FLIPPING BOOK CHRONICLE 2024

JO MORRISON

SHEENA MARI WHITE

As I prepare to close this chapter of my life and step into retirement, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Working alongside such dedicated and wonderful people past and present has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. Together we created memories I will treasure forever. The friendships in this workplace have made it not just a job, but truly an enriching experience working at Michaelhouse. Though I’m moving on to this new stage of life, the bonds we’ve built will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for your friendship and confidence in me. Please stay in touch. Thank you to the Staff and Boys who made my stay at Michaelhouse for 36 years so amazing. Wishing you all the best for the future. Lots of Love, Shakila BONGIWE (MIRIAM) MLOTSHWA

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n 1993, Sheena embarked on a journey at Michaelhouse, beginning her career in the heart of knowledge – The Library, under the guidance of Penny Purchase. Surrounded by books and her thirst for reading she played an integral role in fostering a space where boys could expand their minds and embrace the joy of imagination. Her path soon spiralled up to the Bursary, where she worked under the remarkable bursar, Charlie Burton. In this new chapter, Sheena’s meticulous attention to detail, dedication and unwavering commitment became the foundation for her work. Sheena’s presence at Michaelhouse has been more than just a role – it is testament of her kindness, loyalty and passion and an enduring love for the school. Having worked under five Rectors, she has witnessed and contributed to the ever- changing landscape of Michaelhouse. With 31 years of service to Michaelhouse, under her belt, Sheena has formed countless friendships with students and staff alike, serving alongside her dearest friends, Pushpa Ramharack, Poobie Govender, Kelly Laing, Rita Bhagwandin, Florence Jali,Wendy Kelly and Joanne Morrison, to name but a few. One of the greatest privileges of her time at Michaelhouse has been the opportunity to work with her fraternal twin, Kees Grinwis, making this journey even more meaningful. The White/Grinwis heredity is stitched into the fabric of Michaelhouse, a testament to the deep connections that make Michaelhouse such a special place. As for Sheena, retirement does not mean slowing down – skydiving into her

oanne joined Michaelhouse in 2014 as the co-curricular administrator. Within a very short time she demonstrated her capacity for hard work and her commitment to the department. Her job description was extremely broad and included the quarterly calendar, year plan and school photographs. In the course of an average day, Joanne would support the staff team, assist many boys with queries regarding service points, the President’s Award and all school awards, and communicate with parents regarding a host of issues. She also published the weekly sporting programme and the associated details, including catering, transport and the like. It was in the area of Outdoor Education that Joanne’s experience and energy really came to the fore. Her prior experience in the game lodge hospitality industry ensured that she was well prepared for this role and she was part of the planning team as soon as she arrived. This entailed an enormous amount of preparation and organisation, including: vehicle hire, collating all documents for team leaders, packing rations, facilitating driving licences for staff, notifying land owners about the movements and whereabouts of Journey groups, and corresponding with parents and boys. She also acted as “home base co ordinator” while the boys and staff in four Blocks were out on their expeditions. This is a demanding task, requiring the ability to relate to multiple stakeholders, from service providers to anxious parents and staff with ever-changing needs. Joanne also organised the annual vaccinations for staff pets on Meadows. We thank her for her many contributions to Michaelhouse over the years and wish her well in her new venture on the South Coast. Written By Paul Fleischack

ur dear colleague Bongiwe started working at the laundry in 1987. There were only ten staff at the time, and they were very fortunate that there weren’t as many boys then as there are now. The staff also used to go home during the school holidays because the laundry would close, and would only open again when the boys came back. Bongiwe remembers many boys from her time at Michaelhouse, including current staff members James Fleming and Murray Witherspoon. She has been a hard working, reliable and loyal member of our team, and we will miss her. She enjoyed working at the laundry and she will miss the boys and the bustle of school life. After 37 years of service to Michaelhouse it is time for Bongiwe to rest and enjoy her retirement. Go well, dear friend. Written by Happy Nzima O

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