Kamoka Bush School
Team Kamoka
Stephen and Kerry Baytopp, who have succeeded the Doyle’s at Kamoka, have settled in well. Reflecting on the year, it has been, for many, an opportunity for growth, reflection and change.
Kamoka Bush School has had approximately 856 students through its doors and it has been an absolute pleasure to witness the change in each camper after they have immersed themselves in the challenges presented to them whilst on camp. All six St Stithians College camps (Girls College, Boys College, Girls Prep and Thandulwazi) have been tremendously successful, and this reinforces the fact that Kamoka is a unique platform where students can excel. We are very proud of everyone’s achievements.
Facilities at Kamoka
Other schools that have visited Kamoka this year are St Peter’s College, Montessori Africa, PEPPS College, Baobab Learning Centre. A girls' camp group from Alexander township also visited Kamoka. We would like to extend our thanks to John Barrow and Kate Doyle for generously sponsoring two of the aforementioned groups and to Pretoria Boys High, our biggest client, for their support.
We also appreciated visits from several Saints directors and the Rector. The variety of Saints staff accompanying the Grade 9s on their camps has been equally appreciated as was a visit from the previous Kamoka Director, Kate Doyle.
Facilities at Kamoka
Facilities at Kamoka
It has been a year of growth at the school itself, with new staff, new facilities and additions to the academic curriculum. The curriculum focuses on four learning areas: social, economic, ecological and political education. The FGASA modules are covered for both the Girls' College and the Boys' College. While it remains compulsory for the Girls College students, the Boys College have made it a “stand alone” option for their students.
We have also improved our relationships with our neighbours, and we have been able to secure additional property for hiking purposes, giving the students a true hiking experience. This experience has been received well by the students.
September saw a few major environmental incidents: fires and an intense wind. Unfortunately, a fire swept through Kamoka from the North, however, it was not a threat to the buildings nor was it a threat to any lives. The aftermath of the burn resulted in a migration of antelope from the Barrow's as they went in search of luscious green grass to eat.
There have beemn fires in the area but fortunately, no one was harmed
There have beemn fires in the area but fortunately, no one was harmed
A very intense wind tore the south-facing veranda roof off the top house: these intensities, we believe, are a sure sign of climate change.
Our staff outing this year was a Soweto tour on foot. Our guide, who was from Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, led us through areas where the old mine hostels were situated, through Vilakazi Street, while tasting traditional Umqombothi beer, chicken livers and chicken hearts. The tour was worthwhile, informative and packed with history and reminders of the atrocious Apartheid regime.
As far removed as we are from the main Saints campus, Kamoka carries through the promotion of health and fitness. Staff members actively participated in the 21 day challenge of no sugar and bread and we are encourage our staff to participate in the ostrich runs and the insanity fitness programme. This endorses our philosophy of active leadership.
Our relationship with Phagameng High School and Marie Day Care centre (MDC) in our local community is improving enormously as the association between themselves, Kamoka and St Stithians College continues. Marie Day Care have received donations from the Thrift shop sales to install a gate to their entrance for security purposes. The donation, received from a Canadian School, was used to buy Marie Day Care a laptop and 3-in-1 printer that they identified as a priority for their business.
Kamoka Bush School is doing well and we look forward to welcoming more Saints students soon.
