A new crèche and fishing stars in the flesh – school news to catch up on

The Citizen

10-05-2025

A new crèche and fishing stars in the flesh – school news to catch up on
Little Squirrels have space to grow
A brand-new crèche at Mandini Academy has expanded the educational offering in the town.
Officially unveiled on Monday, Little Squirrels crèche will enrol children from the age of three months and up, allowing pupils to remain at Mandini Academy – previously Grade 0 to 12 – for their entire school career.
'Little Squirrels has been established in response to the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care in the Mandeni area,' said Mandini Academy principal Desigan Pillay.
'The crèche offers a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment tailored to the developmental needs of infants and young children.'
'This is where our usual 95 to 100 percent pass rate in Grade 12 begins,' said Pillay.
Easter fun at Ashton
Ashton International College Ballito's young Ashlings delighted parents and staff during their Easter assembly.
The youngsters paraded colourful bonnets which they had decorated, showing off their creativity with pride.
Principal lands angling honour
Crawford International North Coast preparatory principal Justin Paynter will select the country's next great deep sea anglers.
Paynter, an accomplished angler in his own right, has been appointed as a selector for the SA Deep Sea Angling Association. He will draw on his personal experience, which includes national colours for angling and multiple leadership roles at the Durban Ski Boat and Point Water Sports Clubs, to ensure the best up-and-coming anglers are given their opportunities to shine.
When not actively fishing, Paynter writes a regular column in Ski-Boat magazine and champions junior development and education.
Trent hooks national title
Promising angler Trent de Bruyn recently won rookie of the year at the SABAA Junior Bass Fishing Nationals.
The Ashton International College Ballito Grade 9 pupil also helped his province to the overall team title while fishing at his first nationals in Witbank. His excellent performance in tough, wet conditions saw him place second nationally and a nomination to represent South Africa in an international tournament later this year.
Olivia dances her way to world finals
Ashton International College Ballito ballerina Olivia Wynne has qualified to represent South Africa at the Dance World Cup in Spain later this year.
The Grade 8 pupil earned her place by way of some fantastic performances at the Dance World Cup qualifiers in Pretoria, where she represented the Break-Thru Dance Academy. She qualified in the ballet, contemporary and showstopper categories as a soloist and as a member of Break-Thru's senior elite team.
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