Last Friday, our Grade 11s (incoming Matric Class of 2026) revealed their banner. This is a longstanding tradition, where the banner was created as a grade during their leadership sessions at their Grade 11 Leadership Camp. The values the group chose, that they aspire towards are: Joy | Integrity | Love | Growth.
At the start of Term 3, our Grade 11s attended a Leadership Camp to prepare them for their role as the Grade 12 leaders of the School. This leadership training included a diverse assortment of activities and workshop discussions – all with a focus on leadership. One of the key workshop discussions was around the values that the Grade 11s, as a grade, wanted to inculcate at Cannons Creek, during their Matric year. For this the Grade 11s were split into six smaller groups. Each group had to choose four values they thought the most important, and produce a drawing to promote these values. Lastly, after each group had presented their drawings and values, the whole group had to reach consensus on the best choice of values and drawing design.
The Values:
JOY
Joy is one of the values on our banner and it is depicted by the rising sun which is always a symbol of hope for each new day. We thought the rising sun each morning would be symbolic of a renewal of joy for our grade, and for school. It is a reminder to strive for joy. As the sun rises across the whole earth, it reminds all people to be joyous. The sun also gives warmth which can be depicted as the joy that each of us should strive to carry each day and through our Matric year.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is another value depicted by the moon. The moon is sure to rise, and although it sheds light, it is a softer glow than the sun. We thought that integrity is a value that lies within each person of our grade, and school. Like the soft glow of the moon, it shines out of each person when they show integrity. We thought this an important value because integrity draws people together and it generates respect for one another.
LOVE
Love is another value on our banner, depicted by the roots of our tree. Without roots a tree cannot survive, and without love our grade and school will not survive. Love is something that is represented in inter-personal relationships, in friendships, and in our community. It also binds families together. Without love, our grade and the school would be an empty vessel.
GROWTH
Growth is another value, represented by the trunk of the tree. Tree trunks are strong and support the whole tree. In the same way growth in our grade would give us the strength to grow closer, and lead the school during our Matric year. One of our grade goals is to grow closer as a Matric group and to encourage other grades to do the same during 2026.
