THE ANNUAL SOUTH PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL SOCIETIES LAUNCH 2011

During the interval on Wednesday 20^th April 2011 a blurry maroon mass erupted through the doors of the main hall like water rushing through the floodgates. Sound boomed around you, squeals of excitement and amplified live music pierced through your eardrums, leaving you momentarily awestruck. Other bodies pushed past, each one wanting to be part of the annual event. For an instant, you stare into the structured chaos in awe and allow one elongated “Wow!” to escape your lips… it is the South Peninsula High Society Launch 2011.      

SP has always been dedicated to promoting academic, sporting and cultural involvement amongst students, teachers and parents. These activities either take place during the intervals or after school. These societies are coordinated and run by the students themselves, along with a staff member who is there to facilitate when required. The SRC was proud to be the driving force of the initiative to untap the talents of the present students. The annual launch of various clubs within the school is long anticipated and never ceases to amaze the rest of the student body. This gave the new Grade 8 students an opportunity to be exposed to the extra-mural activities offered, allowing them to develop skills and enrich their knowledge. These learners were especially enchanted by the diverse clubs and senior students administrating were pleased to promote their societies.

Each club focussed on different aspects commonly foreign to the normal school curriculum. For example, the hiking and environmental club catered for the students interested in a “hands-on” approach to outdoor activities. The Racing and Ice-skating clubs called forth those adrenaline junkies while the Karate Club aims to improve self defense. Other societies include: the Catering Club, 90 by 2030, Web Page Design, History Society, Cross country, Jazz band, Hip-hop Society and these are only to name a few.

Being part of these societies does not only develop responsibility and leadership in the individual, but also allows one to broaden their knowledge in something that they enjoy. The launch was vibrant, a lively atmosphere was set by the highly talented jazz band members and later performances by Chad Beukes and Junaid Gaffoor of the Hip-hop Society had spectators captivated.  The excitement could clearly be seen on the faces of the students as many of the displays were quite busy due to students signing up and participating in the activities such as car racing and buying samples of cake at the Catering Society.

As the siren sounded and the crowds dispersed, it could be said with confidence that the day sparked excitement and was a success. The best part will actually be seeing each of these clubs prosper into something big throughout the rest of this year and all the years to come.

We look forward to the next launch, hoping that there will be many more students who wish to start their own clubs, as we welcome all. This is done, hoping to give all students a fair chance to utilise their full potential and therefore achieving not only excellence in education, but also in their abilities. The SRC Chairperson, Kim Smith, puts it in a lovely way, “Life is all about grabbing opportunities. Let us live by our school motto: Non ministrari, sed ministrare – not to be served, but to serve”

Kirstin Meiring (Grade 10F) and Anees Adams (Ex-SP Student – 2006)