When the matric class of 2023 at Windermere High School in Kensington sits down to write its final paper in October, it will be in the new school hall.
This is thanks to a generous donation from the Garden Cities Archway Foundation and the provincial department of education.
The school, which opened its doors in 1966, had never had a hall and made use of neighbouring facilities to host events.
Principal Craig Leetz said this had been one of his goals since he joined the school in 2013. He explained the school had also made a financial contribution to the erection of the R10 million facility.
He said the hall, which was completed in January this year, boasts a kitchen, cloakrooms, a stage and toilets.
“When I started here my first mission was to send emails out to various donors to try and get funds. Each month I would send an email. I sent one to so many people. We were never able to have assemblies when the weather is too cold or too hot because it would mean that the learners would have to sit outside in those conditions.
“Not having a school hall also meant we could not host functions and showcase the talents of our learners. The community also did not have a place where they can host functions.”
He said the hall will serve the community as well.
“We serve the Factreton community. Its organisations are always looking for a space for meetings and to host events now there is a hall in the community. As staff, we always had to travel to other schools to attend workshops. Now we have the opportunity to host and welcome other schools here.”
The principal pointed out that for the first time in the school’s history, its matrics will be able to sit down and write their final exam all under one roof.
“I cannot wait for the end of the year when our matriculants can write in the hall. They used to write in the classrooms. But now there is decent space and decent lighting, a proper aircon and everything is there for them. To be able to see all the matrics in one room writing their exam is a beautiful thing. So I am excited.”
He said the school is overwhelmed by the positive reaction from the community.
“People have come forward already asking if we are hiring the hall for events. Residents don’t need to go far now anymore because there is a venue in our community. We will monitor the type of events that we allow here. The hall is firstly for the learners and then the wider community.”
Abbey Adams, an administrator at the school, said the school hosted its first celebratory event in the hall on Friday 4 August.
“We have had an overwhelming interest from many of the past pupils. We decided to make it an event all former learners can attend. So we had matriculants from different years together. It is nice to see how excited the ex-learners are about the hall. It means a lot to them as well.
“A former learner at the school sent us an email asking if she can host her 50th birthday celebration at the hall.”
Leetz said to book the hall people can contact the school.
