Trinity’s Gr 8s adopt a mountain
The Grade Eight class of 2024 at Trinityhouse high School has 'adopted' the iconic 100 year-old Little Falls sign, and has restored it to its former glory.
Grade Eight learners from Trinityhouse Little Falls ascended the Wits Hill that houses the historic 100-year-old Little Falls sign on January 27, intent on restoring the old stone sign to its former glory.
After a brisk, exhilarating, and in places fairly vertical climb to the site, learners were divided into groups, each assigned to a letter. Learners, equipped with gardening tools and gloves removed overgrowth, re-stacked the stones as needed, and set about repainting the stones to a brilliant white to once again tower proudly over Little Falls for all who pass by to see.
According to Trinityhouse principal Shaun Hansel, the initiative stemmed from him wanting to facilitate the school having a stronger presence in the community and being involved in community projects. He approached many organisations to partner with, including the Little Falls and Strubens Valley Community Forum (LIFCO), BCI Security, local hardware store Leroy Merlin and Excelsior Paints, and The Visual Studio, which captured the event both from the ground and the sky with the help of a drone.
“From having lived in Little Falls now for seven years, and seeing the sign slowly start to disappear over the last few years, it was very important to me that we try to become the custodians of this iconic landmark in Little Falls,” said Shaun.
According to Shaun, this refurbishment of the iconic Little Falls sign was the start of what will become a longstanding commitment and tradition for the Grade Eights of Trinityhouse Little Falls.
“It will be known as the Grade Eight Journey and will form part of their orientation into high school.
“It is so fitting that the Grade Eights complete this, not only to become part of Trinityhouse High School but also to become part of the community. Schools must take every opportunity to teach their students the importance of giving back to the community, not only through donations but more specifically with their time and skills. In this way, we will be cultivating students who are engaged with their communities, and understand that if we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem.
“I trust that this tradition will become a valued part of joining our high school and something that we will treasure for generations to come,” he concluded.
