'TREAT YOURSELF'

A PRIMARY school in Manenberg is celebrating a month-long focus on wellbeing as part of the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) Heart Haven Wellness Hub launch.

Sonderend Road Primary School is one of 16 schools in the province piloting the Wellness Hub which is due to launch on 1 October, aimed at promoting mental, social and emotional wellness for learners, staff and the wider school community.

Principal Maylene Hattingh said: “The Heart Haven Wellness Hub is more than a facility, it's a promise to our entire school community. 

“By prioritising wellness for learners, parents, and staff, we foster a culture of care that supports growth and learning for years to come.”

Excitement is building ahead of the launch and Hattingh and her staff are doing a series of Wellness Weeks designed with learners, parents and teachers in mind.

The first week celebrated learners with activities to boost their confidence, encourage good hygiene and promote healthy lifestyle habits.

Selected learners were treated to enjoy professional hair washes and blowouts thanks to the school’s partnership with Manenberg School of Skills.

Members of the School Governing Body (SBG) also joined in by plaiting the girls' hair throughout the week by adding a personal touch of care and pride.

A parent workshop was also held to equip families with practical wellness tools to reconnect and grow together.

The highlight of the week was the Glammy Glam Day where oupas and oumas enjoyed a special lunch, sponsored by Next Level Living and the Heideveld Day Hospital members offered free health checks.

Finally, the onnies who took part in a development session on workplace wellness were treated to a Pamper Day.

Hattingh added: “The school extends heartfelt thanks to the Manenberg School of Skills, the School Governing Body, Next Level Living, Heideveld Day Hospital, and all the staff members whose dedication makes this initiative possible.

“With the launch underway, the Heart Haven Wellness Hub stands as a lasting legacy for Sonderend Road Primary, a place where learners and their families heal, grow, and thrive together.”