May 9 was a date marked in the history of St Francis College’s achievements as the school officially opened their preschool at the new premises.
The new property is opposite the college in Park Street.
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“St Francis started in 1989 with the aim to give non-whites an opportunity to a good education in the East Rand,” said Dian Cockcroft who founded the school.
“This was during the apartheid era, but when that came to an end, the school remained and continued to develop.”
Fast forward 29 years later, the college is not expanding and has 900 learners at the school.
“The school caters for children from Grade 00 to Grade 12,” Cockcroft said.
“The children in grade 00 and 0 will learn at the new premises.”
There are 96 children in the preschool Cockcroft said.
Before the official opening, guests were invited to have tea and biscuits.
“We invited you because we want you to feel part of the family,” said St Francis College principal, Peter Harris.
“There are milestones in every establishment and this will go down as one of them in ours.”
Harris then invited the preparatory school principal, Jennifer Rees-Gibbs to share a few words.
“Entering school is one of the most important parts of a child’s life,” she said.
She also said the majority of a child’s development is from birth to eight years old.
The deputy head boy, Sibusiso Xhaka reminisced on his first day in Grade 0.
“I was the only child wearing a uniform when I started here 13 years ago,” he said.
“I wanted to wear one even though it was not necessary.
“I am astounded by the classrooms and looking at the new premises makes me want to go back to Grade 0.”
Cockcroft thanked the guests for making the vision a success before she cut the ribbon at the premises.
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