The quiet streets of Elsburg were rocked last Saturday morning with the sound of police sirens and the chanting of ‘Dinky Dolly Nursery School’.
The occasion, Dinky Dolly Nursery School’s 50th birthday Big Walk.
“Our Big Walk was fantastic,” said owner and principal of Dinky Dolly Nursery School Petra Breytenbach.
“We walked from the Elsburg Town Hall in Voortrekker Street, all the way to the school in St Clair Street.
“All eyes were on us.
“Our parents and children loved the walk.”
When the group arrived at the school, parents and guests were treated to a special gumboot dance.
The school’s drum majorettes then took centre stage and showcased their skills.
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“These amazing performances were followed by a fun-filled dance routine from our school’s aftercare girls,” said Petra.
“The rest of the day was spent enjoying food and cold drinks and each other’s company, while the children had fun playing.
“It really was a fun-filled day.”
The school was established by Bessie Louw in 1969.
When she died in car accident, her husband remarried and relocated to Durban and Petra bought the school and she has owned it ever since.
“I think it was God who led me to work with children,” said Petra.
“And I have never looked back.
“I am so grateful that community members who came to the school sent their children to the school and now send their grandchildren to the school.
“I believe that is a true testament to the school.”
Petra strongly believes in keeping the children in her care busy.
“We take our children on outings whenever we can,” said Petra.
“We love to take part in local high schools’ and primary schools’ activities and recently took part in festivals at Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston and Laerskool Delville.
“We have a rugby and drum majorette team and are often invited to showcase our children’s skills at schools and churches.”
The children also enjoy holiday programmes and are kept busy with interesting things to do, such as braai-ing, baking, arts and crafts, games, eisteddfod and water play.
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“Our Big Walk and Lantern Walk are yearly events which we encourage the community to take part in,” said Petra.
“We also like to celebrate special days like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day.”
When asked if she can remember any special highlights through the school’s long history, Petra recalled three standout events.
“Adriaan Vlok, the former Minister of Police, landed next to our school in a helicopter on July 10, 1991.
“The event was covered by journalist Carla van Buuren.
“SABC 2 came to our school in 2006, where they recorded footage for the TV show Thabang Thabong, and in 2010 our Grade R learners took part in the Ekhuruleni Olympic Games,” Petra said proudly.
Petra and the staff at Dinky Dolly pride themselves on making each child in their care feel special.
“At our school, every child is important and unique. Without them we would not have had a school,” said Petra.
“We look forward to celebrating many more years in our community.”
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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za.
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