To Our Wonderful Boys...

When Ofsted Inspectors, during the school’s June 2022 inspection, highlighted that ‘leaders want the very best for . . and staff care for each and every pupil’ they must surely have encountered Ms. Akila Garrib, Assistant Headteacher, In charge of Behaviour, Inclusion and Safeguarding, who epitomises the love and care that staff at the school have for their boys.?

In her own words, Ms. Garrib describes what drew her back to her role at St Aloysius’ College.

‘When I stepped over the threshold in 2004, I was told by the teaching agency I was working for that it was a one day supply teaching placement. How was I to have known that this would turn into an eighteen year love affair? It was not long after joining the school that I took on my first pastoral role as Head of Year 11. A hugely daunting prospect, due to the fact that this particular year group had been led by four different Heads of Year in five years and that nearly every one of the students was taller than me! I even remember standing in the Headteacher's office telling him that I couldn’t do it and that I was not ready for that role.

However, that opportunity became the stepping stone to some of the happiest days I have had as an Educator.

In 2007, I left the College and returned home to South Africa due to family commitments. One of the toughest things for me, living so far from home, was leaving my parent's behind and so I decided to return to spend time with them.

Eight years later, I got a call from the school asking me to come back.

I loved the College immensely and this decision should have been really easy, but it wasn’t! I was completely invested in doing my work in the community in Durban and I loved that I was making a difference in the lives of so many. Did the needs of a community in London need me more than one in South Africa??

Ultimately I decided to return to the hallowed halls of St Aloysius’. To continue my work with our wonderful boys and become part of our school’s illustrious history.? For its history lies not only within bricks and mortar, but in the smiles of every staff member who has graced our school and every learner whose laughter reverberates through our corridors.?

I, like many of my colleagues, love our boys very much. This is my ode to them!?

His oversized green blazer, slightly oversized

Drowning out the little boy who wishes he were outta sight

His first day of high school, he’s caught up in the crowd

Hopes he’ll be forgotten, that the sounds will drown him out!?

Along comes one of the big boys, who offers a friendly smile

“Are you alright?” he enquires, the boy stops, and stares awhile.

Two months, six months, three years, suddenly he’s Year Nine

He’s reminded to refocus ’cos he’s running outta time.

They’re asking him to figure out what he wants to do

His only troubles at the moment are the lunch menu and how to jump the queue.

Another two years passes by and he’s ready to finish school

Mature, confident and eloquent, not mistaken for a fool.

For now he’ll enjoy the ride upon the 43?

Relaxing and watching passers by, his thoughts a mystery.

He knows what life has to offer beyond the walls of this school

He long ago made a decision to be educated, not just cool.

He is an Aloysian and wears his uniform with pride

His mind wanders back to that day when he stopped, and stared, and sighed.

He’s come such a long way from when he wanted to get lost in the crowd

Silently, thanking the Lord above for the opportunity he’s been bestowed.

Mrs A. Garrib