Parel Vallei High School celebrates its 35th birthday with Founders’ Day today (Thursday 23 September).
The school opened its doors of education with 12 staff members and 190 Standard 6 and 7 (now Grade 8 and 9) learners in January 1986. One of the original staff members, Nolene Duvenage, still features on the staff complement as deputy principal. Since then, the school has grown to become a beacon of education, boasting 1 300 learners, 110 staff members and matric results and individual achievements, sports teams and drama productions that claim top positions annually.
“A vision of excellence in a changing world demands of us as custodians of the school, that we hold on to all that is good, continue to adapt as we move into the future, make timely adjustments to stay relevant and keep building forward,” said principal David Schenck.
“Our biggest wealth is our community and our people, and their investment in developing our learners in body, mind and spirit. Some of them are not with us anymore. It has become tradition that during our Founders’ Day ceremony we read the names of learners who passed away while they were at PV. This year we will also add the name of one of our teachers, Francois Visser.”
Duvenage is seen as one of the cornerstones that this school was built on. She made an immense contribution in her 35 years and will be dearly missed when she retires at the end of this year.
“I feel extremely proud of what this school has accomplished in such a short period of time and, true to PV’s character, I know the goal targets will move even further in the future to ensure excellence in a changing world,” she related.
Professor Johan van der Spuy, chairperson of the school governing body, said: “We are building on a strong foundation laid by dedicated staff and a culture of extra-mile service. It is an honour to be part of the next phase of progress and development that lie ahead for PV.”
Founders’ Day, to be celebrated online today, includes announcing the school’s Learner Council for 2022.
