The idea of a school being of service to its community for 103 years can do nothing but conjure up the idea that it has remained steadfast to its traditions and values, all while it appreciated through the years in its dedication to nourish the bold minds that enter its classrooms.
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This year Auckland Park Preparatory School (APPS) celebrated this milestone year as they have with every year, through a whimsical, and fun, flower day. Each year brings with it a different theme for flower arrangements and this year’s theme was: ‘Proudly South African’.
Chantel Jarvis, the school’s headmistress, said the girls were asked to bring flowers, preferably from their garden. This year, because of the success of the Springboks, and the power the national rugby team has in uniting the nation, they wanted to celebrate everything that makes us specially South African.
A special element to the day was the youngest and oldest girl in the school lit the birthday cake candle together and everyone enjoyed a slice of birthday cake.
For Jarvis, 103 years speaks to tradition and values. “Yes, we are a traditional school, one that teaches girls values and self-regulation, and how not to feel like imposters in the world, but at the same time we have taken a strong stance towards innovation. 103 marks the magic of APPS where innovation meets tradition,” she said.
Looking into the future, Jarvis hopes the coming years sees them be contemporary. “At the end of the day, we are a school and we are educating children. Doing so in a cognitive, academic, cultural, and sporting perspective, but we also need to remain current. Our philosophy and curriculum needs to speak to the current generation of where we are,” she said. Adding they are preparing the girls for an ever changing world.
Also read: Happy 100th says APPS
What the future holds, exactly, is still untold, but one thing this headmistress is sure of is that within their school walks the future leaders who will shape the school, and South Africa, to take strides forward.
Jarvis’ message to the school is to take every step with kindness, and to remember that every mark you make is distinct to you as an individual. Everyone, from the learners and staff member, to the parent have a role in making the school what it is today. Her message is to always connect with each other beyond the holds of technology.
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