Holy Family College - Parktown

Grade 8 Scholarship Awards 2027

Dear Parents, Guardians and Learners,

It is with great excitement that we announce the results of the Holy Family College Grade 8 Scholarship Examination for 2027.
This year, we welcomed an exceptional group of prospective learners who participated in the scholarship examination process. With a large number of candidates writing the examination, the selection process was both highly competitive and inspiring. We were impressed by the talent, commitment, and academic potential demonstrated by all applicants.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the 2027 Holy Family College Scholarships. Your achievement reflects dedication, perseverance, and academic excellence, and we are delighted to recognise your success.

The Modern Boarding House: Where Empowerment, Community, and Academic Focus Meet

For many, the phrase "girls' boarding school" still conjures up outdated images of strict headmistresses, drafty corridors, and rigid, institutionalised routines. But step inside a modern girls’ boarding house today, and you will find a radically different reality.

Far from a place of confinement, today’s boarding house is an incubator for independence. For young women navigating the complexities of high school, boarding offers a unique trifecta of advantages: a safe space to practice self-control, a deeply supportive community, and an unparalleled environment for exam preparation.

One of the greatest paradoxes of a modern girls' boarding house is that within its structured environment, girls actually gain a profound sense of personal control.

In a co-educational day school environment, teenage girls often face intense, competing social pressures. Boarding houses cut through that noise. They offer a structured, predictable routine that serves as a scaffolding for self-regulation, rather than a cage.

• Time Management: Boarders learn to manage their own schedules—balancing laundry, meals, co-curriculars, and sleep without a parent nudging them.
• Healthy Boundaries: With designated "lights out" times and managed screen-free periods, girls develop a healthier relationship with technology and sleep hygiene.
• Agency: Making daily decisions about how to utilize free time fosters a sense of internal locus of control. By the time a boarder graduates, she doesn't just adapt to the freedom of university life; she commands it.

The mental health benefits of a strong, supportive peer group during adolescence cannot be overstated. A girls' boarding house provides a unique psychological safety net—a community built on shared experiences, mutual respect, and authentic connection.

Living together 24/7 means there is no room for the "curated perfection" often seen on social media. Girls see each other at their best and their worst—celebrating a sports win, or comforting each other through homesickness or a tough day. This builds a culture of vulnerability and deep empathy.

Ultimately, a girls' boarding house is not just about getting through high school or achieving top marks—though it certainly helps with both. It is about creating a transitional space between childhood and adulthood.

Holy Family College boarding offers a rare blend of personal autonomy, an unwavering sisterhood, and an environment optimised for academic success, boarding houses do something remarkable: they shape quiet, dependent girls into fierce, independent young women who are thoroughly prepared to take on the world.
Ms M Reinecke
Boarding Mistress

Bringing Culture to Life Through isiZulu

This week, our Grade 12 isiZulu learners participated in oral presentations based on Lobola negotiations. Through role-play and discussion, learners demonstrated their language proficiency while exploring an important aspect of South African cultural heritage.

The activity allowed learners to develop their speaking and presentation skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the values of respect, family unity and tradition that underpin the Lobola process.

Their confidence, creativity and enthusiasm were evident as they brought this cultural practice to life in the classroom.
Well done to our Grade 12 isiZulu learners for embracing both language learning and cultural appreciation in such a meaningful way.

Grade 8 presenting their adaptation research project.

Grade 10 LO : Life domains lesson

The mirror was used as a symbol of self-reflection and self-awareness. Just as a mirror shows us our physical appearance, this exercise encourages learners to “look at themselves” and honestly reflect on different areas of their lives. It helps them identify their strengths, recognize areas that may need improvement, and develop a better understanding of who they are. Through this process, learners can set meaningful goals and work towards personal growth and well-being.

Inspiring futures through opportunity

Our annual Career Expo was a wonderful success this past Saturday, bringing together learners, educators, and representatives from a variety of schools and institutions. The event provided valuable opportunities for learners to explore different career pathways, ask questions, and gain insight into future study and employment opportunities.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all the schools and organisations that attended and contributed to making the day both informative and inspiring. Your support played an important role in helping our learners dream bigger, plan ahead, and feel excited about the possibilities that lie before them.

Thank you to Ms Bela for organising this wonderful event and to the PTA for their generous support. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our support staff for their hard work and dedication in preparing the school and ensuring the event was a success.

We look forward to another fantastic Career Expo in the future.

Growing Minds Through Stories and Nature

This week, our Primary School learners were captivated by a magical storytelling experience led by our school librarian, Ms Grace. Through her engaging narration of The Book Tree, learners were reminded of the incredible power of stories to inspire, educate and transform lives.

For our younger learners, the story celebrated creativity, imagination and the joy that books bring into our daily lives. For the older children, it opened meaningful discussions about freedom of expression, censorship and the importance of being able to read widely and discover books that speak to their hearts and minds.

Storytelling remains one of the most powerful ways of nurturing a love for reading while encouraging critical thinking, empathy and curiosity. It reminds us that every book is a doorway to new ideas, adventures and possibilities.
Ms Grace is also the official storyteller at the Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, where she shares stories in the beauty of nature on the second Sunday of every month. Families are warmly encouraged to support this wonderful initiative. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with literature, community and the natural environment in a meaningful way.

There is no charge for the storytelling sessions; however, entrance fees to the reserve are R100 for adults, R50 for children, and children under five enter free. We encourage our Holy Family families to experience this enriching combination of stories, learning and nature for themselves. After all, some of life's greatest lessons are discovered when great stories and the great outdoors come together.

Celebrating Remarkable Milestones

A special tribute was paid to Uncle Joshua, (Shayizandla Mkhize), who achieved an extraordinary milestone as the longest-serving staff member in Catholic schools across Johannesburg and Pretoria. Having dedicated 43 years of faithful service, Uncle Joshua's commitment, hard work, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on countless learners, staff members, and families over the years.

Throughout his remarkable journey, Uncle Joshua has been a valued member of the Holy Family College community, serving with humility, loyalty, and pride. His years of service stand as a testament to his strong work ethic and genuine care for the school and all who pass through its gates.

We congratulate Uncle Joshua on this outstanding achievement and thank him for the years of service he has given to Catholic Education. His legacy of dedication and commitment will continue to inspire us in serving in Catholic Education and generations to come.

We proudly congratulate Ms Modley on receiving her certificate for successfully completing the Echoing the Word course. Her commitment to personal and professional growth reflects a dedication to lifelong learning and to enriching the educational and spiritual journey of our school community. We commend her on this wonderful achievement and the effort she invested in completing the programme.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms Potgieter on reaching an incredible milestone of 35 years of service to Catholic education. Her unwavering commitment, passion for teaching, and dedication to shaping the lives of young people have made a lasting impact on countless learners and colleagues over the years. We thank her for her faithful service and celebrate this remarkable achievement with gratitude and admiration.