Page 44 - Education February 2024

Not another open day

A colourful calendar that sets HeronBridge College apart.

f you drive through the streets of Joburg place on messy and sensory play - and why on a sunny summer’s day in September.
at any given time, you’re bound to see at they should be proud rather than shocked It is a fantastic event and something that
Ileast a handful of school advertisements. when their children come home covered in showcases our school’s spirit in a lively and
Posters and billboards showcasing what mud, sand or goo. playful way.
makes each school unique and when you
can visit them. Our Grade 8 scholarship open day is a At HeronBridge College, our calendar
morning curated particularly for Grade 6 events seek to show a holistic view of who
Open days allow families to view the and 7 families that want to learn about we are. It is important that families visiting
school premises, understand educational the nitty-gritty of the high school. While the school can see the tangible, such as
approaches, and meet with staff. Still, they learners write two short scholarship exams, facilities, but also walk away understanding
often fail to capture the school’s heart and each member of staff takes parents on a the intangibles, like what ‘educating with
soul, which makes it unique or the right journey through each section of the school. heart’ actually means.
choice for their child. Parents are encouraged to participate in
hands-on activities, creative illustrations, and Some dates for you to diarise:
At HeronBridge College, we strive to do discussions by HBC learners. • Grade 8 scholarship open day –
things a little differently. Because our 2 March 2024
offering is tailored to ‘meet your child Now an annual calendar event, The Standard • Pre-prep playball festival –
where they are at,’ we prefer to engage Bank HeronBridge Invitational is a sports 2 March 2024
with families on personalised tours during festival that sees over 1500 players from over • The Standard Bank HeronBridge
the school week, allowing parents to ask 40 schools across the country and continent Invitational – 20-23 March 2024
questions relevant to their family dynamic descend on our campus to celebrate sporting • Nqoba Challenge – 14 September 2024
or child’s learning needs and to catch a talent and our commitment to developing
glimpse into the heartbeat of the school sports potential. If you are a family that really
while it’s in action. wants to understand our approach to long-
term athletic development and the intent
As a school community, we like to show that we put behind our sports programme,
current and prospective parents who we are the Invitational is a must-see.
and why we do what we do every day. In
fact, we kicked off the pre-prep year with a Similarly, the Nqoba Challenge is a giant
welcome picnic and messy play day, which inflatable obstacle course run through our
allowed our pre-prep families to get to know campus to demonstrate our heart for family,
each other better and introduced current fun, and community. It offers families an
and prospective parents to the focus that we array of exciting under and over challenges

Education | February 2024 | 42