Welcome back to a new school year. We are excited to welcome all our families, educators and scholars back at school. The beginning of the new year brings a renewed energy for setting goals, reflecting on the previous year, and embracing new opportunities.
2023 Highlights
2023 was a year filled with many highlights. We could not be more proud of our scholars for their hard work and dedication over the past year.
Well done to our Grade R scholars
At the beginning of 2023, we welcomed our Grade R and 1 scholars, with some beginning their first year in primary school. These young scholars entered a new environment with excitement and a bit of anxiety. However, they did not allow it to deter them from graduating at the end of the year. It was all joy and excitement when the little ones graduated and moved to the next chapter of their foundation phase—well done to all our Grade-R scholars for persisting and achieving their best in 2023.
Grade 7 scholars move to high school
Our Grade 7 scholars, some of whom have been with SPARK since Grade R, bid farewell to primary school and celebrated in style. These scholars showed tenacity throughout the year and worked hard on their academics and building relationships with others. We are so proud of these scholars for putting in the hard work, and we hope as they move into high school, they continue with the values they’ve learned at SPARK, especially kindness. We hope they will be kind to themselves and others as they transition. We understand that high school can be a challenge initially, but it will also be an opportunity for growth, self-discovery and making new friends. We can’t wait to see all of you thriving.
Matric class of 2023
In 2023, SPARK High School celebrated its first cohort of matriculants—a remarkable achievement. Despite facing learning gaps due to the challenges posed by COVID-19, these matriculants, along with their dedicated educators, worked tirelessly to ensure a successful matric year. Their matric farewell was a joyous occasion, and we eagerly await their results, wishing them the best in their future endeavours.
SPARK Soweto Wins World’s Best School Prize
In November 2023, SPARK Soweto achieved global recognition as the world’s best school for community collaboration. This win was a big highlight for SPARK Soweto’s parents, employees, scholars, and South Africans. SPARK CEO and Co-founder Stacey Brewer emphasised SPARK’s mission to empower scholars, teachers, and the community, lighting the way to a brighter future together.
What the new school year brings
As the new school year begins, parents should look at the past year to reflect on all the wins and how they could better assist their children in succeeding in this new year.
Set realistic goals as a family to have a clear vision for this year and what you all want to achieve. Be supportive of your children’s holistic development and constantly check in with them on how far they are on their goals.
Begin the year with a positive mindset, and forget about what didn’t or should have happened in the previous year so you can focus all your attention on the positive things this year can bring you. We know that worrying about your child is normal, especially for those parents whose children are either starting or attending high school and university. However, with your consistent support, nothing can stop your children from achieving their best.