Welcome to 2024!

Hello, readers, and welcome to a new year.

First, a 2023 recap – Here are Phocus’s top 5 viewed articles of last year:

1. Year 9 Movie Awards Evening
2. UCT Maths and Olympiad Results
3. Welcome to 2023
4. Look Me in the Eye: Pre-Production
5. Valedictory 2023

2024 brings exciting events, changes and opportunities.

Taking over from previous head of KS2, Ms Neethling, is Ms Douglas. She has the full confidence of those of us lucky enough to have been taught by her.

“I am thrilled with my new role as the Head of Upper Primary and I am looking forward to a wonderful year ahead filled with exciting opportunities for the children to learn and have fun.” – Ms Douglas

After saying goodbye to Mr Manhenga last year, we welcomed Ms Gowar, who says:

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to teach both Biology and Science at the International School of Cape Town and be part of the ISCT family. My love of the Sciences started when I was being taught by my passionate teachers, myself in high school and it has carried on into adulthood. I studied Botany and Zoology at Rhodes University and completed my postgraduate certificate of education at UCT. When I am not preparing lessons for my students, you can find me by the ocean or in the mountains.”

And welcome to the other new members of staff: Ms Harris and Ms Smith in KS2, and Mr Bhungeni in maintenance.

Of course, each new year brings new year 12s, ready to take on new responsibilities and duties. With prefects decided, portfolio meetings are in full swing.

In the last week of term 4, the head prefect speeches commenced, and all the high school students had the opportunity to vote for the people they wanted as their representatives and student leaders. After much anticipation, Patience and Max were announced as the new head prefects!

“Patience and I are so endlessly grateful to have been chosen for the position of Head Prefect for this year. Although it may be an arduous journey for us ahead, we already have some exciting projects in the works to really make 2024 a year to remember!” – Max

“There’s nothing greater and more empowering than hearing the uproar of those who want to stand beside you on your journey to a great 2024 at ISCT.” – Patience

Look forward to lots of new articles this year on exciting topics and events, including, blood drives, music concerts, various camps and outings, Valentine’s day, and sports day.

Have a great 2024!

-By Ruby