83
HONOURS
ADDRESS
The Prefect Body of 2013 could almost certainly not
only survive but also strive through anything.The world
was our oyster and the opportunities were endless!
What would the year of 2013 be if it didn’t bring its
own unique set of obstacles and challenges? However,
we were determined to approach every challenge. As
the newly elected Prefect Body for 2013, we inherited
the daunting challenge of raising R90 000 for Habitat For
Humanity.This would not have been as successful without
Kay-Lee Lewis, our Order Prefect, whose leadership and
dedication to the project was insurmountable.
S’thokozile Ngcobo and Lauren Cowing, our Heads of
Learner Affairs, along with our Order Prefects Kay-Lee
Lewis and Megan McCarthy,led the Class Representatives
with honour and selflessness, continuously setting new
challenges and raising the bar.
Emma Newton and Kelly Kirkpatrick, our Heads
of Houses, were able to lead the House Captains to
new heights, creating some war cries and events that
created an atmosphere of pride and unity amongst the
students. Nicola Matthews, our Auxiliary Prefect, who
was inducted in the second term, was a wonderful and
deserving addition to the team.
Three days of pure and utter Derby madness started
with a score of 18-12, where not even the merciless
and unforgiving weather conditions could deter our
Predators from effortlessly achieving victory. The dark
and ominous skies opened up as Parklands prepared for
battle - we were at war. Pride filled the air as we chanted
out our war cries and we performed our sacred ritual
dances and ultimately reigned victoriously!
To Mr Joubert: your copious numbers of emails were
constant reminders of the love you have for this school.
To Mr Le Feuvre: we are sad to see you leave us, but we
wish you nothing but the best with the Junior Parkies
– train them well, Sir.To Madame Bailly: bless your soul,
is all that I can say, and to Mrs Steyn: your patience and
understanding that you generously donate to the Prefect
Body deserves a medal!
And finally, to my fellow Parklandians: words cannot
adequately describe what an honour it has been to serve
you as your Head Boy.You have given me the opportunity
to do what I have always dreamt of, and being part of
the “White Blazer Brigade” with Maggie, Stacey and
Conor, has been the most amazing experience.You have
provided me with memories that I will forever cherish.
To the leaders of the future - you have the privilege of
seeing this school grow even further – take advantage of
that. Grab every opportunity provided to you and make
the most of them!
“At the end of the day when my time on Earth is due,
let it be said - my blood runs BLUE!”
Jake Maslen
Head Prefect 2013
VALEDICTORY
ADDRESS
Wow,Valedictory has finally arrived. Everything as we
know it, is coming to an end. For some it’s a happy and
exciting event and for others it couldn’t have come any
sooner. No more projects, no more essays and no more
hiding from teachers when unfinished work is due, no
more high school.
I’m not really sure how I’m supposed to feel, 10 years
is a long time to be in one place.We started this journey
all those years ago, as kids, but when I look around now,
I see adults, but that’s just because there happens to be
a lot of parents here today.
Orange river, now that trip was something else.
I am surprised yet proud our grade survived the lulu
trips, spiders snakes and the actual rowing. One of the
funniest moments was when Jake and Jarren’s boat
started deflating, it even began bending into a “v” shape.
The panic and hope was clearly evident in their drastic
cries for help. Fortunately they got towed back while we
remained paddling in the wind.
Ellie, Calvin, Fezeka and Emma Baines, the heated
debates in the history class were one of the best forms
of entertainment.
There are so many people that have had an impact
on my time at Parklands. Stavri, Elizmay, and Deanna you
ladies have been my rock. Without you I would have
no sanity left! To Pano, you always have my back with
everything. I owe you a million.
We owe a huge thank you to our teachers, who really
do a lot for us with no hesitation.
This time last year I felt overwhelmed and sometimes
a little lost. There was one specific teacher who always
had the perfect advice and who was always there to
listen. She even took my blazer home for a wash when
I couldn’t keep this blazer white.This amazing woman is
Ms Strauss, who was our mother hen. I will never forget
her teaching on her little stool so that she would be able
to write at the top of the board.Mam, you will be missed.
To my class of 2013, you have kept this year interesting.
We have overcome obstacles and we’ve all had the fear
of coming up short in our parents’ eyes, but the truth
is, our families are all extremely proud of us.You cannot
believe the sense of relief that some of them are having
right now that our high school days are over. Parents, do
you agree?
Matrics, it is finally the end of our school career, yet
only the start of the rest of our lives. Soon we will be
going to university, our mothers will open their arms
and cry and our fathers will open their wallets and cry.
Treasure this moment and walk out of here with pride,
because this is our final goodbye.
Magdalene Giannolopolous
Head Prefect 2013
