Dear Parents and Guardians,
The very first Bay Academy High School camp provided a unique opportunity for students and teachers to make connections and form bonds across grades. It was wonderful to observe students in an unfamiliar setting and unexpected challenges reaching out to each other, showing care and consideration and celebrating not only winning but perseverance. Some of the most powerful moments included simply having to pause, breath, embrace and reflect. Here are extracts from reflections by some of the students who attended:
“Our school camp was an adventure full of laughs and “oopsy” moments. We survived the cold plunge without mentioning our discomfort (mostly), hiked while thinking about “How to let go” and swam under a waterfall like confused mermaids.
The obstacle course tested our balance, some of us looked like newborn giraffes. The map clue hunt turned into a chaotic race to solve riddles, with a few people forgetting that we had a full-on geography teacher basically at arm’s length away. We learned how to make a fire without burning down the world, created ridiculous war cries that only we understood, raced in sprints like our lives depended on it, and spent time reflecting on staying in control.
At the end of the day, we roasted marshmallows, laughed until our stomachs hurt, and proved that our school is basically unstoppable… most of the time.”
- Tracey Kanandha (Grade 11)
“The Bay Academy’s Camp 2026: What a great experience this was. From all the organising, back-and-forth communication and many months of preparation. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who made this experience happen. In my unbiased opinion, this was one of the best school camps I have participated in – and this is coming from someone who has been on many.
In terms of the actual activities we participated in, I believe that they were exceptionally well planned. Every activity directly correlates to a life lesson that the guides would kindly and patiently point out. All the activities ran well and had great learning experiences. My personal favourite being the mini lectures on stoicism, and life lessons they would hope we would take to heart.”
- Tristan Landi (Grade 11)
“This camp was an enjoyable experience. It really pushed our boundaries and allowed us to learn new skills. Some of the activities were learning how to start a fire with flint and steel and building rafts. Not only did we gain the skills for physical survival we also learnt the skills for mental survival. Each activity was designed to hold a deeper moral. The tents we all slept in were comfortable and furthermore the AC was a life saver to combat that Tulbagh heat. The food was certainly better than I expected, stews, burgers and boere wors rolls that were all so delicious, many people went back for seconds. Overall, an impressive camp.”
- Olivia Steenkamp (Grade 12)
Last week was my first time going on a high school camp. I was so nervous. When we first arrived, the place looked amazing and I knew that there was no point worrying, I just had to make the most of it. Teams were picked and I got the orange team, The Eagles. Each team made war chants and presented it to the other teams, which I found quite cool as my other camp, the names were already given and there were no war chants. Our first lesson was using flint and steel. I managed to set the fire, but with the help of a cotton ball and a grade 12, Olivia. The rest of the day we learnt how to follow maps and we hiked to an amazing waterfall, where we swam.
I feel like I know most kids a little better and I found it really fun. Thanks so much for the camp and I can’t wait for another one!”
- Ivory Cooper (Grade 7)
Assembly Address: Language, Respect, and Responsibility
Today’s Assembly addressed the importance of using language with care, respect, and empathy, particularly when speaking about race, gender, sexual orientation, personality, or neurodiversity. This message is grounded in the values of our school and in the South African Constitution, which affirms the dignity and equality of every person. It is also reflected on the South African Coat of Arms with the words “diverse people unite” (translated from the San language).
We were reminded that while words may not be intended to cause harm, their impact matters, and that integrity calls us to take responsibility for how our language is experienced by others. Students were encouraged to show courage by speaking up or stepping away when language becomes hurtful, or to practice self-control by thinking carefully before saying something that might cause harm or hurt. We also reaffirmed that discriminatory language is taken seriously in terms of the school’s Disciplinary Code, alongside our commitment to fostering a respectful, inclusive community where every learner feels safe, valued, and able to flourish.
Warm Regards
Pieter Steyn
Principal
The Bay Academy