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Grade 8 Orientation at Sunward Park High
Published on: 28 February 2025
The newest members of the school were introduced to its values, culture and expectations as Sunward Park High School hosted its Grade 8 orientation before school officially opened. Led by the Columba Leadership group, the event aimed to instill essential values in students while ensuring a smooth transition into high school.
According to the 2024 Columba Chairperson, Omphile Simelane, the primary goal was to help students embrace their new academic journey with excitement and confidence. “Our role was to instill Columba values into the Grade 8s, helping them develop skills that will support their personal growth throughout high school,” she explained.
The orientation featured a variety of value-based activities that engaged students in teamwork, problem-solving, and self-reflection. Some of the most popular activities included an awareness and focus game, where students had to navigate an obstacle course using only their senses, and a creativity challenge that required them to interpret different images in unique ways. Integrity was emphasized through a question-and-answer ball game, where students had to answer personal questions honestly, and the value of service was introduced through lessons on contributing to their school community without expecting rewards.
The response from the Grade 8s was a mix of excitement and nerves. “Some were very excited to start high school, while others felt nervous about venturing into a new space,” said the Columba Chairperson. Despite this, the activities encouraged participation and helped break the ice.
However, the day was not without its challenges. “There were some behavioral issues with a few students, and some Columba team members did not fully commit to their roles,” She noted. Looking ahead, the leadership team expressed a desire for more resources to enhance future orientation programs and further enrich the experience for incoming students.
Overall, the orientation was a success, achieving its goal of welcoming the Grade 8s and preparing them for the years ahead. As Sunward Park High continues to uphold its strong leadership and values-driven approach, this event sets the foundation for a positive and productive school year.
This information, officially presented by the new Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, on 13th January 2025, gives you an authoritative look into this year’s outcomes. But first, let’s take a closer look at this exceptional school.
With the joint effort of the Principal, SGB, teachers, parents, 406 dedicated learners. Sunward Park High School pass rate 2024 came to 97,5%▶, That was an amazing maintained percentage level as in 2023.