From the Desk of the Principal
Term 1 in Review: A Foundation of Excellence
As we close the books on the first term, it’s a pleasure to look back on a period marked by focus, dedication, and achievement in the classroom. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to establish a strong academic foundation, and we have been impressed by the commitment shown by our students. From engaging classroom discussions to the rigorous completion of the first round of formal assessments, the pursuit of knowledge has been evident throughout the school. We extend our gratitude to our parents for their partnership in supporting this vital academic work at home.
This academic drive has been beautifully complemented by a vibrant term of extra-murals. Our sports fields have been alive with the spirit of competition, our cultural societies have sparked creativity, and our service groups have demonstrated the power of compassion in action. The energy at fixtures, the audiences at our productions, and the quiet dedication in our service projects have all proven that our school is a community that learns and grows both inside and outside the classroom. To the parents who have transported, cheered, and volunteered—thank you for being the backbone of these opportunities.
My challenge to our students this term was this: find your “extra.” Find the thing that makes you feel more fully yourself. Find the activity that teaches you something about the world, and about you, that you can’t learn from a textbook. And if you’ve already found it, find a way to support someone else in theirs. We have been thrilled to see so many of you rising to meet this challenge, and we thank the parents and staff who have encouraged and facilitated this exploration.
Looking Ahead to Term 2: The Road Ahead
As we prepare for the second term, the focus will sharpen. For all students, Term 2 is a period of significant academic consolidation. The mid-year exams are a major milestone, providing a crucial opportunity to demonstrate a deep and comprehensive understanding of the year’s work to date. It is a time to build on the foundation laid in Term 1, to identify areas for growth, and to solidify good study habits. We ask parents to partner with us in encouraging a structured and focused approach to study during this time.
This is especially true for our Grade 12 class. For our Matriculants, these mid-year exams are your first full-scale rehearsal for the final exams. They are a critical indicator of your progress and will help shape your final preparation strategy. We urge you to approach this term with the seriousness and determination it deserves. Your teachers are ready to support you, but the drive and discipline must come from within. Parents, your encouragement and a calm, supportive home environment during this time are invaluable.
However, even as we head into this intense academic period, let us not forget the reference I made in a recent assembly. I stated that Academics is the foundation, but the walls and roof are built by something else, the things beyond the curriculum. The “walls and the roof” of our school must remain strong. We encourage our students to continue their extra-mural participation. The resilience they build on the field, the teamwork they learn in a choir, and the focus they develop in a club are not distractions; they are the very skills that will help them manage stress, maintain perspective, and perform at their best during the exam period. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about integrating them to become the well-rounded, resilient, and successful individuals we are here to develop. We trust that parents will continue to see the immense value in this balanced approach.
Because our goal here isn’t just to produce students with great report cards. Our goal, in partnership with you, is to develop young people of character. Young people who are resilient, committed, compassionate, and brave. Young people who know how to lead, how to follow, and how to care.
And that, as a school community, is the most important lesson of all.
We wish all our students, parents, and staff a restful and rejuvenating break. We look forward to welcoming you back for a productive and successful second term.
Mr Andrew Holliday
Essential, not “Extra” – The Other Half of Education
(Adapted from the Principal’s Address – Assembly 10 March 2026)
I want to start by posing a question to our entire school community—students, parents, and staff. When you think about our school, what comes to mind? Is it just the classrooms, the textbooks, the exams, and the marks?
For many of you, I hope the answer is a resounding “no.” Because while academic excellence is the core of our reason for being here, it is only one part of the story. It is the foundation, but it isn’t the whole building. The walls, the roof, the rooms that make this place a home for growth—those are built by something else: our extra-mural activities.
I’m talking about the roar of the crowd on the sports field, the hush of concentration in a drama rehearsal, the focused energy of First Aid training, or the strategic debate.
For too long, we’ve been told that these things are “extra,” as in “optional extras” and maybe you can only afford to do them if your marks are good enough. I am here today to tell you that they are not extra. They are essential.
Think about it. When are we truly teaching our children about character? It’s not usually in a trigonometry lesson.
It’s on the hockey field, in those last few minutes, when a player is exhausted, and the other team is pushing hard. Do they give up, or do they find that last reserve of energy and commitment to defend their line? That’s where resilience is forged.
It’s in the choir, when they’re learning a difficult piece. They have to listen, not just to their own voice, but to the voices around them. They have to blend, to support, to be in tune with others. That’s where we learn teamwork and empathy.
It’s in Major Production, where a student has to stand on a stage and be vulnerable, to become a character that isn’t them, and to tell a story that might move someone in the audience. That’s where we learn courage and self-expression.
And it’s especially true in our service initiatives—whether it’s providing First Aid, or organising a food drive. When our young people give their time to someone else, when they see a need in our community and step up to fill it, they are learning the most powerful lesson of all: that they have the power to make a difference. That’s where we learn compassion, responsibility, and what it truly means to be a leader.
To the star sportsman or woman who thinks their value is only in the points they score: your real value is in the dedication you show in practice, the way you encourage a teammate who’s down, and the sportsmanship you show to your opponents. That’s the character that will last long after your final game.
To the set artist who works quietly on their own: the discipline you build, and the beauty you bring to stage—that is just as important as any test score.
And to every single student: You don’t have to be the lead in the play or the captain of the first team to find your place. You can show your support. When you stay after school to watch a game, when you buy a ticket to the school musical, when you congratulate a classmate on a win or a performance, you are weaving yourself into the fabric of this school. You are building a culture of caring. You are saying, “I see you, I support you, and we are in this together.”
