There was a flood of enquiries into this year’s SHAPE course, especially considering that this is only the second year that it has been running at Victoria Park.
What is SHAPE? It is not a physical fitness course nor is it a dietary program. It is a course that runs over eight (8) weeks and deals with the following:
What is a R.E.A.L leader?
What is character?
What kind of a leader am I?
Values
Attitudes
Personality
Beliefs and how they shape who I am.
Tools for self development

We met as a mix-and-match group of individuals and as the weeks drew to a close new friendships were formed, better understanding of one another was developed, including our understanding of Mr Barry and his understanding of us as a group.

Pizzas were enjoyed, especially by Anelisa, whom we believed only came to SHAPE because she heard that we enjoyed pizzas during the sessions.

We not only discussed the contents of the course but during this time we also shared some very confidential moments and were glad to know that whatever was shared in this time stayed in the group. Many things were confided, either by ourselves or by Mr Barry as the facilitator.

It is rumoured that we will have SHAPE II next year and we hope that Mr Barry sees his way clear to making this happen as this time was something special and we were all sad to have it end. The eight weeks went by far too quickly and we look forward to spending time together, developing one another and learning from one another so that we will be able to be better contributors to society.

This is after all what the essence of SHAPE is all about.

To this years Grade 10’s, if you are thinking about this next year, when the opportunity arrives grab it with both hands. You will not regret it! It is well worth the time and effort.

GET YOURSELF INTO SHAPE – IT IS WELL WORTH THE EXPERIENCE

Being introduced for the first time at Victoria Park, this society is about shaping people for leadership. It is about people receiving tools that will allow them to shape the world around them rather than being shaped by the world. It is an acronym for:

S: Spiritual
H: Heart/Passion
A: Abilities
P: Personality
E: Experiences

A group of 12 girls and one very interesting, or should that be, interested guy started the 8 week journey of discovery and workshopping. Rather than trying to explain what the society is all about, here are some excerpts of feedback from the people in the society.

“…… it was so amazing the way we were open with one another and could trust each other. This is a place where we could share things without judgment, where we could laugh with one another rather than at one another……”.

“……The SHAPE people of 2008 have become like a second family to me. I have overcome so many fears and do believe in myself so much more because of SHAPE. It has also brought me closer to God and my friends. I am going to miss Wednesdays and will cherish these moments forever……”.

“…… every Wednesday became something to look forward to. I have learnt what it means to be a person of substance and character and what it means to have integrity. Every Wednesday was a time of laughter and we were all comfortable in an atmosphere created by others. This was an awesome opportunity and I am glad that I grabbed it with both hands……”.

“Mr Barry, you made me look at the world and myself very differently. You have given me the chance to make a life which is worthwhile. God bless you Mr Barry.”

“……Yesterday you told us that God answers prayer in 4 different ways. ‘No’, ‘Yes’, ‘Wait’ and ‘Mind your own business’. That will always be in my mind. SHAPE has caused me to dream bigger, achieve higher and to be the best that I can be. Not for myself or for my career, but being able to impact the world around me in a much more positive way……”.

From this you may gather that SHAPE is about mentoring young people to be world changers. SHAPE is about making a difference in peoples’ lives so that they are empowered to change and impact other peoples’ lives.

To the 1st SHAPE people of 2008, you are awesome and I look forward to seeing how you will impact your world to make it the brighter and better place you want it to be. There will be difficulties and hard times but each of you are capable of SHAPPING the future and the world around you. Go in the purposes and destiny and blessing of what God has planned for each of you. Remember, He has a plan and a purpose that is to give you a future and a hope. Go in His strength. God Bless.

Mr Mark Barry
TIC SHAPE

Ses’fikile – we have arrived! A new society erupted from the ground and blasted its way up to be one of the most popular societies in school. We had vision, passion . . . and no experience! One can only imagine how difficult it can be working with people you’ve never interacted with before and not knowing how or where to start. But we were determined to succeed and we made a lot of noise around the school.

The Cultural Society had a few fundraising initiatives this year, from selling hand-made Valentine’s cards (with a touch of culture), to vetkoek- with- mince sales, putting BOYS up for auction and opening the ‘Casamia Spaza Shop’ in Mrs Mafeke’s class during break times. We were always busy doing something, all in the name of hosting Victoria Park’s very first Cultural Evening!

Our aim was simple: to create awareness while educating one another about our unique cultures and in the process bind the cultures in celebrating South Africa’s diversity. Hence our theme for our first year was ‘ Cultural Fusion’. One of our biggest challenges we encountered was researching cultures such as the Chinese, Indians and Western, as the board consisted of Xhosa learners. But we managed to accomplish this and in doing so eliminated our ignorance and became wiser in this respect. October 5th came and it was ‘Show Time’. Stress levels were high but this all eased away. We had invited the mayor, Nondumiso Maphazi, and she surprised us with by bringing along two well-known afro-pop artist: NTANDO and ZONKE, and they gave us performances that kick-started the evening to what proved to be spectacular. Highlights of the evening were the Indian dancing and the Xhosa play. The food was a delicious selection of cultural specialties – samoosa’s, spring rolls, umgqusho and koeksisters, with each person getting a taste of the different cultural delicacies. It was truly a memorable evening.

Our gratitude goes to Mrs Van de Walt, Mr Toba, Ms Meyer and Mrs Johnson for assisting us tirelessly. To all the teachers who lent a helping hand along the way – THANK YOU. A special thanks to Mrs Mafeke for guiding us every step of the way-Enkosi mam. Of course, we cannot forget Aggie and Ethel – your help was greatly appreciated. And lastly to my fellow board members – working with you was amazing.

Remember that the pillars of success are: Sacrifice, Dedication and Teamwork.

Yakupha Mdodana (President of Cultural Society)