Before setting off on their mid-year break, SPARK Turffontein scholars, teachers and parents donated clothes and served up hearty soups and welcoming smiles to destitute community members. The extended community joined the scholars in support of their winter community outreach initiative.
At SPARK Schools, the teachers and scholars live by a set of core values, one of which is kindness. These core values are essential to nurturing SPARK scholars who will shape a better future society. These are the five core values that make up the acronym SPARK:
• Service: SPARK Scholars are active citizens in their classrooms, communities, and country. They dedicate time and effort to serving those in need and approach challenges with a team mindset.
• Persistence: SPARK Scholars never give up. They relentlessly pursue their academic and personal goals, tackling problems with an optimistic attitude and determination.
• Achievement: SPARK Scholars accomplish their academic goals, putting them on a trajectory toward university and successful careers. They are intellectually curious and have a genuine love of learning.
• Responsibility: SPARK Scholars demonstrate self-control and are accountable for their actions. They pay attention, follow directions, complete assignments, and seek to understand how their actions impact others.
• Kindness: SPARK Scholars treat themselves and others with respect and dignity. They are generous and value their relationships with peers and teachers alike.
In addition to the above five core values, every school chooses their own unique sixth core value and for SPARK Turffontein it is Influence. The scholar’s belief is that they are change makers and will positively influence those around them.
“Our scholars believe in bettering their communities and those around them and they put this into action too,” says Nombuso Shangase, Assistant Principal at SPARK Turffontein.
