Mitchell House hostel opens

Along with its 20th anniversary celebrations, Mitchell House officially opened its new hostel last Thursday.

“Today is a very significant day in the history of our school,” said Andrew Cook, the headmaster of Mitchell House.

“This is also the 10th year the preparatory school is on this campus.

“The founding of this school in 1994 was an act of faith. Moving to this purpose-built campus in 2005 was no less a step of faith, so it is highly appropriate that we celebrate the opening of a new venture in faith.”

According to Cook, there were several reasons the Board of Governors was persuaded to give the green light to the hostel.

“Strategically, the hostel offered us a chance to draw from a wider pool geographically and plans for hostels formed part of the original design of this campus,” he said.

“In this day and age when many parents work, we felt that we could offer the kind support growing boys and girls need.

“There is no doubt that a boarding establishment becomes the custodian of the ethos of a school. Boarders are physically far more committed to the institution in rather the same way as the pig is more committed to an English breakfast than is the chicken.”

Brian Smith, the chairperson of the Board of Governors declared the hostel officially opened.

One of the learners, Thato Raphahlelo, who is not a boarder said the boarding house looked inviting and wished he could stay there.

Kamogelo Maraba agreed with Thato and said he also wished he could stay there.

Keagile Pilusa on the other hand stays in the hostel and said it was a lot of fun.

For Thato Seopa, who is also a boarder, the hostel is a place where she could be free within the rules.

“We have our own freedom, although there are rules.”

Alice de Villiers is also in the hostel and said it was fun to stay there if you followed the rules.