Schools That Rock asked Carina Faria, One of the Chair Persons from Marais Viljoen High School in Alberton, a few questions.
Question: What do you look forward to most when the 2021 school year starts? I am really looking forward to welcoming the new Gr8’s into Marais Viljoen – I can’t wait to meet them and show them what our school is all about. I miss my friends dearly. A lot of them I have not seen since November 2020 and it would be so nice to see their faces again (the top half that is 🙂 Most importantly, I cannot wait to start my last year of my school career. I’m eager to make new friends, help in leading the management team, and striving towards the accomplishments that will pave a road for my near future. I pray that school may get back to normal as soon as possible. I would love for my last year to be spent enjoying all our school events, traditions and sport tournaments.
Question: Are there any changes or adjustments you would like to see happen at your school? I agree with the school rules currently. However, if I were to make any adjustments, I would make the attendance of sports tournaments compulsory for the whole school. This may sound unrealistic, but supporting one’s school, enforces unity and pride, and encourages learners to take part in school events. I would implement sports codes that we do not yet have, such as soccer, dance and other water sports. I feel that it would give many learners the privellege to showcase and improve their skills here at Marais. It would also be good for the school’s representation, as I believe we have many talented sports stars waiting for their time to shine.
Question: If you had to make a statement to convince someone that your school is the right choice, what would that statement be? If you are looking for discipline and a brotherhood, Hoërskool Marais Viljoen is the place to be. I remember being postively surprised when I was in grade 8- The level of respect that the school enforces is greatly admirable. It is very rare to find a school in which you feel accepted regardless of the numbers on your report. Here, the school traditions, events, friendly faces and dedicated teachers make you feel part of a family. Marais has a great academic reputation, as well as a strong cultural pillar and an excellent strive in sport. ‘Die skool funksioneer nie in isolasie nie, Marais Viljoen is deel van die gemeenskap en sulks is daar verskeie deurlopende projekte wat aangepak word. Akademie, Sport en Kultuur is vir ons ewe belangrik en word ook so hanteer. Daarom voel ons dat elke leerder, afhanklik van sy/haar talente, by ons gelukkig sal wees’!
Question: Who would you consider to be your role model at your school? My role model is none other than my friend, Brooklyn Harvey. She was elected as the Hoerskool Marais Viljoen 2021 Deputy Head Girl and I agree that there was no one else as deserving of this position as this wonderful girl. Brooklyn has always been one to excel in the things she sets her mind on. She is mature, understanding and determined. She doesn’t allow her failures to get the best of her, but rather embraces them as learning opportunities. She has shown me that in spite of the obstacles we may face, success is avaliable to all those that work hard, prioritise and believe in their capabilities. I will forever remember Brooklyn as someone who always had a smile on her face, and ready to show the world what she was made to do.
Question: Who would you consider to be your role model at your school? To play, I am a huge fan of netball. I’ve played netball for the school for 3 years and action netball for 2. Not only do I love the game, but I am appreciative of all the things that come with being part of a team: a sisterhood, compassion and dedication to the people that rely on you. In addition, I love to watch a good game of rugby. My portuguese family are humorously disappointed with my lack of interest in soccer, but what can I say- Handré Pollard makes rugby look like a piece of cake.
Question: What is your favourite meal? I eat just about anything! Coming from a european home, we have many of our traditional dishes that I am a huge fan of; such as Bacalhau Abraz (Shredded codfish) and Arroz Doce (rice pudding). However, I love the food that comes with being a South African: Braai, milktert and sosaties are hands down, a tummy-filler. Pasta and Pizza are another two of my downfalls!
Question: Which career choices are you considering after school? Going into matric, this is currently the thing that has been occupying my mind most. I have three options- my father always told me not to put all my eggs in one basket. To start off, watching children grow and develop fascinates me. I would love to be a foundation phase educator. I truly stand for the fact that you can completely change a child’s life by altering his or her early growing stages and learning blocks. I want to make an impact. That is why my other option is to become a child physcologist. This goes hand in hand with my choice to go into the teaching field. My last option, which branches off a little from the others, but equally as suited for myself, is to major in English. I have always been a lover of languages. I’m fascinated by poetry, novels, writings and all the history that comes with it.
Question: Which university do you want to attend next year? I will be applying to universities close to my home, as it is more affordable for my family. I shall be applying to the University of Pretoria, Wits University, University of Johannesburg, North-West University and the Tshwane University of Technology. My only exceptions that are away from home are currently in Cape Town as I have family there. This includes the University of Cape Town, and Stellenbosch University. I am praying that my academic excellence allows for bursaries in the above mentioned universities. However, I am not worried, for God provides and shall lead me onto the path he has set for me.
