Dear Parents

Reflecting on the past few weeks, it has certainly been a frenetic and challenging period, with schools across our district forced to close for several days due to the severe weather conditions. To all Woodridge families affected by the flooding, we continue to hold you in our thoughts and sincerely hope that life is gradually returning to a sense of normality. The impact of the storms was very real and, at times, deeply testing. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, the resilience, compassion, and care within the Woodridge community have shone through.

I would like to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to our ground staff for the incredible work they have done in keeping the school operational and enabling both Knock on Wood last week and the Derby Day against York this past weekend to go ahead successfully. While the school certainly faced several challenges, the commitment and tireless efforts of the ground staff team were central to what was made possible during this demanding time.

I would also be remiss if I did not acknowledge the efforts of our boarders and the staff members living on campus, who worked tirelessly to prepare the venues and grounds for Knock on Wood. Following the wind and flood damage, it was truly encouraging to see so many members of our community rolling up their sleeves, getting their hands dirty, and, in the process, sharing some good old-fashioned fun and camaraderie. The severe weather also had a significant impact on the Baviaanskloof, an area that remains very close to the heart of the Woodridge family, particularly as our Grade 10 pupils traverse this region as part of “The Way”. We feel deeply for the people and communities we have come to know so well over the years as they continue working towards restoring a sense of normality. Many areas remain inaccessible, and extensive repairs are still required before life can resemble what it once was.

A fundraising initiative, “Back a Buddy”, has been established to assist with the recovery efforts in the Baviaanskloof, and this remains one of the most meaningful ways in which we can support these communities: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/baviaanskloof-flood-relief

No sooner had the storms passed than we moved into the...

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