Set on the farm once owned by Lieutenant Colonel George Rennie, children’s cheery laughter has echoed from the stone buildings for three decades.

Built on the foundations of nurturing learners whose curiosity and independence are celebrated, the Cotswold Country Montessori School, Benoni North AH, joined hands in celebration of its 30th anniversary on January 23.

During a special assembly, May Selkirk, the founder of the school, outlined the school’s development, saying that in 1994, the property was used to host environmental weeks, aimed at fostering a love for conservation among some of the city’s youth.

“In 1995, we welcomed the first five learners to the school, based on the Montessori educational curriculum,” she said, addressing some of the establishment’s 174 learners.

“Attending classes in buildings built from locally quarried rocks, our country school was established, growing graciously with each passing year.”

Chairperson of the School Governing Board (SGB), Benoni Molete, congratulated Selkirk and principal and directress Bev Hilder for creating an environment that nurtures the growth and development of its learners.

“Cotswold is rooted in quality education, driven by a culture of community,” he said.

Former learner Chelsea Ward described how, at the age of two, the school played a fundamental role in shaping her future.

“I was a mere toddler when I first stepped onto the grounds of this magical school,” she said.

“At the end of Grade Seven, I had made friends, who to this day are like family, and developed into a critical thinker and curious; characteristics crucial to become a successful adult.”

Singing the school’s anthem, the learners belted out the words, a testament of the school’s culture, built on kindness, care and consideration.

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