Schools That Rock asked a few questions to the leaders of St Andrew’s School for Girls, Marvelous Aderibigbe (Head Girl), Elena Mandić (Deputy head girl} and Andzani Mthenjane (Deputy head girl).
Question: What do you look forward to most when the 2021 school year starts? Elana: I am immensely looking forward to being back on-site and spending the last of my high school year with the girls in my school. The part I have always looked most forward to in matric is all the lasts. The last first day, the last Interhouse gala, the last assembly, and so on. I can just imagine the emotions that will be raging that day and I cannot wait to celebrate it as incredibly as possible. I am looking forward to ending off my high school journey on the right note and doing as much for the school as possible before I leave so that when I come back in five years, I can see the results. I am also looking forward to leading by example and inspiring the girls in the younger grades.
Question: Are there any changes or adjustments you would like to see happen at your school? Andzani: Of course. Changes always need to be made to develop regularly. This year we’ve made it our goal to be inclusive with an emphasis on transformation. Transformation isn’t something that has a clear, set conclusion but it is something we want to vigorously continue. So in short, the adjustments I’d like to see in the school include steps towards an inclusive, welcoming environment that all its members can call home as well as a willingness to change for the better; steps that are already beginning to happen.
Question: If you had to make a statement to convince someone that your school is the right choice, what would that statement be? Elana: I would state the following: “St Andrew’s has been my home away from home for as long as I have been here. I have found a deep love and a feeling of safety amoungst many of my teachers and peers. The sisterhood I have been able to be a part of has been my biggest blessing and I know that I will carry these friendships with me long after I finish high school. I have learned so much in this school academically as well as personally. The teachers, coaches, and the various heads of the school show abundant care towards the girls and are passionate about what they do. I know that this school has shaped me to be who I am today.”
Question: Who would you consider to be your role model at your school? Andzani: My role models have varied and continue to do so from year to year but they are, most commonly, some of my class teachers but more so the “newer” old girls which we call the young alumni.
Question: Which sport activity offered at your school is your favorite? Elana: My favorite sport offered by the school is tennis. I have a deep-rooted love for this sport and am highly appreciative of all the memories it has given me.
Question: What is your favorite meal? Marvelous: My favorite meal when I’m at home is a cheeseburger with a side of chips. I’m also a boarder, so my favourite meal in the boarding house is chicken strips and pasta salad.
Question: Which career choices are you considering after school? Andzani: I’m considering studying in a field related to life sciences such as ecology. I also considered other scientific fields such as botany and veterinary science, however, a part of me is still curious about engineering and the built environment.
Question: Which university do you want to attend next year? Marvelous: I want to go to the University of Cape Town to study medicine. I love Cape Town and I feel that I will flourish at that university.
Question: Do you have a message for your fellow pupils for 2021? Marvelous: We didn’t start the year as we hoped to but I encourage you to keep a positive attitude and give it your best. At the end of the day, this is our final high school year so it’s important to enjoy every moment no matter what happens.