A naïve start brings a strong finish at King David Victory Park

How was the year at King David Victory Park? Its principal, Andrew Baker, shares on all the reasons why he was indeed naïve in his belief that the 2021 academic year was going to be an easier one for students, teachers, and parents after the ordeal of 2020.

He described how after a delayed start, the year was punctuated with the necessity to go online with their learners at times, “We were also forced to re-schedule mid-year assessments.”

Online and remote examination writing was fraught with stress and difficulty for both learners and the school. He explained it was hard to believe that they navigated their way through choppy waters once again.

“Despite the challenges described, we really tried to instil as much normality into our school programme as possible while maintaining a safe space for the students to be able to participate in as much as was possible,” he said

Although the school enjoyed some pre-season winter sports training, all matches unfortunately had to be shut down. Learners, together with their coach, started an early morning running club which Baker said proved to be very popular amongst the children.

Their production of The Masked Little Shop of Horrors went ahead in the first term despite countless challenges. “We were able to perform over four nights to a very limited audience and were also able to share a recording of both the Pfizer and the Astra-Zeneca cast performances with our school community,” he said.

The school’s annual Arts and Culture Festival was also able to take place under much modified and controlled conditions in the third term. Baker thanked Kevin Handelsman for assisting them with putting together several art initiatives during the week, including an evening webinar for parents.

“We maximised the opportunity to celebrate the Chagim and important festivals and commemorative days using the outdoor space on our field as much as possible. Yom Haátzmaut was celebrated with the entire school and several invited guests.”

Baker’s thanks went to Morah Ben-Moshe and the SRC Judaica Committee for their creativity and hard work in making sure that these events could go ahead.

“I feel relieved that 2021 is behind us but so proud of the team of professionals who I have the honour of leading. We have not only survived but thrived on the challenges which we have encountered this year.”

He concluded to wish everyone a wonderful break during the festive season and added knowing they will all return renewed, replenished and refreshed in January 2022 to face another year filled with unexpected events.