Glitz & Glam of the Global Village – 2012 Leap Matric Ball
The Glitz and Glam of the Global Village
The 2012 LEAP Matric Ball – The LEAP Science & Maths School
By Ongeziwe Mpatani
“’It takes a village to raise a child.’ But at LEAP it takes a global village to raise a child. For that we thank the parents for allowing us to walk their children throughout their journey,” said Mr John Gilmour, the director of the LEAP Science and Maths School, at the Kenilworth Racecourse for the 2012 Matric Dance.
The LEAP Science and Maths School is a high-achieving private school for township students. There are six LEAP schools throughout South Africa. The LEAP Science and Maths School is school of change because it changes the way students see the world.
As this reporter spoke with parents at the event, they expressed that they were actually glad their children were out of high school. For them it means no more buying uniforms. Some of them were glad that they wouldn’t be called to school anymore because of the behaviour of their kids. However, what the parents don’t realise is that the real challenge is coming their way. The parents don’t realise the high fees of university if their children fail to get bursaries. Now their children will have to take responsibility for themselves.
The journey that LEAP students go through is one that no other student experiences. As Grade 12s, students get out school at 20h00. LO can be a headache. In Life Orientation, you have to look to at how you’re behaving. You have to be open to the reflections people give you – this is not easy. The school has a Code of Conduct, which is the values that all students must live up to. “Very few people get to this stage,” said Mr Gilmour. “Thank you parents for the support you’ve given your children and the school.”
The journey is one that is full of challenges and lessons. To succeed is a major accomplishment and once again, the Grades 12s of 2012 have done it. All they have to do now is to wait for their Matric results.
However, while they wait for their outcomes they get to celebrate all they’ve achieved so far. And that is with their Matric Ball. This was on the night of the 1st of December. This day will be recorded in the books of history because it was a special night dedicated to the Grade 12s.
That night specifically, everyone went all out to make sure they presented themselves in the most radiant and beautiful way. For the girls – they had to make sure they chose the right dress, the right hairstyle and the right shoes. Some went to the extent of finding a partner. For the guys – they had to make sure they were in their best clothes, and the hairstyle mattered to some of them. It was all about style and everyone was amazing. The teachers also made sure they didn’t disappoint their students and looked fashionable.
The event was attended by former LEAP teachers also. “Loyalty is worth more than honesty.” That was proved by the presence of Mr Eugene Lemon- who came all the way from San Francisco, USA, for the LEAP Matric Ball. He even added a bit of glamour to the night by giving every Grade 12 a gift. This indeed proves that, “It takes a global village to raise a child.”
All in all, the night was amazing for everyone. However letting go of the relationships formed is another story for another day.
Read more about The Leap Science & Maths School