By Aa’ishah Muhammad, Head Girl
Asalamualaykum
Standing here today, after surviving trials and realizing we only have a few months left, I feel a mix of both immense relief but also sadness. We’re not just leaving this school—we’re closing a chapter that turned us from clueless Grade 7s into slightly less clueless adults.
To the teachers who have been our guides, mentors, and, let’s be honest, our personal therapists—you know who you are—thank you.
Thank you for believing in us, even when we barely believed in ourselves. Thank you for pushing us academically, even when we were half-asleep in class. And thank you for your endless encouragement and support—it meant more than you’ll ever know.
When I became Head Girl, I thought it was just about wearing a white scarf and looking official. Boy, was I wrong.
It was about listening—even when people only wanted to vent or complain.
It was about leading by example—like actually showing up on time (most of the time).
It was about speaking up—whether it was for our class or just to remind everyone that yes, matric is supposed to be stressful but it’s not the end of the world.
And most importantly, it was about humility. I made mistakes. There were moments of doubt, times I felt overwhelmed, and plenty of instances where I didn’t live up to expectations. But those moments taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of grace which I will forever be grateful for.
So, if I messed up along the way, I’m sorry. But I hope I wasn’t too bad.
I would also like to take this opportunity to give a little advice.
After writing trials, I know many of us are terrified of finals. But here’s the truth: failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s a step towards it. Every setback teaches us something, and those lessons are what drive us to work harder.
Goals are great, but action is what matters. Whether it’s applying to university, chasing a passion, or just stepping out of your comfort zone, take that first step. You’ll never regret trying—even if it’s a spectacular fail.
Finally I would like to say, Class of 2026, and I know this is going to sound cliché, but we’re more than just Matrics leaving school. We’re the next generation to take on the world—one awkward interview, one failed experiment, and one questionable life decision at a time.
So, let’s celebrate the memories, the chaos, the lessons and the teachers who survived giving them to us.
Thank you, everyone, for being part of this wild, unforgettable journey.
Jazakallah and good luck. Your Head Girl, signing out.