La Rochelle Yearbook 2024

RCL As we gather to reflect on this incredible year at La Rochelle Girls’ High School, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride in representing our student body as the Head of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL). This year has been a journey of growth, connection, and unwavering commitment to our school’s core values of love, acceptance and respect.

The RCL embodies these principles, serving as a beacon of unity and compassion within our school community. Our mission is to ensure that every voice is heard and that every student feels valued. In a world that often feels divided, we strive to create a sanctuary where love and acceptance thrive, fostering an environment where all girls can shine brightly. One of the most beautiful initiatives we undertook this year was our outreach project in collaboration with the Khula organization. The RCL encouraged the entire school to make sandwiches for primary schools that lack this simple luxury every day. I shall never forget the early mornings filled with laughter and excitement as classrooms buzzed with energy, each student eagerly assembling sandwiches. It was heartwarming to see our school united in a common purpose, teaching everyone the invaluable lesson of kindness and empathy. Through this initiative, we made over 2,000 sandwiches. Beyond the sheer number, it provided our learners with a unique opportunity to step outside their own bubbles and truly engage with the world around them. Together, we ignited change, instilling a sense of responsibility and compassion within our school community. It reminded us all that even small actions can create a ripple effect, touching lives in ways we may never fully realize. Leading the RCL has taught me the true meaning of loyalty

and service. It has been a privilege to work alongside such passionate and dedicated individuals who share a common goal: to leave a legacy of kindness and compassion. Together, we tackled challenges and celebrated victories, forging bonds that will last a lifetime. As we move forward, I urge you to carry the spirit of the RCL with you. Let love guide your actions, acceptance shape your interactions, and respect be the cornerstone of your relationships. Remember, each of you is a leader in your own right, capable of inciting meaningful change. Do not let anyone diminish your ability to make a difference. Together, in unity, we can achieve the greatest things. In closing, I leave you with a powerful reminder from Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” With all my love Kelsey Dillon van Sitters – Head of RCL VRL Voor: Demi Williams, Ayesha Hendricks, mev. Carla Uys (Opvoeder), Kelsey van Sitters (Voorsitter), Aimée du Preez Middel: Esther Oosthuizen, Corin Joseph, Dané Meintjes, Claire le Roux, Tinette le Roux, Kenzie Romburgh Agter: Kylie Basson, Lael Frankfort, Ninke Coetzee, Mekayla Griffitths, Liné de Villiers

94 | Hoër Meisieskool La Rochelle | Girls’ High School