Profile:
Vision
Pro Arte Alphen Park aims to be a key provider of education and training in the fields of the Arts, Entrepreneurship and Academics.
Mission Statement
Pro Arte Alphen Park aims to utilise all available opportunities, as well as to create opportunities where none currently exist in the Arts, Entrepreneurship and Academic fields within the multi-dimensional, creative, innovative and dynamic school community.
History
Pro Arte Alphen Park opened its doors in January 1994 with the amalgamation of two schools, namely Pro Arte, school for the arts (1969) and the Alphen Park High School.
Pro Arte Alphen Park is a dual medium school which is one of only a few focus schools established in Gauteng. The school is situated in Pretoria East close to the Menlyn shopping centre. The school does not only serve learners from surrounding suburbs but also learners from all over the country.
Student population
Our learners are diverse in respect of race, creed and talents. A large number of learners are accommodated in the hostel. The hostel learners are representative of all the provinces in South Africa. Currently it houses learners from the Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West Province, Western Province and Botswana. The remaining learners reside in Gauteng; we have no specific feeder zone. Learners who apply to attend our school have a passion for either the arts, business related subjects or hospitality. The learners at our school are representative of the whole population regarding race and economical welfare.
Achievements and Accolades
Since its inception, Pro Arte Alphen Park has achieved a 100% Grade 12 pass rate for several years. Several accolades have been presented to the school for its achievements.
We are also the custodian of the Simfonia Juventi Orchestra which consists of learners from all over Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and North-West Province. They work and stay at the school during the April holidays.
Our Hospitality department started the Chefs competition in district D4 two years ago. It has since grown into a much bigger competition in which other districts also participate.
Pro Arte Alphen Park is one of only two founder members of the Tshwane Youth Arts Festival which has been presented in the State Theatre since 1996. Each year approximately 10,000 learners from different schools participate in the festival over a period of two weeks.
Schools from Britain, Indonesia and Sweden visit our school annually. The District often uses our school to showcase what is being done regarding cultural activities. We have an exchange programme with Gable Hall School in Corringham, Essex, Great Britain.
Facilities
The facilities built for the different focus areas are excellent. The needs of each of the focus areas were attended to. There are three dance studios with wall mirrors and bars for the dancers. The Drama department has a small hall where shows are held. They also have movement rooms with mirrors. The hospitality focus area has well equipped kitchens to enable learners to prosper. The Art focus area has studios for printing and design. The Music focus area has 30 studios where individual lessons can be conducted. A variety of orchestra instruments are at the disposal of learners. We also have three computer laboratories for the Enterprise management focus area. All classrooms are well equipped.
Our school media centre is well resourced with books, visual and sound equipment to enable learners and teachers to create a stimulating learning environment. Learners also have access to computers and the internet to do research.
Class sizes
The school treasures the fact that our class sizes are kept small in order for teachers to be able to reach out to learners where individual needs arise. Learners also flourish in such a conducive educational environment.
The appointment of additional teachers by the governing body contributes towards the smaller numbers in the classes.
Message from principal:
The launch of our new website forms part of the spirit of excitement the country finds itself in with the hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. We, as Pro Arte Alphen Park, feel rejuvenated and as staff, learners and parents we would like to celebrate this. We nurture creativity as a tool to resolve challenges. The school boasts a highly qualified staff component which contributes to our achievements. We have a newly elected school governing body which is eager to assist us in our endeavour to remain the preferred school in Pretoria. As a school, we also embrace the principles of democracy through respect for each other.
Values such as respect, integrity, commitment and loyalty are treasured in our school. Our code of conduct is guided by these values. The management of the school regularly assesses the commitment of learners and teachers towards promoting these values. The school crest also reflects on these values: “Vigor et Veritas” which translated, means Strength and Integrity.
Our Code of Honour captures the essence of our school's character:
- Respect the Christian principles taught at the school
- Pursue goodness, faithfulness, friendliness and loyalty
- Uphold honesty and sincerity
- Place truth above the lie
- To strive for nobleness of character, high moral values and a balanced life-style
- Honour and develop the traditions of our school
- Respect the various languages, cultures and national symbols of our country
- Demonstrate the necessary acknowledgement, consideration, respect, obedience and helpfulness in relationships
- Do any duty to the best of my ability
- Always remember, in work and play, that my body is an ally that should never be neglected
Our school song embraces the principles of democracy by using Afrikaans, English and Sesotho. The music was composed by Prof S Grové, who was a parent of the school.
