Bryneven Primary’s year of winning championships, and standing against bullying
A look back at the year Bryneven Primary has enjoyed in 2024.
Bryneven Primary School principal Naeem Nakooda has reflected on how the Bryanston based school has continued to thrive as a beacon of academic excellence, which is poised for continued growth and achievement.
Among the school’s highlights this year has been the proactive stance taken against bullying when they launched an impactful anti-bullying campaign.
“Our learners are equipped with tools for conflict management, resolution, and social-emotional learning,” said Nakooda, alluding to the school’s commemoration of the UN Anti-bullying Day, as well as International Stand Up to Bullying Day. “These initiatives are designed to empower our children to build positive relationships, handle challenges with empathy, and contribute to a harmonious school community.”
Also read: Bryneven learners tackle bully culture
Nakooda expressed how Bryneven’s goals included nurturing emerging talents, and deepening the school’s commitment to holistic education. Reflecting on how the school promotes the cultivation of a love of reading, Nakooda also celebrated how the school’s reading clubs and initiatives led to Bryneven Primary’s success at the national prepared reading competition, hosted by the South African Literacy Association.
“This year was a historic one for us with four of our children crowned as the national reading and public speaking champions,” said Nakooda. “It was our fourth year competing in the English, Afrikaans, and isiZulu home language categories, and it has yielded some of the best overall results for our school.”
Nakooda also celebrated how the Grade 6 learners also had success at this year’s Natural Sciences and Technology (NSTECH) Fair, hosted by the Gauteng Department of Education, as well as at the Science Expo for Young Scientists.
Also read: Four types of bullying all parents need to know about
“We are very proud to announce that, for the first time, we had one of our Grade 6 learners win the provincial round of the NSTECH Fair,” Nakooda praised. “And for the first time this year, we had a district winner in the Grade 7 Technology Olympiad.” Bryneven Primary also participates annually in the Horizon Maths Challenge, with eight learners successfully ranking in the top 100 from the Johannesburg region this year.
The school’s learners were also victorious in a number of sporting codes. Including hosting a highly competitive six-a-side soccer and netball tournament, Bryneven participated in the Johannesburg East Netball Championships, where their U10 and U13 netball teams were declared district champions. Additionally, the U11 and U13 girls’ soccer teams won silver and gold respectively at the Socc-Her tournament hosted at Bryandale Primary School. Nakooda also stated how the school’s hockey had improved since the installation of the multipurpose astro.
“While we celebrate our excellent achievements in sports, it is not always about winning but about building character, resilience, and lifelong habits of good sportsmanship in our children,” said Nakooda.
Other highlights of 2024 included: “Bryneven’s Got Talent, Career Day, World Book Day, the soapbox derby, Heritage Day celebrations, Nelson Mandela Day, and hosting the Eisteddfod. We have also seen innovations with our djembe drummers and marimba band,” Nakooda closed. “The cultural fabric of Bryneven is rich with activities that encourage creativity and community. We are committed to preparing our children for life. Together, we strive to create a legacy of excellence that will inspire generations to come.”
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