La Rochelle Yearbook 2024

MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD GIRL

AYESHA HENDRICKS

Wow, guys, we actually made it. We managed to ChatGPT, Kevinmaths, science, and SparkNotes our way through high school. After five long, dramatic and somewhat scary years, we are about to say goodbye.

If I look back at 2020, I do not think any of us could have envisioned the extraordinary journey we were about to embark on. Firstly, we had to deal with the fact that we went from being heroes to zeros in one December. From walking around with so much confidence to getting lost in the seemingly endless halls of high school, and to top it all off, we were called SOTS. Our Grade 8 year was filled with proposing to Boys’ High boys, sizzling on the grass and singing the Daisy song, while simultaneously trying to figure out the difference between a debit and a credit. For anyone about to start high school, it comes as a huge adjustment. If I think back to 2020, I can certainly say that our grade has been through some chaotic events. So much so that the phrases “my fellow South Africans” and “family meetings” bring flashbacks of social distancing and masks. Nothing could have prepared us for COVID-19. What should have been the most exciting year for all of us was filled with emotional, social and educational challenges. Some of us lost loved ones and struggled to cope with the new method of teaching. But here we are – The Class of 2024. Look at how far we have come. We survived COVID and we are about to write our matric finals. For that, we should be thankful to our creator, our teachers, and our parents for guiding us through that period. We are all survivors indeed.

To the teachers and Mrs Conradie, as a grade, we would like to thank you for all the effort you have made throughout our high school journey. We might not always show it, but like most things in life, you honestly do not know how special something is until it comes to an end. Personally, I will remember every Maths class with Mr Swart, trying to solve x – even though I do not know anyone in real life who would be looking for an ex. To Miss Bothma, who made us remember that the equation of a straight line is y equals mx plus c. In every Accounting class with Mrs Landman, where my balance sheet never balanced (sorry, ma’am). From the Bio memes and walking to Malmesbury for Afrikaans in the rain. For all the memories and lessons, we are truly grateful. Thank you to the cleaning and maintenance staff for taking care of our home for the past 5 years. Shout out to Tannie Mita. To the parents sitting here today. A massive thank you for every awards evening, cultural event or sports match you have attended throughout the years. Our high school journey has come to an end, and without your unwavering support through every hardship and every achievement, we would not be here today. Thank you for choosing to be a part of our Larrie family. To my mom, thank you for everything, from my school uniform to covering my schoolbooks, because, to this day, I still have no idea how to

22 | Hoër Meisieskool La Rochelle | Girls’ High School