Jeppe Girls leading during uncertain times: ‘Doing It Together’ during the pandemic
2020 was a year filled with many lessons and many firsts. Although a leader in Matric looks forward to all the lasts on the sports field and in the cultural arenas, this time around it was the many firsts that will go into the annals of history.
Our choirs recorded virtual videos, the orchestra produced Miriam Makheba’s “PataPata” under lockdown, the traditional Matric dance was transformed into a High Tea, the chess girls competed on virtual platforms, the athletes took part in virtual fun runs and the Grade 11s heeded the President’s call to dance on Heritage day and filled the tarmac with the Jerusalema rhythm.
It was a year that required fast thinking, and adapting to new and uncertain conditions. It also prompted us to show a helping hand of empathy to ensure that no one was left behind because of circumstances beyond their control. It motivated us to live out our school motto, “Forti Nihil Difficilius” – Nothing is too difficult for the brave.
This also why we decided to embark on the journey of “Doing It Together”.
It was this slogan that we used to map out our chain of connections on the digital platforms during lockdown learning. Through the chain of connections between learners and RCL reps, RCL and councillors, councillors and teachers, we were able to make sure each Jeppe pupil had the necessary requirements to get through their school work at home. These connection chains gave us the ability to see, feel and develop a better understanding of each other’s obstacles so that we could offer the necessary support in providing food parcels, data bundles, academic and digital assistance as well as mental health care.
Lockdown learning made us thankful for our teachers, our friends and our family.
“Doing It Together” kept our spirits high during the days spent studying at home, as well as through the daily mask wearing and “no sharing and no hugging” days of the pandemic at school.
As leaders at our school, we have found that adapting to new situations is the most vital part for the sustainability of the human race. The quicker we adapt, the quicker we succeed.