John Walton Secondary School, commonly known as “Mama Walton” will be celebrating her Jubilee year during 2023.
This community school was established during 1973, under the very able and astute leadership of the late Gordon Jenniker. In an extract from the school’s 21st anniversary brochure he stated: “We were blessed to become a family – brothers and sisters drawn by a common dream, a united vision and striving to create a community; one community in which we all, teachers and scholars could be enriched”.
“During all these years, our school had very good teachers that would sacrifice a lot in order to make it possible for our learners to achieve and definitely, our learners did achieve,” said Philip Joseph, marketing head: John Walton 50th anniversary committee.
“Academic achievements were further complimented with very good sports and cultural performances with many reaching the top echelons of their sports.”
According to Joseph, the Mama Walton’s community anniversary celebrations are in advanced stages of planning for next year’s festivities starting as early as next Monday, 5 December with a pre-50th Mini Carnival which will serve as an awareness campaign as well as a fundraiser.
Next year on 25 January 2023 the programme will start with a bang by hosting the Mama Walton golf-shirt launch. Some of the other festivities include: Miss Freshette (6 February); Musical Extravaganza (26 April); Sports weekend with Graaff Reinet’s Spandau, Cradock’s Michausdal, Uitenhage High’s “Bye” renewing great rivalries. Rugby, Netball and other codes will see yesteryear and current learners playing (27 April – 29 April); Church Service (30 April); Golf Day (1 May); and further events in June and September 2023.
The school is calling on current and ex-learners and teachers to get involved in order to make next year extra special and memorable.
