Cape Town, [31 January 2024] – Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School proudly marks 131 years of excellence in education and holistic development. As we step into 2025, we embrace the theme ‘Growing Together’, reinforcing the importance of a growth mindset throughout the year.
Over the decades, Rustenburg has remained committed to nurturing young minds and fostering resilience, curiosity, and collaboration. The theme ‘Growing Together’ serves as a guiding principle, encouraging learners to embrace challenges, persevere through setbacks, and celebrate their achievements.
A central element of this year’s theme is the ‘YET’ Tree, a powerful visual representation of growth and progress. Each student will set personal learning goals in the form of ‘YET’ statements—things they cannot do yet but are striving to master. As they accomplish these milestones, they will colour in the leaves of the tree, symbolizing their individual and collective perseverance. This initiative aims to instill confidence and resilience in every learner, reinforcing the idea that effort and dedication lead to success.
To mark this special occasion, RGJS welcomed guest speaker Sara Wepener, an alumna who completed her junior school journey at RGJS in 2017. Now in her third year as a Bachelor of Music student at the South African College of Music at UCT, Sara serves as the Chairperson of the Music Student Council for 2025. She also works for The Flute Practice, an organisation dedicated to flute education and performance. Sara’s impressive achievements include being awarded the HM Lentin Award in 2017, playing the flute in the UCT Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and earning a place on the Dean’s Merit List for two consecutive years.
“We are excited to embark on this journey of growth alongside our students, staff, and the broader Rustenburg community,” says Belinda Petersen, Principal of Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School. “By fostering a growth mindset, we equip our girls with the skills and attitudes necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
The school will also incorporate the ‘Growing Together’ theme into various activities, including classroom learning, leadership development, environmental initiatives, and community engagement. Through these experiences, Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School aims to strengthen the values of collaboration, resilience, and continuous learning.
As we celebrate 131 years of excellence, we remain committed to empowering young girls, ensuring they grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.
ENDS.
About Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School
Rustenburg Girls’ Junior is a beautiful school in the heart of Rondebosch. Although we cherish the traditions of our long history, our girls are provided with an excellent 21st-century academic, sporting, and cultural programme. The school is a happy, vibrant, and caring place and has a strong sense of purpose. Learning is important! The knowledge and skills learnt in the classroom are linked to the life lessons learnt during sport, music, cultural and community service activities. Teamwork, dedication, hard work, respect, consideration, and compassion for those less fortunate are some of the values we hold dear. Our girls are encouraged to develop thinking, problem-solving and research skills and to reach their unique potential. There is something for everyone at Rustenburg and the girls embrace the opportunities provided. They are enthusiastic, energetic and excited by each new experience.
For more information please contact:
Marketing and Communications Manager
Thapelo Phukuje
Mobile: 079 425 4914
Tel: 021 689 1981
