Today has been an amazing day. I finally got to meet the wonderful staff and children at our partner school. I was greeted at the pickup point by the headteacher, Mrs Lukoto, who drove me to Livuwani Primary School.
I wasn't prepared for the welcome I received. On turning the corner of the street the school is located on I was greeted by a band and children dressed in pure white costumes who gave us a marched escort into the school grounds. The closer we got to the school I saw hundreds of children waving South African and British flags being waved and children shouting welcome to South Africa. It was truly amazing! And yes, I did shed a tear which multiplied when I saw Mrs Musiye, the deputy headteacher who visited us at Newchurch.
I was then escorted into the school playground. Some children even had our school uniform on. They have assembly outside under a huge tree which provides them with shade, Members of the community, parents, staff and children were all there cheering and smiling.
What was to follow was absolutely wonderful. Members of staff each took turns to greet me and say some wonderful words of welcome. It is quite clear that they treasure the link they have with our school and hold it precious in their hearts. Each class then sang or danced. Just before the end of the one hour assembly the whole school sang 'You are my sunshine', the song Mrs Lawrenson taught them last year on her visit. It was a sproud moment only to be made even more special when a little boy, about 7 years old, came to the front of the stage and sang three more verses which he had made up himself. He has promised to write the words down for me so I can bring them home and share the words with you.
I was then treated to a traditional Vendi dance. This was breath taking!
The rest of the day involved a tour of the school and the opportunity to observe some lessons. Some classes have up to 60 children in them. As you walk into each class the children stand up and formally greet you. Always with a smile. The children have been so polite and eager to find out about England and how our classes work at Newchurch.
The day went so fast and I can't wait to return tomorrow.
Hopefully, you will see some videos and photographs on the Year 4 website which will give you a flavour of what I experienced.
Take care,
Mrs Narraway x
I am so pleased you had such a wonderful day! Is that a Newchurch jumper one of the learners is wearing? Soon the whole school will be filled with robins like ours!
ReplyDeleteTake Care,
Mrs Lawrenson
That most certainly is a Newchurch jumper. It was lovely to see the children dressed in it.
Deletexx
Dear Mrs Narraway, I am glad you are having a good time. How hot is it in South Africa?
ReplyDeleteLove Charlotte W x
Hi Charlotte,
DeleteIt was 30 degrees today which is very hot. What is the weather like back home? x
Thanks for the blog about your wonderful experience in South Africa. I am very ENVIOUS. The class are wonderful and I am having a great time in Year 4. Just like old times. See you soon. Mr Ridings
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am going to try and post some pictures on the class 4 page. I am having a little trouble uploading at the moment. I am glad you are enjoying my wonderful class. xx
DeleteThe children in your class were thrilled to read about your experiences in South Africa so far and to see the lovely photos today. They have asked me to forward their questions to you:
ReplyDeleteWhat animal made friends with our robin? what animals did you see on safari? Millie
How many classes are there in the wonderful school you visited? Taylor
Please tell us more about the animals? Adam P
What names do the children have? Morgan N
Where did they get the Newchurch uniform from? George
Have you enjoyed being on the savanna? I miss you! Mia
What was the best thing you have done? Clara
How was the plane? Josh
What is their school mascot? Carla
What is your favourite animal out of what you saw on safari? I miss you! Kim
How do they live in their country? Alex
What kind of plants are there? Harry
What food do they eat? Molly
How big is the school and how many pupils are there? What is class 4's favourite subject? What animals did you see on safari? Ben
Wish we were there with you - it looks so friendly and fun!
With love from us all in Year 4
Hello Class 4,
DeleteI will try my best to answer your questions.
I saw lions, zebras, kudus, gnus, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, warthogs, crocodiles and elephants on safari. My favourite was the giraffe I think. I had a great time Mia.
The classes are very big with up to 60 in one class. There is a shortage of teachers so they have to put classes together. There are 708 children in the school. The children have wonderful names which I will try and write down. One of the teachers is called Happy.
The Newchurch uniform was given to the children when one of our teachers visited I think.
The children live in different kinds of houses. I will try and post some pictures for you. They are different homes to what we live in at home.
Harry I will find out the names of some plants when I go to the school next. I have seen cacti though.
The food is like we have at home with a few differences. The fruit is beautiful and juicy. Although we were given some dried worms to eat yesterday.
The best thing I have done so far was walking into the Reception class and seeing the smallest children. Their smiles are amazing and they all want to touch your hand and hug you.
I miss you ll very much.
See you soon,
love Mrs Narraway xxx