Head Prefect 2023. In our series on schools’ head leaders for 2023, Schools That Rock chat with Sibongakonke Dlamini. Sibongakonke, Head Prefect for 2023 of Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School, tells us more about herself and her leadership.
“I would describe myself, above all else, as a lover of God. Without Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today, and I am eternally grateful for all He has done.
I am a sportswoman, a musician, and a friend, to name a few. I would like to think that my main duty as a Head Prefect is to represent our school as best as I can. Together with the prefect body, my wish is to grow, develop and advance the learners in our school promoting the GHS values and ethos.
As Head prefect 2023 I have set many personal goals for next year. Academically: To achieve a Bachelors pass with Distinctions. Also to get accepted to the university of my choice, for the course that I would like to study. Sports: To develop my netball skills, to become fit and play Netball on a Provincial level. Music: To play at the grade 7 level of music by the end of the year and to generally improve my skills as a clarinetist. Spiritually: Grow to know God on a more personal and intimate level. So, above all He can guide me in wisdom for the position He has given me in our school. Other: to make sure that the prefects of 2023 make a memorable and positive change, and leave a legacy at Girls’ High. Furthermore to leave the school a better place than it was before.
COVID-19 lockdown
Some of the challenges I faced as a learner at Girls’ High was the COVID-19 lockdown. In 2020 I was in Grade 9. For 6 months of the year, when the rest of my peers were doing online school, I was unable to due to the internet problems where I live. This meant that, when we went back to school, I had to catch up on all the work taught online. I also had to keep up to date with the new work that was being done.
There are so many things that stand out for me about Girls’ High. Firstly, it is the high standard of work. Educators help learners develop a good work ethic right from the beginning in Grade 8 which molds you for Grade 12. Secondly, the number of societies and sports offered at Girls’ High stands out the most for me. This exposes so many learners to new things and new opportunities. It also helps learners thrive in places other than the classroom. Girls’ High has learners representing the province in sports and cultural activities.
Ahmeadyn Claasen
Ahmeadyn Claasen is my inspiration. I also look up to Carl Simons as my mentor. Ahmeadyn Claasen was the Deputy Head girl at Girls’ High when I was in Grade 8. She inspires me to this day, because she is pursuing what she loves, hockey, and is working towards excellence. The amazing thing about her is that she remains humble. She is currently at the University of Stellenbosch, still pursuing her hockey career. I look up to her because I also want to make sure that in all my pursuits and successes that are to come, I stay humble and remember where I came from. I also appreciate all who have played a role in shaping who I am.
Carl Simons is my youth leader. He is my mentor because he has made sure that I am developing in Christ. He also made sure I am loved and loving others, and for doing so much more that a youth leader is expected to do. I appreciate his efforts and admire his commitment to our development.
If I were a kitchen article, I would be a knife. I would be used to prepare everything by chopping up the onions and tomatoes to make the food. And preparations are a very important key to success, which in this case would be a good meal!
I believe my friends would describe me as a person that is fun to be around. Also bubbly and goofy, and someone who loves to laugh and have a good time! Apart from this, I am clumsy as well. I rarely go out of my comfort zone, but I am working towards improving that! I love meeting new people and making friends. They might also describe me as a straightforward person. I also don’t like conflict; I like for it to be dealt with quickly so we can move on in peace.
Motivation
What motivates me to achieve my goals is my mother. She is such a powerhouse and making her proud is my main goal! I have shared my vision and goals for my future with her, and she supports me fully with everything.
As Head Prefect 2023, I would advise learners to become a part of Girls’ High and be a part of the Green Machine. They will become a part of a sisterhood and grow into the amazing GHS Culture. Furthermore they will have a space to find themselves in this community and develop themselves in the classroom, in a sport, in music and so much more. They will find friends to keep in high school, and possibly beyond, and be nurtured by the relationships built with some of the teachers.
My favourite teacher is Mrs van Rensburg, my accounting teacher. She has one of the biggest hearts for her work and for the learners she teaches. I have been in her accounting class for the past two years. We have built a great relationship that I will treasure for the rest of my life. She is a phenomenal teacher. I couldn’t ask for anyone else! I appreciate her so much.
My future goals are to make sure that we leave a legacy at Girls’ High. As leaders, we all have goals for our school; that will improve it for those to come after us. I hope that we are able to fulfil our roles to the best of our ability.
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