The school’s new library was officially opened on Thursday 6 September 2012 during a function attended by local and other dignitaries. This special milestone for the school was achieved after long and tireless work behind the scenes. Two of the school’s staff, Carlien Fortuin and Carla Gouws were responsible for the organisation of the opening and their hard work ensured a very successful function.
Mrs Clegg, chief representative of school libraries in the Overberg, played a large part in making the Academia library a reality. She was also the guest speaker at the function. Her love of books and mission to get learners to read is contagious. Amongst a number of the challenges she had to overcome was the installation of a computer for the library. Also thanks to her a library assistant, Dorian, was appointed who cataloged and covered all the donated books before placing them on the shelves.
Director B Loriston (Overberg Education District); Eddie Schmidt (Head Boy); Michelle Le Roux (Head Girl); Tommy Wilson ( Principal)
High profile guests, including councilor Pieter Scholtz and his wife Ans, as well as representatives from the education department district such as the Director Mr B Loriston and Ms Jenny Bridgeman were entertained by the school choir, directed by Ms Liezel Mostert and a poetry recital by Bianca De Koning. Then the head boy, Eddie Schmidt, and head girl, Michelle le Roux, slowly opened the curtain hiding the library’s name “The Dictionary”. Thereafter the principal, Mr. Wilson and the director of Overberg District, Mr B Loriston cut the red ribbon to mark the official opening of the library and guests entered the library where Mr Wilson gave a presentation of the school, its mission and growing number of achievements. Afterwards guest were treated to some excellent snacks prepared by Mrs Gouws and her team.
From now on learners can visit the library during breaks and after school. Ms Carien Fortuin and Carla Gouws will manage the library. The school library is a big step to improve and cultivate literacy and a love of reading and aims to be a cradle of information. It also aims to establish a beneficial relationship with the local public library.
The library still needs a vast amount of books and will greatly appreciate donations of books and money to enable us to provide a superior facility.
Freely translated from the original Afrikaans Newspaper article written by Ms Liezel Mostert.
