Hillside Primary School proudly hosted their annual Heritage Day celebration this past Friday (Sept 18).
It was a vibrant occasion that reflected the rich cultural diversity of the school community. Learners took to the stage with confidence and enthusiasm, showcasing a variety of cultural dances and proudly wearing their traditional attire. The programme provided a meaningful opportunity for the learners to honour their heritage while learning to appreciate the traditions of others. It was a day filled with colour, rhythm and unity, reminding all of the importance of celebrating our differences while embracing the values that bring us together.
Samayra Naidoo gains silver in District Speech Competition
Six-year-old Grade R learner, Samayra Naidoo, gave Hillside Primary School a proud moment to celebrate after securing second position and a Silver Medal at the District Speech Competition finals, held on September 7, at Arcadia Primary School.
Her speech journey began at school level, where her confidence and ability earned her the opportunity to progress to circuit level. She continued to impress and secured her place at the highly competitive district finals. At the finals, Samayra stood alongside 22 talented young speakers from across the district, each bringing their own talent, preparation and confidence to the competition. Presenting her speech, “Money Makes the World Go Round,” she captivated the audience with her clear delivery and remarkable composure, rising to the occasion to earn second place overall and a well-deserved Silver Medal.
For a six-year-old learner, reaching the district stage is an achievement in itself. Finishing in second position among such strong competition made the moment even more memorable, a testament to Samayra’s dedication, courage and willingness to stand before an audience and share her voice. Behind every confident young speaker is often a teacher who has invested time, patience and belief. Samayra was coached by her teacher, Madam E. Manoj, who worked closely with her to develop not only her speech, but also the presentation skills and confidence to deliver it with poise.
Mrs N. I. Mohamed, Departmental Head, said, “Watching Samayra stand on that stage with such confidence was an incredibly proud moment for me as her teacher. At just six years old, she has already shown that with determination, preparation and the right encouragement, our young learners are capable of achieving wonderful things. Her second place achievement is something she can be truly proud of.”The achievement was also warmly acknowledged by Hillside Primary School’s Acting Deputy Principal, Madam P. K. Ernest, who praised Samayra’s accomplishment and the dedication behind it. Madam Ernest said, “We are incredibly proud of Samayra and this wonderful achievement. To progress from school level, through circuit level and ultimately achieve second position at district level is truly commendable. Her Silver Medal is a reflection of her confidence, preparation and determination. We congratulate Samayra and Madam Manoj on this outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing this young speaker continue to grow and shine.” The celebration of Samayra’s achievement would not be complete without recognising the support of her family. Her father, Mr M. Naidoo, expressed heartfelt pride in his daughter’s success, noting how her determination and confidence have shone through at such a young age.
He said, “Seeing Samayra stand on that stage and deliver her speech with such courage was one of the proudest moments of my life. Her Silver Medal is not only a reflection of her talent, but also of the encouragement she has received from her teachers and the love and support from home. We are truly grateful to Hillside Primary School for nurturing her abilities and giving her the opportunity to shine. For Samayra, the experience is more than just a placing or a medal. It is an early milestone in her educational journey, one that has helped nurture her confidence, communication skills and love for public speaking. It is also a reminder that young learners are capable of achieving extraordinary things when given opportunities to participate, supported by dedicated educators, encouragement from family and the confidence to step outside their comfort zone.
As Hillside Primary School celebrates this proud moment, Samayra’s journey from the school stage to the district podium stands as an inspiring example of what can happen when confidence meets preparation. Her Silver Medal is a wonderful milestone in what certainly promises to be a bright journey ahead.”
Hillside gets the ball rolling… hosts Laudium Mini Cricket Festival
Cricket, teamwork and plenty of enthusiasm were the order of the day when Hillside Primary School hosted the Laudium Mini Cricket Festival recently.
Learners from all the Laudium schools took to the field, enthusiastically participating in the matches, showing off their cricketing skills and enjoying the day’s action. The festival brought learners from across the community together, with children cheering each other on while teachers encouraged their respective teams. The event also gave learners the opportunity to strengthen friendships through their shared enjoyment of cricket. KFC Mini Cricket supported the festival as part of its continued involvement in developing young cricketing talent and helping to make events of this nature possible. The participation and collaboration of all the Laudium schools also contributed towards making the festival a success.