Latest News
Head of Department of Commerce appointment
The management team announces the appointment of Mr Gavin Crighton as Head of the Commerce Department. He succeeds Mr De Wit, who retired last year.
Congratulations to Mr Crighton on his appointment, and we wish him well in his new role.
Miss Teen Fourways
Congratulations to Omphile Matlhaku, who recently participated in the Miss Fourways pageant and was awarded the title of First Princess—an achievement that reflects her confidence, discipline, and dedication.
We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment, which embodies the values our school strives to instill in all learners.
Shadow Evening – RocoMamas
An enjoyable evening of fundraising was held in support of the SDP at our RocoMamas Shadow Evening. Our councillors swapped their blazers for aprons and hairnets as they took on roles in the kitchen and assisted with serving and clearing tables.
It was a lively and successful event, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and supported the initiative.
Geldhof Hamper Winner
Congratulations to Elaine Naidoo on winning the raffle hamper, generously sponsored by Geldhof Chocolatiers, in support of our volleyball teams.
We extend our sincere thanks to Geldhof Chocolatiers for their generous donation and valued support of our programme.
Culture News
Individual Public Speaking
We are delighted to celebrate an outstanding achievement in the Grade 12 Individual Public Speaking round. Representing Fourways High School with confidence, poise, and eloquence, Amisha Jivan competed against strong opposition from Brescia House School, Dainfern College, Hoërskool Linden, and Acudeo College Crystal Park.
Top Honours for Amisha Jivan
Amisha was awarded a prestigious A+ symbol for her exceptional performance.
Congratulations, Amisha, on this remarkable achievement—we are incredibly proud of you.
Public Speaking
On Thursday, 12 March 2026, the Grade 12 Public Speaking team competed against St Stithians Boys and Girls College, Crawford International, and St David’s Marist Inanda.
The Grade 12 open team—Suraj Sukhu, Suri Naidoo, Kenewang Makgati, and Kirthavia Munthree—presented on the topic “The Past is a Foreign Country” and achieved an A symbol. Congratulations to the team on this result.
Sports News
All Sports Day – Allen Glen
A sincere thank you to Allen Glen High School for making the trip and bringing such fantastic energy to the games. Congratulations to all the teams who participated on 20 March—your enthusiasm and sportsmanship made the day a great success.
Netball
Congratulations to Lesedi Mahlangu, Tadiwanashe Nxumalo, and Cleopatra Mazibuko on their outstanding achievement of being selected to represent the U19 North Western Gauteng Netball Team.
The players will take part in the South African Interprovincial Tournament taking place from 20–24 March 2026. This selection is a significant accomplishment and reflects their dedication, hard work, and commitment to netball.
We are extremely proud of their achievement and wish them every success as they represent their province at this prestigious tournament.
Tennis Champs
What a fitting conclusion to an outstanding tennis season! Today marked the culmination of weeks of dedication, perseverance, and exemplary sportsmanship as we hosted our internal tennis championships.
We commend every learner who took to the court this season. Your commitment, growth, and passion for the sport have been truly inspiring, and your efforts have made this season memorable.
Results:
Boys’ Singles
Winner: Nathan Malherbe
Runner-up: Ricardo Lopes
Girls’ Singles
Winner: Disha Sudhakar
Runner-up: Gemma Marsh
Girls’ Doubles
Winners: Disha Sudhakar & Danni
Runners-up: Gabriella & Kefilwe
Boys’ Doubles
Winners: Nathan Malherbe & Jude
Runners-up: Ricardo Lopes & Robert
Mixed Doubles
Winners: Nathan Malherbe & Disha Sudhakar
Runners-up: Ricardo Lopes & Rhiannon
Congratulations to all our winners and runners-up on their well-deserved achievements.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors. The delicious burgers, kindly sponsored by RocoMamas, were a highlight for both players and coaches. We also thank TK Technology and Consulting for the beautiful trophies and medals that added prestige to the event.
A special word of appreciation goes to all staff involved, particularly TNT Tennis, Mr Swemmer, Mrs Pillay, Mrs Bedasie, and Mrs Boodhoo-Laubscher, whose dedication and support have been instrumental in the success of the programme.
Well done to all involved in making this year’s championships such a resounding success.
Orienteering Season Roundup
Orienteering continues to offer a unique and inclusive sporting experience, with learners participating for a variety of reasons—whether to improve their speed, enjoy the challenge of navigation, try something new, or step beyond their comfort zones. It provides an opportunity to be part of a team without the pressures often associated with traditional team sports.
The season concluded at Huddle Park, where the following learners qualified based on their overall performance: Adam van der Byl, Banele Mtshali, Christian Voster, Emmanuel Dlamini, Rocco Pereira, Thendo Meyer, and Favour Mukala.
A special congratulations to Rocco Pereira for placing in the top 15, and to Adam van der Byl for reaching the final in his first year—an outstanding achievement.
It has been a rewarding season. Well done to all involved, and we look forward to welcoming even more participants next year.
Karate
We would like to congratulate Rylan Eksteen, who represented Gauteng at the KSA Development National Championship held on 27–28 February.
Rylan achieved outstanding results, earning a Gold medal in his Kata division out of 17 competitors and a Bronze medal in his Kumite division out of 16 competitors. This is an exceptional achievement, and we are incredibly proud of his dedication and success.
