GALLERY: New faces and big dreams as Grade Eights start at Johan Jurgens
Learners spoke about their excitement, future careers and plans to join school activities.
Hoërskool Johan Jurgens welcomed the new faces on the block, the Grade Eights, as the school opened for the new year on January 14.
The Springs Advertiser spent the morning at the school and saw how the Grade Eights were adapting to the new environment.
Three new learners, Naledi Mchunu, Gugulethu Nkosi, and Lefa Mmopane, are excited for their new school and grade.
Mchunu said people from her area, KwaThema, told her that the school is fun and offers many extracurricular activities.
“I was told that the school is not overly strict in terms of hairstyles, which is good for me,” she said.
Mchunu believes that the school will be a foundation for her life after school, as she wants to be a soldier.
Nkosi said she was excited about getting a good education that would help her succeed in life, as she wants to be a dermatologist or a swimmer.
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She said that she would join sports at school and participate in extracurricular activities like choir and talent shows.
“I am happy because I will make new friends, meet new teachers, and also see classmates from primary school. It will be good to create new memories,” said Nkosi.
Mmopane shared that his brother, a former learner, told him about the school, which drew him there.
He said he is excited about joining the hockey team because he is passionate about it. After high school, Mmopane aims to become an engineer in the information technology industry.
“I am excited about participating in athletics and about the interhouse. I will do sports because it will keep me fit,” he said.
One of the Grade Eight class teachers, Jessica Volk, told the publication she gets to meet learners with different personalities.
She advised the new learners to enjoy high school and embrace the space that they are in.
“Use every moment to your advantage. If you have spare time and need help, ask us because we are here for that,” said Volk.
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