Our school crest is a shield containing two interlocking diamonds as focal point on a burgundy background. The diamonds are symbolic of:
- Purity, uniqueness, many-facetedness and aesthetic values which reflect the beauty of the arts.
- The interlinking of focus areas, cultural inter-linking, academic subjects and also of arts and technology.
- A link in a chain which reflects our strength and unity.
- The head of the top diamond symbolizes striving for excellence, pointing towards a higher goal.
- The base of the bottom diamond symbolizes being anchored in a solid foundation and values.
The border emphasizes unity and the colours silver and light blue reflect the standard of excellence we strive for.
As the Principal, I am fortunate to have been with the school since its amalgamation, originally as HOD and then as Deputy Principal. I have been fortunate to have had two principals preceding me who both contributed greatly to the character of this wonderful school.
Educational aims:
In order to fulfil our mission, Pro Arte Alphen Park is committed to:
Creating and upholding a school culture, which will
- encourage a high standard of academic achievement
- hold creativity and innovation in high esteem;
- be contemporary and modern;
- be unique in its multi-dimensionality; and
- promote democratic processes within the school community
Recruiting and developing a teaching corps to ensure
- creative-innovative outcomes in line with present educational trends and
- teaching in an understandable and relevant manner.
Enrolling and training the best learner potential by
- encouraging motivation, self-discipline, self-activity, creativity and innovation and
- equipping learners with life skills to ensure that they become responsible adults.
Focusing on the broader community by
- marketing the school in a multi-dimensional South African society;
- fostering the greatest possible credibility with stakeholders; and
- rendering a service in accordance with contemporary needs.
Maintaining an effective school management system in order to excel in
- administration, organization and planning;
- managing and developing financial, physical and human resources; and
- effective communication.
School Governing Body:
Ex officio:
Mr Johann Güldenpfennig (Principal )
The following members were elected during May 2009 to serve on the Governing Body:
Parents:
Mr Bruce Davenport (Chairman)
Mr Rejoice Mathlola (Deputy Chairman)
Mrs Sonja Schutte (Treasurer)
Mrs Julitha Matebane
Mrs Natasha Treichel
Mrs Tracy Minnie
Mr Steve Mabasa
Mrs Elinor Snyman
Administration staff:
Mrs Eldene Anderson (Secretary)
Staff:
Dr Riana Bester (Deputy Principal)
Mrs Annerie le Roux
Mr Stefan Muller
Learners:
Jimmy Moyaha
Pelican Zimu
Boipelo Moseneke
The following members were co-opted to serve on the Governing Body:
Academic staff:
Mr Lionel Nkosi (Deputy Principal)
Administration staff:
Mrs Ina Grobler
Mr Deon Smith
Mr Marius van der Merwe
Staff A – Z:
DANCE
Mr Nigel Hannah
18 years at PAAP
19 years in education
Subjects: Dance
Miss Sue Kirkland
3 years at PAAP
18 years in education
Subjects: Ballet
Miss Maria-Lorca Montoya
5 years at PAAP
8 years in education
Subjects: Spanish
Mr Cecil de Jongh
2 years at PAAP
10 years in education
Subjects: Jazz
Miss Angie Gunn
3 years at PAAP
6 years in education
Subjects: Dane Theory, History of Anatomy, Health Care
Mr Cillié Burger
4 years at PAAP
10 years in education
Subjects: Dance Music
Mr Christopher Montague
3 years at PAAP
3 years in education
Subjects: Ballet Academy Senior
Miss Michelle Dreeckmeir
4 years at PAAP
12 years in education
Subjects: Ballet Academy Junior
Miss Ilsa Boshoff
3 years at PAAP
27 years in education
Subjects: Ballet Academy Junior
Hostel:
VILLA NOVA HOSTEL
- This is a girls-only hostel.
- Two girls share a room.
- Accommodation includes three meals per day: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- On Wednesdays the girls may go shopping.
