Cedarwood College opens new wing
Celebrating in style with a grand opening ceremony, complete with a ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremony, Cedarwood College alumni, from far and wide, returned to their alma mater to join in the festivities, and marvel at the state-of-the-art facilities.
Cedarwood School has undergone major changes since its inception as a Preparatory School in the 1990s. The school expanded to become Cedarwood College in 2010, and has since continued to grow and develop.
Despite these changes, the school has maintained its focus on small class sizes and a high teacher-to-pupil ratio.
Recently, a new wing was added to provide additional teaching space and facilities, and current and past students, teachers, and supporters attended an exclusive opening ceremony to celebrate the new addition.
Duncan Turner, chairperson of the board, said: “Over the last 12 years we have saved and invested money, and have built the new wing, without debt. The Wessels Trust also made a significant financial contribution, but the vast majority came from how Cedarwood School managed its money.”
Dr Phillip Kotze, college headmaster, extended a warm welcome to all the guests, adding: “The little pupils in Grade 1… One day will also have the opportunity to benefit from these wonderful facilities.”
The new wing has a separate entrance and additional parking, which has improved traffic flow for parents dropping off their kids. The wing includes 12 new classrooms, allowing all teaching to take place in permanent buildings.
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Kotze said the previous prefabricated classrooms have been repurposed for other uses. The multipurpose hall is used for various events, and the natural slope of the property has been turned into an outdoor amphitheater. The school has also created 12 dedicated rooms for students who require additional support during exams and tests.
“We are grateful to Bryan Brombacher, part of the Glenferness Residential Association, who was instrumental in giving feedback to the community throughout the building project. It was particularly special to have alumni and their families in attendance, as many were part of the building journey.
“In 2018, past pupils, parents, and corporate sponsors contributed to the school’s expansion through the: Buy-A-Brick campaign. Whether attending in person or watching online, the grand opening was a momentous occasion for the entire Cedarwood community.”
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Hannah Lovell, head girl for 2018, explained how the school’s motto: ‘Be the best that you can be’, had become more than just words to her, but instead, “a guiding principle that has stayed with me throughout my life.”
When the additional property was purchased at the end of 2014, it was an equestrian plot with a house. Part of the existing house is now used for the information and technology labs with cutting edge facilities tailored to the diverse learning needs of the pupils.
Cedarwood School is located in an agricultural area with a wetland on the property. “We are eager to explore how this wetland can benefit our pupils, support environmental conservation, and contribute to financial savings, amongst other advantages,” said Lisa Ellis, the school marketer.
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