St Stithians Online High School's First Assembly

History was made at this morning's assembly, as the Rector of St Stithians College, Mrs Celeste Gilardi, officially welcomed St Stithian's eighth school, St Stithians Online High School, to the St Stithians family, and celebrated the partnership with educational company, Valenture Institute.

Mrs Gilardi started her speech by saying, “History is made in a moment but lived for an eternity. This morning is a moment in your life history that will change not only your journey but the paths of the Valenture Institute and St Stithians College. It is my privilege, as Rector of St Stithians College, to officially welcome you to the St Stithians family. You are welcome, One and All.

The collaboration between the Institute and the College is a meeting of minds and values. St Stithians has always prided itself on being a South African school with a global reach. The Valenture Institute is a global school that prides itself on reaching the individual. It is through you, as the founder members of staff and learners of the St Stithians Online School, that we draw these threads together today.

You are the best and the brightest, Zooming your way into digital history this morning. You are the pioneers who will one day tell your grandchildren, or even your children, that you were there when the shape of education changed."  

Robert Paddock, CEO of Valenture, echoed this sentiment and praised the collaborative efforts of two proudly South African institutions.

Mrs Gilardi concluded with the folllowing, "I would like to end with two quotes that inspire me as I think of the start of the St Stithians Online School. Tennessee Williams is sharp and to the point: ‘Make voyages. Attempt them. There’s nothing else.’ But most importantly, Matsuo Basho reminds us: ‘Each day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.

On behalf of the St Stithians family of schools, welcome home. Let the journey begin."

For more information on our St Stithians Online High School, a co-educational online high school, in collaboration with Valenture Institute, that offers International GCSE, AS and A Levels, purpose-built learning and individualised support, click here.

#StrongerOneAndAll #HopeAndLight2021 #InspiringExcellence #SaintsOnline