Schools That Rock asked a few questions to Marsel du Preez, Head Prefect of Glenwood High School in Durban.
Question: What do you look forward to most when the 2021 school year starts? I am looking forward to hearing voices on the empty corridors again. I am looking forward to the interaction with our boys again; their humour, mischief and energy. I am most definitely looking forward to the sport meetings and the war cry’s performed by our very own boys along with our wonderful band.
Question: Are there any changes or adjustments you would like to see happen at your school? We are going to adjust our timetable to include a wellness programme for staff and boys. Our school leaders will also be working hard to get around our circumstances to insure that our boys as well as our staff stay motivated through these tough times.
Question: If you had to make a statement to convince someone that your school is the right choice, what would that statement be? Green is Gold. The school where every boy is encouraged to demonstrate authentic masculinity traits,with his brothers in green beside him every step of the journey.
Question: Who would you consider to be your role model at your school? Mr Hortop, who has been here for over 40 years and is still passionate about educating boys.
Question: Which sport activity offered at your school is your favourite? The one where 30 players chase a ball and then kick it away – rugby.
Question: What is your favourite meal? I am a meat lover; anything as long as it is meat.
Question: Which career choices are you considering after school? I am between a chiropractor and the study of psychology.
Question: Do you have a message for your fellow pupils for 2021? Pupils of 2021. Let us not look at our yesterdays or even our tomorrows. Let us focus on the present because at the end of the day that is all we have. Let us make 2021 a year of devine restoration and let us keep building on the Green Machine’s rich legacy. At present we are going through a crisis but let us remember a promise of God’s word in Psalms 23 verse 4 where David states: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”. You see pupils of 2021, this is not the year where you should be all about me, myself and I but rather focus on your relationship with God and each other so that we can stand together as one through these tough times. We will need to remember to stay safe but also move together to make Glenwood High School still a better place, and life still a worthier thing. Covid didn’t stop us, pupils of 2021, it just slowed us down and we need to be ready to accelerate again soon.
