ANNUAL MAGAZINE - Dominican Convent School

uncommon leadership
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD BOY
“Every Man is
the Architect of his Own Future”
Family and friends of Dominican Convent: good
morning. It’s been a journey, a journey which
as far as 11 years ago began with us taking our
first steps onto the path of education. Young,
and with little expectations, we learned from the many
experiences which shaped and prepared us for the
second step which for us ends today – High School.
Meja ha e rutanwe, ho rutanwa ditlhare, which means “Every man
is the architect of his own future”, a Sotho saying which, now
more than ever, relates to those about to embark on the journey
of constructing their dreams, a saying which relates to us. Let’s
think back to our first day of High School: think about how we
barely knew each other and merely expected to become friends;
think about how we sat in our first lesson, unaware of the impact
the educator standing before us would have in our lives as the
years would progress.
My peers – look around you and notice how our friendships with
one another have grown stronger. We have a group of people in
whom we trust, seek advice and comfort, with whom we share
memories and now regard as a brother or sister. May the years
never break these bonds as we grow older.
What was once a dream is now a reality, with support from
loved ones, prayer, devoted teachers, hard work, and despite the
difficulties we each encountered at various stages, together we’ve
managed to cross our Rubicon. An experience we share each year
is that new friendships come knocking on our door when loved
ones depart, and problems, conflicts and obstacles have one thing
in common: a solution.
Matrics of 2012, remember that our outings, group work,
research, social and school events, charity work, classroom
lessons and our friendship, are all moments which shall forever
be engraved in our hearts and minds. May we all fulfill our goals
and may the Lord be with us today and always.
I would like to make use of this once-in-a-lifetime moment to
show our most sincere gratitude towards our parents, educators,
the school and our mentors. What is important from here
onwards, is that we maintain our focus and refrain from activities
which will only ruin our chances of attaining our goals.
“Aluta continua”, popular words by the first president of Angola,
which mean “The fight continues”.
Tsela tshweu, ke le lakaletsa mahlohonolo selemong se thang le tse tla
latela seo – Good journey, I wish all of you the best of luck for next
year, and those that follow after.
CARLOS BelCHIOR
FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD GIRL
“Explore. Dream. Discover”
Good morning Father Ron, the Dominican
Sisters, Mr Thiel, educators, matrics, fellow
learners, and ladies and gentlemen who have
come to join our congregation this morning.
It is a great pleasure to be standing here among you, looking
down on the candidates who may lead this school in the coming
year. I am reminded of the moment we too, as the current prefect
group, sat anxiously waiting to hear our names being called.
Now, a year later, I stand on behalf of the outgoing prefects, to
pass on the light of leadership that was passed on to us from the
previous group, that as new prefects you may continue to shine it
lovingly and the work done by all your predecessors, dating back
to 2001, may flourish as you, too, grow as leaders.
“So the grand oaks grow that once were acorns, so the grand deeds too
that once were only dreams.” (Mirianne Farningham)
We are honoured to have led such a great group of people, that
have taken our little dreams and nourished us to the grand
leaders you see today. So to Dominican, a place I’ve called home
for the past five years, I thank you, as a whole, for the lessons that
you have bestowed on me, the outgoing prefects and the matrics
of 2012. Thank you for the morals of God, respect, integrity,
excellence, love, faith and charity. I hope that in our journey
forward we may not forget the foundation that will hold up the
structure we create for ourselves.
Thank you to the Church, for reminding us of Jesus, an
exemplary leader, who may have chosen to rule as a high king,
but instead chose to come down from heaven to become a
servant to men. I hope that the lessons of Christian leadership
may again be reflected in the group to follow.
To the teachers: God often uses small matches to light great
torches. It is because of you that even the greatest of greats are
where they are today. We are all thankful for your knowledge,
patience and love. A pillar of strength in our greatest trouble,
your work in perfecting us will be remembered. May you
continue changing the lives of those you teach, and giving hope
to those who have none.
To all the executive members, the current prefects and matrics
of 2012: words cannot begin to explain my gratitude for your
phenomenal support, your friendship and the moments I spent
with you. As you prepare for the future, remember the words of
Mark Twain when he said:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things
you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.”
To those who did not get chosen: remember that when a door of
opportunity closes, another one opens. Leadership is a character
within and is not defined by the position you hold. So therefore, I
urge you to continue being the leaders you are, for greater things
await you in the future.
To the new prefects: it is said that a man can lose his health, but
a man who loses his character has lost himself. Do not let your
position change who you are. Lead with integrity and respect,
because one cannot lead others where they have not been
themselves. Be an example to those you lead and a reflection to
those who’ve led you, and as you prepare for the new year I leave
you with these words, found in the greatest book of wisdom, the
Bible, 1 Timothy 4:12:
“Do not let them look down on you because you are young, but be an
example to the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and
in purity.”
MPHO RADEBE
uncommon leadership
8 Dominican CONVENT SCHOOL 2012
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