St John's Bridge Nursery School hosted the ISASA Ignite ECD Symposium on Saturday, 18 July 2026, welcoming nursery school teachers from across the region.
The day opened with a performance from the St John's Pre-Prep Orchestra and an opening prayer led by The Revd Dr Matthew Wright, Chaplain.
Judy Innes, Headmistress at St John's Bridge Nursery School, welcomed delegates, after which Naledi Mowale, Bluebird Pre-Primary Teacher and former Realema Intern, spoke about her journey from intern to teacher. Wayne Stuurman, Director of Memberships and Programmes at ISASA, brought greetings from the association.
Delegates then moved through four rotating workshops:
Additional languages in the Early Years: an isiZulu experience: Christina Moyo, St John's Pre-Prep Librarian and isiZulu Teacher
Safe and unsafe touches: Jenny Lobban, Early Childhood Development Specialist
Perceptual games and fine motor crafts for Mandela Day: The teachers of St John's Bridge Nursery School
Fine and gross motor development in the classroom: Caitlin Crow, Physiotherapist, and Nicole Paul, Occupational Therapist
A panel discussion filled the late morning, with Lauren Morrell bringing a parent's perspective and speaking openly about her family's journey, joined by Sr Mahlodi Zondo, Child Psychiatric Nurse Specialist at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Rumaana Bham, Audiologist and Speech Therapist, and Jennifer Maud of the Jennifer Maud Therapy Centre. Lunch followed, along with time to browse the exhibits.
Being Mandela Day, every delegate spent time making perceptual games and fine motor toys to be donated to under-resourced schools.
The final address, All Things P at School, was delivered by physiotherapist Tasvi Naik before Lee Milner, Head of Pre-School at St Dunstan's College, received the handover of the candle and file.
To all our speakers and specialists, thank you for giving so generously of your time and expertise. And thank you to every delegate who joined us. Your energy and your willingness to roll up your sleeves made the day what it was.
"Nursery school teachers from far and wide gathered for a day of fun, learning and community. We are so proud of our team for their hard work and dedication, which made the day a fantastic success," said Mrs Innes.
We look forward to joining our colleagues at Holy Rosary School next year.
