Victoria Park High School

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