Grade 8 Camp

COLLEGE ACTIVITIES GRADE 8 CAMP

As with everything in 2021 we had to make adjustment to the plans that we had for the Grade 8 Camp as it was cancelled owing to Covid-19. There was plenty that the learners had to look forward to especially with the excitement of their journey in the College. Day 1 was filled with varies talks by the deputy head of student affairs, deputy heads of houses, and prefects. Special mention to Matthew Benning, deputy head boy class of 2017, for his very emotional and positive message to the young gentleman about always giving your best no matter what challengers you are facing. The various talks that we covered in all the four days were what we thought was needed to ensure that our boys are aware of social issues that face us as a community and South Africa. We believe that these conversations play an important role in shaping students who can show empathy, understanding and most importantly the willingness of learning from each other. We are aware that these conversations are just a starter for greater good of St David’s Marist Inanda.

The second and third days were more about the tools, process and procedures that they would need to able to manage and organise their lives in the College through understanding their timetable and how their daily lives will look like. The focus on self-understanding and improvement continued as the learners penned down what their personal goals and aspirations are going to be for the year and more importantly for the next five-years as Marist young gentlemen. They were also treated to a number of team building activities designed to make sure that the boys get to know each other and form some friendship especially since we had spent the previous year under heavy lock down with limited interactions with each other.

The last day of the orientation camp was about the boys getting to explore and familiarise themselves with the campus. They were introduced to a very strong element of what makes us a unique Catholic school by Father Brian and what mass means to us and why we place such great importance into the spiritual wellbeing of our learners. The was an address by the chairman of the Old Boys’ Association, welcoming them to the College and what waits for them once their journey comes to an end in the College space and another one starts as Old Boys of St David’s.

Huge thank you to the heads of houses for their support through these exciting and sometimes challenging days, your positivity and problem solving made my job very easy. The school executive for entrusting me with overseeing this program. Special thanks to Steph Bauer for his consistent guidance and support and, in her absence, Ms Jessica Burne for driving and helping me put this program together your support was amazing.

Mr U Maqina

Deputy Head of House Osmond