Holy Family College - Parktown

07/06/2026

FAMILY DINNER - HUGE SUCCESS - THANK YOU

Thursday’s Spur Evening was a tremendous success as our community came together to support our hardworking Grade 11 learners. The evening was filled with warmth, laughter, and a true sense of unity as parents, staff, learners, and supporters shared in the special occasion. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making the event such a memorable one. The support shown throughout the evening reflected the strength of our school community and encouraged our Grade 11 learners immensely.

07/06/2026

07/06/2026

Our Voice, Our Future - Learners Speak Out

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE UNITED NATIONS

Today's world claims to value human rights , equality and freedom. Yet, at this very moment , millions of women and girls in Afghanistan are being removed from public life. What is happening is so extreme that legal experts can only describe it as gender apartheid.

The situation in Afghanistan is not only concerning, it defies the core concept of human dignity. Under the current regime of the Taliban, women's identities have been entirely stripped away. Girls are banned from attending school past the sixth grade, denying them any opportunities for secondary school and universities.

Women are restricted from all forms of employment , leaving them financially dependent and excluded from society.

The restriction of movement has turned the entire country into a prison for half of its population. A woman cannot legally leave her house , visit a park, or even access medical care without a male guardian. If she does, she faces criminal charges and unlawful arrest.

Perhaps the most disturbing and shocking restriction, is the fact that women are no longer allowed to speak or let her voice be heard in public., rendering her invisible and mute in her own homeland. A stray animal in the streets of Kabul has more freedom of movement and physical autonomy than an Afghan woman.

Why does a crisis this major fail to remain in the international spotlight? Is it because Afghanistan does not fall within the West? Have we really grown so tired of bad news that we can just look away because a crisis is too complicated or too far away? It is a double standard when you spend millions on smaller issues yet stand completely paralyzed while the lives of Afghan women are ruined.

Your current approach is failing. You are simply not doing enough. Criticism in newspapers does not protect a woman from a public ex*****on or stoning.

Hence, I urge you to refuse to recognise or normalise any regime that treats women as property. Place greater pressure on those responsible while ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches ordinary Afghan women.

Urge governments , media, and citizens to keep this issue in the global spotlight through protests, policy changes, and continued advocacy.

We cannot afford to stay silent while an entire generation of women is buried alive. To look away is to be complicit.

Spread the word, Raise awareness. Stand with the women of Afghanistan.

Sincerely

Grade 12 Learner

07/06/2026

Our Voice, Our Future - Learners Speak Out

An open letter to my fellow South Africans

As the 30th of June approaches, our nation finds itself engaged in a difficult and emotional conversation about immigration, employment, crime and pressures facing our communities.

Many South Africans are frustrated as we see the high levels of unemployment and struggling public services that often feel neglected by those trusted to govern them. These cries need to be heard. However, frustrations must never become an excuse for hatred.

If undocumented immigration is a challenge, it is the responsibility of the state to enforce the law fairly and effectively. Ordinary citizens should not be expected to take the law into their own hands. When anger turns into intimidation , violence or xenophobia, innocent people suffer and South Africa loses the values upon which our democracy was built. We must remember that many foreign nationals are living legally and have spent years contributing to our economy and building communities next to us. No person should be judged on their nationality.

Border management and immigration systems must be strengthened . Communities deserve transparency and accountability regarding how these issues are addressed. South Africans have every right to protest against anything they feel goes against the Constitution however, let it be done in a manner that doesn't go against any other individuals’ rights. As well as in a manner that does not respect other individuals.

I believe as citizens of South Africa we should all treat each other with respect and turn away for such discrimination that we once faced not so many years ago.

Yours

Grade 12 Learner

07/06/2026

Shining on the Big Stage: Holy Family College Makes Us Proud at FEDA 2026

We did it!

Our High School learners recently took part in the prestigious Festival of Dramatic Arts (FEDA) , held annually at the Johannesburg Theatre – a competition that showcases the very best performing arts talent from across Gauteng.

This year, Holy Family College entered two plays: Handle with Care and Short Left. We are overjoyed to share that Handle with Care was chosen as one of the TOP 8 productions and was nominated to go through to the semi-finals.

Last Saturday, our talented performers took to the stage at the Lesedi Theatre (venue at the Joburg Theatre) for their semi-final performance. While we did not advance to the finals, we could not be prouder of our learners for reaching such an incredible height.

Consider this: 64 plays from top schools across Gauteng competed this year. To finish in the Top 8 is an outstanding achievement.

But the honours did not stop there. Holy Family College received 8 award nominations in total – and we proudly walked away with:
• Best Spirit Award
• Most Inspirational Teacher Award – presented to Ms. Nolte

A huge well done to Ms. Nolte – you are a true inspiration to our learners, and this award is so well deserved.

To every learner who performed, supported, and believed – you have once again made Holy Family College proud at this year's FEDA competition. Thank you to all the families and friends who came out to support our young stars. Thank you Ms Jonas for your support every performance backstage.

Handle with care? No – handle with pride!

07/06/2026

Shedding Light on Substance Abuse and Its Consequences

This week’s high school assembly took a powerful and serious turn as learners and staff gathered to hear from a guest speaker, Taku Mhonyera, on the topic of substance abuse.

Mr Mhonyera was, invited to address the learner body to speak openly about the harsh realities and devastating consequences that addiction can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. The message was raw, insightful, and deeply meaningful, leaving a visible impact on many in the hall.

We would like to thank Taku Mhonyera for taking the time to educate and inspire our school community.

07/06/2026

Mixing Maths with Fun! 🧁

The Grade 5s enjoyed a hands-on learning experience by making Cake-in-a-Mug treats. Learners applied their knowledge of measurement and practical Maths skills while creating a delicious snack. A fun and memorable way to bring classroom learning to life!

07/06/2026

All Foundation Phase children listened to a Zambian tale called “Hare’s Revenge” told on a scroll theatre this week! This type of storytelling even had the ECD children nailed to the story!

Thank you Ms Grace

07/06/2026

Our grade 3 Chess boys battling it out during synergy this week.

07/06/2026

Leading with Heart: Our Learner Leadership Team Plans for a Stronger Final Term

Our Learner Leadership Team recently attended a leadership planning workshop aimed at helping them discover what type of leaders they are, understand the principles of servant leadership, and explore practical ways to implement it within our school.

Facilitated by Head of College, Mr. Sobreira and Head of Student Affairs, Ms. J. Thungo, the workshop encouraged deep reflection and critical thinking. Together, the team explored how true leadership is not about power or position, but about serving others, listening with empathy, and empowering those around them.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire leadership team for their insight, honesty, and thoughtful contributions during the workshop. We look forward to seeing the last term of the leadership year become a more motivational, inspiring, and caring experience for everyone in our school community.
Well done, leaders – your growth is everyone’s gain.