Veritas women pledge support to Grade 12s

* The Veritas women, are from left, Carmelita Africa, Chauntal Noble, Yolanda Haupt, Cecile-Ann Pearce, Shireen van der Rheede, Anneen Abels and Bernice Abels.

Immaculata High School, in Wittebome held its pre-valedictory induction ceremony where the Grade 12s received the first Veritas badges from the school’s alumni, on Friday October 12.

Former pupil (matric 1981), Shireen van der Rheede and chairperson of Immaculata Veritas Woman Alumni, which was launched on Women’s Day, said the aim is to build a legacy by connecting the past and the present in order to pass the torch of truth and enlighteanment to future generations. “The call was also made to the sisterhood, Veritas women to step up, step in, give back and offer support to the school.

“The alumni are extremely proud, honoured and humbled to present you with these badges. No matter where you are in the world, you will be recognised as a Veritas Woman and you proudly declare this. As of today, we are bonded for life as Veritas sisters. Wear you badge with pride and honour. You are unique and wonderfully made, let your light and truth be reflected in all that you do. In this way you will touch lives, make a difference and be an agent of positive change as a Veritas Woman.”

The women and the girls recited the oath to “reinforce and affirm” their commitment.

Ms Van Der Rheede said: “Class of 2018 we salute you. We wish you well as you prepare for your matric exams. We, your sisters, will be praying for you.”

Ms Van der Rheede also relayed a historical event about the native American people, the Lakota. “At the age of 14, Lakota boys were sent on a ‘vision quest’ or initiation test.

This involves sitting and fasting on a mountain peak to await a vision. As the boys fasted and trembled alone on the mountain peak they would hear mountain lions snarl and move in the darkness below them.

“In fact the sounds were made by the men of the tribe, keeping watch, to ensure the boys’ safety. A young person was too precious to the Lakota to endanger needlessly.

“Ladies, this is what you mean to us. You are precious to us and we care about you, your well-being and want to ensure that you have support at all times, no matter what the circumstances,” said Ms Van Der Rheede.

The Veritas initiators said if the girls are in doubt, need advice, assistance or support, they must make contact with them. “We can inform you that exciting, interesting and thought-provoking programmes will be offered as the Veritas Woman programme encourages growth and development.”

Ms Van Der Rheede said the Veritas Woman programme started on their first project to acquire the services of a gardener. “You must visit the school to see the progress. There will be benches for anyone to sit and reflect, pray or just be still to refresh the mind, body and spirit.

“We have always had pride in our school, I say again, we are reinforcing what has always been there for the past 71 years. We will also be adding a vegetable garden which will benefit the whole Immaculata community as it promotes health and wellness awareness and promotes a healthy lifestyle.”

Two groups of alumni had contacted the school and they offered to do some cleaning and cosmetic improvement inside the school building. “You (Grade 12s) leave Immaculata empowered, confident, courageous, brave and well armoured as you step into the world where women are still faced with challenges on a daily basis,” said Ms Van Der Rheede.