Dear Friends,

A learner’s access to quality education is a function of things outside their control.   Access to private schooling is more than likely a byproduct of socio-economic background.  And so my involvement as principal of Talhado Montessori Preschool is to enable more children from diverse backgrounds to have access to quality education.

As our numbers rose to 87 this term, we are proud to say that our standard of education has been maintained one hundred percent.  Here are some photos of our new classroom, with teacher Laurika Coetzer, who has seven years teaching experience, and four years as a qualified Montessori teacher.

                              

The fantastic new Montessori materials, which are so essential in any Montessori classroom, were gratefully received from Carey Olsen. The beautiful wooden tables and shelving you see in the classroom were kindly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Woking District in the UK, crafted by local handyman, Neale Groblar. The curtains were donated by Liz Holmes and adjusted to fit our windows by Janet Duval, both from Cape St Francis.  Talhado Montessori Preschool remains grateful for the continued support we receive from various donors within our community and throughout the world.

Dr Michael Jones, our very own St Francis dentist, visited our pre-school this term.  Dr. Jones gave a fun presentation on oral hygiene and handed out toothbrushes and toothpaste to all the children.

 

Our jersey drive has been hugely successful and finally culminated in every learner at Talhado receiving a beautifully hand-knitted jersey before the chilly winter months arrive.  The children looked so smart in their new winter woollies, each one personally labeled with their names.   Pretty soon we will be handing out beanies and scarves to each child.   We’ve also had an offer from Felicity Elliot in Grahamstown to knit gloves.  What a treat!  Please continue to knit jerseys in anticipation of the new intake of children in January 2019.

We finally managed to fill in the dusty hole created by many little feet passing through the entrance to the playground.  Bruce Brooker kindly assisted with laying down some paving stones.  Our playground is now looking lovely!!

Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact.  The Mandela Day campaign message is:  “Nelson Mandela has fought for social justice for 67 years.  We’re asking you to start with 67 minutes”.

We’re hosting 67 minutes of golf at the St Francis Links golf course in Honor of Nelson Mandela’s birthday and to raise some much-needed funds.  The idea is to get as many teams (each consisting of four people) to play 67 minutes of extreme golf.  One is able to hit, kick or throw the ball to play as many holes played as possible.  The afternoon will end with an auction of some fantastic prizes sponsored by our local community, so please come along and support!   Please contact me if you want to be a part of this fun event.  If you can’t participate then please consider sponsoring a hole.  For our international readers, there is the option of donating through our PayPal system on our donation page.   A donation of $67 equals nearly R900.  We can provide you with a tax certificate.

Wishing you all a warm winter ahead and we look forward to seeing some of you on Thursday for our “extreme golf” fundraiser.

Best wishes,

Cathryn Hempel

Principal (in a volunteer capacity)

Talhado Montessori Preschool

Contact:  0764126090

www.talhadochildrenshaven.org