The first day of high school can feel overwhelming, but for SCC’s newest Grade 8s, the journey began with excitement, laughter, and a true sense of belonging. On January 14, the annual Grade 8 Orientation Day set the tone for the year ahead.

The prefects, eager to make this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible, opened their arms and hearts to the Grade 8s, ensuring that from the very first day, they felt at home in the sisterhood of SCC. The day was packed with group challenges, laughter, and bonding experiences. From relay races to problem-solving tasks, each activity encouraged communication, teamwork, and trust. But it wasn’t just about friendly competition — it was about forming meaningful connections in a relaxed, fun setting. One of the most-loved activities was the scavenger hunt, which sent Grade 8s racing across the school to familiarise themselves with their new environment while strengthening bonds with their peers.

To try and get a closer look at the orientation day, we interviewed some of the prefects:

1) How was the overall atmosphere of the day?

One of our prefects, Oaratwa Ngoepe, said this: “Good vibes all around! The girls were a bit nervous in the beginning when they arrived, obviously, but they got more comfortable with each other as the day went on.”

Our Deputy Head girl, Jimisai Chimombe, added, “It felt like a party of close friends. By the end of the day girls who had never met before had formed new groups and it was amazing to see the exchanging of numbers.”

2) How does it feel to welcome the future of SCC?

Our Head girl, Angelique Mbuyazi, had this to say: “Ever since my own orientation, I had always wondered what it was like for the prefects to come up with something new and exciting to welcome the Grade 8s. Now that we had the opportunity, we wanted to make their experience truly special by introducing them to something we cherish—the sisterhood of SCC. After seeing the countless smiles on their faces that day, I knew we had created a warm and memorable welcome, and I couldn’t have been happier with the result.”

SCC is proud to welcome our newest learners, and we cannot wait to see how they grow, learn, and support one another throughout the year. May their journey be filled with laughter, joy, and new experiences, and may they always embrace the SCC spirit of being Brave, Strong, and True.

Here’s to a fantastic start and many more memories to come!

Written by Lesedi Kgarimetsa and Angelique Mbuyazi, edited by Juliana Greyling.