Dainfern College hosted a founders’ day service to celebrate 25 years of existence at the school’s premises.
The dream of Russell and Stella Upneck to create a coeducational, independent school of excellence for children from Grade 0 to Grade 12 came to reality in 1997.
During the celebratory event on March 25, characterised by great music performances from learners as well as well-known music artist and songwriter Jesse Clegg, school management rewarded 10 long-serving staff members at the school.
Speaking at the event, chairperson of the board of governors at the school, Lucretia Khumalo reflected on many success stories and challenges recently faced by teachers, learners and parents following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She urged the community to remain flexible and open to discussion, ready for change and rise together to move forward as one into the next era.
“Our school is now a matured school, we have a fully-fledged culture that we’ve built from the scratch in the past 25 years of our existence. We also know what we are good at but we also know where we need to improve. One of the key aspects of growth is the ability and willingness to listen and adapt to change,” Khumalo said.
A founding staff member who received a standing ovation for his loyal contribution to the school since its inception, Stanley Makgwatela, recalled how the school grew from one building to become a well-established school.
“When we started, there was nothing here, only one building. I was happy to help Mrs Upneck with her dream to create a different kind of school,” Makgwatela said.
