Principal Elizabeth Mohaya shares her best wishes for Christmas on behalf of Drake Koka Primary School

Principal Elizabeth Mohaya of Drake Koka Primary School in Kaalfontein shares highs and lows of the past year and hopes for the future:

Our highlights for the passing year:

• We received a donation from Vodacom of 20 HP laptops, projector, printers and a revamp of our computer lab.
• We hosted our first annual Grade 7 Farewell Gala which saw 232 learners experience a matric dance-like event with a three-course meal, photo shoot and entertainment. The school managed to raise over R46 000 for this through donations and fundraising activities with the support of the school governing body.
• Acquisition of a sports field that allows for various sports codes to be played.
• Recruitment of new staff members who have become assets to the school and improving the culture, mostly importantly improving academic results from about 69 per cent to over 80 per cent with our dedicated staff members.

Our challenges for the year:

• Overcrowding of learners in classes. Our school only has a capacity of 1 200 but we admitted 2 066 because of growth in numbers and admissions. Sadly, the department’s finances have been limited to infrastructure in building classrooms, containers etc.
• Loss of one of our model dedicated teachers Mrs Masipa who was a pillar to the foundation phase and the school at large.
• Social challenges from surrounding communities such as poverty, drugs and school drop-outs.
• Limited technological resources (laptop, smart boards, projectors and other devices) which are important for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• Hopes for the coming year:
• To receive some funding and donations to assist with infrastructure so as to admit as many learners as possible to be able to provide quality education including revamping our sports fields as many learners aspire to do sports such as soccer, cricket and even rugby but the field is not safe or conducive for it.
• That our learners perform well academically and in other extra-mural activities to assist them in their prospective futures.
• Safety, security, health and happiness for our staff and all stakeholders.
• For our school to be a model township school that prides itself in excellence and world-class education standards.

Contact: Drake Koka Primary School spokesperson Alex Songo 074 936 5421.

FILLER: What were your highlights over the past year? Please share your comments on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Related: https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/194704/lunchtime-for-the-elderly-in-kaalfontein/