QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

J U L Y 2 0 2 1

The second quarter of 2021 has had us all in the midst of in-betweens. With scholars having returned to school full time yet delays on academic results, with the excitement of school sport starting up to not being allowed to compete in sporting league, with the excitement of the roll out of vaccinations only to be placed on another lockdown.

The little in between moments have been the most important. Our face-to-face goal setting sessions with scholars, outings to Rush with Grade 12 and 11, quick milkshakes and coffee dates after and before school. Every in between smile, elbow graze, glimmer of eye- contact is the motivation and inspiration we need to keep going, the perfect motivation to continue running the race. “In the space between chaos and shape there was another chance”- Jeanette Winterson. The scholars, as always rise to the challenge, set goals that are attainable and as Nike’s slogan reminds us, they “just do it” - taking hold of the between spaces and using them as second chances to improve, grow and mature.

This quarter has been busy and full, yet we acknowledge for some it has bought heart ache and further anxiety. We would like to offer condolences and health wishes to all that have lost close family members during this time, some related to COVID-19 and others maybe not. Our prayers, thoughts and support go out to each one of you.

The latest trending artist from America’s Got Talent Season 16 mentions that amidst her struggles with cancer; “You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy”- Night Birde. Our hope is that amidst this trying time, we find moments in the space between for more happy.

With best wishes and grateful thanks,

The Spirit Education Foundation team SCHOLAR OUTINGS

Spirit Education Foundation Grade 11's and Grade 12's enjoyed afternoon outings this term at Rush Trampoline Park. Away from the serious business of studying, projects and assignments, it was time for scholars between our different schools to reconnect, let their hair down and jump away the second term stress of exams, test weeks and assignments.

GRADE 9 SUBJECT CHOICE WORKSHOP Making Grade 9 subject choices can be a stressful process. Selecting the right subjects to study, is a decision which is important for their future and can ensure that learners are able to further their studies after school – if they wanted to. No wonder the pressure is on! The Grade 9 Subject choice workshop gives scholars an insight into the fields of study, and the subject requirements for those particular fields. The workshop looks at the 7 steps to making an informed decision so that the process is not merely an 'eenie- meeni-miny-mo' game. The workshop aims to equip learners with good decision making strategies that they can use in the future. The career they choose now might look very different to the one they actually decide to go into however it is important to select the subjects that align with their strengths and passions. Our hope is for each scholar to realise their potential, follow their passions and not just the career that makes the most money, and equip themselves with the 4IR and 21st century skills required for the future workforce in our country. YOUTH WEEK CAMPAIGN - RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Spirit Education Foundation scholars contemplated the equal importance of

knowing and standing up for their rights, as well as the personal

responsibility that goes along with each of those rights. Scholars reflected

on these rights and responsibilities in our Youth Week campaign. VUMA #FEET4FEES YOUTH DAY RUN

OPOSTn Youth LOCKDOWN Day, Wednesda yHIKE 16 June, members of the Spirit Education Foundation team, Saskia Wiese and Paula Wallace- Pickering, took part in the Spirit Education Foundation Vuma #Feet4Fees Youth Day run, in a 21.1km route passing nine of the Spirit Education Foundation partnership high schools. We were a total of 19 runners, made up of Spirit Education Foundation staff, as well as educators from High School, Wynberg Boys' High School, Wynberg Girls' High School, friends and Spirit Education Foundation scholars.

