The Grade 7 Class of 2020 at Auckland Park Preparatory School are confident that this year's Grade 7s will make for a great Grade 8 class and future for the country. Photo: Andile Dlodlo
The Grade 7 Class of 2020 will have the most unique, interesting and heartbreaking stories of their final year in primary school to tell.
After the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted many of their plans, outings and events, some might feel they’re not ready to take the next big step to high school. This is not the feeling at Auckland Park Preparatory School as the girls are looking forward to take on their new schools and the new year.
Headmistress Brenda Howden said Grade 7s across the country really proved their strength, courage and ability to adapt. She added, “They have become more resilient, more confident, more independent and they have really had to learn how to take the bull by the horns. I want to celebrate their independence and their individual growth.”
Have a look at what some of the school’s Grade 7 girls had to share with the Grade 7 Class of 2020 across the country:
AMY GEAR: A world of opportunities await us out there. The world and South Africa is changing but we need to do our part to make sure it is a better world for everyone to live in. Go out there and make it happen.IMOGEN PRESTON: We can all agree that 2020 was a really hard year but it taught us how to adapt to difficult circumstances. To the Grade 7 Class of 2020, stay your resilient self, stay determined and continue to give it your all to push through hard times.TAYLA GILES: The year has been full of disappointment and missed opportunity but we had to adapt and be determined to push through it. My wish for the Grade 7 Class of 2020 is for that determination and spirit that got them through this year, to get them through their first year of high school. We can do it guys.MEGAN PETERS: To anyone who struggled this year, do not let it make you feel you can’t achieve anything. The year had its challenges but here we are in December getting ready for 2021. Let’s bounce back in the next year and achieve everything we have always wanted to.SARAH SHAKERLEY: To every child preparing to leave Grade 7 for high school, they must take every opportunity that comes their way. Whether it’s academic, sport, or cultural, the chance to learn and have fun is always there.RACHELLE GRELLIER: Even though the year has been filled with disappointment and tragedy, we have all managed to pull through. I would like to encourage the Grade 7 Class of 2020 to take this strength to their high schools next year and carry it through until they finish. All the best.MILLA MORSE: 2020 has been the year most of the world looked at things through a different perspective. We started appreciating the small things and we need to continue doing this. Just remember that it’s not every test or assignment that defines you as a person, it’s how you deal with unpredictable situations. The future still holds a test for us so stay strong and find ways to cope with it.AMANI ADAM: Just remember to reach out every time you need help. If you ever need someone to talk to, do it because it really does help. There are people around you that care and love you such as friends, family and teachers, so rely on their support and experience. We are all going to be fine.
“Continue with the guts and determination, the courage and the self-belief that they can conquer all, concluded Howden”
