Die J.F. Marais Mediasentrum was in 2025 ’n lewende biblioteek en ’n spilpunt van idees vir Paul Roos Gimnasium. As verlengstuk van die klaskamer bied dit aan graad 8- en 9-leerders mediaklasse wat hul horisonne verbreeds, met temas soos woordeboeke, biografieë, mitologie, klassieke literatuur en selfs boeke geskryf deur PR- oudleerlinge. Hierdie programme, tesame met lesse oor plagiaat en internetgeloofwaardigheid, rus leerders toe met die vaardighede en integriteit wat nodig is vir toekomstige navorsing en akademiese sukses.
Met ’n boekdatabasis van 3 200 items, verhoogde uitleensyfers en ’n dinamiese versameling wat deur ’n wenslys-stelsel aangevul word, het die Sentrum sy rol as ’n intellektuele en kulturele spilpunt bevestig.
In the heart of Paul Roos Gymnasium, the J.F. Marais Media Centre continues to hum with quiet purpose. It is more than a room of bookshelves and study tables—it is a sanctuary of ideas, a place where learners discover new worlds, sharpen their minds, and nurture a culture of excellence that stretches far beyond the classroom.
September 2025 marks another year in which the Media Centre has fulfilled its mission: to be a source of knowledge, support, and inspiration in the pursuit of academic and cultural achievement.
Broadening Horizons Through Curriculum Support
For every Grade 8 and 9 learner, the Media Centre has become an extension of the classroom. Media lessons are woven into their programme, offering not only practical skills but also a chance to explore genres and topics outside their traditional subjects.
The “Let’s Read…” series has been a cornerstone of this initiative, guiding learners through:
- Dictionaries as tools of precision and clarity
- Biographies that bring human stories to life
- Mythology with its timeless lessons and archetypes
- Classic Literature that anchors them in the canon of world writing
- Old Boys Literature, a proud celebration of works authored by PRG alumni
These lessons are complemented by sessions on plagiarism and internet credibility, ensuring that learners are prepared for the rigours of future research and study.
A Culture of Reading: The 1-Book Challenge
The 1-Book Challenge has become a rite of passage for Grade 8 and 9 learners, each signing a contract to read at least one book during the year. For some, this challenge has sparked a lifelong habit. For others, it has ignited a passion that far exceeds the minimum.
In 2025, eleven learners signed more than ten contracts, proving that the appetite for reading is alive and well at PRG. The year’s Top Readers stand as shining examples:
- Jan-Bernard van Wyk (Gr9: 39 books)
- Alexis Peters (Gr9: 38 books)
- Nico Caine (Gr8: 35 books)
Their achievements are not just numbers—they are stories of curiosity, discipline, and joy in discovery.
Circulation on the Rise
The numbers tell their own story. Book circulation in 2025 showed a marked increase compared to 2024, reflecting the growing appreciation for reading among learners:
| Category | 2025 | 2024 |
| Fiction | 1311 | 1209 |
| Non-Fiction | 704 | 615 |
This upward trend is a testament to the Media Centre’s evolving role as a hub of intellectual engagement.
A Collection That Evolves With Its Readers
The Media Centre’s book database now holds 3,200 stock items, carefully curated to reflect the preferences and needs of learners and staff. A wish-list QR code allows the community to request new titles, ensuring the collection remains relevant and dynamic.
Books that no longer serve the PRG community are “weeded” out, but not discarded. In the spirit of social responsibility, they are donated to schools and nursing homes, extending the gift of reading beyond the walls of Paul Roos.
Media Monitors: Guardians of the Centre
Behind the smooth running of the Media Centre are the media monitors—learners who dedicate their time to assisting peers during breaks and after school. Their service is both practical and symbolic, embodying the values of responsibility and stewardship.
This year, the Centre bid farewell to two of its longest-serving monitors: Philip Ham, Head Media Monitor, and Joshua Ewins. Both have served since the Centre’s inception in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and leadership.
A Hub of Events and Activity
The Media Centre is not only a place for reading and study. It is a venue for gatherings, debates, and celebrations. In 2024, it hosted a wide range of events:
- Meetings: 150 Trust, PRG/JSE Investment Committee, Old Boys Committee, Sport Committees, Matric Dance Committee, Goethe Institute, Book Clubs
- Special Functions: Old Boy reunions, Academic Olympiads, Staff workshops
- Chess Team: Coaching and tournaments
- Learner Activities: Goethe exams, Filmit recordings, assignment research, debating rehearsals, tutoring, and media centre tasks
Each event added to the Centre’s identity as a living, breathing hub of intellectual and cultural life.
Closing Reflection
The J.F. Marais Media Centre has once again proven itself to be more than a library. It is a place where heritage meets innovation, where learners are guided not only by the wisdom of books but by the spirit of Paul Roos Gymnasium itself.
In 2025, its growth and achievements remind us that the pursuit of knowledge is never static: it is a journey, one that continues to inspire learners, staff, and Old Boys alike.
Skakel na berig 4 jaar gelede: https://paulroosoldboys.co.za/2021/10/nuwe-mediasentrum-in-gebruik-geneem/
