- Marike Viljoen
A rather wet 2010 has started with much enthusiasm and many changes at Little Oak Montessori!
Firstly we would like to welcome everyone new and old back to school – 12 new tiny people started their school career in the 2 year old group – ‘The Caterpillars’, as we call them.
It is hard to believe that last years Caterpillars, 10 strong, are no longer ‘our babies’, but very independent and busy youngsters in the ‘Acorn’ group and they have been joined by 2 new children bringing the number to 12. The Sapling group has stayed the same and 1 new child has joined the Tree group, bringing the total number of children in the school to 52, so we still have a few places left.
There has also been some major shuffling around of staff. Martha has embarked on the Montessori Preliminary course this year and as such, has taken over the assistant’s post in Caterpillars from Sarah, who felt it was time to retire.
Claire Carruthers has joined our staff and is working with Marike in Acorns – she will cover for Mia who goes on maternity leave in March. Meisie is our new domestic worker and cook – we welcome both our new members of staff!
The changes in the school itself include the new Practical Life area which opens on to the covered back veranda. It has been fitted with a new vinyl floor which is far more resilient to the inevitable spills and other activities of 3 year olds than the old parquet floor was. Speaking of floors, all the parquet floors were freshly sanded and sealed during the holidays and look just beautiful!
Then, with the proceeds of last year’s Spring Walk both the back veranda and toddlers/day care verandas have been enclosed with roll up sails which gives the children so much extra space to work especially in winter. Apart from the new, the old has also needed attention and this dear old gracious lady of a building is very demanding in this regard! Major roof leaks and subsequent damage to floors and ceilings have been repaired, broken plaster repaired and some repainting which still needs to be completed.
All in all the school looked like disaster area 2 days before we were due to open and the staff were feeling as if it would never be ready! However, with lots of hard work, determination and elbow grease we made it in the nick of time!
Welcome 2010 and all its challenges – we look forward to a wonderful year ahead!
