Adam Bertoldi (King David High School Victory Park) beat thousands of contestants around the country for first place in the 2021 South African National Geography Olympiad.

Round one of the Olympiad took place on 18 May 2021 and round two, a written task, was held on 23 June 2021.

The second round, in which 2 231 pupils participated, required the submission of a research project. Adam submitted a geography project on the Gulags of the Soviet Union. It was assessed internationally, and they were extremely impressed with the standard. Adam has won an ESRI GIS (geographic information system mapping) course worth R10 000.

The tree-filled haven of Herzlia Kerem Pre-Primary School’s new campus in Constantia offers the same warm, stimulating preschool experience as before, with an added sense of wonder at nature in all its glory, say the school’s teachers.

“Just being at the campus evokes feelings of wonder and calm, with beautiful trees, wide open space, and bunnies happily playing side-by-side in the lush grass with our children,” says Cara Jacobs, Herzlia Kerem’s head teacher.

This safe and beautiful new haven caters for children from 18 months to Grade R. “Kerem educates pupils using old-fashioned values and methods while incorporating the latest in technology like smart boards for a rich, balanced learning foundation. We always say that people make a space, and then imbue it with their energy. The dedication, time, and effort that has been put into creating our school is tangible and visible. Everything has been thought through from the tiniest detail,” Jacobs says.

“The quality of the teaching and the facilities [at Kerem] are something we are proud of,” says Andries van Renssen, the executive director of United Herzlia Schools (UHS). “Most pupils who finish Grade R at Kerem will come to Herzlia Highlands Primary in the City Bowl when they go to Grade 1. It’s clear that the quality of teaching and care at Herzlia Kerem is the single biggest contributing factor to the success of those who come from there. We celebrate the opening of their new building.”

“Herzlia focuses on developing self-esteem and nurturing each child’s potential. Herzlia Kerem has a magnificent and dedicated team of teachers who stay up-to-date on the latest in childhood trends and issues,” says Geoff Cohen, UHS director of education.

Kerem offers morning and aftercare throughout the year from playgroup through to Grade R. Enrolments are open. Email Cara Jacobs at kerem@herzlia.com to arrange a visit.

In response to increasing anxiety about safety as a result of rising COVID-19 infection levels, King David Victory Park Primary School recently engaged in a mental health awareness programme to help pupils, staff, and parents brave the storm.

“The campaign focused on pupils, staff, and parents being mindful, relating, exercising, having self-compassion, and being grateful for the ability to cope with the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said a representative.

“Some want to hide away from all the bad, and others are active and fearless, ready to help and make a difference. Everyone mobilises their fight or flight response differently. High threat in the environment connects us to feelings of imminent threat going back to our early lives, associated with persecution and the fragmentation of self.

“We would like to salute our educators and pupils who are being vulnerable, self-compassionate, finding meaning, embracing the suffering, and connecting through the shared humanity of the pandemic experience. It helps to note that the world will eventually return to normal, and this isn’t forever. In the meantime, just keep doing your best!”