Victoria Nursery School in San Pawl tat-Targa celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
The school currently operates four classes - Nursery, Reception, Kinder I and II - for children aged between 18 months and five years. It has large, spacious, airy classrooms and a very large, safe outdoor playground for the children to enjoy themselves.
School head Marie Galea says the school's aim was to give children a fun experience of playing and learning, and providing them with an early educational experience. Besides letters, numbers, colours and shapes, children are taught arts, crafts, singing and drama. Other activities, such as parties, concerts and outings, are organised regularly.
Maximum attention is given to the children's natural inclinations, which are given constant support by dedicated teachers, who at school act like mothers. The school's homely atmosphere and its stimulating and caring environment helps the children feel completely at ease.
Last May the nursery school held its annual concert at the Salesian Theatre in Sliema, compered by Patrick Vella.
The youngest children in Ms Stephanie's class gave a happy rendering of their favourite songs and nursery rhymes. Everyone was impressed by the children's good behaviour and active participation in all the nursery rhymes, despite their tender age. They were followed by the children in Ms Caroline's class. They sang enthusiastically, bowing and clapping to themselves with joy.
The last presentation during the show was made by the four- and five-year-olds in Ms Agnes' class who took all part in a performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The children expressed themselves well with the individual speaking parts coming across loud and clear. It was impressive to note such confidence and flair while acting on stage.
The concert came to an end with a grand finale chorus in which all the classes took part, singing a musicals medley. At the end of the concert former pupils, now aged 18, presented Ms Galea with flowers in appreciation of their early years at the nursery.
The school was recently awarded The Improvement Grant for Child Day Care Facilities and the Provisional Registration Certificate issued by the Department of Social Welfare Standards. Major refurbishment and embellishment works are under way at the school.
Looking back to January 1992 when the school first opened its doors, Ms Galea said she was convinced that the school's good reputation was the main ingredient for its continuing success.
An open day is being held at the school on September 28.