HOUGHTON PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL

ON the 22nd of April 2023 we were gathered here to witness the ground breaking ceremony for this ECD block. Barely 6 months later on 27 Nov the block was complete awaiting this ceremony today the 22nd of February 2024. I want you to see the speed at which the SDC moves when you give them resources in time.

Julius Nyerere in his book Human and development says development is by men, for men of men. The school is built by its parents. These youngsters need the best foundation.

Efforts to revamp the ECD play centre are underway. We want them to feel very comfortable when they are at school than at home.

Feeding programme was temporarily suspended here in fear of the spread of cholera pandemic but very soon we will resume feeding them.

Academic

Today as we inaugurate these classrooms we are not merely opening doors to physical spaces; we are welcoming opportunities, possibilities and boundless potential.

These classrooms are more than just walls and desks, they are sanctuaries of knowledge, fostering growth creativity and critical thinking. We have seen our learners growing both inside and outside classroom owing to our rigorous programmes through the CBC. As our success is not only measured in bricks and mortar we are bragging of the improvement in pass rate where we attained 94.51% from 90.95 % as 2023 Gr 7 pass rate with 21 candidates obtaining 6 units.

This is a testimony that with the resources you are continuously providing through timeous payment of levies Houghton Park Primary staff is ready to give the best quality service that is expected by our clientele.

Enrolment and Staff establishment

We have a total number of 1660 pupils up from 1572. Out of the 1660, 570 are infants hence the need for this state of the art block.

The demand from closed private colleges impelled us to absorb those pupils and as a result we were forced to erect this ECD block.

Our school feeder villages are now stretching to Southlea Park, Southlands and mainly fidelity.

Our teaching staff stands at 40 of which 7 are males and 33 are females. 38 are qualified teachers and only 2 are contractual on SDC payroll.

One has CE 17 have DE, 18 have first degrees and 4 have master’s degrees.

Our non-teaching staff comprises 6 males and 8 females. Of the 14 workers only 2 are on government payroll and the rest are employed by SDC.

Parents

As we officially open this block let us also remember the responsibility that comes with this privilege. We have a mandate to create an environment that fosters respect, kindness and empathy.

As united as we are, we have the duty to fight drug and substance abuse among children. Let’s help each other in grooming well behaved children and know that charity begins at home.

As much as they respect you, we expect them to respect teachers and other learners. Let us treat one another with compassion, celebrate our differences, and embrace the values of inclusivity and diversity.

Pupils’ safety

As we thrive to improve safety of pupils on their way to and from school purchase of a school combi awaiting the purchase of a big bus is crucial. This will enable pupils to board the school combi at affordable fares and obviously without jostling for seats.

Escort your children to and collect them from school. Kidnapping is rampant nowadays. Please discourage them from boarding private vehicles.