JP to Matric Journey 2023

October 13, 2023 | Campus, Junior Preparatory, Boys’ College, Girls’ College | Author: Julia Phipps, Advancement Office

DJI_0042 — A beautiful view from our Junior Prep up across the St Stithians College campus - the JP to Matric Journey captured in one sunset image.

The annual JP to Matric Journey event celebrates those students who joined the Saints family in the Junior Prep and are now completing their education in matric. This year the Class of 2023 and their parents joined in this important rite of passage event. The journey through a child’s school years intimately involves both parents and students, and this visit back to where your journey began is both emotional and celebratory. It is a time for reflection and laughter about how much students have grown and developed. This is encapsulated in the JP to Matric Journey brochure, produced annually as a memento for all to enjoy. The first and last picture comparisons are always a light-hearted moment.

The JP to Matric Journey Brochure may be downloaded here.

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Our Matrics at the Gateway to the place where their journey began.

The event began with an address by Alistair Stewart and Gayle Harris who welcomed the students and spoke about importance of the moment. A surprise guest appearance from Mel Dace (the Class of 2023’s Junior Prep Head) was greatly enjoyed.

Mr Alistair Stewart, Head of Advancement

Mrs Gayle Harris, Head of the St Stithians Junior Prep

Mrs Mel Dace who was Head of the Junior Prep during the Class of 2023's time.

Old Stithains, Jackson Gondo, Asante Nxumalo and Lara Stockigt (All Old Stithian Association Committee members) also spoke of the wise choice parents made 13 years ago when choosing St Stithians as the place to educate their children. They encouraged the class to make education a life-long endeavour and to remain in touch with the school and be a part of the Old Stithian Community.

Old Stithian Asante Nxumalo addresses the Class of 2023.

Old Stithians Jackson Gondo and Lara Stockigt shared some words of inspiration with the Class of 2023.

Wonderful to have our Alumni as part of the event to inspire the 2023 cohort.

A moving tribute was also made on behalf of the matric class to Alison Viljoen who has been the librarian in the JP for 22 years and retires at the end of this year. Ethan Gondo thanked her for encouraging them to read and enjoy stories and handed over a book with her name in it to remain forever in the JP library (as do many of the books donated by the Class of 2023).

Mrs Alison Viljoen, our much-loved JP Librarian was honoured on the day.

Head Boy Ethan Gondo thanked Mrs Viljoen.

Head Boy Ethan Gondo handed over a gift of thanks to Mrs Viljoen.

The Matrics were then treated to a spirit cry performance, including a rendition of “The Best” by the colourful Grade R’s as well as the Blessing which all students know and remember from their time in the prep. Then both Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges sang their College war cry with much gusto and emotion.

The Junior Prep teachers’ love having these young adults back in their space. Students wonder how they ever fitted into the tiny chairs and tables, and Grade R students gaze with big eyes at these young adults who seem so wise and old!

Pictures with their teachers, climbing their old jungle gym and playing with the Grade R’s was endearing to watch. A small jar of sand from the sandpit was gifted to each student to remind them that in life, it’s important to keep playing. An advice wall with advice from Gr R’s to the matrics also caused much hilarity.

This event is looked forward to by many matrics and their parents and from their enthusiasm and enjoyment it is understood why. Good luck Class of 2023 and remember to make play a part of your life’s journey!