Newly appointed Junior Colleges Fourways head Aimee Shaw is focusing on community outreach, bringing learners into initiatives that highlight the value of kindness.

Shaw, who has nearly 19 years of educational experience spanning roles as an assistant, teacher, head of department, and deputy principal, recently assumed leadership of the campus. She previously served as deputy principal at Junior Colleges Waterkloof in Centurion.

Since taking up her position, Shaw has prioritised strengthening ties with the broader community. The school has adopted a partner school, supporting it through teacher development and termly collections of essential goods. As part of the initiative, a teacher from the partner school attends training at Junior Colleges twice weekly, receiving a certificate upon completion.

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The collection focus changes each term. Families donated stationery in the first term and toiletries during the second term, including soap, toothbrushes, face cloths, and wet wipes. Shaw noted that parents have warmly embraced the drive, contributing beyond expectations. “We had two crates of stationery that we donated, and about four boxes of toiletries.”

This term, the school is collecting instant soup and socks for young learners at the partner school. A collection basket at the Junior Colleges Fourways entrance allows donations to be dropped off before term-end for delivery at the start of the next term.

Shaw emphasised that the programme aims to teach children the value of supporting others. “It is community outreach, showing children that doing these things for other schools is how we help each other,” she said. “It does not matter where we come from or our lifestyle. We must help, be kind, and do what we can for other schools.”

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Outreach efforts have also included physical improvements. For Mandela Day, the Junior Colleges community repainted and added murals to a classroom at the partner school. “One Saturday, we went in and revamped one of their classrooms,” said Shaw. “When the children arrived on Monday, they had a brand new classroom.”

Shaw said residents can expect further changes and community projects as she settles into her role, noting that she has extensive plans to enhance the school environment. For Shaw, building a strong school community relies on creating an environment where children feel cared for while learning empathy. “We are a family here, and we treat all of our children like one of our own,” she said.

The school is planning a Christmas initiative for its partner school in the fourth term, providing individual gift packs for each child, while continuing to encourage contributions to the current drive.

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