The run started at at 08:30 where we were sent off by principal Mr Dave Campbell. At Westerford we were welcomed and supported by scholars and parents giving us the best starting boost to keep on going! At SACS, Principal Mr Brendan Grant met us with virtual high fives and encouragement. The run to Claremont High School was a quiet one as the road ahead was looking long.. but as we got nearer we were greeted with warm cheer with a group of scholars and parents who stood waiting for us at the turn off to the school. Halfway never felt so great! A quick photo, wine gums and water sped us off to Wynberg Boys' High School, where three scholars laced up and joined the run. At the top of a long uphill Mains Avenue, we were joined by Wynberg Girls' High School Principal, Jennifer Wallace, and Finance Director, Julie de Villiers, along with Jenn’s beautiful golden retriever, Brody. The Wynberg Boys' High School running club joined the run at Wynberg Boys’ making for a lovely addition to the pace and comradery. Thank goodness for the downhill to Wynberg Girls’ High School to freshen our legs, where we were joined by more Wynberg scholars. At Norman Henshilwood more scholars and parents were there to support and another Spirit scholar joined in the run. Across to South Peninsula High School and ending off at Bergvliet High School, with excited welcome from Spirit scholars, parents and families, as well as Bergvliet High School Principal Stephen Price. A big thanks to Matthew Edley from Vuma who cycled the route with the group ahead and Spirit Education Foundation Alumnus Becky Leighton who stuck with the back group on her bicycle along the route.

The entire run from Pinelands High School to Bergvliet High School stretched 21.1km. Jelly legs, exhausted, thirsty, and sweaty, yet coming into Bergvliet High school we were joined by an excited group of scholars and their families running the final lap with us, making every step and km worth it. Our hearts could not have been fuller. Huge thanks to PURA Soda for assisting with the perfect post run beverages, to BuchuLife for the wonderful contributions to our runners' packs and to Vuma for the generous sponsorship. Warm thanks to the school staff and principals for the enthusiastic support, in particular to Bergvliet High School for use of their school field for the race finish. And last but by no means least, special thanks to our Spirit Education Foundation scholars and families who supported the event on the day. 21km, and over R21 000 funds raised towards the education and support of Spirit Education Foundation scholars - an event most definitely to be repeated in 2022! VOICES FOR CHILDREN

Grade 9 Spirit Education Well done to Spirit scholar Foundation scholar Andisiwe Biko from Wynberg Brandi Ryland serves as a Girls' High School for becoming Child a brand ambassador for Mama Government Monitor for Flo - an organisation raising the Commissioner for funds and awareness to end Children - and was Period Poverty in Site B, recently promoted to , Cape Town. Advisory Council of Child Commissioner, Western Cape. In a live radio discussion with Premier Alan Winde; the official spokesperson of Stellenbosch University, Martin Viljoen; and the children's Commissioner broadcast on Stellenbosch University Radio (Maties MFM) on Youth Day, Wednesday 16 June, Brandi spoke on behalf of the children of the Western Cape, expertly highlighting the disparity between privileged and disadvantaged schools, in terms of access to mental health resources, as well as the need to destigmatize mental health through education and implementation of policies within schools. Well done Brandi!

Congratulations to Spirit Scholar Lukhanyo Mtiki from Claremont High School who is serving on the junior parliamentary council for the Western Cape. "Junior Parliament is an initiative to bring the ideas and voice of youth to the authority figures. The programme is spread across three phases: Phase 1 is our training, Phase 2 is a parliamentary tour and a debate with the members of parliament, Phase 3 is job shadowing with the candidates where we will spend a day in the shoes of the ministers." Well done to Lukhanyo!

DONOR SPOTLIGHT Warm welcome and grateful thanks to new donors Suzako Trading who are sponsoring six Spirit Education Foundation scholars at Claremont High School from 2021. We look forward to a wonderful partnership in building our nation through Crew for a Cause (www.crewforacause.co.za) currently sponsor five education. scholars at the Spirit Education Foundation. Through their network of members, Crew for a Cause are providing for the education and support of Spirit scholars at Wynberg Girls', Claremont High, Wynberg Boys' and Norman Henshilwood High School. We are so grateful for the support and individual interest in each scholar. The Spirit Education Foundation values the contribution of our wonderful donors - both corporate and individual. 100% of donations made are used for the school fees and other direct scholar costs of our programme beneficiaries. Grateful thanks to each of our loyal donors for the enormous investment you are making into the lives and futures of the worthy scholars in our programme.