Turffontein Primary launches mini prefect leadership program
Parents celebrate as 20 Grade Three learners are selected to lead and inspire their peers.
Parents of the mini prefects graced the launch of the foundation phase prefect day at Turffontein Primary School on March 18.
The school selected 20 of 210 Grade Three learners to lead the school.
Teacher Tselane Kgame said the criteria were not only academic excellence but also considered leadership skills.
“We prepared learners holistically and they need to pat themselves on their backs; the same applies to the parents because they raised great leaders,” she said.
Principal Pexie Jafta congratulated the selected learners and told them great things would start now.
“This is the start of leadership. Remember, for the tree to grow, it needs to be watered and weeds removed around it. These learners are a gift from God. We have identified them as having leadership skills. We will mould and shape that at the school level. However, parents also need to have a role at home to motivate them to become future leaders of this country.
“Love your children unconditionally and remember the power of spoken word; once you speak negative words to them, you are building something in them. Speak positively to them; words that encourage them and dare to be leaders.
“Thank you parents for choosing this school, as we are the best school in the south. We are a highly blessed school because we pray daily,” she said.
To encourage learners, principal Jafta donned her graduation gown with different sashes to depict the journey she has travelled academically.
“It took a lot of years to achieve this. Because I am from humble beginnings, it does not need money; it requires determination and motivation for learners to reach great heights.
“To the learners, I am wearing this to emphasise that for you to be a leader, you start early in life. Education is important and you do not have to come from a rich or poor home to be educated. It only needs you to listen to your parents, be friends with your books, listen to your teachers and excel in what you are doing,” she said.
The mini prefects’ pledge included, among others, a promise to be a good role model and a good listener. To lead with integrity, to use their skills to help others and to make their phase and school a positive, welcoming place for all.
