Victoria Park High School

Governing Body Chairman’s report 2009

Victoria Park High has had an awesome year since my last report. Even under very trying economic conditions we have expanded and developed in many ways.

Our existing prefab classrooms have been moved to accommodate our new wing of 8 classrooms to be ready for occupancy by 2010.  It is comforting to know that we have achieved this without asking you, the parent, for extra money as many other schools would. This could only be achieved by stringent financial & general management of an already very tight budget and my appreciation goes to all involved.

There have been many great achievements and as a school we are often not vocal enough in announcing these more publicly. The accolade of 2009 Matric of the Year being won by a Victoria Park student stands out as one of the best achievements possible. Mr Dale McCarthy, we salute you. There were, however, many other excellent achievements that did not get good publicity and we need to work on improving this.

Our sports have truly done Victoria Park proud and I’m sorry not to have been able to attend many of these fixtures as in the past, but a huge congratulations to all coaches, management and to you, the parents of our valued sports stars. It must be born in mind that society often grades success of a school through extramural achievements.

Plans are in place for resurfacing and access development of our Netball courts with a general look at re-incorporation of this beautiful section of our sporting complex. You will also notice a few additional spectator stands at Dave Weinronck with lockers built in underneath. This has been an excellent initiative  not only to add much needed seating during sports events but also to curb the scourge of theft. Mr. Vermaak and our Discipline Board spend unnecessary education time dealing with this intolerable matter and I feel it deserves a mention in this report.  Theft is a criminal offence that will not be dealt with on a scholastic basis by the school any longer. I urge parents/guardians of children who have been robbed to open formal criminal cases at the South African Police so that we can send a clear message of intolerance of this behaviour. Theft is generally premeditated and the child should wisely consider the risk of a criminal record during this time. I would like to remind you that statistically the offender is hardly ever caught the first time so giving ‘another chance’ is out.

Security is high priority for management and you will notice the completion of our palisade fence around the school and Weinronck fields. Stricter access control has also been accomplished throughout 2009 and I’d like to congratulate our security team on this successful implementation.

Take a walk through our school and you’ll agree our school is looking great. I would like to personally thank Messrs. Milne and Bester for their excellent service to our institution. Our facilities continue to impress and I know we have their full dedication in our ongoing endeavour to make prouder Victorians.

We have corporately taken a firm decision to keep our grade 8 intake to 29 per class from 2010 as we try to give scholars the best possible chance of good teacher-pupil ratios. This is not an easy task as many applicants get turned away so I must emphasize the importance of getting your application forms in timeously in the future.

Our VP Business community is still under development and I believe this is an ongoing initiative. I appeal to more parents to get involved in establishing this as a beneficial tool for all associated with Victoria Park.

Our yearly drama presentations have developed into an outstanding feature and having highly qualified drama staff, paves the way for us to proudly included Drama as a subject as from next year. (2 of the prefabs are being restructured for this.) We have upgraded our Blake Hall change rooms with funds from The Von Memerty show so we’re well on track to becoming a leading school for drama in the Eastern Cape.

In accordance with legislation, School Governing Bodies are responsible for all aspects of a school’s functioning, excluding only the education component within the classroom. Here we have qualified professionals whom we rely on, but a pressing issue is your involvement as parents/guardians. Schools belong to the communities in which they exist and we therefore need your input in making Victoria Park High an excellent education centre. I would like to implement a parent evaluation program pertaining to all aspects of our school in 2010 and ask your support in advance toward making this a useful measure for our school. More to follow…

I thank Victoria Parks’s educators, general staff and fellow governors for their high standard of service to our school and look forward to an excellent 2010, not only for us, but also for Bafana Bafana and most importantly, South Africa.
“Vivite  Fortes”

Andre Strydom
(SGB Chairman)

