Principal takes a trip down memory lane

Radley Primary School principal Charne De Gouveia takes a step and looks at the year 2023.

She explained that their journey throughout 2023 has been filled with remarkable achievements and moments they are immensely proud of.
Among their best highlights, there have been significant improvements and investments made in various aspects of Radley Primary School.

These were the principal’s best highlights for the year 2023:

• q Infrastructure upgrades: We’ve continued to enhance our school’s facilities and amenities, fostering a conducive learning environment. This year, we were able to install a JoJo water tank, procure a new bus, establish a sandpit, upgrade bikes and trikes, add entrepreneurial vinyl to windows, and refresh various campus areas.
• Additional support services: Ensuring the well-being and academic progress of our entrepreneurs remained our top priority. We provided valuable services, such as eye, speech, and hearing screenings. Additionally, ongoing support classes for grades 4 to 7 were conducted, and our Grade 3, 6, and 7 entrepreneurs successfully participated in the IEB benchmark tests.
• Staff development: Recognising the importance of competent educators, we’ve supported the staff’s professional development extensively. Our initiatives included leadership programmes by Raizcorp for principals, continuous entrepreneurship learning for guides, specialised training for hospitality staff, and the introduction of the Ed-admin management system.
• Educational enrichment: We’ve prioritised curriculum development and enrichment activities, providing a holistic educational experience. Throughout the year, we organised talks as part of our Guest on a Quest series, welcomed companies like Wild One Educational Shows, arranged various outings and business trips for entrepreneurs, and facilitated the first leadership camp for Grade 6 entrepreneurs.
• Family Fun Day: It was a resounding success, warmly received by the entire Radley community. Next year, we aim to further improve the curriculum by integrating more entrepreneurial concepts and lessons, organising additional business and field trips, and introducing new entrepreneurship workbooks for all grades.

She added that the year presented challenges that extended beyond the educational realm, affecting both the staff and student entrepreneurs on an emotional level.

“We recognised and empathised with the emotional battles faced by everyone within our Radley community. Throughout these trials, our dedicated team has provided support and assistance to the best of our abilities, offering guidance and resources to navigate these personal challenges.”

Load-shedding presented an external challenge affecting their operations.

The principal explained that despite these power constraints, they devised strategies to minimise disruptions to educational programmes and activities.

“By adjusting schedules where necessary, we managed to mitigate the impact of load-shedding on our school’s functioning, ensuring continuity in our educational endeavours.”

She thanks her staff members for their great work throughout the year and the community for their support.

“As we embrace the spirit of Christmas, we express our deepest appreciation to each member of our community for their resilience, dedication, and unwavering support throughout the year. In the middle of challenges, your strength and commitment have been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and fostering a nurturing environment for our entrepreneurs. Let us celebrate this festive season with love, unity, and a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for our learners.”

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