Umbilo school celebrates 80 years
Reflecting on the school's milestones, school principal, Neil van Jaarveld said the school's Primary Division became a dual-medium school in 2017.
ON Friday, 18 June, Port Natal School in Umbilo celebrated 80 years since their humble beginnings in 1941.
Reflecting on the school’s milestones, school principal, Neil van Jaarveld said the school’s Primary Division became a dual-medium school in 2017, allowing English-medium classes to be offered in addition to the Afrikaans classes.
Currently, the school offers English medium classes from grade R to grade 7 and Afrikaans classes from grade 8 to grade 12.
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“My commitment is to lead the school with enthusiasm and passion to enable us to grow even stronger in the next 80 years to come,” added Van Jaarsveld.
Themba Mthembu, circuit manager from the KwaZulu-Natal department of education visited the school on the day of their 80th birthday celebration.
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“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. I am just imagining the very first day when the idea was formed to start a school like this one. When we consider that the school has managed to take this journey right up to 80 years, it’s unbelievable. I would have loved to see the first people that were here, if those people are still alive. We want to thank them. A lot of people have contributed to make this school what it is.
“I really believe what former president, Nelson Mandela said – education is the only rapport we can use to change our lives.
“I believe in education, I am so passionate about education and I want to thank Port Natal School for making so many people’s lives better,” he said.
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