DESPATCH’S first and oldest school, Susannah Fourie Primary, has throughout its existence been a barometer of the town’s development.
Owing to the town’s growing population, way back in 1930, a farm school was established. By 1950 this school evolved into a full-scale primary school and was officially named after its first principal, Susannah Fourie. Later years this school catered for the intermediate and senior phases, Grades 4 to 7 only, but by 2024 it will revert to its former glory, educating learners from Grade R to Grade 7.
Daelina Grobler, principal at Susannah Fourie Primary said, “These are exciting times. Our infrastructure and dedicated staff can accommodate all Grades and we do not have to build a single classroom. Later this year we will have our interviews for approximately four new educators, and admissions for new learners are already open. The Department of Education wants to do away with all preparatory schools and have only primary and high schools.
“Currently we have 540 learners, but we can accommodate way more. The ideal education environment is to have classes not exceeding 30 learners, especially in the junior Grades, as they do need individual attention,” said Grobler. She also mentioned that they have smaller intervention classes for learners who struggle.
According to her the only alteration needed on the school grounds is to have a special play area for the Grade R learners.
Susannah Fourie has a strong Christian foundation with weekly assemblies and praise and worship sessions led by the principal. Discipline is also highly valued at the school.
Gesila Ferreira, acting deputy principal at Susannah Fourie Primary said, “It is a challenge and there is a lot to achieve, but with competent staff, we are very capable and will make Susannah Fourie a school that will stand out from the rest.”
“Academic excellence has always been my goal for the school and with these new changes, this is going to become something that is viable, that we can actually achieve.”
With regard to sport, it will be necessary for the school to get alternative facilities and sport grounds.
According to Marius Oelofse, head of sport at Susannah Fourie, to accommodate competitive sport for the U/7, U/8 and U/9 learners, the school will have to expand their sport facilities.”
“We are in the process of looking for an additional sports field. This will allow us to expand our sporting codes to re-introduce cricket at school.”
Susannah Fourie currently offers rugby, netball, tennis, swimming, chess, choir, music lessons and computer classes.
“Susannah Fourie has a rich history when it comes to sporting stars. This is where well-known Springbok and Protea players like Danie Gerber, Rassie Erasmus and Johan Botha started their sporting careers,” said Oelofse.
“We are looking forward to the future of the school, and I am sure we will deliver more living legends to be proud of.”
