Kewpie Nursery School celebrates its 40th birthday

Kewpie Nursery School celebrated its 40th birthday in Verwoerd Park this year. In celebration of the big milestone, the school invited old and current Kewpie children and their parents to a Fun Birthday Bash.

It has been a privilege to look after thousands of children over the years and owners Jan and Magda Niemand are proud of their association with Kewpie.

Go big or go home

Kewpie family and community members enjoyed a fun day at Hoërskool Alberton on October 28.

Several stalls sold unique goods, and lots of children’s activities were available.

A mechanic bull, face painting, ‘rammetjie’ rugby, extra mural activities, jumping castles and more were available for kids.

Adults had the chance to see local artists Shenize Bekker, Xani and the Secret, as well as dance performances from Michelle’s Dance Studio.

A raffle was also held where winners walked away with a whole lamb, a weekend away and many other prizes.
Both children and adults participated in the boeresport activities and they had loads of fun.

The Kewpie staff was challenged to dance to the song ‘Dance Monkey’, which was enjoyed by everyone.
A birthday is not a birthday without a cake. Everyone could enjoy a slice of it.

“It was such a successful and fun event. To be able to see old Kewpie children who still remember their Grade R teachers is just an incredible feeling.

“While planning this event our main focus was to make it a memorable event for everyone. It would have not been successful without the help of our amazing staff, parents and sponsors.

“A big thank you to everyone who made this day possible. Thank you to those who came out and spent the day with us.

“We also thank the fun day management group for making the planning of this event so easy. Many thanks to Freek Erasmus, Mikayla Venter and Keith for the use of the Alberton Hoërskool’s grounds.”

All the funds raised at the birthday bash will go towards upgrading the school.

Educare since 1982

Kewpie Nursery School opened its doors in 1982 after it was built by Jan and Louise Venter. Back then the Kewpie doll was famous and that is where the name of the school comes from.

A few months after opening its doors, Frances Els started working at the school as a teacher. The school had 30 children. On September 1, 1983, Frances bought the school from the Venters.

The school only had one building with five classes accommodating both babies, toddlers and after-care children.
Frances bought the property behind the Kewpie building and turned it into the aftercare building.

In 2005, Jan Niemand bought the school from Frances for his wife Magda who at that stage already owned a nursery school with 80 children in Brackendowns. She was the owner for 14 years.

“Kewpie was a God-given gift to us due to certain circumstances,” said Magda.

Educare runs through Magda’s veins as she has always had a passion and love for children and their development.

“I wanted to do nothing else than look after children and help them develop. Being able to be part of a baby’s first walk or their first words to prepare them for primary school is just a feeling I can’t describe. It warms my heart and gives me a purpose in life,” said Magda.

In 2012 Jan and Magda’s son, Neil became part of the management team of Kewpie. He is responsible for the aftercare children. The centre caters for working parents with children in primary school needing help with aftercare.

Forty years later, Kewpie Nursery School has expanded and they now have a baby, a toddler centre and the aftercare centre.

The recipe for their success

The Niemands say that the school is unique because of the staff, from the maintenance man to the principal.

“It was important for us to create a haven for children, as well as an environment in which they can be taught and have fun at the same time.”

The school has 27 staff members between the three centres. Two individuals who stand out are the principal, Maureen Foster-Sutherland who has been part of Kewpie for the last 38 years and Lettie Gumede who has been there for 25 years.

“We have phenomenal staff and we are grateful for all of them,” the Niemands said.

“Looking back, it’s been the most incredible experience of my life being part of the Kewpie team,” said Magda.

“Thank you to my family for their support over the years. Without the support of my husband and our sons, I would not have had the privilege of making a difference in so many children’s lives,” Magda said.

“We are excited about the future and look forward to the next 40 years,” the Niemands said.

A few messages from parents and staff members

• Angel Vermeulen: “Congratulations Kewpie on celebrating their 40th birthday! You guys are tops and I couldn’t ask for a better school for my kiddies! Here is to another 40 years!”

• JP Venter: “Big congratulations to Kewpie on celebrating 40 years. We have only been part of the family for three years, but it feels much longer. Thanks for all the love and care we feel from everyone at the school. Thank you for taking care of our children and being their second home. Wishing you many more years to come.”

• Louise Venter: “Let joyful voices of victories and achievements always sound at our school! May our teachers never lose their enthusiasm for work and faith in their students! Happy birthday Kewpie.”

• Anri Botha: “A special congratulations to our Kewpie family. May only goodness and favour follow your school for many years to come. Kewpie is and has always been more than just a kindergarten. Kewpie is a second home away for our children. A safe fortress for so many little people and sometimes also for us as parents. A place where you can always feel loved and welcome.”

• Mariaan Pretorius: “Happy 40th birthday Kewpie. Thank you for looking after our kiddies like they are your own. Best wishes for many years to come.”