“The years of childhood are a time to sow, not to reap” – so reads the motto as you enter the Little Red Hen Pre-primary School, and this year the thriving Winston Park landmark celebrates 30 years of nurturing young minds and hearts under this guiding philosophy.
Founded and owner-run to this day by sisters Fay Scholtz and Merle O’Shaughnessy (pictured), the school’s story began in Fay’s home garage in 1987. Through tireless dedication and belief in their vision, the rapidly-growing school acquired its own property in 1994, and the buildings and facilities have continued to expand to meet evolving needs – most recently with a specialised Montessori Learning Centre in 2007.
Family has always been a cornerstone of the school’s personal charm and enduring excellence. Five generations have been part of the school’s history, and no one could forget the sister’s late, indomitable mother, Norah (or Nor, as she was known to all), who brought her watchful eye and irrepressible wit to the classrooms and playground until an astonishing 89 years of age.
Looking back on three decades of education and service, it’s the children who have made it such a deeply rewarding journey. Fay, Merle and their passionate staff have enough priceless stories (by turns heart-warming and side-splitting) to fill volumes, and there can be no greater testament to the respect and affection the school has earned in the community than to see some of its very first pupils return to enrol children of their own.
– Emile Scholtz and Sarah-Jane Photography