Let's Dive Into The History of Linkside Pre-Primary
Let's Dive Into The History of Linkside Pre-Primary
The History of Linkside
The Linkside Pre-primary has been in existence since January 1973. However, the school has its beginnings and originated as the Leo Baeck Nursery School which opened in June 1958 in the Temple Hill, the synagogue of the Reform Hebrew Congregation of Port Elizabeth.
The first teacher and principal of the school, Lora Lighter, who held a British Teachers Diploma, was assisted by one other teacher. The school opened with 35 pupils. By 1961 there were two full-time teachers, one part-time teacher and 54 pupils. In 1964 Mrs Peggy Lincey, who taught and also took care of the school office administration and organisation, became Principal.
In 1958, the committee consisting of 4 office bearers, plus 5 committee members was drawn from the members of the Executive of the Temple, the staff and the Nursery School parents. In September 1960 the Leo Baeck School Association came into being under the Chairmanship of Mr Hirsch. In March 1959 the P.E. Nursery School Society was formed, having a subscription of 50c per annum and members of the school committee were urged to join this society, as its aims were the welfare of pre-school children in Port Elizabeth. The committee became known as the Management Committee. In June 1958 a sub-committee consisting of mothers of the school was formed; members being elected by nomination at the A.G.M. This committee from its inception until the present day were and are active in fund-raising.
At its inception the school was registered with the provincial authorities as a private nursery school. Financial support for the school was provided in 1958 by:
- a fee of R4.50 per term per child plus 60c for milk if taken and 50c for equipment replacement.
- fundraising by the parents and committee.
- donations
Linkside Pre-Primary School, founded in 1973 in the tranquil Linkside neighborhood, stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of parents who banded together to transform their vision into reality. With Peggy Lincey at the helm as its first Principal, the school embarked on its journey of providing quality early childhood education.
However, its roots extend back to its inception as the Leo Baeck Nursery School in June 1958, housed within the Temple Hill synagogue of the Reform Hebrew Congregation of Port Elizabeth. Starting with just 35 pupils and led by Lora Lighter, the school steadily grew over the years, evolving into Linkside Pre-Primary.
The school’s history is marked by financial support from various sources, including government subsidies, fees, fundraising efforts by parents and committees, and donations.
In January 1959 enquiries were made by the Management Committee re a government subsidy. In June 1960, the school was granted a government subsidy of R20 per child per annum: the administration of the grant to be undertaken by the management committee. In 1962, a fee of R11 per child was charged, raised to R12 in 1963. In 1971, the government subsidy was raised from R30 per child per year to R70. Later, the Linkside fees were on a salary-scale basis e.g. earning below R3,000 per annum R25 per term per child, between R3,000 – R4,000 – R35 and over R4,000 – R45 per term.
In October 1976 the Department of Education took over the payment of all qualified teaching staff and the fees were reduced to R35 per term per child.
The reasons for the decision to break away from Leo Baeck were as follows:
- The progressive Jewish community felt there was a more Christian element than Jewish in the Nursery School.
- A nominal rent of R50 per quarter had previously been charged and the Temple Israel was anxious to increase the rental.
- Because the premises were used as a Hebrew School in the afternoon, there was continual friction about who was responsible for the upkeep of the premises.
A plot became available for a Nursery School in Linkside and the Committee met on the 18th May 1971 and decided in principle to move premises to Linkside. The committee applied to the Port Elizabeth Municipality for a vacant site, the cost being R2.00 provided the land and building revert to the Municipality if no longer used as a Nursery School. A loan was granted by the Municipality of R30,000 repayable over 25 years at 9½%, subject to guarantors of R500 cash. Architects were appointed and the school was designed according to the requirements laid down by the department.
On 13th September 1971 at a special general meeting, the parents agreed to go ahead with the building. Building started in mid-August 1972 and the school was ready for occupation in January 1973. The grounds and garden were well established and the school is one any parent can be proud to send their children to.
Over time, the school underwent numerous transformations, both in terms of its physical infrastructure and its curriculum. Classroom names shifted, changing to the Leopards, Rhinos, Dolphins, and Eagles, reflecting the institution’s adaptability and growth.
Today, Linkside Pre-Primary offers Gr 00 and Grade R classes, ensuring that its young learners receive a strong educational foundation before moving on to Gr 1. The school’s enduring legacy is underscored by the success of its graduates, many of whom choose to continue their educational journey at Grey Junior School, a testament to the rigorous preparation and discipline instilled during their formative years at Linkside.
Throughout its rich history, Linkside Pre-Primary School remains a cherished pillar of its community, shaping the leaders of tomorrow and embodying the vision and dedication of its founders and supporters.
The History Of The Playground
With our location, we unfortunately get flooded out whenever there is a serious downpour – possibly the reason that the plot we occupy was set aside for recreation or education in the 1970’s and not as a residential plot! In 2018 a decision was made to install storm water drains through the playground to the park behind the school. It also gave us the opportunity to re-design a playground that would serve as an extended classroom and develop all the gross motor skills of the boys. We have a playground to rival any great playground in South Africa.
Linkside Family Loyalty
Long service to the school is an indication of how passionate our staff are about our school. Dorcas Plum, our domestic lady, served the school for a record 35 years before her retirement in 2008 and Lesley Waterfall was the School’s secretary for 21 years before she retired. Lyndsay Steele was the Secretary for 13 years before recently retiring. Naomi Swiegers (now Fabbri) was the schools 3rd Principal and spent 11 years making her mark which is still felt in the heart of the school today. Roxayne Smith recently left after 18 years service at Linkside. Sharon Westcott has been Principal and teacher in the Eagles class since 1997 and is passionate about everything that is LPP related. Joanne Blow, the present Dolphins teacher, and Shannon Connell, the Leopards teacher have had the privilege of being part of the Linkside family since 2010 and 2013 respectively – and a real privilege it has been!
Join The LPP Family
Register your child today and become part of the Linkside Pre-Primary family!
Please note that completing an application form does not guarantee a place at the school, but secures an interview.
