ABERDEEN NEWS - Aberdeen Full Service Primary School is fortunate to have principal Johan Minnaar at the helm, a local man who knows the problems of unemployment, poverty and other social ills in the community only too well.

Community members are impressed by the care and concern Minnaar shows for all the learners under his wing, and he has earned the respect of his colleagues and the parents.

Minnaar is delighted that the school has been fully staffed this year, with the exception of one teacher who is on maternity leave for four months. Approval has been given to employ a substitute teacher for that time.

The school has seen a rapid increase in enrolment this year, with it becoming the school of choice for many parents due to the small class size. "As a full service school, we have a ratio of one teacher for every 27 learners, whereas the normal ratio is one to 35,"explained Minnaar. In practice, the average class size is 29, which is far more favourable than most local schools.

The school has 45 children with special needs this year, of whom two are physically disabled, and the rest have intellectual disabilities, including some with foetal alcohol syndrome.

Minnaar is concerned by the misuse of the child support grant, and aims to educate parents on their responsibilities. Many of the children from poorer families rely on the plate of hot food they receive at school, and he is very grateful that the funds for the feeding scheme are always received promptly.

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