A Message from the Governing Body Chairman: 2008

It is not my intention to report back on school and management activities. Read this magazine and you’ll be informed of those. Attend the necessary parent meetings that you’re invited to and you’ll be enlightened. Get involved with our school activities and we’ll all move forward dramatically. If you, however, choose to ignore the above and expect the school to deal with all your teenagers’ needs you have a sure recipe for disaster.
I confidently report on a time of on-going change at one of the best co-ed High Schools in Port Elizabeth. I believe that we have a good, clear mandate and strategy for the future. The governing body’s strong support of Mr. Vermaak’s momentum in making this the high school of choice continues unabated. We are accountable in all we do, but a special mention has to be made regarding monetary matters. The effective and optimal management of your school fees to make this the school of choice is high on the list. I appeal to you to honour payment of school fees for education rendered by this institution.
Next to love, education is the most important thing you can give your child. We take education seriously and aim to fulfill the task. Some challenges in this process are clear:
Appreciation of staff. (To maintain, retain and gain the best)
Discipline (Starts at home)
School fees. (A basic education is a right… At a good school, it is a privilege)
Security (National reports of assaults on fellow pupils and vandalism are unacceptable)
Mr. Vermaak has created a vibrant, open culture in which young students can thrive. This dynamic is aimed squarely to be of benefit to your child. Each scholar enrolled at this school has been given a ‘Code of Conduct’. The lack of familiarization with its content by both parent and scholars is inexcusable. There is overwhelming support for a value system which focuses on respect, accountability and ultimately, integrity. Lack of these values will not be tolerated.
Our country’s financial forecasts are looking less bullish than before due to many economic pressures. There are many VP parents running businesses. I firmly believe that as Victorians we should promote and support parent businesses which in turn would grow our VP community financially and socially. This will instill a further sense of belonging within the VP family culture and a more viable financial outlook for parents and ultimately our school.
If you look at schools such as Grey and Collegiate, I believe that their true strengths are their alumni and a parent body that is involved not only in the school but also in doing good business with each other. We have this network potential currently at our disposal and it should be explored to the benefit of all. We will be looking into further development of this project in 2009.
Victoria Park High School is a brand, a brand in which I take great pride. I intend to grow this brand so that all may benefit not only from an excellent education but also from being a member of a ‘Proudly Victorian’ family.
Andre Strydom
Governing Body Chairman

REPORT BY OUTGOING CHAIRMAN: 2007

Mr and Mrs Allers

As this chapter of my life draws to a close and I reflect back over the last six years, I stand amazed and in awe of what has been achieved and how far we have come as a school.

All my credit to Mr Vermaak. The Executive, Staff and Governing Body. It has been an absolute privilege to serve alongside such a group of quality people.

In spite of all the obstacles and adversity we experienced over the years, we were able to raise the bar, fulfil our objectives and in doing so, we put V.P. firmly on the map.

Victoria Park has literally become my second family and as I mentioned in my farewell speech, it’s going to be extremely hard to let go. V.P. will always have a special place in my heart and I look forward to following your progress over the years to come.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those who put their trust and confidence in me by electing me into office six years ago. It has been a tremendous season of growth and experience for me.

To those who had input and touched my life in some way or another, I am forever indebted to you.

The relationships I have forged, from the principal to the cleaning staff, will be sorely missed.

In spite of the sadness that weighs heavily upon me at present, as the final curtain comes down, I am fully aware and realize that it is time for fresh blood and new ideas that will come to the fore and catapult Victoria Park into the future where even greater heights will be reached.

As out-going chairman. I would like to assure all parents that we have very competent candidates waiting in the wings who are more than capable of taking hold of the baton and fulfilling their mandate in an ever-changing and challenging environment.

To my Governing Body. None of our achievements over the years would have materialized without your valuable inputs, expertise, commitment and dedication. You are truly exceptional.

Finally, I would appeal to the management of Victoria Park to remain vigilant, vibrant and pro-active in your approach to any challenge you might face in the future.

“WHERE THERE IS NO VISION, THE PEOPLE PERISH”

Forever a Victorian.

Mr K. Allers
(Out-going Chairman)