Crossroads breaks ground on middle school extension

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10-07-2025
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Northcliff Melville Times
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The school celebrated that it will now be able to grow with their learners, and give them the support they need.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 11 at Crossroads School, marking the start of an exciting new development in the school’s history, the construction of the Crossroads Remedial Middle School extension.

This extension will offer purpose-built classrooms and support spaces for learners in Grades 7 to 9 who require continued academic and emotional support. HOD senior phase Elne van den Heever said this opportunity represents the realisation of a long-standing dream. “For Crossroads, it’s more than physical growth; it’s a meaningful extension of our mission.” One she says now means they can continue to walk alongside their learners beyond the primary years, ensuring they have the structure, tools, and emotional scaffolding to thrive in adolescence and beyond. “It’s a symbol of hope, perseverance, and belief in every child’s unique journey.”

Van den Heever said this was a necessary addition, as the school knows that remediation is not a short-term intervention, but a long-term, developmental journey. Many of their learners still require intensive academic, emotional, and social support in the middle school years. “Adolescence is a vulnerable time of immense change, physically, socially, and cognitively. These learners need a space where their evolving needs are understood and met with care.” This extension is their response to that need, ensuring learners can continue their journey in a safe, supportive, and structured environment.

The school had always wanted to grow in this way, however, like many plans, it was temporarily delayed due to the impact of Covid-19. So, instead, they focused first on rebuilding and stabilising. Now, with renewed energy and clarity of purpose, they saw time was right to move forward, as they are ready to grow, and most importantly, so are their learners.

Learners of Crossroads school help break ground. Photo: Supplied

“For our learners, this growth means continuity, confidence, and care. It gives them the chance to complete their middle school journey in an environment where they are known, understood, and supported,” said Van den Heever. Adding that it means learning can remain joyful and accessible, and personal development can continue without interruption. Most importantly, it allows them to build resilience, independence, and self-esteem, so they can thrive, not just in school, but in life.

Construction started mid-June, with the goal of opening the doors of the new middle school building in January 2026. “While the build is underway, our existing Grade 8 and 9 learners will continue to receive the full middle school offering in our current classrooms, ensuring that the middle school journey has already begun at Crossroads, even before the final brick is laid.”