Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
ST Christopher’s Primary School in Gwanda continues to record steady development with the institution aiming to ensure learners are exposed to ideal learning conditions that deliver excellent performance.
Speaking at the school’s annual prize-giving day event on Wednesday, St Christopher’s Primary School headmaster, Mr Themuso Dube, said the year 2025 has produced outstanding examples of teamwork on the sports fields, incredible creativity in cultural activities, and deep curiosity in the classrooms.
“This past year St Christopher’s has been filled with countless moments of growth and excellence. While today we formally recognise specific achievements in academics, sports, arts, and community service, I want to emphasise that success is not solely defined by the prizes handed out today,” he said.
“It is the journey, the effort, the resilience in the face of challenges, and the continuous striving to be the best version of ourselves that truly matters.
“Our 2024 Zimsec results are as follows — in terms of units passed 98,03 percent, and by subjects 95,42 percent. We had six learners with six units that is five girls and one boy. To our prize winners today, a heartfelt congratulations,” said Mr Dube.
“Your dedication and discipline have yielded fantastic results, and you should feel immense pride in your accomplishments. I hope that your success today serves as an inspiration to all your peers, showing what can be achieved through focus and hard work.”
The school has an enrolment of 1 165 learners made up of 554 boys and 611 girls. The enrolment for 2025 has gone up from last year’s enrolment, which stood at 1 130.
Staff compliment is at 35 with eight males and 27 females while four teachers are undergoing training.
“Let me also speak to those who may not be receiving a prize this morning. Participation is invaluable, and striving for excellence is a continuous process.
“Today can be your starting line. I encourage you to use this occasion as motivation to set new goals, embrace new challenges, and continue working towards your potential,” said Mr Dube.
“The achievements we celebrate today are a result of a collective effort. I extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff. Your tireless work, guidance, and unwavering commitment to nurturing our students’ talents are the foundation of our school’s success. You are the “dream team” that makes all of this possible,” he added.
Mr Dube commended parents and guardians for consistent support and partnership in child education saying their involvement, encouragement, and sacrifices make all the difference.
“We deeply appreciate the strong home-school link we share,” he added.
The school has various other projects underway such as poultry, fisheries, piggery and a tuck shop. Other projects on the pipeline include solar installation at the school, construction of additional classroom blocks, erecting a school perimeter fence, extending the boarding facility and building an infant school.
However, the school is still facing a challenge of learning space, hence the need to construct more infrastructure.
In his key note address Mr Thabang Moyo from Pretoria Portland Cement, a local cement producing firm, said there is a lot of development the school can realise if parents, school administration and other stakeholders work together.
“This is an important day for all the students, parents, teachers and all stakeholders in the education sector as it gives us opportunity to reflect on the previous year’s achievements with a view to identify what made us achieve the performance we celebrate today,” he said.
“We need to do this yearly in our various capacities in order to further improve the performance and quality of our education.
“Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate last year’s St Christopher’s Primary School candidates for their hard work, which led to the improved performance that we celebrate today. I am delighted to see your work rewarded.”
Mr Moyo urged parents and other stakeholders to partner with the school administration and work towards further developing the school. He urged parents and guardians to pay school fees for their children and monitor them in the face of drug and substance abuse, social media influence and other immoral activities that are jeopardising the future of the youth.
“Never neglect your children due to the economic hardships. Buy your children uniforms, food and have quality time with them. Impact spiritual well-being to your children and be able to differentiate the wrong from right.
“We all need to participate in school fundraising activities and educational trips as they are done to benefit the child,” he said.
Mr Moyo also urged teachers to remain dedicated to their work and serve as role models to the learners. He urged learners to be committed and dedicated to their school work. — @DubeMatutu
