A New School for our Iris Kids

In August, we rented out a new space as a school for our kids. This is the first time they have had a building for a school. Previously, we have schooled them in whatever space was available, eg. a guard's hut for a preschool class and the Boy's House lounge, which had 3 classrooms in it, with curtains separating the classes. This was far from ideal.
                                  
                                  
                    Above photos: Old classrooms in lounge and room in Boys House.

The new space as a huge 3 story building, with plenty of rooms for our 2 preschool classes, 6 primary school classes, a staffroom, and a storage room. It has a huge yard too, so lots of room for the kids to run around and play.

It was great timing getting the new land and building in August, as we had a visiting team of young people who cleaned and tidied up the whole space for us. It was such a mess when we got it. There was junk metal everywhere, rubbish everywhere, overgrown grass and weeds, old peeling paint etc. It really was in a terrible state!

                                  Photos above: The school and yard when we got it.

Under Gerhard's direction, the place was transformed to an amazing facility with new paint on the walls, murals on outside and inside walls, a junior playground, a senior playground and a treehut. School started back in September, and all the teachers, staff and children were so impressed!

Photo above: School assembly on the first day back

Since then, Gerhard and fellow team member Michiel, have continued to transform the Iris School property. They have added a basketball court/soccer field, a bike track, foursquare, hopscotch, a water run, musical sound wall and other bits and pieces.

Photos above: Preschool kids enjoying new musical sound wall and Gerhard coaching the principal in how to coach the preschool teacher. Photo right: Preschool class

The children love the school, especially the outside space. Which is great, because we love these children and want them to have the funnest, most stimulating, exciting learning place that they can. Our appreciation goes to our Iris leaders for renting this space for our Sekoly (school), and to everyone who has helped or contributed to our fantastic learning space for our amazing kids.