Eastleigh Primary School looks ahead with optimism for 2026
As part of their many prospects, Eastleigh looks forward to building a stronger school culture characterised by unity, communication, and collaboration among all stakeholders.
Eastleigh Primary School in Edenvale is hopeful and optimistic about the year ahead, say principal Nonhlanhla Ngwenya. She said their focus remains on strong teaching, discipline and learner achievement.
For the coming year, Eastleigh looks forward to:
• Strengthening teaching and learning in key subjects, particularly maths and home language;
• Hiring strong teachers;
• Addressing performance gaps where necessary to increase accountability among staff and reinforce curriculum monitoring and support systems;
• Continuing with infrastructure upgrades, including maintenance, classroom improvements, and campus beautification;
• Launching the school’s swimming pool;
• Expanding coding and robotics programmes across the relevant grades;
• Ensuring full learner participation in district-organised academic and extracurricular activities;
• Strengthening financial stability through improved fundraising efforts and more effective fee collection strategies;
• Enhancing learner support programmes, such as academic interventions, reading clubs, and extra lessons;
• Building a stronger school culture characterised by unity, communication, and collaboration.
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Highlighting some achievements of 2025, Ngwenya said they had improved learner performance across several grades, with notable progress in literacy and maths.
The school maintained strong discipline and a positive, nurturing climate, resulting in fewer behavioural incidents.
The principal said they hosted school events, including the Grade R graduation, Foundation Phase and Intersen awards ceremonies and the Grade Seven farewell. The Principal’s Awards Ceremony honoured learners, too.
Ngwenya said Cultural Day was a vibrant celebration as learners shared, showcased and enjoyed diverse cultural foods.
“Two learners achieved first and third place in the Maths 24 Challenge, earning R40 000 for the school.”
Olwenkosi Madida, a Grade Three learner, won the National Hero’s Award for environmental awareness.
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Ngwenya shared, “Our learners excelled in hockey, soccer, netball and cricket, winning most of their matches.”
She acknowledged staff development workshops for strengthening teaching quality, collaboration and professional growth.
Ngwenya said, “We completed significant infrastructure improvements, including repairs, painting and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity to support information and communication technology integration and upgrades across the campus.
“Communication with parents improved through newsletters, classroom WhatsApp groups and the school WhatsApp channel.”
She added that they introduced the school blazer and bomber jacket, expanding their uniform.
The school strengthened partnerships with donors and community organisations, including:
• Croxley donated materials to refurbish the swimming pool;
• Dinthlo repaired the electrical box at no cost;
• Dave Heritage from the Revive NPO & PBO and the Embassy Church provided food for the feeding scheme learners;
• Revani Govender (mother of learners Gana and Aanyan) donated Zoflora cleaning materials;
• Christ Embassy, Siloam Church and Mrs Pather hosted a Christmas party for the feeding scheme learners, donating gifts, party packs, food, and clothing;
• Frederick Enimil (father of learner Koffi) offered his expertise to repair the swimming pool.
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One of the challenges faced by Eastleigh is that the school’s allocation from the Department of Education was cut by 60%, significantly affecting operational capacity. Ngwenya said some parents continue not paying school fees, despite Eastleigh being a Quintile 5 fee-paying school.
“Budget constraints limit our ability to address essential operational needs and carry out planned projects.
“Limited parental involvement persists in key areas, particularly homework supervision, discipline and participation in school initiatives,” she said.
The school governing body maintained sound governance, ensuring financial oversight and supporting major decisions.
Teachers were thanked for their dedication, teamwork and commitment in delivering high-quality teaching and learning.
Donors and sponsors were thanked for their financial support.
The school’s Adelaide Mashigo was thanked for her guidance, monitoring, and curriculum support, and support staff – administrative personnel, grounds staff, and security personnel – for ensuring smooth and efficient daily operations.
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Pick n Pay organised the school’s competitions.
“Thank you for your support. Your involvement has made a difference in our learners’ success.As we approach the festive season, we wish you rest, peace and safety.
“May this holiday bring joy to your families, and may the new year be filled with growth, unity, and continued excellence for our school. Let us work together again in the coming year to ensure every child at Eastleigh thrives.”
