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End 2011 Report:
Let me start off by once again thanking you for this wonderful opportunity I have to attend Camps Bay High School. As time goes by, I am constantly realising how lucky I really am to be part of the Kay Mason Foundation. Also my friends that I have made within the KMF has really contributed a lot to boost my self confidence and they helped me to overcome many obstacles I faced at school such as peer pressure etc.
We also had a very good workshop during August which was held by the KMF for all the scholars. We were made aware of things such of being more committed and always trying our best to deliver pleasing results. The speaker, Ms Nandi, really woke all of us to the realities of life in terms of how other children can only dream of the opportunities myself and all the other KMF scholars have. It really motivated me to appreciate every chance I get to better my life as well as make a difference in the lives of other people, especially needy children.
It is almost the end of a fascinating and very critical year of school. This year passed by in a blink of an eye with a lot of work covered. I knew that grade 9 would be difficult but I never exactly knew how difficult. During this year I felt that I matured and grew in the decisions I made not only socially but also physically. I started to socialise more and make new friends everywhere I go. During the June holidays I went to go visit some of my school friends. I was still involved in some sport activities such as rugby and basketball but decided to give my full attention to my academics. We had some memorable events at school such as celebration where we congratulated the success of camps bay high and its pupils; and valedictory where we say good bye to our grade 12 pupils.
In early September we went on our grade 9 camp in Llandudno where the main purpose was to learn and make us aware of different career choices and subjects that we have to choose for grade 10. I have chosen subjects I am interested in; the subjects I have chosen is: Economics, business studies and accounting with mathematics literacy. I chose these subjects because I am hoping to enter the business field after school. I hope I did not make a mistake in choosing these subjects I am willing to work very hard to accomplish my goals. I really enjoyed myself at the camp.
I tried my best during the June exams and I am satisfied with my results although I feel I could have done better in some subjects. The most difficult terms for me were term 2 and 3; where we covered most work in little time. There was not a day when I was not busy with certain subjects from English orals to mathematics assignments. As I worked to the end of term 3; I then had to prepare for the final exams.
I am currently in my first week of the November exam and I am trying my best to study and focus on my work. I recently wrote my English paper 1 and 2 and just finished my technology and I am currently studying for my mathematics paper and hoping to pass and do well because mathematics is a very critical subject to pass and I am still a little threatened by it. I am really confident about this exam and certain I will pass. As every scholar I am looking forward the December holiday and excited for grade 10.
On that note, I wish to once again sincerely thank everybody involved in the KMF, my donor ( I would really like to meet you some day!!) my educators at school, my family and last but not least, God, for always protecting myself and my family everyday of our lives.
Mid-2011 Report:
After a long relaxing holiday and a very short year it was back to school again. I was very excited to go to school; to see some friendly faces of my school mates and teachers. When I first saw the new grade 8s it reminded me from when I got lost when I was new in that big school. I had some enjoyable memories of last year but it is a new year and its time to make new memories. I also realise now that I have to work much harder and to stay focused. I made some new goals that I would like to achieve this year and one of them is to improve on last year.
In a blink of an eye it was the end of the first term, it was not a difficult term because most of the work we have done was a repeat of last year. In the first and second week of school teachers and higher grade learners warned me that grade 9 is much more complicated and important to pass, and I only noticed that in the second term. I did very well in the first term, and I felt so proud of myself when I saw how happy my family was to see my results. There were times during the term that I felt a bit pressurised by my sister to complete my assignments and homework, but I know she means well. In the end I was glad I got the extra push to do well in my school work. I did not do so well in the second term compared to the first but I am determined to change that in the third term. I have realised that I did not perform my best but I am not going to lose focus. After a difficult term I now look forward to the up coming holiday.
As far as sports are concerned, I played basketball during the first term and rugby during the second term. We have to practice once a week and play a match as well. I hurt my foot during basketball practise and the doctor booked me off school for two days. On the days that I have to play sports, I travel home with public transport, because by that time my sister (who transports me to and from school) has left work already. I really enjoy travelling on my own because I learn new things all the time and it makes me feel independent. I just stay in touch with my sister via my cell phone to inform her of my whereabouts.
In the beginning of the holiday I was informed about an upcoming K.M.F outing. They asked me if I wanted to spend a weekend with twelve other Kay Mason foundation’s learners at an educational summit at U.C.T in Cape Town, without hesitation I confirmed yes.
With a very exciting evening of packing, I took a long bath and had a very nice sleep into a new morning. At the morning of the long weekend, we had to meet at the K.M.F office in Cape Town to transport us to our destination. It was a short drive to U.C.T but our arrival was safe. After settling in we were told to attend our first lecture of the summit. It continued right through the weekend with some inspirational speeches from our youth today and delicious food and refreshments along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed myself to interact with the other learners and also gained lots of information w.r.t education and the lack thereof in certain areas and how it affects the youth of South Africa.
It is sad to know that many children are deprived from having basic education, one of the reasons for that is usually an unstable home or poverty. It also made me realise that I am extremely fortunate to have received such a life changing opportunity by receiving a scholarship from the Kay Mason Foundation.
I thank K.M.F for giving me the opportunity to attend such a memorable weekend at U.C.T. I am also blessed to stay with my sister, who cares for me and see to it that I have clothes and food to eat, amongst other things. This is due to my mother being ill and my father does not work permanently, he is unemployed most of the times. I am looking forward to help other children in my position one day when I am able to do so.
In conclusion, I would just like to once again express my sincere thanks to all the stakeholders of the KMF. You are changing my life, and I could not be more grateful !!!!! Nelly Tom is like a mother to many of us, thank you so much for that Nelly.
Now I am ready for the rest of the holiday and the new term that lies ahead.
God bless you
Shelton Michaels
WHO I AM:
My name is Shelton Michaels. I live in Mitchell’s Plain. I started school at Blomvlei Primary School in Hanover Park and in Woodville Primary School Woodville. This year was my first and last year at St. Paul’s.
My favorite subjects are natural science, Afrikaans and E.M.S. I really enjoy going to school because my mother, father and sister work very hard to pay my school fees. I am a prefect at my school, I love working with people.
My hobbies are singing, playing soccer, playing pool and listening to music. My favorite music is R&B, hip hop and my favorite artists are Lil’Wayne and Birdman. I love food, a lot.
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