In the heart of Bethelsdorp in the northern areas is a special school with a rich history.
Residents, teachers, pupils and parents shared their excitement about the plans leading up to Arcadia Senior Secondary School’s 50th birthday.
But no-one was more excited about the school’s milestone jubilee year than principal Jackie Cloete.
Cloete said she was proud to be part of the school, with its rich history.
“We are still in awe after being named the top-performing school in the northern areas with a 2024 matric pass rate of 97.2%,” she said, beaming.
She said the school body was working hand-in-hand with its alumni to make sure the 50th celebrations were a success.
“Currently, we are holding classes in a temporary structure on the school premises due to deficits with the old building.
“A brand new school is set to be built in 2026.”
She said every week, during assembly, a member of the alumni addressed the pupils.
“They motivate the young boys and girls and just speak positive things into their lives.
“All of the [invited guests] attended school here and mention despite having lived in a tiny house, with an outside toilet, and having had to fetch water outside, they still went on to make a success of their lives,” Cloete said.
A teacher at the school, Anthony Matroos, shared that the school had many success stories.
“We have past pupils who went on to become medical doctors, attorneys, dentists, accountants, entrepreneurs and state prosecutors, while many were inspired to go into teaching.
“To mention a few, Selwyn Thys is an old boy and he went on to become the CFO of both the Kouga and Nelson Mandela Bay municipalities.
“Then we had Clive Killian, a senior prosecutor for the National Prosecuting Authority.
“Sharon Maasdorp, who was our head girl, is now the Eastern Cape education department’s acting head.
“She reports directly to the MEC.
“Another of our past pupils is a general in the army, while another holds a top position at Sars in Pretoria.
“We also have learners who have since moved abroad and are doing well in countries such as America and New Zealand.
“Then, we have three ex-pupils who came back to the school after their studies to teach here for 38 years.”
They included Sharlene Topkin, who retired in 2024, Andrew Sykes, who will be retiring in 2025, and Dr Virginia Didloft, who went on to become the principal of Sanctor Primary.
Cloete said the school kicked off its jubilee celebrations with a thanksgiving service which was conducted by a past pupil, Arnold Isaac.
Isaac’s message was prosperity through perseverance.
The school also held a Valentine’s ball on February 15.
In April, the school will hold a meet and greet, and in May, a Mr and Miss Arcadia High competition.
In June, there will be a high tea and an appreciation service for former teachers.
Then, in September, there will be a family day and sports day, followed by a gala evening, as well as an appreciation service for current teachers.
Cloete said the school was already hard at work with the matric class of 2025 to achieve similar results — if not better — in 2025.
The Herald
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