School officially opens new centre and library as it turns 80

NORTHCLIFF – School keeps growing on the land where it started 80 years ago.

March 7, 2022

Andile Dlodlo 2 minutes read

Gauteng Education Johannesburg North District acting director Vuyi Cindi unveils the plaque of Northcliff Primary School's newly built Foundation Phase Centre on February 26. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Northcliff Primary School was proud to have learners, parents, staff, trust members and the education department present to unveil its brand-new Foundation Phase Centre and library.

As part of the school’s birthday celebration on February 26, a guard of honour was created by the school’s current learners – all the way to the new home of the foundation phase classrooms. Another group of learners led staff, former staff, learners and officials from the Gauteng Department of Education while singing the school song towards the new centre before assembling at the newly renovated library.

Gauteng Education Johannesburg North District acting director Vuyi Cindi congratulates the school and its partners for the newly built centre and library at Northcliff Primary School. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Acting director at the Johannesburg North District Vuyi Cindi said, “The Department of Education appreciates the work well done. Work well done meaning these beautiful classes that the chairperson of this school and the principal have worked so hard to make it a point that today [February 26] we are standing under this beautiful infrastructure.”

Northcliff Primary School learners read the plaque of the school’s new centre. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Northcliff Primary School principal Debbie Smith addresses guests at the school’s 80th birthday celebration on February 26. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Construction at the school started last year and was expected to be complete before the end of the year. All things went to plan and the school finished both projects in time and on budget to usher in the 2022 academic year. The building was made possible thanks to the Gauteng Department of Education along with the school’s trust who funded the project.

Former Northcliff Primary School teacher Rosie Danielieas officially opens the school’s recently renovated library as part of the school’s 80th birthday celebration. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Parents, learners and teachers, past and present, tour the newly built library at Northcliff Primary School on February 26. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

School principal Debbie Smith said, “The library will be the hub of the school – a safe place for our learners to choose books, sit and read, join a reading club, play games in groups, build puzzles, complete homework and listen to stories. The new foundation phase section will allow each grade at the school to have five classes with a maximum of 28 learners per class. [There is a] new modern building and brand-new furniture.”

Former Northcliff Primary School learner and teacher Avril Stevens cuts the ribbon to the school’s newly unveiled foundation phase centre on February 26. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Learners of Northcliff Primary School celebrate the official opening of the new foundation phase centre. Photo: Andile Dlodlo

Although officially unveiled on February 26, the classrooms have been accommodating learners in the foundation phase since the beginning of the year.

As part of the birthday celebrations on February 26, the school’s learners – past and present – were thanked for valuing education and for taking advantage of all the opportunities offered to them at the school. To the parents, past and present, Smith said, “Thank you for always putting the needs of our children first and ensuring that each child achieves their potential. Thank you for the teamwork and family spirit displayed at all times.

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