La Rochelle Yearbook 2023

Boodskap van die Hoofdogter

Rochelle is more than just a school – it is also a beloved home that will be sorely missed. To my friends (you know who you are): I am so grateful for our friendship and the memories we have made. Thank you for allowing me to be unapologetically me. To my partner in crime, my right-hand woman, Jess: Standing here today I cannot help but think of all the moments we have shared over this roller-coaster year. We have bled, cried, walked in the scorching sun, shed tears over seemingly impossible challenges we have overcome and, yes, we have lost sleep over a 4G Big Brag slideshow we only (by the grace of God) finished at 02:00! Our Wednesday late-night chats often had more laughs than actual work being done. I can recall those moments, often wondering how on earth we managed to get anything done between our jokes, sharing what our day had been like and confiding in each other. If there is one person who shares my thoughts, it is you. Together we did it – no, more than that – together we ‘ aced ’ 2023! Mrs Maree told me yesterday we have a ship named ‘ Blomica ’. So, Jess, as we wrap up this chapter, I want to say thank you for everything, your wisdom and the sheer drive you brought to the table and, of course, being an irreplaceable friend. Here’s to many more adventures, ‘ Blomica ’ style. Mevrou Conradie, ek wil ’n oomblik neem om my innigste dank uit te spreek vir juffrou se uitstaande leierskap by La Rochelle. Juffrou se raad is nie net van onskatbare waarde vir baie van ons nie, maar dit is ook ’n getuienis van juffrou se toewyding aan die skool. Die manier waarop juffrou die tradisies en waardes van La Rochelle handhaaf, getuig van passie en respek. Ons waardeer die rol wat juffrou as hoof van La Rochelle speel en dat juffrou ons met integriteit lei. To my class of 2023: ‘You make me laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter and live a little better ’, which is a quote from our very own ‘ Toy Story ’. La Rochelle has equipped you with the necessary skills, and my prayer for you is that you may shine your bright light on all you meet wherever you find yourselves. Even though we might not keep in touch with everyone’s stories, I will always keep the end of this chapter folded, because it is my favourite one. Dankie, La Rochelle, vir my tyd hier, ’n fase van my lewe waarvoor ek vir altyd dankbaar sal wees en saam met my sal dra waar ek ook al gaan. Once a Larrie, always a Larrie! En Avant!

teacher, my best friend and my biggest supporter. No matter how old I become, I will always be your baba (the youngest). Mama Blom: Mumz, my rock, my anchor. In moments of despair, and when I could not cope any more, you held me close, wiped away tears that you did not cause and reminded me of the journey, the purpose and how far I have come. This year you have been my confidante and my other best friend. You have helped me through all the tearful calls and frustrated rants. I could not have asked for better parents, for all your love and support. Jonicia, aka Nicia, my sister, my uber driver, my bank and my third parent: Thank you for the love you give, the advice, how you listen to the same story over and over again and all the stories (good or bad) I tell about my day. Thank you for correcting me when I am wrong and supporting me when I am right. Thank you for bringing me coffee when I needed it. You have been there every step of the way for the past five years and you are the reason for my being the true Larrie I am today. I do not know what I will do without you. To my ‘ kinders’ , my munchkins, my Blossom and my Bloom, Yanke and Bella: Thank you for the coffee and tea dates, for the time Bella messed her noodle spice in my rooibos tea and it tasted a lot like spiced chai tea! Thank you for the letters, love, support, chats, the little nods of hello in the passages or the warm hugs in the hostel meal queues. As I always say, ‘ I love you endlessly, to the moon and back .’ I am just a phone call away. It will be as if I have never left. Roos 16, Dané, Elan, Liliane, Yanké and Lakeiska and an occasional Amana: I am going to miss you. Thank you for making me laugh when I needed it most, for allowing me to pour out my heart to you about absolute nonsense. Thank you for telling me about all the Daisy dramas (ja, Daisies, ek weet van alles!) , for the chats till 22:00 and making me feel as if I were in Grade 8 again. Daisies, cherish these moments you have with one another. One’s high school years are years of learning and growing. So enjoy the ride and everything that comes with it. To the people I leave behind: my Claire Bear; my Daisies; Roos Passage; my hockey team; the Frikkies of 2023; my life coach, Aunty Sarah Scholtz; Mss Kirsty Nel, Adéle Bothma and Maryke Muller, Mesdames Shanje Maree and Tracy Meyer and all the teachers and everyone I have not mentioned by name and, of course, La Rochelle and my fellow Larries: I want to say thank you for the amazing years and unforgettable memories. Thank you for the opportunity to lead you. It was an honour which I will always regard as my greatest achievement ever. La

19 LAR

Johré Blommetjies

Head Girl

La Rochelle Hoër Meisieskool | Girls’ High School Paarl