Back to School
It’s been wonderful having the children back at school! We have divided each class into two groups which alternate days and Fridays to come into school. Although this has had its disadvantages, one of the advantages has been that we have been able to spend real quality time investing into each child and concentrated learning time.
The classrooms and playground have also undergone a transformation. This was to allow for physical distancing while they play. We created a ‘Playground Plan’ which consists of different play stations. This allowed the children to play in the same area with physical distance between them. This has deepened various skills and increased play opportunities. The playground has been a very peaceful place for the children. The children are thriving in their new classroom set-up too. So far the children have adapted well to the new systems and programs in place, and seem to be enjoying being back at school.
Praise God that the transition has been relatively smooth for the children, and that all the training, cleaning and reorganising done by the staff before opening has enabled this.
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Renovations
In May we were able to support our children by providing home learning packs, thanks to donations by volunteers. Each child received a specially We have a new school! Or at least it feels like it. Due to generous donations, we have been able to upgrade our kitchen, Grade R classroom, add extra wash basins around the school, have a dedicated laundry area and put up a new shade sail.
Our new floors and roof in the Grade R classroom make it a much healthier environment. The shade sail is perfect to keep off the rain or sun while the children are ‘checking in’ for school. All the extra wash basins situated around the school are also helping to keep our children’s hands clean and virus free! One of the biggest changes has definitely been the kitchen, which is such a pleasure to work in! Having a hygienic, efficient kitchen to prepare meals in is so important.
We praise God for His provision in making iThemba a safe and very happy environment for the children and staff.
Please pray for our children and staff as we start the fourth term – for continued protection & good health, that it will be a productive and fun-filled term and that we would continue to point our children to Jesus in all we do.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Please consider donating to iThemba School. 30% of our expenses are covered by fees and government subsidies. We rely on donations to make up the other 70% or around R1,2m for 2020. A learner partnership is R1,000 pm or R12,000 for the year. Please see below for bank details and contact kerryn@ithembaschool.org for tax certificate information.
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