Youth choirs are a familiar highlight at this time of year as schools across SA host their Carols evenings. But a staff choir? It’s the first time we’ve ever seen one in action.
Cape Town, South Africa (05 December 2025) – At Bishops Diocesan College, the adults decided it was their turn to take the spotlight at this year’s Carol Service!
On Tuesday, the school’s newly-formed staff choir performed for their first audience of parents and students who attended the service. (watch below)
The idea came together in November when the school’s Director of Music, Jaco Goosen, sent out an email asking if anyone would be keen to form a staff choir. To his delight, the response was actually enthusiastic.
“About 20 staff members put their hands up! Not only teachers, but IT staff, the school nurse and psychologist, catering and cleaning staff, admin, payroll, and even the principal,” shares Cara Joubert, a member of the staff choir and school’s HR department.
An entire school’s staff in one choir stand!
Cara, who sang in her school from Grade 1 to matric, says the chance to sing again felt like a gift.
“I missed singing in a choir and was so excited when this opportunity presented itself at work.”
And so the choir was formed. Throughout the month that followed, everyone gathered for practice, knowing they would have to perform at the school’s Carols evening just a few weeks on. Daunting but exciting.
“We had four practices during November and early December,” shares Cara. “We’d practise during the school day, and everyone was committed. We even made a recording of ourselves during rehearsals so we could learn our parts at home.”
And when the moment eventually came on Tuesday, they performed beautifully at the Carol Service run by the school’s Reverend Monwabisi Peter.
“The highlight was being able to be part of a choir that was across all categories of staff. We were nervous to debut in front of parents, fellow staff and pupils at our annual college carol service. Thankfully it went well!”
Everyone’s already keen to reconvene in the New Year.
“We will reconvene as the singing bug has bitten us,” shares Cara.
A staff choir might not be the norm, but maybe it should be! There’s something special about seeing the grown-ups – the people who support, teach, clean, fix, feed and guide students all year – standing together, singing their hearts out to close off the year.
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