Woodhaven Pre-Primary celebrates 4 decades milestone
The event was hosted by ex-pupil, Jessica Bothma, who gifted the school with a powder-coated mild steel sculpture titled 'Remember Me Tree'.
FORTY years of educational excellence is what the legacy of Woodhaven Pre-Primary School was hailed as. In celebration of this milestone, the first principal, past staff and learners, as well as the governing body, were the guests of honour at the school’s birthday celebration held on Saturday evening, 27 July.
The event was hosted by ex-pupil, Jessica Bothma, who gifted the school with a powder-coated mild steel sculpture titled ‘Remember Me Tree’. “This tree serves as a living memory for those who have and continue to pass through the welcoming doors of this school,” she said.
The school with humble beginnings first opened its doors on 24 July 1979 with a complement of 21 children. Past principal, Pat Munro, recalled early days at the school with guests. She said just days before the school opened, she and volunteers scraped around to ready for the first day. “There was nothing, not even a telephone, it was bare,” she said fondly. And after the running around, phoning for and securing wooden crates for desks and furniture, liaising with a garage owner for transporting these crates and doing all they could, only five children arrived on the first day of school.
“The school was not even fenced, to let the children out, we had to have moms on duty to supervise that they didn’t wander off on the streets. The co-operation of parents really helped build this school. It is such a joy to be here. I am proud of all that has been done at the school over the years,” said Munro, who tenured for just 12 years.
Care taker, Mr Khumalo, who has been at the school since its inception was honoured for his hard work and contribution.
The school has grown from four groups to now six groups over the past four decades. The latest addition is the purple group. The current principal, Yolanda Singh was involved as a parent for 14 years, serving in the governing body and then chairing it for two years.
“The fondest memories for us as the staff is when we have ex-learners of Woodhaven Pre-Primary School return as adults and professionals and still get excited about the playground,” said Yolanda Singh, who began her principal post in 2015.
“WPPS has dedicated and loyal staff. We strive for a high standard of education and believe that the school is a special place where the children are busily engaged in exciting learning. Our aim is to assist the children in realising their full potential while simultaneously valuing each child for their uniqueness,” she said.
The 40th milestone was celebrated with the children on Wednesday, 24 July, with a superhero-themed birthday party. All the children received party packs and birthday cake.
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