Bush School is a unique learning opportunity that is firmly entrenched in the St Mary’s curriculum. Our girls live in a busy and complex world which seldom allows opportunities for our young people to reflect on their existence and build an appreciation for all that it entails. The two weeks spent at Bush School bring enormous personal growth for each girl, all the while developing an increased awareness for the value of others.

The routine of each day, as well as the activities in which the girls participate, encourages the girls to engage with one other to develop a solutions-oriented mindset that, hopefully, leads to discernment and good judgement. But mostly, the girls have incredible fun and build memories in an environment devoid of the stressors experienced by many urban children. The Form II girls of 2019 are a remarkable group who know their own minds and who have learnt to be grateful for their many blessings.

Both the Form II parents and I are grateful to Mrs Bradfield for her efforts in developing and updating a secure website which allowed the parents to glimpse into their daughters’ experiences. In addition, my heartfelt thanks go to Mrs Nkuna, Mr Ndimande, Sr Leigh and Ms McMurray for their time and commitment to the care of our pupils while on camp. The St Mary’s teachers who shared this experience with the Form IIs consider themselves privileged to have been able to observe the individual success of each girl as she navigated the
programme.

Penny Mullan
Deputy headmistress