Washington Drive Primary hosts colourful fund-raiser

Marsha Bothma|Published 3 years ago

Washington Drive Primary School held a Colour Run Fun Day at school on Saturday March 5. This was their first event since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Washington Drive Primary School held a Colour Run Fun Day to raise funds for the school.

They are currently in the second phase of the construction of new and improved classrooms and toilets for pupils and teachers as well as an administrative office block.

The two-year-old Washington Drive Primary School has an enrolment of 405 pupils who are currently housed in prefabricated classrooms at the Colorado Park school.

For now they have 13 classes of Grade 1 to Grade 5 pupils.

The Colour Run Fun Day held at the school on Saturday March 5 was their first event since the start of the pandemic.

Principal Jody Hartzenberg said he was excited about the new building.

From left are principal Jody Hartzenberg, chairwoman of the school’s fund-raising committee, Michelle Lakey and chairman of the school’s governing body (SGB), Eugene Kleinsmith at the school’s event on Saturday March 5.

He started at the school on Tuesday November 2 last year. “We are a growing school and moving towards becoming the flagship of Mitchell’s Plain,” he said.

While they are a no-fee school, said Mr Hartzenberg, they host many fund-raisers as “the children come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds with different socio-economic backgrounds”.

They also have a feeding scheme, but are only able to feed 110 pupils, he said.

“We have been waiting since last year for the building project to begin. We’ve been through a lot in the waiting period. However, parents and the community are coming forward with donations. We’re all working as one unit with a common goal, to take the school forward,” said Mr Hartzenberg.

Eugene Kleinsmith, chairman of the school governing body (SGB), the members of which were elected in November last year, said: “We have been busy with the school’s feeding scheme, setting up policies, and first aid training for teachers, to name a few. We are growing and we are working.”

Teachers of Washington Drive Primary School who stood at each colour powder station at the colour run on Saturday March 5.

The second phase of building should be completed by Monday April 25.

Chairwoman of the school’s fund-raising committee, Michelle Lakey said they had had a lot of fun at the event on Saturday.

At the braai stand, from left are Taylor-Leigh Hendricks, Angus Lakey and Nigel Lakey.

The parents, pupils and community members enjoyed themselves and was excited to pose for the camera on Saturday.

“Parents have really been helping us in this time. The teachers took part in the activities on the day. The children were really happy to have fun and be covered in different colours at the Colour Run Fun Day,” she said.

Mr Kleinsmith said they cater to children from Delft, Langa, Bonteheuwel, Khayelitsha, Ottery, Philippi and Mitchell’s Plain.

At the music station from left are Randell ’DJ Bolo’ Van Wyk, Wesley Exclusive and Eric Van Wyk from The DJs List (TDL).

At the braai stand with corn from left are Rodney Van Rooyen, Jesse Van Rooyen, Amanda Van Rooyen, Leah Lakey and senior teacher Lyrics Trussell.

Mr Hartzenberg said: “Our school values are growth, ubuntu, success, integrity, accountability, respect, kindness, flexibility, teamwork, loyalty, excellence and resilience. This is what we live by, we are driven to success as our motto says. We also want to thank each and every person for their donations, we appreciate you.”