Reflecting on 2019 at Saxonwold Primary, outgoing principal Marion Wheater shared many of her highlights from the year.
The opening of the new Marion Wheater Innovation Hub in February this year ushered in more opportunities for technological advancement at the school. Robotics and coding have now become subjects at the school, making the curriculum more relevant for the 4th Industrial Revolution. Learners have also begun competing in Lego and technology events, advancing their skills in this space.
Wheater said that there has been a greater focus on girl education, particularly in areas of science and technology, which has been of great benefit to female learners at the school.
The Grade 3 learners have also gone back to the roots – quite literally – by planting a vegetable garden at the school, which Wheater highlighted as a great opportunity for experiential learning.
Some challenges in 2019 have been staff development in terms of keeping up with new technology, ageing infrastructure and the rise of cyberbullying.
Wheater explained that, in order to combat the rise of this new form of bullying, the school has tried to keep parents informed and brought in experts to address both parents and children on this topic.
“We always emphasise the Roars motto, promoting values of responsibility, ownership, good attitude, respect, security and service to underpin all that we do at school,” said Wheater.
Looking ahead to 2020, Wheater said she is excited about the new ‘thinking schools’ aspect of the curriculum, which embraces creative thinking and problem-solving.
Wheater would like to extend her thanks to Saxonwold residents who have been accommodating in allowing for the new one-way system concerning the roads around the school. She said that this adjustment has brought about greater road-safety for learners.
She also thanked parents for their support during 2019 and encouraged them to experience the joy of their children over the holiday period and remember to prioritise their safety.
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