Dear Parents, Guardians, Learners, and Staff It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of pride that I welcome you to the John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation in Milpark, Johannesburg. Our school has a long and illustrious history and has stood as a beacon of learning for over 100 years, always at the forefront of providing exceptional education and training to our learners. As a technical high school since 1960, John Orr was launched as a School of Specialisation in August 2022 with its specialist focus being renewable and alternative sources of energy. As a result, we are committed to educating and inspiring the next generation of engineers and technicians and our aim is not only to equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge but also to instil in them a passion for innovation and sustainability that will drive them to make a positive impact on the world. One of the unique features of our school is that it is home to the oldest catering college in the country and we are proud to offer our learners the opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs and hospitality experts in the industry. We have recently hosted a French delegation and hope to foster a partnership leading to an exchange program with leading schools in France. This relationship aims to provide our young ‘cuisiniers’ and hospitality students with a global perspective and the skills they need to excel in their chosen field. At the John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation, we believe that every learner has the potential to achieve greatness. We are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our dedicated team of teachers and staff are here to support and guide our students every step of the way, ensuring that they reach their full potential. This ethos is borne out in the 2023 matric results in which John Orr scored an impressive 91,4 % pass rate, up from 76,8% in 2022. As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We envision our school becoming the new proving ground for young engineers, a place where innovation and creativity are encouraged; and where learners can develop the skills they need to succeed in this ever-evolving and developing world. With specialist programs set up with the assistance of technology partners and sponsors we will equip our learners with the future-relevant qualifications necessary to ensure them employment. This will do much to benefit our country and the continent as a whole. I am confident that with the support of our SGB and the entire school community, we will continue to build on our proud history and create a bright future for all our learners. Thank you for choosing John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation. Here's to a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead! Warm regards, Mr MM Mutsharini Principal, John Orr School of Specialisation