Much controversy was raised when parents took their children to the former Ashfield Primary School, only to find that the name has changed.
The school is now called Sandton Junior School.
The principal Nadya Katz became the owner of the lease on 15 January 2015.
The previous owner, Nada Coetzee and daughter Kim Czerniak closed the school due to what appears to be financial constraints.
With over 15 years of experience in teaching, it was always Katz’s dream to have her school on these premises.
Katz admits to not knowing all the details pertaining to the previous owners’ circumstances.
”I was shocked to see parents at our doors asking for the person they paid registration fees to.”
”In good faith we have welcomed the children that have paid registration fees into our school. At the moment we have three little ones at our school. We
are a day-care centre, catering for children aged from six weeks to six years,” says Katz.
There has been much tension between residents and the zoning issues surrounding the property.
Katz produced all of the zoning forms that have been approved as well as the health and safety verifications needed to operate a day-care centre with a 300 children capacity.
Leigh van der Gaast, a parent that was a victim of the closure of Ashfield commented, ”I have paid my registration fees and well as fees for the first term, to the value of R18 000.”
She continues, ”When I asked for my money back they tried to convince me to send my daughter to their other school Twinkle Tots in Bryanston. I refused and said I would rather have my money back.”
The parents that were affected were promised their refunds within the week, with Van der Gaast still not receiving any money back.
She further commented, ”I took a chance to drive past the school. When I met Nayda she was very understanding. She has been great and welcomed my daughter into the new school.”
Sandton Junior School will be hosting their open/market day on 31 January.
Details: Sandton Junior School, sandtonjunior@gmail.com or 082 332 2060.
