foundation - Testimonial Sophy Sito

My name is Sophy Lebogang Sito. I passed my Matric in 1996 with an Exemption, meaning that my certificate allowed me to enrol with any university of my choice within South Africa; but the problem was that I did not have money to go to university.  

I started working at St Peters in the year 2000 as a cleaner. I loved my work and made sure that there was no complaint and that I keep the teachers happy since I was cleaning their classes. The teachers and the school at large showed love and care towards me. I then worked in the kitchen as a chef in 2003 to 2004. 

Towards the end of 2004 I had a long chat with Mr Mike Clackworthy. The chat was about the school helping me to go to university. I thought it was a dream. I almost gave up. I had no hope since I knew that I cannot afford the university fees. I thought I would be a cleaner for the rest of my life. The school reinstalled my hope. 

I joined the Junior Prep as a class teacher‐ assistant under the Head Mistress, Mrs Cowen. I then started working with the children teaching them South African traditional songs and retelling South African stories as well as helping the teachers in the class. I was so happy; in fact I really loved it. I started to develop the love for teaching. In 2006 I joined St Peters Preparatory School internship programme and I enrolled with the University of Witwatersrand. I had Mrs Carol Cowen and Mr Greg Royce support me emotionally and physically. They always stood by my side. Their high‐ fives strengthened me. Mrs Claire Fietze was always there to help me with my academic studies. She always availed her herself when I needed her regardless of what the time was. Mr Clackworthy helped me with Maths. It was tough.  Everyone looked at me, believed in me and cheered me and supporting me, including Mr Vijay Maharaj. 

I started telling myself that I won’t disappoint these people. I started believing in myself and worked as hard as I could. I obtained my B. Ed Degree in 2009. My first teaching post was in Masibambane College in Orange Farm where I became the head of the grade 1’s in 2010, then the head of grade 2’s from 2011‐2012, and the head of the Junior Phase in 2014. 

Now I am teaching in Skeen Primary School which is the school in Alexandra, teaching Grade 6 Life Skills and Grade 5 Social Science and Natural Science. I would like to extend my appreciation to what the St Peter’s Community has done for me. 

You will always be part of my life. I love you and God bless you.

Sophy Sito

079 895 4884