The third phase of construction at the Hout Bay International School has begun in earnest, and will see the entire Early Year and Junior Primary being housed in the new buildings upon completion.
In addition to eight new classrooms, the new section makes provision for a canteen and library.
“We believe that by having a purpose-built junior primary section will provide our parents an additional peace of mind. It shows there is confidence in the school and we are here to stay,” said school principal Grant Ruskovich.
Construction has been delayed this year due to protest action over housing in Imizamo Yethu and uncertainty over the City’s superblocking process.
The new buildings are expected to be completed by the middle of next year and increase capacity in the high school going forward.
“The new canteen will allow us to cook hot, healthy meals on site, in accordance with international practices. Currently, parents are able to order meals online, which are then distributed to the pupils,” said Mr Ruskovich.
In 2005, International Education Systems, the school’s parent company, bought land at the heart of the community of Hout Bay on which to establish a purpose-built school. In the same year, IES bought 6ha of prime vineyard land opposite the original homestead of the Kronendal farm, along Hout Bay Main Road.
The process to consolidate the erven and secure permission to build was a lengthy one and final planning permission was received in June 2012, with the ground-breaking ceremony in August that year.
Through a bursary programme, nine pupils from Imizamo Yethu and Hangberg are enrolled at the school, and it has also partnered with Hout Bay High School on several learning and cultural projects.
Mr Ruskovich said once the third phase had been completed, the school would consider introducing a third sports field for additional outdoor activities.
Interest in the school remained high, particularly among foreigners choosing to settle in Cape Town as it was the only institution offering an International Baccalaureate Diploma, he said.
