School beacon of hope
School Matters by Malcolm Roberts
DESPITE the negative outlook on Helenvale and its residents being linked to gangsterism, alcohol and drug abuse, child neglect, violence and unemployment, Helenvale Primary School strives to be a beacon of hope to its pupils and community at large.
In spite of all the challenges that we read about on a daily basis, staff are always prepared to go the extra mile to keep the ship afloat, sometimes using their own money to purchase resources.
With three blocks still without electricity due to cable theft some nine years ago, the quest to provide quality education remains our core business.
Looking for greener pastures is just not in the vocabulary of our staff – we currently have five teachers who have been at this school for 30 years or more, and seven who have been here for more than 20 years.
In recent years there has been a marked increase in parental involvement in the school, which is very pleasing. The outgoing and newly-elected school governing body must be commended for this.
We are eternally grateful to all those who have assisted our school over the years, especially McDesigns, Old Mutual, the Mayoral Fund, the education department and UNICEF, Bonfire Youth Development, Spar, Department of Public Works and an anonymous donor from the community who donated R100000.
To all those who contributed, including those we have not mentioned, your unselfish support will remain in our hearts forever.
– Malcolm Roberts is the principal at Helenvale Primary School.