Créche celebrates 35 years
“The success of this school is a reflection of the Crystal Park community who supported us for more than three decades.”
Looking into the faces of her first six learners, Rita Greeff, owner and principal of Babbelbekkies Nursery School and Créche, in Crystal Park, could not imagine that her school would become a generational learning institution for more than 3 000 learners over 35 years.
The school opened its doors on February 3, 1988, serving as an Afrikaans foundation-phase pre-school.
As Crystal Park continued to develop, her staff contingent of six educators grew to a faculty of 17, adding English classes catering for babies from three months to Grade R.
“Looking back on our journey, I am humbled by the growth of my school,” said Rita.
“Our main objective was to provide quality education set in a loving homely environment.”
On February 3, watching her 120 learners mystified by Geewiz the magician, who was there as part of the school’s birthday celebrations, Rita bit back the tears as the school grounds were filled with cheers.
“I am blessed with teachers and staff who are not only committed to moulding and enriching the lives of our learners, but who took my hand and walked this journey with me,” she said.
“I have children here whose parents and even grandparents once played on this playground. It is heart-warming to know that we were such an integral part of all their lives.”
Annetjie van Vuuren, who started working at the school 28 years ago, recalls how she once had an enthusiastic learner in her Grade R class.
“This young girl was eager to learn and always had a positive attitude towards life,” said Annetjie.
“The learner, Thabile Maselela, now serves as an assistant teacher in my class while completing her ECD studies.
“It is such a privilege to know that my teaching methods have brought her full-circle – back to this class to now touch the lives of others.”
According to Thabile, returning to Babbelbekkies to complete her practical learning was an easy decision.
“This school was my home away from home and the teachers my extended family,” said Thabile.
“I now want to learn from them so that once I am qualified, my presence in my learners’ lives will have an equally beautiful impact.”
Looking to the future, Rita says that the school will continue embracing every learner’s uniqueness, allowing them to fully develop into the person they were born to be.
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