Latest news with #DeLaSalleHolyCrossCollege
The Star
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Confronting racism in our schools
The latest incident of alleged racism at Bryandale Primary School in Bryanston is yet another painful reminder that South African schools still have a long way to go before genuine transformation and inclusion are achieved. It is alleged that an Indian learner told two Black students, 'You stupid Black people are so predictable.' Such language is deeply offensive, dehumanising, and has no place in any learning environment. This incident must be treated with the seriousness it demands, not as a 'playground misunderstanding,' but as a reflection of wider issues of racism and marginalisation that persist in our schools. While many public and private schools proudly promote values of diversity and transformation in their mission statements, these values must go beyond lip service. Transformation is not a passive hope; it requires active, ongoing engagement and institutional introspection. Schools play a critical role in redressing the deep inequalities and marginalisation embedded in our society. They must be proactive in creating safe and affirming environments for all children, not only through symbolic gestures but through deliberate action, anti-racism training, and clear accountability mechanisms. The incident at Bryandale is not isolated. Just two days ago, a Grade 8 learner at De La Salle Holy Cross College was reportedly told, 'You don't belong… go home, you (K-word).' In 2024, Pretoria High School for Girls made headlines after racist WhatsApp messages targeted Black pupils. That same year, Jeppe High School for Girls in Johannesburg came under fire when Black pupils were removed from class for wearing coloured braids, while white pupils with dyed hair faced no repercussions. These are not isolated "bad apples." They reflect systemic failures that schools must urgently address. We call on school governing bodies, education departments, and communities to treat these incidents with the seriousness they deserve. Silence or delay enables racism to fester. We must demand not only awareness but transformation that is measurable, monitored, and real. Because if our schools can't be safe and just spaces for our children, we cannot expect our society to be either. Matthew Cook, GOOD National Chairperson and City of Johannesburg Councillor
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
DLSHCC learners is on pointe with her dancing
Be it her arabesque, pirouettes, or chassé, Amy Lee Besson's moves are so world class, they put her front and centre on the Latvian stage, where she represented SA, participating in the Riga Pavasaris 'Spring Ballet Competition'. Read more: Para-dancers head overseas to compete Amy Lee travelled to the European country, to take part in masterclasses with international instructors, and compete against 14 dancers from various countries. Her ballet group brought home a first place gold medal, and her duet earned a third place bronze medal – a phenomenal accomplishment on the world stage. From as little as four years old, Amy Lee has trained with Jozi Youth Dance Company, guided by teacher and mentor Jayd Swart. This young ballerina's consistency is said to show through her commitment and exceptional talent. Through the years, her passion, coupled with her dedication, have been described as just some of the traits that have led her to be the accomplished dancer she is today. Her school, De La Salle Holy Cross College (DLSHCC), can't help but proudly celebrate the extraordinary achievements of one of their own, looking on in awe at how her commitment to ballet has taken her to global heights. Also read: Teen dancer set to shine on global stage Adding to her growing list of accolades, Amy Lee has also qualified for the world-renowned Margot Fonteyn International Ballet Competition, to be held in São Paulo, Brazil, this October. This elite competition is said to only accept dancers who have achieved distinctions in their Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) advanced one and advanced two exams, making her qualification a truly prestigious honour. Hundreds of elite dancers from around the world apply, with only the very best selected. DLSHCC says Amy Lee is not only a gifted dancer; she's also a devoted and humble learner, whose grace, perseverance, and quiet determination continue to inspire her peers and teachers alike. 'We are incredibly proud of Amy Lee, and can't wait to see what she achieves next on her remarkable journey,' said the school's marketing assistant, Jenny Myburgh. 'Her success is a testament to what can be accomplished with talent, discipline, and unwavering support.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: My Body My Space showcases Solitude – Glaring, dancers new work At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
