2015 matriculants will be the first to celebrate their valedictory this year in Harald Cressy High School’s news Multi Purpose Hall after the Herald Cressy High School Alumni Association (HCHSAA) marked the opening of completion of phase one of the hall on Saturday. The school celebrated a historical occasion as it was not only deemed a heritage site but finally obtained its request of having a school hall. This realization of this hall dates back to 1952, when Mr Victor Ritchie, one of the first principals, urged the Western Cape Education Department to build a school hall for Herald Cressy.

“This is a momentous occasion. Today we witness phase one completed and we rejoice in this occasion as it will be beneficial to the school,” says HCHSAA communications manager Fatima Allie.

The hall is 750m2 to provide half a square metre of space per learner. Since its the project launch on 16 May 2009, the construction of the structure is valued at an estimated R13.1 million.

The completion of phase one cost R7.3 million as the building was built at a discounted price saving the school R500 000. Despite this cost saver opportuniy, the structure still needs proper ceiling, stage curtain and flooring. The cost of ceiling is valued at R430 000, flooring R300 000 and stage curtain R100 000. Phase 2 includes the total cost of super structure and Phase 3 the completion of all interior.

The hall will be used for assemblies, valedictories, as an examination venue, indoor spoor facility, theatre, community events and functions.

The construction of this structure has been a journey for the school and is mainly to cater to the needs of the 740 learners at the school.

“This is not only a structure or fundraiser but our aim is to have every parent and every child seated at a every school function,” says current principal Khalied Isaacs.

The source of income generated for the structure was mainly based on donations from the public and the school’s plaque system called The Wall of Honour. The system involves donors donating or sponsoring Herald Cressy Alumni to have a plaque put up in their name at the school.

The project raised R800 000 in the last nine months. The donors were families and companies.

The Alumni association appeals to the public make any donation towards the construction of the hall.

“Even if you donate a R20 it helps. Anyone can have a plaque in their name if they donate,” says head Herald Cressy High School Alumni Association Dr Shafick Ismail.

The construction of the hall will be completed on 23 November 2015. VOC (Nailah Cornelissen)