Northcliff Primary turns 80
NORTHCLIFF – Eighty years of striving for better things celebrated with a memorable celebration.
A week of festivities commemorates school’s eight decades of education.
Northcliff Primary School reached a milestone on February 23 as they celebrated their 80th birthday with their staff and learners.
On the day, the school hosted a range of fun activities for its learners and ordered over 1 000 cupcakes to share with learners and staff as they wished the school happy birthday. The fun did not stop there, on February 26 the school extended an invitation to parents and former learners and teachers of the school to join them for a sport and cultural day to celebrate the birthday as a family.
Northcliff Primary School principal Debbie Smith said, “On Wednesday [February 23], the learners enjoyed playing games, completing works of art, quizzes and eating cupcakes and sweets. On Saturday [February 26], Robin Hills Primary School joined us for a netball and soccer festival. Our learners took part in a chess tournament and swimming gala. The history of the school was retold by our performing arts group, our choir and marimba children.”
According to the school’s website, the school opened in 1942 with only seven learners and one teacher were present. By April that year, the number had grown to 32 and one more teacher was added. On August 7, 1942, Northcliff Primary School was officially opened by the Director of Education and it was named after Northcliff, where it was built. The school consisted of a small building with an office, small staff room and three classrooms. The third classroom doubled as a hall. The staffroom was used each night by the civic guard, who was responsible for policing the area.
Since 1942, buildings and classrooms have been added to accommodate the growing number of learners attending the school. The original colours of burgundy (maroon) and turquoise (teal) have remained as the brand of the school. A school badge was designed that included a lit torch and their motto – aemulmini meliora, which means ‘we strive for better things’. After 80 years the school is still striving for better things in everything they do.
Smith shared her birthday wish for the school, “[I wish] we continue to be the school of choice in the area and that we provide all our children with a safe environment that encourages academics, social and emotional development, provides opportunities for sport and cultural development and provides well rounded positive young people.”
She thanked the staff members and learners who did their part to ensure the day was a success as well as Absa, Mustard Seed Catering and John Dory’s for the donations they made to both days.
