Dearest Thorntree Family,
“Victory belongs to the most persevering.” – Napoleon Bonaparte
As we approach the end of 2024, we reflect on the growth and transformation that have taken place at Thorntree. This year has been a testament to the perseverance and dedication that define our school community. We are deeply grateful for the beautiful, supportive environment we have built together. It is you, our Thorntree family, who make this school what it is.
2024 has ushered in new milestones, including the introduction of our Senior College students. This has allowed our school to continue expanding and evolving. We are especially proud of the 13 students who moved through Grade 8 with care, encouragement, and empathy. They hold a special place in our hearts as they journey toward becoming our first matric group in 2028. It is a privilege to guide them and contribute to their growth, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the adult world.
This year has also seen significant improvements to our school’s infrastructure. We’ve completed the installation of a new roof on Block A, alongside ongoing maintenance and upgrades to our Senior College building. Our Science Laboratory has been established, and we have significantly enhanced our Robotics curriculum, now meeting international standards with the addition of 3D printers, robots, and coding programs. From air conditioning and expanded art classes to countless other behind-the-scenes upgrades, Thorntree continues to grow and thrive.
Our sports program has also seen remarkable growth. We have hired the sports field at Piet Potgieter to provide our students with more space to practice various sports. Additionally, we’ve partnered with Sport Ready South Africa, a community-based sports program run by professional athletes. This collaboration will ensure that our 2025 sports year will be even more successful.
One of the highlights of this year was our concert, which was a huge success. However, we underestimated the costs and unfortunately experienced a financial loss. But, as always, we view challenges as opportunities for growth, and we are already planning improvements for 2025.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to announce that we will be welcoming six new teachers to our school. With the expansion of our classes and grades, we are thrilled to have more passionate and experienced educators joining us. Their expertise and dedication will undoubtedly enrich the learning experience for our students and continue to strengthen the sense of community at Thorntree.
We are also thrilled to announce the development of the Thorntree Recreation Centre, a multi-purpose facility that will further enhance our students’ learning and extracurricular experiences. The centre will be used for a wide range of activities, including art classes, soccer play, and drama rehearsals. It will also serve as a versatile space for all-purpose play, allowing for a variety of activities to support the physical, creative, and social development of our students. We are excited to see how this new space will foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth among our learners. Four new classrooms are being built for our Senior College to ensure they have space and dedicated classrooms which will be subject specific.
As you may have seen in our financial newsletter, we will be implementing an increase in school fees, effective from 1 February 2025. This increase will help support the continued development of our school, ensuring that all of our construction projects are completed and that we can provide the best learning spaces for our children. We are committed to maintaining the high standards of education and facilities that our students deserve, and this adjustment will help us continue to offer the best possible environment for their growth.
Together, we have made great strides in 2024, and we are excited for what lies ahead. Thank you for your continued support as we journey forward together.
Merry Christmas, Thorntree Family! We cannot wait to welcome you back in 2025.
With gratitude,
Helyn Pope
Thorntree School