One Year at Silvermist Academy

From our very first term, our approach has been grounded in self-directed learning, fostering curiosity, and making real-world connections. At Silvermist, we believe in creating a rhythm of learning that invites our children to lead, question, and build. This year, every student—from the youngest to the eldest—has gone through what I fondly call “Basic Training,” mastering the foundational skills needed to thrive in this space of independence and agency.

As we step into “Level 2” now, our students are ready to take the reins, delve deeper into their personal interests, and contribute more meaningfully to both our community and the world around them. Our collaboration with Love in a Bowl and Upschool by Gavin McCormack has been a huge part of this growth. Together, we’ve not only integrated real-world learning but aligned it with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a framework for addressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, and environmental sustainability.

One highlight of this year has been our students’ participation in practical, hands-on projects that go beyond the classroom. Whether it’s working on the regeneration of river vegetation, learning about the critical role of Palmiet in our local ecosystem, or planning the construction of a kitchen for a community project—these activities are more than just lessons. They are experiences that teach our students the value of service, collaboration, and sustainability.

This brings me to the incredible journey of Ben, who was selected as one of only seven students worldwide to become a reporter for Upschool’s Good News Channel. His passion for telling positive stories has brought a new layer of excitement and purpose to our academy. Together with Riaan, he’s been preparing for his first interview, and we’re beyond proud to see his voice shine, showcasing the kind of education that we believe can truly inspire change. His stories will not only uplift but also give hope to children around the world.

Our days are full of adventure—harvesting with Love in a Bowl, working on digital content, writing books with thematic ties to global issues, and creating inspiring classroom debates around real-world social scenarios. We believe that learning doesn’t stop at textbooks. Our boys have shown us that when given the chance, they can think critically, create, and innovate in ways that will one day shape the world.

Of course, none of this would be possible without your unwavering support and trust in this vision. We’ve worked hard this year to build something special, and we’re not done yet! As we prepare for our open day and parent meeting, we want to give our students the spotlight. They will lead the program, showcasing all they’ve learned and what they’re working toward. We’ve decided to give them a little more time to prepare, as we want this to be a celebration worthy of their efforts. Keep an eye out for new dates!

In the meantime, I encourage you to engage in discussions with your children about the SDGs and their learning experiences here. Ask them about their projects, their thoughts, and how they believe they can make a difference. It’s these conversations that spark even bigger ideas—and who knows, perhaps the next great initiative will come from one of our very own!

Thank you for an amazing first year, and for being part of this journey. As we move into our second year, I look forward to many more moments of growth, exploration, and—above all—learning with purpose.

Warm regards,

Ms. Anna
Silvermist Academy