Head Girls. In our series on schools’ head leaders for 2023 Schools That Rock chat to Johré Blommetjies. Johré, Head Girl of La Rochelle Girls’ High School in Paarl for 2023, tells us more about herself and her leadership.
“My elder sister, a proud product of La Rochelle Girls’ High School, introduced me to the school. So, long before I even became a Larrie, my desire and goal was to attend La Rochelle. I was eager for the transition from home to the hostel. I had high expectations and new opportunities beckoning in a new environment.
During my primary school days, I was not recognised as a leader. However, I have witnessed how La Rochelle empowers value-driven young women to own their futures. This has inspired me as a learner of La Rochelle. I believe, with the necessary nurturing and moulding, the school has equipped me with the necessary skills to succeed in my current role. Along with, I also have big shoes to fill. That is my sister, Jonicia’s legacy as the Deputy Head Girl of the Hostel. She was in matric during 2015.
Without a doubt I am an active learner in many school activities. When I am not pacing around the corridors, I am either running on the hockey turf, or I am sprinting on the track.
I do not shy away from establishing new friendships. Moreover, I find comfort and warmth when I am surrounded by those whom I love. I also believe in the words of William Arthur Ward: ‘A warm smile is a universal language of kindness.’ So, I surrounded myself with like-minded people. If need be, I will gladly share my smiles!
Personal goals
My personal goals for 2023? As the Head Girl of the school I am prepared to face the many challenges I will encounter during the year. I will focus on the enormous responsibility of representing a group of successful, intelligent and devoted Larries. I will be the microphone that raises their voices. In so doing, I will create more leaders for the future.
As Head Girl for 2023, I hope to create an atmosphere where all can flourish and where potential problems can be overcome. Also create an atmosphere where the Larries feel safe and where they know they are valued. Furthermore, I hope to engage with more schools in the community.
I hope to embody the Larrie pride, humility and integrity necessary to lead the school. And, with God’s grace, I hope to become a servant leader who will inspire my fellow Larries to do likewise. That will be the mark of a successful Matric group of 2023.
La Rochelle’s values of LOVE, ACCEPTANCE and RESPECT, amongst others, have shaped the person I am today and what I represent. I feel indebted, not only to return something, but also to leave a small mark of my presence. This, in turn, may prosper the Larrie community which I have grown to cherish.
For 2023 I wish to reinforce the discipline and respect for which La Rochelle is known. I would like to see the learners conforming to the values and traditions of La Rochelle. All of which – with the assistance of the Principal, Mrs Elsabé Conradie, as well as the staff – one cherishes as part of the 5-year journey at this prestigious and wondrous school.
Challenges
As a boarder, I was excited about the difference in routine and the experience I would discover at the hostel. However, even though I cherished every moment with my fellow sisters, I found it to be a great adjustment from having my own room to sharing a room with two or three other ladies. Then again, that is exactly what prepares you for life beyond school, as well as within a place of work, where you are exposed to people with different personalities, from different ethnic backgrounds, and different behavioural patterns. But, it is also this experience which will now stand me in good stead as the leader of the wider Larrie family.
What stands out most to me are the core values of La Rochelle Girl’s’ High School: LOVE, ACCEPTANCE, AND RESPECT. At La Rochelle, you enter as you are and emerge as a person who is proud of your uniqueness, having evolved into a person who will own their future. La Rochelle creates an all-inclusive environment in which anybody can feel welcome.
Here, lifelong friendships are established, and indelible memories are made. In this way, we become part of the 164-year-old Larrie chain. I now appreciate how Larries from all over the world still reminisce and recall the wonderful stories and memories made at this proud institution of learning.
Leiding en ondersteuning
Ek wil my ouers bedank vir hul onvoorwaardelike liefde, die leiding en die ondersteuning. Hulle doen dit, ongeag die situasie. Dit is juis hulle vertroue in en trots op my wat vir my die nodige selfvertroue gee om dinge aan te pak. Hul leiding t.o.v my interaksie met ander, my maniere, akademie, vriende, leierskap, beroeps- en universiteitskeuses, is alles te danke aan hulle.
As ek ‘n kombuisartikel kon wees, sal ek ‘n eierspaan wou wees. Net soos wat jy ‘n pannekoek, eier, omelette of flap jack versigtig moet optel, wil ek dit ook doen deur diegene om my, op te hef. Die eierspaan is nie noodwendig solied nie. Dit beteken dat foute kan insluip. Maar met die nodige onderskraging, is die fondament geskep vir my gesonde waarde-sisteem wat ek aan ander kan bied.
My vriendskappe
My vriendinne sê ek skenk baie aandag en moeite aan my vriendskappe. Miskien is dit omdat ek baie oplettend vir diegene rondom my is. Ek is geleer dat, as jy respek vir jouself het, jy respek vir jou mede-maats sal hê. Dit is vir enige besluite wat hulle neem, keuses wat hulle maak of hul perspektiewe wat mag verskil. My vriende wat my goed ken, weet ek is net so lief vir stories as wat ek daarvan hou om te praat. Daarom is raad gee, motiveer en na mense luister, van my sterkpunte.
I am not scared to learn from my failures. That is what motivates me to keep on going and improving. When others feel the need to point out my mistakes, that is when I am even more determined to do my best and to prove them wrong. When I am struggling with a matter, I turn to God for guidance. I remind myself that the position God has put me in, has been done with a purpose. I therefore hold my head high confidently and ask for God’s wisdom in the matter.
La Rochelle Girls’ High invites those who wish to become grounded in a fine set of values. Also those who have self-respect and humility, to enrol, so that they can flourish in a safe environment. Time spent on academics, culture and sport produces well-balanced young women. The sisterhood of Larries cherishes a united family. They show support for one another in all the facets of what La Rochelle offers.
Favourite teacher
Ms Kirsty Nel is my favourite teacher. She is a woman who fulfils her role as a teacher with pride and passion. Even though she might be regarded as a ‘young’ teacher, the learners have the utmost respect for her. She speaks the ‘universal language of kindness’ with her smile being so contagious! Her life is rooted in a sound set of values. She has become a role-model for many. It is an honour to call Ms Nel, my Dramatic Arts teacher, my teacher role model.
While wé might wish and desire certain things in life, I firmly believe that God has a plan for everyone. Our plans need to be aligned with the plans He has for us. I speak from experience. So, while I am embarking on my last year at La Rochelle Girls’ High School, I am looking to study a BA in Behavioural Sciences – Psychology and Sociology at the North-West University, or Theatrical Drama at Stellenbosch University.
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