Formosa Primary kids get to relish their new digs
New Horizons was the scene of great elation when Formosa Primary School students and staff effected the long-awaited move into their new premises on May 3.
Along with another recently completed school of identical layout in Pacaltsdorp, George, the new Bitou school building has been constructed on the basis of a modern design for primary education, hailing a first of its kind in South Africa for both schools. Each of these educational facilities cost R32.5-million to build.
Formosa Primary traces its history back to Saint Peter’s Mission School, founded in 1912, that occupied the site of the present day Foschini store in Plett’s Main Street. Michael William Dunn, grandfather of award-winning Formosa educator Leigh Dunn, was the Mission School’s headmaster from 1912-1952.
Requirements of the Group Areas Act meant that the school had to relocate in 1969 to a prefabricated building in New Horizons. By 2001, the building had become overcrowded and was in a state of disrepair.
The decision to build a new school was taken in 2011 by Education MEC Donald Grant, and construction began in April 2012, to be completed a year later. Says Leigh: “The new school has brought great excitement to the learners and a sense of exuberance to the entire community of New Horizons.”
There are presently 1’200 learners enrolled at Formosa Primary and the new building will be officially opened by minister Grant at a date yet to be decided.
Author: Timothy Twidle
Source: CXpress