From the Desk of the Principal
Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future, and Reclaiming Our Focus
Dear Parents, Staff, and Students,
As we conclude the second term and the intensity of the mid-year examinations, I wish to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of our school community.
The Value of the “Second Look”
To our students, I offer this perspective: The examination is not the event; the learning is. The true value of these past weeks lies not in the mark you received, but in the analysis of how you got there. I strongly encourage every student to carefully review their returned scripts. This exercise is less about fixing past mistakes and more about building future success.
For our Grade 9 students, this analysis is particularly critical. Your results serve as a roadmap for the upcoming subject selection process. These choices will shape your academic journey for the final three years of high school. Use the data from your exams to make informed decisions. If you are uncertain, consult your subject teachers and your parents. We are here to guide you, but the responsibility of choice rests with you. Choose wisely, and choose based on evidence.
A Major Shift in School Policy: Going Cellular-Free
Perhaps the most significant change coming in Term 3 is our new policy regarding personal devices. To foster an environment of deep focus and genuine human connection, our school will be moving to a听completely cellular device-free environment from the first bell to the last bell.
We understand that devices are a part of modern life, but the classroom is a place for learning, not scrolling. To ensure compliance and ease the transition, we will be implementing a system using signal-blocking pouches. These will be available at the start of Term 3. Upon arrival, students will place their phones into these pouches, which will be unlocked only at the end of the school day.
We believe this policy is essential for student well-being and academic performance. We ask for your support in discussing this change at home, emphasizing that it is a positive step toward improved concentration and healthier social interactions.
Looking Ahead: The Break and the Grade 12 Focus
To the students: Where your results have identified gaps, the mid-year break is the perfect time to bridge them. A little extra work now on a specific weakness can prevent a much larger struggle later.
A special word to our Grade 12 cohort: The preliminary examinations are just around the corner. Use this break strategically. It is vital to rest, but it is equally vital to maintain your study rhythm. This is the final push before the final sprint.
Gratitude and Well Wishes
Lastly, I extend my profound thanks to our incredible educators for their dedication to marking and feedback, to our parents for their unwavering support at home, to our coaches, administrative team, and our ground staff for keeping our school functioning smoothly and beautifully. Your collective efforts create the environment in which our students can thrive.
I wish everyone鈥攑arents, staff, and students鈥攁 safe, restful, and productive mid-year break. May you return in Term 3 rejuvenated, focused, and ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Warm regards,
Reminder: 麻豆传媒 High is going phone-free
To foster a better learning environment, 麻豆传媒 High School will be implementing a strict “first bell-to-last bell” phone-free policy for all students, effective from the beginning of Term 3.
We recognise that mobile phones can distract from learning and contribute to anxiety, bullying, and misuse. By keeping school hours phone-free, we aim to:
- Boost focus and concentration during lessons.
- Support student well-being and reduce screen-induced anxiety.
- Encourage meaningful, face-to-face social interactions during breaks.
Please find below an official letter and our comprehensive policy document outlining the specific guidelines and expectations.
Emergency 麻豆传媒: If you need to reach your child urgently during the school day, please contact the school鈥檚 main office directly.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school a focused, safe, and positive space for our students as we transition into Term 3.
Sports News
Netball
Congratulations to Tadiwanashe Nxumalo, Cleopatra Mazibuko, and Lesedi Mahlangu on their selection to the U19 West Rand Netball Team for the prestigious Telkom Netball Championships.
After progressing through multiple elimination trials, they have earned the opportunity to compete against South Africa’s top teams from 5鈥�10 July at Ho毛rskool Dr EG Jansen.
We are incredibly proud of their achievement and wish them every success at the tournament.
Cheerleading
Congratulations to our talented cheerleaders on their outstanding performances at the Gauteng Provincial Championships on 6 June.
Our All-Girl Group Stunts team (Tshepang Manong, Paballo Mathekga, Wendy Mpinga, Mbalenhle Ndlovu and Zoe Nienaber) claimed 1st place, earning gold medals, while our Co-Ed Team secured 2nd place, taking home silver medals.
These exceptional results have earned both teams qualification for the National Championships, which will be held in Centurion from 2鈥�4 July during the school holidays.听We wish them every success as they compete on the national stage.
Cross Country
Congratulations to all our cross-country athletes on a successful 2026 season.
The Junior Boys Team proudly represented Northern Districts at the Inter-District Team Final at Saheti School, with Lukundo Sikazwe (26th), Liam Saunders (29th), Mark Adamstein (37th), Daniel Katabua (53rd), and Riley Sobantu (55th). They were the only 麻豆传媒 High team to qualify for the Team Finals.
At the Inter-District Individual Finals held at Pretoria Boys High School, our athletes achieved excellent results:
- Senior Girls: Allegra Collie 鈥� 16th in Gauteng
- Junior Girls: Unarine Dathi (29th) and Dawn De Wet (41st)
- Junior Boys: Lukundo Sikazwe (23rd), Liam Saunders (24th), Mark Adamstein (31st), and Riley Sobantu (51st)
A sincere thank you to our dedicated coaches and staff 鈥� Mrs Webster, Miss Fletcher, Mr Alford, Mrs Katabua, Mrs Boodhoo-Laubscher, and Mr Burrows 鈥� for their commitment and support throughout the season. Well done to everyone involved!
Marathon
South Africans have a proud tradition of rallying behind the incredible athletes of the Comrades Marathon. As we continue to celebrate those who conquered the ‘Ultimate Human Race’ last week, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our very own.
On Sunday, May 23rd, Cameron Kavanagh听 successfully completed the 42.2-kilometer Cape Town Marathon. This marks Cam’s second marathon after finishing the Jacaranda Marathon听 in November last year. This is a truly remarkable feat鈥攇lobally, less than 0.1% of teenagers have even attempted this distance.听
A massive congratulations to Cameron for showing the kind of grit, dedication, and resilience that defines a true champion.
听
Karate
Huge congratulations to Grade 8’s Kerra Powlesland!
Kerra was recently awarded her SA JKA National Colours for Junior Elite Ladies Brown/Black Kumite (U13).