In these tough economic times, it might seem strange that WBHS has decided to embark on a 'high road' strategy. However, the School yet again finds itself at the crossroads.
The decisions taken now will have far-reaching effects on the future sustainability of the all-round education we aim to provide, the confidence that the community has in the School, the quality of teacher and coach that the School secures, and the quality of learner that the School attracts and produces.
For the past several years, the following major developments have been considered by School Management, the Governing Body and The Trust. These have included:
- Multi-Purpose Centre (R6,5m)
- Upgrades to teaching, faculty & IT venues (R1,2m)
- Drama, Arts & Music Centre (R3m)
- Hockey Astroturf (40% of R7m = R2,8m)
- Aquatics Centre (Phase 1: R1,2m)
These are in addition to the normal campus renovations covered by school fees.
We achieved the first project in 2006, the MPC, thanks to a R6m donation from a generous donor trust. This project has made a significant difference to the effectiveness of the School. The second project, the teaching and IT upgrades, is on-going and funded by continual appeals and fund-raising activities. The Tom Stokes Auditorium, the faculty rooms and the addition of the interactive white-boards are some examples of recent developments in this regard.
The other three projects require a large capital outlay of approximately R7m, the funding of which might be considered to be difficult in these times. However, there are several points which argue in favour of this now being an appropriate time to embark on these projects. These are:
- WBHS has established itself as a national leader in both Swimming and the Performing Arts. It makes sense to build on this reputation now.
- WBHS entered into a partnership with our sister school, WGHS, and WSPS for a shared Astroturf situated in central Westville. Because of the partnership, we only bore a 40% cost of R2,8m instead of the full R7m. Official opening of the Astroturf: 6 November 2009.
- The downturn in the property market has impacted favourably on building quotations that are currently being received by the School.
- We are almost half-way towards reaching our target of R7m.
By the end of the year, the funds on hand are expected to be:
- Educational Trust funds: R2m
- Campus Development fund: R0,8m
- Pledges from special donors or sponsors: R0,5m
- Special fund-raising events (see below): R0,2m.
In order to raise the shortfall, there will be a co-ordinated effort from various bodies:
- Governing Body under Lyn Ploos van Amstel
- Trust Campaign Committee under Klaus Manock
- Campus Fund-Raising Committee under Robbie Koen
- Old Boys & the WBH Association under Dieter Kriese
- Westville Swimming Club under Petro Nortje.
Special interest groups representing Swimming, Hockey and the Performing Arts are being formed to drive specific fund-raising events. We are extremely grateful to the parents who have volunteered their services. We are still in the formative stages of this process and we need enthusiasm such as this to ensure that these events are successful.
Thanks also to those who have supported the 300 Club, the Woolworths MySchool Card project, and the Makro Card project. These have benefited the general Campus Development fund.
The Deputy Principals will be helping to facilitate the fund-raising process. Trevor Cowie will be taking on the role of co-ordinating the various activities, Nestor Pierides will oversee the Aquatics fund-raising, and Alan Miller will be involved with the initiatives regarding the Performing Arts development. Our Business Director Reg Pennefather will continue driving the general Campus Development initiatives such as 300 Club, My School & Makro cards.
We are confident that, with your support, all three projects are achievable over the course of the year. It is our considered opinion that the projects envisaged, need to be achieved simultaneously so as to maximise the strategic benefit to the School and the boys of WBHS both now and in the future.
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