On Mandela Day, the Senior School girls began the day with a special mentor time that encouraged them to engage with the story and legacy of the late statesman. Following that, the girls were challenged either to write about what the day meant for them and their mentor groups or create a picture/video collage to document the various service activities scheduled. This enabled the girls to reflect on their duties as global citizens, most notably St Mary’s core values of love, community and integrity. The challenge was also a fantastic opportunity for girls to show off their talents outside the academic space, show son Mandela once said, “a fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.”

Our mentor groups can be proud of their efforts during this challenge.

SEIPATI SHIAKALLIS
DEPUTY HEADMISTRESS

Mandela Day Music Showcase

The sense of community on Mandela Day could be felt in all aspects of the school. This was especially so in the Mandela Day music showcase, where teachers and pupils gathered on the steps of The Edge to celebrate and enjoy beautiful performances by both the Junior School, Senior School and special guest, Hannah Foster, a professional jazz singer.

The Junior School choir accompanied by the orchestra kicked off the showcase with a beautiful rendition of The Circle of Life from the movie The Lion King, a classic and true African story. This was followed by a groovy blues performed by the Grade 3 marimba group; a real treat which stole each heart in the audience. The junior string ensemble followed with a beautiful song, which included dance moves in between, while playing the violins — now that’s impressive!

As the celebrations continued, it was time for everyone to get up from their seats and start dancing to the music. This was no problem once the Senior School marimba band took the floor with Jerusalema, a special song that united us during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Senior School orchestra followed by celebrating South African composers and bands. They started with an Abdullah Ibrahim medley reminiscent of a strong Ghoema drum beat, popular in the Cape Town jazz scene, a Micasa medley followed by a Mango Groove trip down memory lane — both arrangements by a South African composer and educator, Alex Hitzeroth. To bring the Mandela Day festivities to a close, the Senior School jazz band played Man in the Mirror, and a crowd favorite, Sunday Strutcomposed by Mike Campbell, a South African music professor, bassist and composer. This was a fitting end to a memorable day of celebrating the life and legacy of the late Nelson Mandela who said, “Music is a great blessing. It has the power to elevate and liberate us. It sets people free to dream. It can unite us to sing with one voice.”

DANIELLE MCKINNON
MUSIC TEACHER