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Donderdag 23 November 2017
At the overgrown and run-down premises of the Christ Church in Bedelia, Welkom, is Corlia Smit (left, principal of the St Helena Pre-Primary School) and Maria Pinkoane (employee).
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The current school yard at the St Helena Pre-Primary School, which stands in stark contrast to the premises which will have to be spruced up before January 2018. Photos: Supplied
Preschool needs help Assistance needed to ensure continued existence on new premises Marti Will mwill@volksblad.com
At least R250 000 is urgently needed to ensure that the oldest pre-school in Welkom survives an eviction notice and the subsequent relocation to a new, but run-down, premises. “Despite everything, we are very excited about new beginnings and the adventure which lies ahead. We have the full support of our parents and children. The move will be tough, but with lots of help, we will survive,” says Corlia Smit, principal of the St Helena Pre-Primary School. This pre-primary school was established by the St Helena Gold Mine in 1947. The co-operation agreement between the St Helena Pre-Primary School and the St Helena Primary School was
dissolved on 3 November this year. “The St Helena Primary School notified us that they needed our classrooms for the growth of their own school. We must evacuate the premises by 31 December. Some of the staff members face retrenchment and uncertain futures,” says Smit. “I terminated the contract, because I need the classrooms for my own Gr. R programme,” says Daan Olivier, the principal of the St Helena Primary School. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the Free State Department of Education started to support nursery schools through the remuneration of educational posts. Three posts were awarded to the St Helena Pre-Primary School. In 1994 the director of the Free State Department of Education placed the St Helena Pre-Primary School on
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the grounds of the St Helena Primary School, to be the feeding school for the primary school. It opened as a full-time pre-primary school on 19 January 1994. On 9 February 1994, the Department of Education approved the St Helena Pre-Primary School. The school was registered by the Department of Education as an independent pre-primary school functioning on the grounds of a primary school. Smit says they have acquired new premises belonging to the Christ Church Welkom, and the school can move in on 1 December. The church is bankrupt and the buildings and grounds are in desperate need of upgrading and repair. “We will have to spend a lot of money, including that which is needed to buy a classroom, to have it ready for 8 January 2018.”
The St Helena Pre-Primary School is one of the few schools in Welkom offering a full-day and half-day service, as well as holiday care for learners from one year to six years of age. “We make a heartfelt plea to individuals and to the business people of Welkom to help us to preserve the heart of the oldest pre-school in Welkom,” says Smit. “We will need donations which will help us buy building material, paint, play equipment, furniture, gutters and anything else which is needed. “People can also donate building material or equipment or furniture, or people can help us with relocation costs. The department will not give us financial support to move, so any donation is welcome.” Call the school during office hours (07:00 to 17:00) on 057-352-8126.
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