New Playpark in Scrummies, our St Charles College Pre-Primary School

 From Mr Allen van Blerk, St Charles College Principal: On Saturday, 23 April, we celebrated the opening of the Pre-Primary Natural Playpark and took a giant step forward in countering growing human disconnection, and the alarming trend away from natural play. We know that imagination is back in a big way when we observe a ‘motorbike’ buried half-way in the sand pit, and the intrepid five-year-old adventurers embroiled in a rescue mission. We are optimistic for the next generation of men as we see friendships develop in boys as they play shoulder to shoulder, solving problems that they have invented together, blissfully lost in the imaginary world of their own making – it seems that the wonder of childhood is alive and well.

Playground Opening

From Mrs Liesl Meter, the Head of our Pre-Primary School:
“Let’s try this…What will happen if we… When I go up its hard work… when I go down it’s so easy!” Our new playground is an absolute hit! For our little lads it is pure paradise with so much opportunity to roll, run, slide, zip and bike around to their hearts’ content. There is endless digging, fort and campfire building, and they seem to create a new adventure every day. As teachers we are so grateful for this magnificent playscape that has added so much developmental value to our playground. It is truly a privilege to be part of a pioneering school that has the needs of every child at heart. As I am writing this, I can hear lots of happy chattering, squeals of delight and the zooming sound of our zipline. I am reminded of the words of Lara Wells, a remedial teacher and previous HOD of Scrummies: “Happy children learn optimally”. I can honestly say that ours is a happy place!

Photo credit: Saysha Baker