Only five minutes ago, everyone arrived back at School after the Christmas holidays, all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. A whole new year lay ahead, with all the possibilities of new beginnings. Now, suddenly, here we are in the fourth month of the year!
And what a busy and exciting term it has been: there have been comings and goings of learners and staff members, fundraising events, visitors, and never-to-be-forgotten outings. In between, school has, of course, carried on. Looking back to this time last year, we are seeing quite remarkable progress in some of the learners and we are all so proud of our very special children.
For them, one of the highlights of the term was the first School Sports Day. Every child in the School participated with great gusto and for the onlookers, it was a joy to witness the excitement and the courage and determination with which
some of our most challenged pupils took on the task of crossing the Finishing Line. Another high point for the whole School was a visit to the Aquarium in Cape Town, after which, the classes were awash with drawings of various fishy characters.
Another momentous event for the School was the official opening by the Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality of ourbrand new state-of-the-art electronic security gate at the entrance to the School and the Farm. The fence surrounding
the entire property is currently being erected with the money that was donated by so many generous Hermanus residents last year. We will all feel much more secure when it’s in place.
In this edition of the Camphill School newsletter, you will be able to read more about these events and many others. Enjoy this glimpse into the life of this wondrous Place of Hope.
Elaine Davie
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE
The first term of 2014 was a busy one at the School. Many of the activities will be reported on in other contributions to the newsletter. We now have 60 learners, the highest number ever, with more applications still coming in. The School continues to grow and flourish.
Jeanne-Marié Botha, our previous Head of Finance, Administration and Public Relations was promoted to the position of Deputy Principal, with effect from 1 January 2014. She deserves this promotion and
we want to congratulate her and wish her the very best in this new, important position.
We are also happy to announce that teacher Michele Lorton has been promoted to the position of Head of Department: Curriculum Delivery. She
has already proven to be a great asset to our community.
In other staff news, our previous House Parent, Brenda Shepherd, left us during the December holidays and we promoted our previous Assistant House Parent, Corrie le Roux, to
this position. She is a real mother to our children and co-workers and we are very grateful that she could take up this key position. An Assistant Housemother, Irene Erasmus, has been appointed as from 1 May.
Sadly, kindergarten teacher, Jeanne-Louise Taljaard left us in March to start a family. She is a great loss to the School. However, we were fortunate to be able to welcome Karin Sinclair, an experienced kindergarten teacher, to take her place. Two new drivers, Godfrey
Ngqeleni and Siyabulela Wogqoyi have also been appointed and we wish them much happiness at our School.
We are grateful to report that our financial position is still stable, thanks to hard work from our fundraisers, strict financial control and the commitment of the Hermanus community to our School. We are so blessed to receive their support. It contributes greatly to the high quality of service we render to our children.
Many thanks go, once again, to all our donors, dedicated Board and staff members and co-workers for their commitment; special appreciation also to the Association of Camphill Communities in the UK and Ireland, as well as Camphill Africa Region for their sustained support. Thank you, too, for all the support I received when I was in hospital and at home recovering from heart surgery. I am grateful to report that I am well again and back at School since the beginning of the new school year.
We look forward to next term and the exciting challenges it will bring.
Enjoy the Easter holidays!
Dr Matthi Theron
Principal
