The Dunstonian Chronicle

Editorial – A Message from Alan Lachenicht

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

At an assembly held at the beginning of October, a large number of Grade 11 students received Academic Colours. What was particularly impressive was that ten students met the criteria to qualify for an Honours award. However, excellent academic results do not happen by chance; they are the culmination of a sustained, collaborative effort between students, teachers and parents. It is thus
not surprising that the University of Pretoria has recognised St Dunstan’s as one of their top feeder schools, where our students gain access to courses of their choice.

Sunday, 5 October was World Teacher Appreciation Day, which highlighted the critical role teachers play in shaping the lives of the children they teach. According to Stephen Hawking, “If you look behind every exceptional person, there is an exceptional teacher.” At  St Dunstan’s, teachers focus on developing exceptional students — academically, in sport and culture, and through the school’s seven core values: service, humility, integrity, truth, respect, courage and love.

At the recent Open Day held at the College, prospective parents commented that the students taking tours were proud to be at St Dunstan’s, the teachers were passionate and engaging, and that a calm atmosphere was prevalent throughout the school. Parents who are applying to enrol their children at the College consistently highlight two key factors that they believe are vital for their child’s future success — excellent academic results and a low staff turnover. These two factors are intricately linked: one cannot exist without the other.

Our school is blessed to have an experienced and professional staff, and I thank the teachers for their effort and commitment to ensure that all students, no matter their ability, are encouraged and supported to achieve their best possible results. A Bachelor’s degree pass rate of 99% in 2024 speaks volumes to the fact that all students are important — not only the top achievers. This approach contrasts sharply with schools that focus exclusively on results to the detriment of the holistic development of each child.

The Academic Programme is enriched by teachers who understand that extension beyond the curriculum is essential. Organising outings, tours, Olympiads, ‘Tour de Maths’, workshops, seminars and guest speakers all provide important opportunities for learning that extend beyond the classroom. Eighteen College teachers have been appointed this year as IEB markers, senior markers, moderators or examiners, giving our students an invaluable ‘edge’ when preparing for their matric examinations. Participation in sport and cultural activities further provides a healthy balance to academic pressures, and it is no coincidence that students who perform well academically are also actively involved in extra-mural activities.

The relationships cultivated between teachers and students are a crucial component of success. Past students often reflect on the positive impact their teachers have had on their lives. The 2005 and 2015 Dunstonian Reunion held recently was a wonderful occasion — an evening of shared memories, laughter and reconnection. Although there were more teachers present than Dunstonians, it was gratifying to hear how well our past students have adapted to life after school.

The academic build is beginning to take shape. The new hall is planned for completion in May 2026, which will accommodate the preliminary examinations — much to Fr Jerome’s delight. The STEM Centre, comprising Mathematics classrooms, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences laboratories and a Technology Centre, will further enhance the existing world-class facilities at our school.

As we celebrate our students’ successes, it is equally important to recognise the enormous contribution our teachers make every day, and not only on Teacher Appreciation Day. Barack Obama sums up the importance of teachers in any society by stating: “Invest in our teachers and our children will succeed.”

Mr Alan Lachenicht