Chelsea Preparatory School is pleased to announce the 2024 Executive Council for its esteemed Service Team Programme. Following a rigorous Service Team Leadership Camp, the Executive Council members were voted in, comprising Chairperson Grace du Plessis, Vice Chairperson Ryan Mbamba, and Secretary Dhyana Smith.The service Team programme has been in existence for over a decade and is a unique initiative that
has transformed the traditional prefect system, empowering Grade 7 pupils to actively engage in service and community outreach.

The Executive Council plays a pivotal role in representing Chelsea Prep pupils and Grade 7 Service Teams, addressing concerns, and proposing service projects that benefit the school and wider community. The Service Team programme was introduced in 2010 and is, now in its fourteenth year. It has been a transformative initiative that has redefined the traditional prefect system. It empowers Grade 7 pupils to actively engage in service and community outreach, instilling a sense of responsibility and leadership from a young age.

The programme offers a diverse range of teams, including Environment, Computech, Recycling, Events, Media, Sound, Sport, Art, School Pride, and EarlyAct. Each team provides pupils with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully, based on their interests and skills, fostering a culture of service within the
school and beyond. A key factor in the programme’s success is the nomination of two leaders from each team, who participate in regular meetings with agendas and minutes, promoting responsibility and accountability.

These leaders also attend a dedicated leadership camp, where they develop essential skills such as leadership qualities, communication, conflict resolution collaberation, and problem-solving. Deputy Principal Nici Hilliar reflects on the programme’s impact, stating, “Our Service Team programme instills a fundamental shift in
our students’ mind-set. Instead of asking, ‘What can my school do for me?’ they ask, ‘What can I
give back to my school and community to make a difference?’ This shift in perspective fosters a culture of service and leadership that extends far beyond the classroom.” As Chelsea Preparatory School continues to
prioritize service and leadership, it remains committed to nurturing young minds that are not only academically adept but also socially conscious and community focused.