It’s just before the turn of the decade, the year is 1958 and trucks snake through Farrarmere to deliver shiny new jungle gyms to the newly established Benoni Nursery School.
The establishment of the school was prompted following a meeting with the then Benoni Round Table, which had identified the need for a nursery school to serve the educational needs of the city’s tots.
The school, fondly known as Government Village, welcomed its first 20 learners on January 14, 1959.
Under the guidance of Betty Wainer, the school boasted four classes by 1983.
On May 11, current learners of the school and their parents gathered on Farrarmere Primary School’s sports grounds in celebration of Benoni Nursery School’s 65th birthday.
According to principal Lindsey Taylor-Rule, the school’s ongoing success can be attributed to its entrenched traditions of love and nurturing.
“I assumed the role of principal in 2003, following a turbulent year in our school’s history,” said Taylor-Rule.
“In 2002, the Gauteng Department of Education announced that it was withdrawing all funding from pre-schools and our little haven was facing closure.
“As news spread, many parents opted to place their children in other facilities. It was a trying time and we as staff were heartbroken to bid our little learners farewell.”
With only a handful of children remaining, parents banded together exhausting every option until they were able to successfully take control of the school’s management and administration.
The 2003 school year kicked off with 74 children and four teachers dipping their fingers into paint, again creating works of art.
In 2008, construction broke ground next to Farrarmere Primary and a majestic castle was built.
“The development of Benoni Nursery School’s second campus is a result of us and the primary school working together to develop a campus offering Grade 00 and Grade R classes,” Taylor-Rule explained.
“Holding the hands of our new foundation phase learners we walked from our Village Road campus, unlocked the doors of the castle welcoming the princesses and princes to their new home of formal learning.
“The school’s journey has been one of extreme happiness – with sprinklings of concern, but it has all contributed to us being able to celebrate this momentous achievement.”
Watching as daughter, Madison (2) tries her hand at can toss, Jen Montgomery, a current teacher and former learner, said she is proud to be able to create happy childhood memories with her learners.
“I joined Benoni Nursery School in 1997 and most of my memories are ones filled with happiness,” said Montgomery.
“The teachers each did something unique, which made you feel safe and happy. As a teacher for the past eight years, I am now able to contribute to my learners’ lives.
“I hope they will look back at their time at Benoni Nursery School and remember me fondly, just as I am reminded of my teachers.”
With a ring from the school bell, a comfortable silence fell across the school grounds at 11:00 as former learners and current members of the Benoni High Pipe Band marched onto the field.
Playing ‘happy birthday’ learners and parents sang along while a festive sparkler fizzled on the school’s birthday cake.
“It is an honour to share this day with learners, past and present,” said Taylor-Rule.
“We are proud of the legacy that we have created and look forward to our school playing an active role in fostering intelligent, caring and enthusiastic members of the community.”
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