CEO’s Year in Review

Fortified by the steepest learning curve in history last year, 2021 was a good year. We have many things to celebrate and whilst we had to overcome as many obstacles, the year had a cadence to it that seemed more recognisable. We were better at planning within an uncertain space, empathetic to those who continue to struggle, and motivated to achieve our best with the cards we were dealt.

Ironically the school year closed in a manner strikingly similar to how it opened – in the middle of a wave, with a number, and a variant – Delta then, Omicron now, 2nd then, 4th now. But it is the predictability of the uncertainty that seemed like our ‘get out of jail free’ card and we are proud of our teachers, our learners and our support staff for once again rising to the challenge and enabling every child to be the very best version of themselves.

High dosage tutoring programmes were implemented early in the year and we are projecting to close the gap by mid-2022. End-toend support also saw the introduction of three new Grade RR classes and the building of our ‘pop-updorms’ to house our Grade 12s during study and exam times. We were delighted to announce a 95% matric pass rate and a 78% Bachelor’s pass for our class of 2021. As the year ended, we said goodbye to three staff members who retired after a collective 52 years of working at Christel House! We are deeply grateful to Avril Hermanus, Marilyn Groep and Vivienne Stewart and wish them the very best as they start the golden era of their lives.

Arguably the highlight of 2021 was the initiation of our ‘10X’ work. Given our 20 years of experience, we want to widen our impact through capitalising on efficiencies in the system. We are looking forward to expanding on initiatives in 2022 to serve more, impact more and drive more social change.

Adri Marais

Chief Executive Officer

Christel House SA