Started in 1992 by Marelize de Rooy, Greenacres is privately owned, administered and organised using the Barkly House philosophy. Based on Christian principles, we seek to build up trust and mutual respect between staff, children, parents and the community. We are registered with the Department of Education as a private, fee paying day school, dependent for its continuity on parental fees and donations.
The Barkly House belief is that during the first 2 years of a baby's life it relies on instinct, but thereafter it is up to the parents and teachers to encourage the natural love of learning inherent in every child from birth.
We have a diverse range of daily activities - morning special time, news time, music & movement, art, puzzle building and games. Midmorning snacktime is followed by free play and story time.
School finishes at 12.30pm and those staying for aftercare have a full hearty cooked meal and a nap (if needed).
Every term we are privileged to get a visit from an important community member, for example:
- Firemen, in their fire engine, demonstrate the hoses and siren.
- Policemen arrive with 'Captain Crime Stop' whom the kids adore.
Trips to local small holdings are met with great excitement as we love to learn about the various farm animals. Grade Rs are taken to the various primary schools in the valley for their 'open days'.
As parents, we know that you want the best for your child. What follows are the four foundations of our ethos:
- Above all else, we believe that you want your child to be HAPPY. To this end we provide dedicated, nurturing staff who love children, an exciting educational programme and extensive indoor and outdoor facilities.
- Equally important, you can rest assured that your child will be exceptionally well PREPARED for Grade One - confident and competent to cope with the educational and social demands at 'big school'.
- Extensive outings and visits from outside organisations provide enormous added STIMULATION and enjoyment, exposing young minds to the richness of the world around them.
- We recognise the importance of society in giving our children a sense of IDENTITY. We nurture the child-parent-extended family bond and provide ongoing opportunities for families to socialise together.
More about the Barkly House method can be found at www.barklyhouse.org.za