Abbotts College Johannesburg South Gr 8 Induction Ceremony 2022. Abbotts College Johannesburg South, or ‘Southies’ as the school is fondly called, celebrated their Grade 8 Induction where parents/guardians and students attended the event on Friday, 18 February 2022. The Grade 8, 2022 setwork book is from the Harry Potter series. It was an easy decision to make when it came to selecting a theme for their induction. The hall was decorated according to the theme, and the students from the three Grade 8 classes dressed in the colour of their respective Harry Potter houses – Gryffindor, Slytherin and Ravenclaw. The students dressed for the occasion and participated enthusiastically in the event.

Harry Potter houses

Hogwarts Express

Jordan Sloan

Each class’s Grade 8 Student Representatives were also required to sign a pledge, endorsing their leadership roles within the grade. No event would be complete without some entertainment. Tadi Pembere, a Grade 12 student, surprised the audience with a meaningful ballad. The Grade 12 SRC President, Jordan Sloan, addressed the Grade 8’s and fondly looked back on his own journey at Abbotts College since Grade 8. It is essential within a school culture for young students to have Grade 12 leaders and mentors to look up to. Ms Kohler, the school principal, explains that this particular event is about celebrating the transition from primary school into high school, where the bond between friends is already noticeable. The students recite a pledge to the school where the values are emphasized, and a strong positive culture is developed from the start.

SRC Matrics Ms Kohler Ms Dekkers

SRC Representatives

At the end of the ceremony, the students were required to light their sparklers in the courtyard to the chosen song for the year, Goliath by Smith and Thell. The students and teachers had a perfect ending to the evening with their impromptu songs while entertaining the crowds with Bohemian Rhapsody and Don’t Stop Believing! This was a memorable event and one that marks the beginning of a significant year in a young teenager’s life. It is one of those ‘coming of age’ events, where it is an emotional time for parents to see their children growing up and an exciting transition for students entering the world of young adulthood.