Spirit Education Foundation update on a memorable H2 2024!
Spirit Education Foundation update on a memorable H2 2024!
SEF Camp
In July, our annual SEF camp at SOS Camp in Villiersdorp set the tone for the final months of the year. This event is one of the most anticipated by scholars and SEF staff alike, providing a valuable opportunity for personal growth, skills development, and connection. Despite challenging weather, scholars embraced the adventure, tackling obstacle courses in the rain and mud, testing their resilience, and supporting one another through each challenge. Evenings were spent gathered around the fire, where scholars cooked their own meals from scratch, strengthening their independence and problem-solving skills. The SEF annual camp fosters strong connections between scholars, staff, and alumni volunteers, creating an environment of mentorship and shared experiences that extend far beyond the camp itself.
Orientation Day
Our orientation sessions in September onboarded the incoming Grade Eight scholars for 2025, including the scholars and families from the Spirit International Football Academy (SIFA). A total of 39 scholars and their families participated, gaining valuable insight into SEF expectations, scholarship processes, and available support structures. These sessions provided an opportunity for families to connect with one another, ask questions, and begin building relationships with SEF staff. The transition to high school can be daunting, and the orientation ensures that families and scholars feel well-prepared for the journey ahead with the Foundation.
Term Four Study Hall
The term Four Study Hall programme was hosted at Claremont High School in term and was a great success. It provided a structured, quiet, and supportive environment for scholars preparing for their final exams. Alumni tutors played a key role, offering subject-specific assistance, study strategies, and motivation. This initiative has become an essential part of our academic support framework, reinforcing the importance of discipline, perseverance, and community-driven success.
Registration Day
The year concluded with our Registration Day, a special occasion that celebrated scholars’ achievements and formally welcomed new families into the SEF community. Scholars were recognised for their dedication to academics, culture, and community service, highlighting their holistic growth throughout the year. The event also served as a platform for scholars, parents, and staff to reflect on the year’s successes, share experiences, and strengthen relationships.
Bonnie People & Kapteintjies Campuses
In November, the learners at our two ECD campuses enjoyed their last day of their ‘summer’ theme by coming to school in their best beach day outfit for a day of water games, swimming, and fun in the sun.
Our teaching staff concluded their Professional Development Workshops with Dr. Samantha Kriger from CPUT. The workshops covered topics such as collaborative planning, how children develop and learn, types of play, creative arts, and the power of storytelling. These workshops have enriched the teaching staff’s library of best teaching practises and have empowered the teachers to hone their skills in class to create effective learning environments for our ECD learners.
Our teachers are now more eager than ever to try new ideas in their classes and incorporate their own creativity into the developmental activities the learners get to enjoy, adding immense value to our prescribed curriculum.
Spirit ECD strives toward providing equal access to high quality early education to the youngest members of our community, improving their ability to succeed in school, and in life. The benefit of these workshops will be seen for years to come!
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the year, we are proud of our scholars’ resilience, determination, and commitment to personal growth. We are excited to see what 2025 brings and look forward to the adventures ahead.