As they step into the new year, the principal of Roosevelt High School, Cristèl Venter, is most grateful for the endurance of her team and the community who stayed the course through a demanding year.

Though it wasn’t always easy, she said they made it through together. Her biggest wish for 2026 is a smooth-running school with systems that work seamlessly, ‘so that 2025 can remain part of our history, not our present’.

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“I want to see Roosevelt climb to even greater heights, stronger and more united than before.”

She enters the year in quiet reflection and is grateful to have done so surrounded by her family and pups, whom she protected from what she calls ‘the dreaded fireworks.’ This year, she hopes to begin with calm so she can enjoy a more balanced year ahead.

To the community at large, she encourages people not to underestimate the power of persistence, reminding them that even small steps forward count. “We’ve all faced our share of challenges, but every sunrise is another chance to start again, stronger and wiser.”

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This year, the school looks forward to refining its internal systems, strengthening staff collaboration, and creating even more opportunities for learner growth and success.

It’s about building on the foundation laid in 2025 to ensure Roosevelt continues to move forward. One of the key lessons they take from the previous year is that leadership and growth often happen in the ‘messy middle.’

In the new year, they hope to lead with empathy and consistency, ensuring learners, staff, and parents feel seen, supported, and valued.

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