LIKE a phoenix rising from the ashes.
This is how Settlers Park Primary in Walmer has been reinventing itself after the staff and School Governing Body decided to refurbish the school step-by-step.
Principal Desmond Ruddy said that they have been hard at work to uplift the school, both inside and out, to not only create a better environment for the learners, but for the surrounding community as well.
All of the refurbishments were paid for with money generated through fundraising and donations.
Ruddy said that since they started with the school’s makeover, members of the community have come to them and commended the school on the work that they have done, something that warms the hearts of the staff.
Ruddy explained that they have repainted most of the school, getting rid of the yellow walls that have been there for years, and replacing them with a sophisticated grey to make the signage with the school’s name pop – and create an inviting atmosphere when entering the gates.
They erected new fencing and installed flood lights around the premises, also replacing the ceilings.
In the part of the building dedicated to the lower grades, the walls have been turned into an art gallery with animals, trees and plants painted on the walls.
A separate small building for the Grade R-learners has been decorated with cartoon characters and a wooden fence surrounding it boasts vibrant rainbow colours.
Ruddy explained that the majority of the learners at the school comes from disadvantaged backgrounds, which means that they don’t always have it easy.
“We want to create a nice, safe environment for the learners. It uplifts your spirit when you step into a school building or classroom that looks neat and beautiful. It can make your whole day and make you eager to learn,” said Ruddy.
School financial manager, Cindy Mac Pherson, said that the school has suffered several burglaries over the past months.
“The fence was cut three times, our copper pipes have been stolen and very recently, our fence was cut yet again; that is why we now have solar LED spotlights so that criminals can no longer use the dark to try to break in,” she said.
Ruddy added that a part of the school building was declared a heritage site, making it even more important to focus on the upkeep of the school.
“We also, from the school’s personal funds, sank a borehole and have 14 water tanks and five pumps. This water is now being used for the toilets. Although we had it tested and it was deemed safe for human consumption, we are rather using it for other purposes and municipal water for drinking,” he said.
“This year, we decided that our slogan will be: Settlers on the rise, rising from the ashes, so to speak. There is nothing that beats walking into a clean beautiful space. Our teachers also have free reign to decorate their classes in any way that they see fit and that could help with learning,” he added.
“Our school has been through deep waters, financially and with the break-ins but that did not deter us or bring down our morale. The learners and staff should be proud of their school and so should the surrounding community.”
