A new school building in Kylemore, Stellenbosch, officially welcomed students on 5 November, said Shu-aib September, principal of P.C Petersen Primary school. Staff and students from P.C Peterson have been waiting for this new building for over 50 years, he said.
The school was originally built over 60 years ago as a temporary structure made out of wood and asbestos, said September. The new premises was previously a vacant lot adjacent to the old school, which will now be turned into a sports field, he said.
“The school community was promised a permanent structure 10 years later, and unfortunately we had to wait more than 50 years for the new school,” he said.
According to Deven Combrinck, acting deputy principal, the project officially started in 2016 and building began in 2018. “The new school will accommodate 16 classrooms and 3 specialist classes,” said Combrinck.
The state of the art building was designed to accommodate a 360 degree view of the Stellenbosch mountains, said Combrinck.
“This school is a beacon of hope for everyone living in Kylemore and will bring so much joy back into the school, with the learner friendly environment, specialised classes and massive hall,” he said.
The school also partnered with Community Keepers, a local non-profit organisation, in 2017, said Meriel Bartlett, media, marketing and funding executive for Community Keepers. The NPO currently has child-friendly consulting rooms at the school where students, educators and parents have access to a social worker and psychologist free of charge, she said.
Community Keepers are excited to be moving into the new school building, said Bartlett. “What better symbol of belonging, dignity and hope; than for learners in a rural community to be part of a school that has a building, services and opportunities equal to that of their peers in other communities,” she said.
Staff and students are grateful and overwhelmed with excitement for this new chapter in the history of P.C Peterson primary school, said Combrinck.
“We believe that our children are the future leaders of tomorrow and every child deserves a learning environment like this,” he said.