A Strand preschool that thrives on providing a home away from home for every child that passes through its doors, one where they feel safe and loved in a thriving environment conducive to learning, blows out 10 candles on its birthday cake of success this year.
Ashron Pre-primary School marked this milestone on Sunday 14 July, marking the milestone with a party at school last Friday (19 July). “We are very proud and grateful to celebrate a decade of serving as a reputable, sought-after school in the community,” said owner Karon Pierson, who holds the reins as principal since day one.
In a quick trip down memory lane, she recalled realising her childhood dream of working with children after working in the corporate world for 12 years since matriculating from school.
Pierson embarked on her tertiary studies in early-childhood development while working as an au pair and secured her first teaching position three years later. After teaching for two years she was presented with the exciting opportunity to help establish and manage a new branch of the school where she was employed. Here she spent a joyful decade, in the course of which she also welcomed her daughter into the world.
Following their move from Johannesburg to the Western Cape she founded Ashron Pre-primary in 2014.
Pierson recalled the school growing from humble beginnings, with merely nine children and three staff members. Over the following three years the school experienced significant growth, leading them to relocate to a larger facility. Today, Ashron Pre-primary School proudly serves 78 children with the support of 11 dedicated staffers, who work together as a close unit towards a common goal by supporting and building one another up.
“I wake up every morning looking forward to seeing all the happy little children and watching them develop into independent, confident little people,” she said. “I work with an amazing team of ladies and can truly say I am living my dream.”
Alongside her duties as principal, Pierson plays a pivotal role in the daily operations of the school, seamlessly assuming various roles such as stand-in teacher, cook and cleaner as needed. She takes pride in fostering quality interactions, which have enabled her to develop a personal connection with every child and parent.
According to Pierson, Ashron Pre-primary has established a reputation for holistically developing children and preparing them for a successful transition to Grade 1, making it a highly sought-after school. Additionally, the school actively engages in collection drives and contributes to local charities such as Halli Trust and Heartlands Baby Sanctuary.
In terms of successes, Pierson cited the expansion of the school, surviving the Covid-19 pandemic and offering high-quality education at an affordable price.
Pierson said Ashron’s birthday wish is to continue being the best it can, going from strength to strength for many decades to come. “As an owner I know that this is not something I could do on my own, and would like to thank all families, past and present, for entrusting their children to us. I am very grateful to my staff for their loyalty and dedication.”
