A dream of about 10 years finally came true at The King’s School West Rand when the school opened up its brand new swimming pool on Friday, 1 March.
The entire school congregated around the pool as a new era and the introduction of aquatics at the school were being celebrated.
The chairperson of the school’s board, Gwyn Hannington, shared how the school had yearned to own a pool for almost a decade. “It’s a dream that’s been under discussion for about 10 years – and no it’s a dream come true,” an excited Gwyn said.
She also shared how the pool was going to fit into the school’s curriculum. “We really believe that teaching a child how to swim is actually a life skill that I believe schools are responsible for. The learners need to be water safe,” she said, adding that the multi-million rand development included two pools, one smaller one built especially for younger learners who cannot swim yet, plus a second, bigger one.
Following the ribbon-cutting by the school head prefects, Jordan Harvey and Christina Anika, the school principal, Ken Langley, became the first person to dive into the pool after a countdown and cheers from an exhilarated crowd. Vice-principals Conrad Botha and Sean Muddiman ‘accidentally’ became the second and third swimmers after they were pulled into the pool by Langley, while attempting to pull him out after completing his lap.
The stunt raised chuckles all over the school as the teachers swam fully dressed, even keeping their shoes on.
