Benoni Nursery School celebrates 60 years
As part of the celebration, learners were treated to a fun day filled with sporting activities, cupcakes, popcorn and even a piñata.
The Benoni Nursery School in Farrarmere celebrated its 60th birthday on October 4.
Principal of the school Lindsey Rule said the school kept its traditional values amidst a technologically advanced setting.
“We are the oldest nursery school in Benoni,” said Rule.
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Teacher at the school Jennifer Montgomery who was a learner at the school in 1997 said being able to celebrate the school’s milestone was a proud moment.
“It’s an amazing experience,” she said.
In January 1958 the Benoni Round Table initiated a meeting to discuss the establishment of a nursery school in the Benoni area.
Within a year premises were secured, staff were employed and the enrolment was complete.
The school, fondly known as Government Village, opened in January 1959 with 20 learners and it went from strength to strength.
By 1974 there were 51 children and Betty Wainer was the principal.
The school was managed by the governing body and there was an active and involved PTA.
Wainer retired in 1985 and Cheryl Kindon was appointed principal.
By 1983, there were five classes and the school was taken over by the Transvaal Education Department.
They employed five teachers and a secretary and the school ran successfully for nine years.
Rule explained that in 2002, it was decided in parliament that all subsidies were to be withdrawn from pre-primary schools.
“The parents of Benoni Nursery School banded together and decided to take over the management and administration of the facility.
“Unfortunately, many staff and parents abandoned ship, but a faithful few did not give up hope.
“In 2003, Benoni Nursery School became a fully independent operation, run as a non-profit organisation.
“I was appointed principal and there were 74 learners at the start of the year.”
In 2009, Farrarmere Primary and Benoni Nursery School joined forces in the planning of The Castle.
This became a reality in 2009 when the school moved into the building on the first day of the second term.
This resulted in two campuses which each facilitated different age groups and needs – Campus One has a Grade 0000 and two Grade 000 classes and is managed by Yvette van Heerden. Campus Two is housed in The Castle and caters for Grade 00 and Grade R.
“Our proximity to Farrarmere Primary is a huge bonus and their mentorship and help is greatly valued and appreciated.
“Between the two schools there are 185 happy and inspired little people.
“We would like to thank the Benoni community who have supported us in one way or another for the past 60 years.
“We are so proud that many of our past learners bring their own children to our school, thus continuing a history steeped in tradition and based on love,” Rule said.
