The grade sevens had their final chance behind the microphone and entertained parents, friends of the school and fellow pupils with their traditional address. The group used Jock of the Bushveld, one of their prescribed books, as a theme and drew parallels between the characters and situations in their own lives.
Summerhill Prep’s new principal, Cheryl Calmeyer, was also introduced and talked about her plans and expectations for the new year. Calmeyer, who had been teaching at Uplands Prep for the past 11 years, assumed her post at the start of the new school year and was excited about the challenges that lay ahead.
Pupils were called to the stage and each received a certificate. The top learner of each grade received a book prize.
Several special awards were also handed out to those who had performed admirably during the year.
These included best junior sports boy and girl, rewarded respectively to Akani Sibuy and Rex Notten and the Summerhill Perseverance award, won by Akhona Madelane. Mathilde Notten and Caila-Ann Christensen won arms full of awards, both individually and sharing, including the Buckland Fellowship Award, the Diligence Award and Chairman’s Award for Excellence. The House Cup was awarded to the Sunbirds, eliciting cheers from house members in the audience.
Pupils then returned to their seats and lights were turned down for the traditional candle-lighting ceremony between the new grade ones and graduating grade sevens. Each older pupil had a younger one or two by the hand and sat down or stood on stage. The grade sevens then lit their younger counterparts’ candles one by one, and wished them a wonderful school career. Although several parents blinked back tears at the sweet and solemn act, which concluded the ceremony, it also had the audience leaving for home with bright smiles.
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