Jul23121 MEA | African Business Awards 2024 43 May24605 Community Primary School of the Year 2024 – Gauteng For over 70 years, Assumption Convent Primary School has maintained a legacy of faith and excellence. As a leading co-educational Catholic school in Pretoria, it inspires local children, building a foundation of faith, outstanding education, and the life skills they will rely on for life. Here, we speak with Principal Michael Enos to explore the school’s fine reputation and the example it sets for educational excellence. his beacon of leading Catholic education in South Africa was established by the Missionary Sisters of the Assumption in 1952. It came together at the request of Archbishop Garner and stands today as a highly respected institution of value-based learning and among the best independent primary schools in Pretoria. It is also an eminent feeder school to higher education institutions, setting its learners up for continued success in further learning. From grade RRR up to grade 7, young learners enjoy a beautiful campus and buildings equipped with first-class facilities. As well as the standard community-school curriculum, Assumption Convent provides lessons in computer technology, coding, robotics, music, art, and media. The curriculum places an emphasis in holistic education, producing wellrounded young people with opportunities to discover their passions and talents. While learners attend Mass regularly and join in special Catholic festivities throughout the year, admissions are not restricted by faith. “Learners of all faiths are welcome in our school, provided they are willing to accept the Christian ethos.” Part of this ethos is to instil the school’s principles of good character. Michael says that these are “trustworthiness, responsibility, caring, respect, fairness, and good citizenship.” He emphasises that these are intertwined with the institution’s Catholic message. “These principles, together with all the other Gospel values, form the basis of all approaches at our school.” Assumption Convent’s reputation in the community also extends beyond education. Founded on values of promoting the greater good, it provides support to the poverty-stricken. This means “adopting” organisations on a yearly basis, such as orphanages and organisations helping those with disabilities, which the school provides with food, toiletries, and clothing, bringing its good fortune to those in need. The mission at Assumption Convent is driven by a commitment to serve God, its pupils, and the wider community, by imparting quality education based on Gospel values and sound educational principles. Michael says “we strive to nurture individual children in totality, to foster their spiritual, intellectual, physical, ethical, and emotional development in-keeping with their dignity as children of God. In the spirit of the school’s motto: ‘Ex Sola Virtue Honour’ (honour from virtue alone).” This nurturing environment doesn’t solely empower learners and the community, but it also takes care of staff, cultivating a close-knit group and mutual support. Assumption Convent seeks those who believe teaching to be their true calling and who contribute to its collective spirit of love and camaraderie. They go through a rigorous interview process and practical assessment to ensure they are the right fit. Thanks to its consistently excellent reputation, the school enjoys the privilege of selecting the best teachers available. Michael also shows particular pride in the appearance of Assumption Convent, saying “our school stands out as a real jewel in the area because of its physical appeal. Many people want to place their children in our school because of this.” He enjoys the reputation this, and other factors, afford the school. “The vast majority of our learners come to our school because of word of mouth.” “Our children perform excellently, especially when they leave primary school and go on to high school and tertiary education. We offer small classes, individual attention, a distinctive Catholic ethos, and positive discipline.” Though the school provides leading education in its area, it is always seeking to improve, surveying for satisfaction and observing the latest trends in education. Recently, it has acquired a new building adjacent to the school which is in the process of being re-purposed as a science and technology centre, a music centre, art centre, skills centre, additional classrooms, a chapel, and other facilities to enrich the curriculum. Assumption Convent Primary School is a well-rounded environment, providing a robust education, fostering wellbeing in its staff and learners, and contributing to its wider community. As the school continues to develop educated, skilled young people, it serves as a shining example of Catholic schooling in South Africa and sets the local standard. Contact: Michael Enos Company: Assumption Convent Primary Web Address: www.acpschool.co.za T
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