Passionate about education
Grace Trinity School for Girls and St Declan’s School for Boys, both situated in the grounds of Rietvlei Zoo Farm, are coming on in leaps and bounds, with a strong focus on their pupils’ needs.
St Declan’s opened its doors on January 13 this year and although there is growth, Directors Derek Robertson and Debbie Robertson, both agree classes of 18 pupils will be tops. Although academic achievements will remain high, sports and cultural will play a big part in the schools’ curriculum, within an eco-friendly environment.
The first term of schooling at St Declan’s witnessed the formation of swimming, soccer, athletics, golfing and touch rugby teams. “In all our sporting and cultural endeavours there is a strong focus on bringing Grace Trinity and St Declan’s together to collaborate in these activities, enhancing our commitment that, while we focus on a monastic schooling system, there is opportunity for boys and girls to share in the developmental needs of one another and to build a society that displays dignity, respect and appreciation for one another.
“The Rietvlei habitat provides social opportunity for learners, teachers and parents. To this end we host night walks and family dinners and commit that education is the responsibility of all,” said Roger Looyen, Principal of St Declan’s.
“Our fastest growing sport is golf, and we are very proud of our 24 aspiring golfers who are trained and mentored by Grant Muller at the Tin Cup Driving Range. The boys have been entered into a golfing league and we look forward to their progress.”
Mountain biking, a growing sport at the two schools, receives much attention as the terrain is very well suited to this sport.
Cultural activities include participation in the Eisteddfod, and the establishment of an art and science club is receiving much attention as well as the development of choirs, dance and other musical groups. The environment is also conducive to the establishment of an eco-club where learners are taught about the fauna and flora that inhabit the school property.
Grace Trinity and St Declan’s have also started a Scout Group, the Southern Wolves. This provides excellent opportunity for social interaction for boys and girls and an opportunity to develop leadership skills in an environment that provides endless opportunity.
