4 We are still learning about and are willing to rise to the challenge of assisting boys who, through no fault of their own, experience ill health, including mental health challenges. Suffice to say, this year these boys have shown tremendous resilience and have worked hard, together with their parents and teachers to catch up missed tuition and are thankfully able to be with us today in confident anticipation of their final examinations. There has been much success in our weight-loss programme where boys volunteer to be part of the programme overseen by our Wellness committee, driven by health professionals including a medical doctor, registered dietician, biokineticist and educational psychologist. We have noticed improved academic results, an improvement in self-concept and general wellness in young men on this programme who have learned how to self- manage their lifestyles. On the academic front, our inclusion and counselling support are about to move into a new venue, which will allow our boys with barriers to learning to receive instruction in bespoke learning environments and complete their examinations in the best possible conditions. Kearsney has made great strides in working towards being a more inclusive school. Our beautiful facilities are used annually by thousands of school children from all over the country, drawn from rural and urban environments, state and independent schools. The Foundation Department works with corporates, foundations, sponsors and Old Boys to raise funding, making it possible for boys who would otherwise not have been able to enjoy a Kearsney education, and who would not have had the opportunity of enriching the life of the College, to attend Kearsney. Many boys who will receive prizes today are the beneficiaries of this much-needed assistance. As Kearsney moves into the 2020s, we are picking up momentum to celebrate the College's Centenary in 2021. Centenary preparations are well underway, and you can familiarise yourself with the progress by checking the latest details on the Kearsney website. In preparation for the Centenary, this Grade 12 class has assisted us in the planting of well over 60 indigenous trees over their time at the College. Three years ago, an avenue of White Stinkwoods was planted on the east side of the Stott and today they stand roughly five meters tall. Earlier this year we planted a row of Cape Chestnuts on the eastern boundary of the AH Smith Oval. There is a Greek proverb that goes, "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." Now, I wouldn't entirely refer to the Grade 12s as old men but the lesson of planting trees that you as Kearsney boys would not sit under is the message I would like to emphasise. And this metaphor can be applied to the way you have led the College this year. Under the guidance of Headboy, Kade Mindry, and Deputy-head, Ezra Tsela, the Heads of Houses, their deputies, captains of sport, leaders of clubs and societies, in music and drama and senior mentors – you have all played your part and us as a school salute you. H Jackson Brown Jr is an American author, best known for his book Life's Little Instruction Book which was a New York Times best-seller. He once wrote, "Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get." I want to suggest that the Kearsney garden you Grade 12s have left reflects the care you gave us. Thank you for caring and thank you for leaving this garden in a better state than you found it. Our best wishes go to you, the Class of 2019, for your examinations and in your lives ahead. Thank you for your attention. God bless you. Mr Elwyn van den Aardweg Kearsney has made great strides in working towards being a more inclusive school. Our beautiful facilities are used annually by thousands of school children from all over the country, drawn from rural and urban environments, state and independent schools. Headmaster's Report
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