The Ridge School Magazine 2020

GRADE 7M
40
VALEDICTORY 2020
At the onset of 2020, one of the mothers in 7M came
up to me and said “this is the Grade to watch, the boys
are different, they nudge at your heart and run away
with it”. I couldn’t agree with her more.
The year 2020 will go down in history as the year in which
humanity’s fault lines, and by default in our daily lives, were
exposed. The world was caught wanting. Yet, in all that
confusion, hope prevailed. As the burden of lockdown
came into full effect and the reality of the poverty into
which most of our fellow countrymen live played out on
national TV, the generosity of our
people was also made manifest.
From further afield, the unfortunate death of Mr Floyd
grew the global Black Lives Matter movement. The
beheading of a teacher in France, shook the world, but
from that regrettable event conversations about sensitivity
and acceptance were started and should continue long into
the future, with the ultimate understanding that violence
can and will never be the answer.
My dear valedictorians, my message to you today is one
of hope. HOPE being a feeling of expectation of things
to come. Better days are coming. Days where you will be
happy and free to do as you please once more. Here, at
The Ridge, we believe that the experience we offer is one
where being a boy is celebrated.
Where being naughty and brave is encouraged, where
pushing boundaries is accepted and cheered, where we
help you find your character and personality free of the
judgement of the world.
Although 2020 has been different, it did not go to total
waste. We saw you explore and work in ways we never
thought possible this time last year. We marvelled at
how you took the change in your stride and embraced it
fully. We were encouraged by your zeal for life and your
enthusiasm. You, the class of 2020, are our heroes. You,
dear boys, are the wind that carried us when days were
cold and bleak. You ushered in a new decade like no other
class before you. We will long remember your charity
drive at the Zoo lake at the height of the corona virus, the
Headmaster’s leadership program that you took on with
enthusiasm, the beautiful music at the online Founders’
Day, and the gracious and intimate Remembrance Day
service you hosted a couple of weeks ago.
Your generosity of spirit will be your legacy I hope 2020
will not be your annus horrobilis, a year to be forgotten.
That you will not be in a rush to go back to your old ways,
and put this year past you. But rather, for you it will be a
catapult from which you will launched your life. That it will
be a reference and a place for you to come back too, time
and time again, to reflect and source new strength from.
And lastly that you will learn to appreciate the freedom
that we have, the ability to make choices, and the beauty of
human connections so long taken granted.
Gentleman, since forever you have known that change
is inevitable, what you discovered this year is that it can
be swift and violent. Adapt anyway, and make the best of
the situation you are in. So, in conclusion I implore you
to live your truth, whatever that may be. Love humanity
passionately and, work hard and change yourself one day at
a time. Thank you.
Today, as I pay homage to my boys I choose to concentrate
on the qualities they exhibited throughout 2020.
MR MOTSEPE
7M
YUSUF
CASSIM
MICHAEL
VAN HEERDEN
ELLIOT
CROSS
A CELEBRATION
A time to look back on lessons learned and adventures we shared
bright moments filled with special meaning
A farewell, a time for saying goodbye to old friends and a time to
say hello to new friends, a time to remember the memories and a
time to make new memories.
The years have gone by in a blink of an eye and have been the
best times of my life.
YUSUF CASSIM
GENTLE
Some people touch our souls in amazing ways, they
remind us that it is not in the robust discussion and
rat race of life that we are fulfilled, but rather in the
quiet and beautiful personal moments that we share.
Yusuf, with a wicked sense of humour, has been
that person for us in 7M. We have appreciated your
person and wish that you would share that with the rest of the world.
A REFLECTION OF THE RIDGE AND SAYING FAREWELL
As I walk through the gate for the last time
I breathe in the greatness that surrounds me and my heart feels
heavy Knowing that this extraordinary school helped to shape this
life of mine I see all the familiar faces and places and I miss them
already
So many of them have touched my life.
Today I feel proud and I stand tall
But when I realize how fortunate we all are
I cannot help but to feel humble and small
I hope that I can one day look back on this incredibly journey
from afar And trace my steps back to where it all started – at this
special place.
MICHAEL VAN HEERDEN
PROFOUND
Dedicated, Diligent, Delightful. That is sweet old
Mike. The world over, there is no one as unique
as you are. So slim soos ‘n jakals, die seunkie is
net so vinning soos bliz in die water. He is as
bright as a diamond, delightful old Mike.
ODE TO RIDGE
My time here was fun,my time here was grand my time at the
ridge was anything but bland. Through memory lane I now will
stroll as I leave the ridge my heart takes a toll. Late afternoons
laughing at yahoo answers or early morning struggles to finish
homework and avert disaster losing old friends is going to be
rough but with enough effort we’ll keep in touch. Thanks for all the
memories.
ELLIOT CROSS
INTEGRITY
I am convinced that Elliot was born to be a
teacher, a master and guru of knowledge. His
insight into subjects that hold his interest is
beyond his years. His research skills are second
best to none of his mates. Watch this young man,
he has the making of an Einstein.