17 Jul 2024

Four Primary Schools in Serowe embarked on a joint wellness and retreat exercise in Kasane over the holidays with an aim to strengthen collaborations and drive academic excellence.

Teachers and support staff from Simon Ratshosa, Motetshwane, Khama and Central primary schools were lectured on financial literacy, performance enhancement, mental health awareness and engaged in fitness, and recreational excursions.

Speaking at the retreat, event coordinator, Mr Kingsley Motlhagodi stated that the retreat intended to take school employees away from their routine, to share ideas, re-energise and cultivate academic excellence.

He said the initiative was the brainchild of the four schools with an objective to maintain consistent performance stating that Simon Ratshosa Motetshwane, Khama and Central obtained 81.7, 90.7, 93 and 91 per cent respective in the PSLE.

Mr Motlhagodi said the cluster had regrouped themselves to share resources, enforced teamwork and closed any gaps that could be impediments to learning.

Moreover, he indicated that the inaugural retreat had proven to be a success hence noted that they would like to undertake benchmarking exercises in Selebi Phikwe region and appreciate how they excelled every year.

Mr Motlhagodi said their cluster was open to welcome more schools in Serowe region willing to join the academic cluster.

He stated that the retreat would extend to Eden University in Zambia, to explore courses for professional advancement.

Welcoming the participants, Plateau Card Councilor Boitumelo Kanyetu commended the schools for forming the cluster, which went beyond duty and cultivated volunteerism.

He said the retreat and benchmarking exercises were essential not just in education but all industries as they promoted excellence and mental health awareness.

Mr Kanyetu encouraged the cluster to strengthen teamwork beyond the retreat so that they shine together academically.

The councilor said choosing Kasane for such an exercise was fitting because it was a different environment from their routine as it offered diverse tourism excursions.

He said the retreat offered an opportunity for teachers to experience the Chobe River and Kazungula Bridge first hand which aided them to articulate the syllabus impeccably upon return to their respective schools. ENDS