Camps Bay High School has officially opened its brand new classrooms.
The development was a result of an R10.7 million investment in the school, which was entirely self-funded. The development consists of two new biology labs, five new classrooms and the upgrade of the consumer studies classrooms.
The project was officially launched by the Western Cape Education Head of Department, Brian Schreuder who encouraged the young minds to put everything aside and focus on getting an education.
“I understand the sea, the mountain, the beauty, but I wonder how many of you actually get up in the morning and think what a privilege it is to be here,” he said.
Mr Schreuder told the pupils that in years to come, they would look back and realise their privilege.
“Try to appreciate what you have because there are very few who have the advantage of a site and the location such as your experience every day at school,” he said.
“Your job is to learn, go to school and prepare yourself for a fantastic career.”
He said the education department had made 2019 the year of the pupil. Touching on the new upgraded consumer studies classrooms, Mr Schreuder said a mistake made by society to focus on academics so much, thinking that every child would want to be an academic or doctor, forgetting that there were hospitality, tourism and other industries that could greatly contribute to the country.
He vowed to look into the matter over the next few years and shift the focus on other industries.
According to the former governing body chairman, Colin Harvey, the project came about 10 years ago.
“In 2008, the number of pupils enrolled in our school was around 450 and we decided to expand on the subject choice and enrol more pupils that would contribute to the society. In 2019, we have more than 750 pupils enrolled at the school,” he said.
Mr Harvey gave a short history of the school and thanked the members of the governing body for their time, commitment, dedication and professionalism in making the project a success.
Principal Dave De Korte thanked everyone who had been involved in the project from the onset and urged the pupils to not take the classrooms for granted.
“Some pupils in different schools start under a tree, and I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of those and you probably think that’s nice, but it’s not, there’s a great need for classrooms,” he said.
“Today is a celebration because we’re officially opening these classrooms,” he said.