Falcon College readies for 70th anniversary

Vision, passion and excellence were the talk of the day at Falcon College in Esigodini recently, as the esteemed college honoured pupils who excelled in various disciplines during the course of the year.

The College celebrates 70 years of existence next year after having opened its doors back in February 1954. Falcon College headmaster Mr Dave van Wyk was nostalgic as he reminded the audience of all the great times they have had as Falconians over the years.

“Next year, Falcon College turns 70. The commitment of Falconians (Zimbabwe) and the Falconian Foundation worldwide, has gained much traction this year, and I would like to single out 2005 George Grey Head of House, and current Falconians Zimbabwe Chairman, Tapiwa Mafi in Harare, and 1968 Head boy and current Chairman of the Falconian Foundation, Brian Darling, in Houston, for their commitment and determination in motivating Falconians across the world”, said Mr Van Wyk.

He encouraged pupils to continue the legacy of the school by living up to the words, “Live each day as if it is your last, for one day you will be right”.

“In living by this adage, let us strive to create an oasis of excellence, kindness and authenticity; a community where our primary question is not “what’s in it for me”, but rather, “how may I help you?” said Mr van Wyk.

Zimbabwean thought and transformational leadership expert, Mrs Rachel Adams, who was the recipient of a Mandela Rhodes Scholarship and has worked with prestigious institutions around the world, was invited as guest of honour to inspire the pupils and share knowledge. She encouraged pupils to love and embrace one another regardless of where they come from or who they are.

“To learn and grow you need to make friends who are different to you, once you get to know them you will discover that you were misjudging them and your perspective was wrong. When I attended school with other races, I was defensive about who to be friends with but as time went by, I started to make friends who are different from me. I started to notice that my defences were falling after I interacted with other white people,” said Mrs Adams.

She encouraged learners to cherish and love one another regardless of background. Falcon College outgoing chairperson, Mr Andrew

Marchussen condemned drug and substance abuse while encouraging pupils to love their bodies and avoid drugs at all costs.

“Excessive use of psychoactive drugs, such as alcohol, pain medications or illegal drugs can lead to physical, social or emotional harm. This will not be tolerated in this school, meaning once you are caught engaging, you will be suspended with immediate effect,” said Mr Marchussen.

He called on parents to refrain from buddy parenting, which is parenting with fear of conflict.