With Gratitude: A Celebration of Community, Legacy and Giving at Girls’ Prep
While our girls ordinarily attend Wednesday Chapel alongside their peers and teachers, this occasion welcomed parents, families, friends and volunteers to share in a meaningful morning of thanksgiving.
A particularly special tradition at Girls’ Prep is the "golden" spade, placed in our Chapel as a symbol of the many people who give generously of their time and talents throughout the year.
Volunteers are invited to tie a red ribbon onto the spade, creating a visual representation of the countless contributions that help our school community flourish. Each ribbon represents an act of service, whether through ongoing involvement, supporting an event, lending a helping hand or quietly making a difference behind the scenes.
The golden spade was then used during the rose planting ceremony, beautifully connecting the generosity of our community with the act of planting something that will continue to grow. It is a reminder that the time, care and commitment invested in our school today leave a lasting legacy for tomorrow.
The Girls’ Prep Promise
A significant moment was the sharing of the Girls’ Prep Promise by children and adults together for the first time. Carefully developed by our DTPRG (Diversity, Transformation Parent Reference Group) and staff teams, the Promise captures the essence of Girls’ Prep and our shared commitment to kindness, courage, integrity, compassion and belonging.
Beginning with “I” but ultimately creating a “we”, the Promise reminds us that every individual has a role to play in creating a school where every voice matters, every person is respected and everyone belongs.
Planting a Legacy
This year, rather than planting a new tree, the school began restoring a rose garden originally gifted by the Grade 7 Class of 1998.
Sixteen Saints’ Jubilee roses were planted, a variety introduced in 2013 to celebrate the College’s sixtieth anniversary. With deep red petals that soften into a cream centre, the roses carry a beautiful symbolism: every contribution, even from the edges of our community, reaches the heart of our school.
The restoration honours those who came before us while creating something meaningful for future generations, reflecting the spirit of Saints Journey – One Legacy.
Gratitude That Extends Beyond Our Gates
In keeping with the spirit of giving, Girls’ Prep once again chose to sponsor a high-school student through the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy Saturday School programme in place of presenting gifts to volunteers.
This gesture reflects our commitment to extending gratitude beyond our own community, investing in opportunities for others and ensuring that the spirit of giving continues to grow.
One Purpose. One Voice. One Community.
Our sincere appreciation goes to Mrs Mavuwa and Mr Young, our PTA Chair and Deputy Chair, Mrs Scorer, our Class Representative Convenor, and Dr Matshoba-Ramudzisi, our DTPRG Chair, together with every parent, volunteer, staff member and College team who contributes to the Girls’ Prep journey.
Our girls flourish when home and school work alongside one another. The trust, generosity and goodwill shared between our families and staff are among the greatest gifts we can give our children.
It takes a village to raise a child, and we are deeply grateful for ours.
Our hearts see your hearts.
