Pre-school celebrates grand opening

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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Union Pre-School celebrated the grand opening of its new facilities on Friday morning, January 26.

Sue Oliver, the pre-school's principal, was joined by representatives from the Union Pre-School Governing Body, the Union High School Development Trust, parents and pupils for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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The ceremony, which coincided with Union's annual Founders' Weekend, was opened by the school's Governing Body chairperson, Jacqui Marais, who eloquently introduced the guest speakers and led the proceedings.

After a few words of welcome by principal Sue Olivier, pastor Dolan Cochrane said an opening prayer after which Derek Light, chairman of the Union High School Development Trust, addressed all those present.

Light expressed the Trust's pride at having been involved in the realisation of this dream and thanked all those whose generous contributions and assistance made it a possibility.

One such contributor, the late Gysbert 'Pinky' Watermeyer, has been honoured with a bench dedicated to his memory on the school's playground.

William Pringle, the headmaster of Union High School, then gave his address, after which the pre-school learners delivered an adorable rendition of the school song.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts to the school's stalwarts and the cutting of the ribbon by two of its pre-schoolers after which the keys to the school were gifted to its principal, Sue Olivier.

Celebratory cake and refreshments were then enjoyed by all those present.

Union Pre-School has been nurturing children for the past 37 years in the close-knit community of Graaff-Reinet.

After having been situated in the Catholica Church Convent building since 1983, the construction of the school's new building, designed by Bernie Weyer of Waterston Weyer Roon Architects, commenced on 3 July 2017, and was completed and handed over to the Union Pre-School Governing Body at the beginning of 2018.

The new school building, which boasts four large classrooms and modern facilities, is situated on the corner of Donkin Street and Park Street, conveniently opposite the high school and now allows pre-school learners access to all of the school’s facilities and fields.

Doors open onto bright, spacious rooms filled with educational tools, furniture and toys.

Fresh soil surrounds newly planted rosebushes already in full bloom along the pathway to the school's front door while an assortment of play equipment is scattered around the school's playground designed to stimulate the pre-schoolers' minds and allow for their cognitive, physical, and social development.

Fun on the jungle gym.