The newbies jump in

Michelline Nawatises
Joice Mburuu & Kinisha Evenson



The orientation started on the 15th of January 2020. That was an introduction to new surrounding to the ‘newbies’ as they were required to adjust to the change in the environment in terms of schools. The current school being different from their previous schools made them quite nervous.

On the first day, they gathered at the assembly with the assistance of the LRCs. First on stage was the Head of the school , Mr Sibanga ,he introduced himself ,the fellow staff and the LRCs. Immediately after the briefing at the assembly, classes were allocated to the grade 8’s.They then went to the gym hall for the orientation process to officially start.

In the gym hall, Amalia Karuaihe, a member of the LRC read the school’s mission and vision, beliefs, values and code of conduct to them. Jentezen! Naruseb, also an LRC, led the school anthem. Everything went smoothly on the first day as the grade 8s were not exposed to the external environment (seniors) and they had their break inside the gym.



As the days went on, the grade 8s were being taught a lot of things and they gained quite an acceptable amount of knowledge about their school. On some days, they got opportunities to ask questions related to the school’s history, sports, school rules and academics.

Few of the rules were: walking in straight line, keeping left in every corridor of the school and being quiet in the corridors

Everything became easier to do because they got used to the everyday routine and they were becoming pro’s.

A grade 8 learner, Altinho Ndjulu, said that he had a wonderful experience during the orientation and if he had a chance to, he would go through it again. He further added that apart from becoming an LRC, would like to see his picture on the wall of fame at Swakopmund Secondary School.

The orientation process came to an end rapidly and the day that the LRCs had to let go of the grade 8s had come. The grade 8’s were given an opportunity to colour the LRCs at a colour festival. The festival was a success and loads of weight was lifted off of the LRCs shoulders. The grade 8’s were then accepted as being part and puzzle of the broad school. Now all they have to do is stick to the rules, be on everyone’s good side and then they are good to go.