Chess, community and clean-ups – schools get active
Pupils from across the North Coast showed their skills outside the classroom and got their hands dirty to help their communities.
Heroes in action
Excitement filled the air as pupils from Ashton’s Ashlings Early Learning Centre got a firsthand look at the incredible work of local emergency responders during the IPSS Roadshow.
The day’s activities included watching a helicopter take off, witnessing a search and rescue dog in action and stepping inside an ambulance to explore the life-saving tools that paramedics use during emergencies. Adding to the excitement, KwaDukuza Fire and Emergency Services treated the pupils to a foam party, much to their delight.

Pupils get creative for water conservation
Seven local schools recently came together for a fun educational day on water conservation at The Boathouse in Ballito in celebration of National Water Week. Organised by the water utility, Siza Water, the programme benefits schools within Siza Water’s concession area.
One of the highlights of the day was a poster-making competition where each school was tasked with creating eye-catching posters that outlined different ways to save water. Pupils got creative as they brainstormed and designed their best water-saving tips. Shakaskraal Primary Primary School claimed first place, followed by Dinuphozo Primary in second place and Tinely Manor Primary in third.
Simphiwe Chili from Tinley Manor Primary School shared her excitement about the day’s lessons.
“Water is essential for us to survive. We cannot imagine life without it, so it’s important to practice water conservation,” she said.
“Simple things like not running the tap while brushing your teeth, and using a cup instead, can make a big difference.”
The pupils also took part in hands-on activities, constructing water filters from plastic bottles filled with stones and grass. The day wrapped up with a beach clean-up, where everyone pitched in to help keep their local environment clean and beautiful.

Learning beyond the classroom
Eighty pupils from local schools recently gathered at the Luthuli Museum for a day of career guidance and sport, blending education with fun and teamwork.
Organised by iLembe’s A Chorus of Rustics (ACOR) writers club, Ekupheleni Secondary School and the Thobe Shange Foundation, the event aimed to equip pupils with valuable career insights while emphasising the role of sports in personal and social development.
The day featured an exciting line-up of activities, including a closely contested soccer match. Visitors Ekupheleni Secondary (Mtubatuba), with players from both the school and ACOR, edged out Groutville United FC in a thrilling penalty shootout at Hanguza Sports Ground in Groutville. On the netball court, the local team delivered a dominant performance, securing a commanding 35-0 victory over Ekupheleni.

Holding hands for human rights
Darnall’s Symbezi Independent School pupils and staff enjoyed learning about South Africa’s history while celebrating Human Rights Day last week.

Checkmate champions!
Umhlali prep pupils shone at the recent Nokukhanya Luthuli Commemoration Chess Tournament at the Luthuli Museum.
Competing against some of the region’s best young minds, Victoria Power, Taddeus Maseko, Amber Power, Uminathi Mbeje and Aidan Bell secured top spots in their respective categories.

Food aid for Groutville pupils
The Care and Support office at Groutville High School has stepped up to assist vulnerable pupils by providing essential food parcels. With 108 food parcels donated by The Sprout Organisation NPO, this initiative helps to alleviate food insecurity among pupils who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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