Our School
At Khanyisa one of our constant tasks is to remain conscious of our direction. We are a Waldorf School and endeavour to understand and apply the principles of this wonderful educational philosophy, but we are also constantly bombardered by the needs and pressures of the outside world - to grow too fast, to take in children that past experience has shown us we cannot manage, to lose the balance between the pupils developing their academic potential but to the detriment of their well being and development as human beings. As colleagues there are also things we strive to be, and are truly a work in progress The staff of Khanyisa come from a variety of backgrounds and all bring their special gifts. As a school it is our challenge to give space for all these gifts to grow and be pooled together to build on what we have achieved over the past 13 years. Khanyisa brings these special opportunities in abundance.
In 2007 the school will be full. No matter how carefully we plan there are always surprises at the beginning of the year, when children have moved on unexpectedly, but there are many on the waiting list and we receive calls daily. In January we will again open the year with six classes., the youngest group now being nine and ten years old.
Graduation 30 November 2006
As each pupil at the school fills a special place, it is always difficult and sad to say goodbye. We have to remind ourselves that this space does not disappear, it merely changes form!
Edwina Stanfield
Edwina started at Khanyisa in 2001. Her achievements at Khanyisa have been remarkable and how special to hear her speak in the play and in her main lesson presentations. Her art developed immensely during her time at the school and here she can express herself well. Edwina’s kind, quiet presence and broad smile will be missed at the school.
Rayhaan Cornelius
Rayhaan started at Khanyisa in 2003. He is gentle and quiet but also very much a member of the class, loved and accepted by everyone. He shared his sense of humour and individuality with his classmates and the teachers and really enjoyed being a part of the school. Rayhaan tries hard and matured in all aspects of his work.
Liyabona Sundu
Liyabona started at Khanyisa in 2003. During her time at the school Liyabona has grown and developed in every aspect of her work and she leaves as a confident and mature young woman. She has grown to trust herself and her capabilities and has participated and improved on all fronts. Socially she developed strong relationships with her peers and her presence will be missed in all their conversations at break time next year!
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Graduates from 2005 Olga Mei - Olga has completed the first year of a two year Waldorf Educare course, doing well. She is now using her skills, working full-time in a Waldorf initiated educare centre in the townships. Gino Benjamin - Gino worked for some time in a sheltered workshop, but is now at home looking for other opportunities. Sven Bräsler - Sven is employed full-time, assisting in packing in a warehouse. He is managing well. |
Class Camps
Last year the entire school went on an educational excursion to Oudtshoorn together, but this year some of the classes requested that they go to camp with only their class. For a number of the youngest class it was their first experience away from home. They all managed the first night, a number were wavering by the second night and then there were a couple who didn’t want to go home at all! There were many different experiences for all the classes and being out in nature was an adventure, new to some. At the Zeekoevlei Environmental Centre they spent one night in a “bush” camp with no electricity and no toilets...just a bucket. The hippos and other “wild “ animals a stones throw away. Mrs Petersen’s class went a week earlier than the other groups and when they returned, and spent a week at school while the other classes were away, it was wonderful to observe how much they enjoyed being together and doing things as a group.
Mrs Hack’s class traveled a long distance to hot springs in the mountains, where they had been two years ago. For five blissful days they swam, rode horses and walked together. They had to contain themselves somewhat when there were other guests in the warm pools, but when they were there alone they were able to demonstrate their phenomenal diving and bombing skills and had lots of fun!
The camps bring such special memories to the children and teachers - strong bonds, scary camp stories, lots of laughter. The many long walks, that seem hard and painful at the time, become an achievement and worth it, when remembered.
Recycling - making a difference to our environment
To bring consciousness of the need to recycle is slow and education is our main challenge. The restaurants we collect from are pleased to have the service, but most still think of it as giving Khanyisa School a donation and not something that they need to do! A political change in the local government has meant a hiccup in our funding for next year and, although recycling is a part of Council waste management policy, we await the outcome of our appeal. Many of our parents are excellent recyclers, but many still need to take on this responsibility in their homes. If we all “collect-a-can” daily, we can do much better than eighth in the Collect-a-Can schools competition, which brings the possibility of prize money for the school. Thanks to Garth and Bulelani for their hard and consistent work.
Our art gallery
Art is a prized tool in the Waldorf curriculum. It is incorporated into the main lessons and taught as a subject in all classes. It is done completely on the premise that everyone is creative and can achieve beautiful art. Being creative determines our humanity. The process is as important as the finished item.
Art is therapeutic, it comes from the subconscious and it is through this medium that many of the pupils can express themselves. The drawings and paintings, and the process of doing them, enables the teacher to assess barriers to learning and emotional imbalances. In this way pupils can be assisted and supported in their learning programme. Achieving a difficult task gives a great sense of satisfaction.
We have been very fortunate to have two art therapy students, from Leiden in Holland, who have come to Khanyisa, for the past seven years, to do their final six month art practical. This has given many of the pupils the benefit of one on one art therapy by two enthusiastic and trained art therapists. This year we say thank you to Emilie and Vemke for their hard work and care.
The artwork on the back cover has been chosen randomly from all the classes.
In closing
When the Hague Circle members visited Khanyisa we asked what a definition of a typical Waldorf School would be: the answer, a place where children are happy and can be themselves. This we have achieved..
Out in the world our torch is carried by many people that support us financially, but more than that, have us in their minds and thoughts. This too ensures that Khanyisa continues and we are grateful, thank you.
