALSO READ: Sewer threat near Kempton school sparks outrage from residents
“Today’s gathering was primarily to dedicate and unveil our school’s name board. This is one of several initiatives we hope will ignite the success of Birch Acres Secondary No. 2,” Seleho said.
Established in January 2025 to address overcrowding and high Grade Eight enrolment at surrounding schools, Birch Acres Secondary initially operated from Edleen Primary School during the first term. At the time, it had only seven educators, working under the guidance of IDSO Ms Mashigo.
In June, the school moved to its current premises. It now accommodates 118 Grade Eight learners and has recently elected its first school governing body. Parents also attended a meeting to help shape the school’s ethos and policies.
NETCO and El Shabbahc played a pivotal role in helping the school become more visible and functional. In addition to sponsoring and installing the name board, El Shabbahc contributed construction support to improve infrastructure. NETCO donated a sickbed and blanket for learners who may fall ill during school hours.
Kgabo Selolo, Public Relations Officer at NETCO, emphasised the importance of supporting the school.
“We felt it was important to give back to the learners. Parents and educators rely on us to ensure learners are transported safely and on time. By helping with the school board, we are building a lasting relationship with this new school,” Selolo said.
ALSO READ: Apply Early! Gauteng online school admissions kick off July 25
El Shabbahc Director Calvin Monyela explained that the company stepped in after learning of the school’s limited resources.
“The school’s funds were very low, and development was progressing slowly. We decided to assist wherever we could, from construction to graphic design and printing of the board. We are also happy to offer further support if needed,” said Monyela.
Community member Sipho Tshabangu praised the contributions.
“We truly appreciate what NETCO and El Shabbahc have done. It is a great help to have a visible identity for the school and a safe learning space for our children. As a community, we are proud the learners now have a school to call their own,” he said.