- It is a five-day facility – girls have to go home over weekends.
- Learners have to return to hostel on Sunday afternoon or before school on a Monday morning.
- Application forms are available from the hostel’s office from the end of September. Parents will be telephoned if learners have been accepted to the hostel and forms are posted.
- Fees are payable on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. A 2.5% discount is applicable if paid quarterly and 10% if paid annually.
- Fees are payable in advance, not later than the 3rd of each month.
- A deposit equal to one month’s fee is payable at the beginning of the year. This is Refundable when the learner leaves the hostel.
- Fees go up with at least 10% annually. We are expecting a steep rise in food prices next year. Currently we are looking at a fee of R3 000.00 per month, payable over a period of 11 months. Thus R33 000 per annum.
- Personnel in charge:
Mr M van der Merwe
Head of hostel
Mrs I van der Merwe
Senior House mother
Mrs C Cloete
Secretary
Mrs J Griesel
Head Matron
A WORD FROM OUR LEARNERS
Raine Waring – Head girl
Hostel is so much better than everyone makes it out to be. I have gained so much confidence, strength, social abilities and character from being in the hostel. It is not an easy step to make, but one will definitely leave with more than before they came. To have independence, responsibility and courage is important in life and hostel has given me a head start. Villa Nova is definitely a place worth being in. I can confidently call it my home away from home.
Lesego
I can not begin to tell you how terribly overwhelming hostel can be on your first encounter. Whether you're overwhelmed by fear, joy or excitement, you will be overwhelmed! The feeling goes away very shortly after though, then reality sets in – the rules, the new roommate and not being with mommy and daddy.
Fast forward to even less then 3 months later and it's a completely different ballgame. Anybody who's ever even heard of Villa Nova will know that no other place teaches you independence, responsibility and accountability quite like hostel. There are days when I just want to lock myself up and be alone, but that’s the thing about hostel – it teaches you how to face the real world and when you’re having a bad day, you know there will be people who will sit there and stare at you until you have no choice but to be happy! On the brighter side, we have so much fun here and we build such life-altering relationships that would otherwise not be possible.
For any girl with a dream, determination and discipline to see it through, Villa Nova is YOUR dream-come-true-boot-camp!!!
God could not have given me a better family
Brilliance
Kiss good-bye those long weary bus traveling afternoons and say hello promenade!!!
Really, hostel is the place to be, if you’re a dedicated and hard-working girl. Our hostel offers 3 wholesome meals daily and dessert occasionally. Another great thing about it is that it has a time for everything! A time to bath, work and play and never to forget – Menlyn – Spar on Wednesdays or Thursdays as well as Movie nights...
For changes in your academics, hostel is the number one solution!!!
Magnet school:
School Uniform
SCHOOL UNIFORM:BOYS
SKOOLDRAG:SEUNS
Clothes must be neat and clean and should be worn according to season.
Klere moet te alle tye versorg en skoon wees en moet volgens seisoen gedra word.
School uniform rules must at all times be adhered to.
Skooluniform reëls moet te alle tye gehoorsaam word.
Only grade 12's may wear white shirts and agreed upon pull-over (white).
Slegs graad 12's mag wit hempde en ooreengekome oortrektrui (wit) dra.
SCHOOL UNIFORM:GIRLS
SKOOLDRAG:DOGTERS
Clothes must be neat and clean and should be worn according to season.
Klere moet te alle tye versorg en skoon wees en moet volgens seisoen gedra word.
School uniform rules must at all times be adhered to.
Skooluniform reëls moet te alle tye gehoorsaam word.
Only grade 12's may wear white shirts and agreed upon pull-over (white).
Slegs graad 12's mag wit hempde en ooreengekome oortrektrui (wit) dra.
Second hand clothes store
Location: Block B – Room 025
The shop provides school uniforms in good condition, including:
Blazers
Jerseys
Pants (boys)
Pants (girls)
Pullovers
Skirts
Ties
Socks
Scarves
Beanies
Tights
Shoes
Mrs Jansen van Vuuren is available during all register periods (07:35 – 07:50) and during break on a Thursday (11:05 – 11:34)
Payment: Cash only