Footprints Special Needs School begins 2026 with renewed purpose
Stepping into 2026 with new educators, a full events calendar, and renewed efforts to support families through bursaries and improvement projects is Footprints Special Needs School.
Footprints Special Needs School in Malanshof will reopen for the 2026 academic year on January 14, welcoming learners, families, and staff back with a renewed sense of purpose.
The school, known for its warm and supportive environment, continues to offer learner-centred education to children with diverse needs. The school’s mission remains clear: To serve as many special needs learners and families as possible while strengthening its role within the wider community.
Read more: First day excitement at Footprints Special Needs School
According to administrator and oxygen therapy technician Caroline Poulsen, the focus for 2026 is on expanding the school’s reach and ensuring every child feels understood, valued, and supported.
This year, Footprints will introduce two new educators to its team who will lead the junior school classes, bringing with them a strong passion for inclusive teaching. The school believes they will play an important role in helping it grow and supporting learners through individualised learning approaches.
Alongside classroom teaching, Footprints aims to create a lively school year, filled with activities that build confidence and community spirit. A number of well-loved events will return to the calendar, including:
- Termly open days, giving families and supporters the chance to experience the school’s inclusive approach,
- Live cooking streams, where learners showcase their creativity and life skills,
- Sports day, a highlight of the year that brings families together through fun and teamwork,
- The annual school concert, where learners share their talents through music, dance, and drama, and
- The senior class camp, which helps older learners build independence and form lasting friendships.
The school notes that these events are more than social gatherings; they provide opportunities for learners to grow in confidence, form connections, and express themselves in meaningful ways.
As Footprints continues to grow, support from the community will remain essential. The school is calling on individuals, companies, and organisations to take part in its fundraising efforts. Contributions can be made in two main ways:
- Monetary donations to the Footprints Education Campaign (PBO) help fund bursaries for families in need, and
- Project-specific contributions for planned improvements, such as classroom upgrades or outdoor enhancements.
Footprints says every donation, no matter the size, helps ensure that financial challenges do not prevent a child from accessing inclusive, high-quality education.
Community members who wish to support the school can contact the administration team at admin@footprintschool.co.za, visit the school’s website, or follow its social media platforms for updates on events and fundraising.
As the new school year begins, Footprints extends warm wishes to all its learners and families.
The school expresses deep appreciation to parents and carers for their trust and partnership, and celebrates the learners whose spirit and individuality inspire the work done each day.
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