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Con Amore School

Con Amore School Concert

Culture

 

Percussion Bands.

Con Amore School has two excellent Percussion Bands.  Various instruments are used eg. Bells, triangles, drums, tambourines, wooden blocks, xylophones, water whistles etc..

Every second year the Percussion Bands participate in the Alberton Eisteddfod. They also perform during our school concerts and functions or on invitation.

Sleep-Over Camps.

These camps are a highlight for most of our learners. The older Phases try to organize a sleep-over camp once a year ranging from 1-3 night camps. For many learners this is a first time away from home. The parents often find the parting more difficult than the children.

It teaches the learners to be independent whilst they are guided and supported by their teachers.
Activities at the camp include physical activities such as swimming, hiking, obstacle courses, volley ball, soccer, cricket and other team games. In addition learners participate in creative activities such as painting, collage and the like. The evenings are filled with social events such as dancing, singing and adventure games. They also assist in the preparation of meals, "braais" and have cleaning duties afterwards. Going to bed in a strange environment causes much excitement and sometimes, a little distress.

The teachers usually come back far more worn out than the learners.

Air Force Camp.

The Air Force Base at Makhado annually invites our school to attend a camp for the disabled for a period of five days. The camp is held at "Liyanga Lodge" just outside Makhado Air Force Base.

The cost is minimal as the squadron seeks sponsors. 10 Senior Phase learners are identified each year whom, we judge, would be able to cope emotionally and physically with the challenge. The learners are taught to drill, do "army PT", shoot with real weapons, fly in a helicopter, march at night and various other activities. The camp concludes with a formal closing parade where a certificate or a medal is presented to each learner.

Initially the learners find the discipline and physical demands challenging but after the second day they are "pro's' and participate enthusiastically and really have a fantastic time.

The Air Force staff are exceptional. They treat our disabled learners with empathy and care in typical army style. Every year they are once again touched by the learners' special mannerisms and frankness. We really owe them big time for putting so much time and effort into making this such a special experience for our children.

Social Evenings.

The idea to have social evenings at Con Amore materialized on 19 November 1999 with the combined effort of Ms. Kumi Gieselbach and Ms. Estelle Kruger. Social evenings are held every term. Disabled learners, sixteen years and older and disabled adults in the community are invited.

The entrance fee is R20.00 and includes refreshments such as "vetkoek" and mince, hamburgers and ice cream. The young people get to know each other better, relationships are built and they can dance and chat to their hearts delight. It starts at 18:30 and ends at 21:30. Parents who want to wait for their children are welcome to wait in the staff room where they can help themselves to coffee and tea.

School Choir.

Approximately 48 learners participate in the Con Amore Choir. Besides the musical development, discipline and enjoyment the learners have gained, the choir also introduces our school to the community. They perform on invitation at churches, schools and functions. They thoroughly enjoy these outings. They also participate every 2nd year in the Alberton Eisteddfod.

They have an attractive choir uniform of which they are very proud. Sometimes donations are given to the school after a performance, for which we are truly thankful.

Cultural Activities

School Concert.

Every second year the learners and teachers present a school concert. The focus is on learner participation and every child participates. This event is a highlight for the parents and grandparents.

Eisteddfod.

Every alternate year the learners participate in the Alberton Eisteddfod who has a category for the severely intellectually disabled. Our learners participate in the following categories: Choral verse, own choice poetry, percussion band, musical dance and choir. Each year they do exceptionally well and many learners are awarded certificates in the various categories they participate in.