History   Home Contact Us Contact Information Map and Directions About Bellavista Bellavista Handbook    Code of Conduct    History               Outreach       Promotion of Access Manual School Curriculum    School Song    School Uniform    Sports Policy               Staff    Calendar Academic Calendar 2012 Events Calendar Provisional Academic Calendar 2013 News Bellavista Bears    Golf Day Registration Form In the Classroom     Newsletter    Last Months Newsletter    Principals Report AGM 2011 Gallery Admissions School Fee Schedule Step by Step Guide Batu Assessment Costs BATU Introduction Batu Talks Bellavista Graduate School Payment Process 2012 Procedure for Assessment Questionnaire Weblinks Adobe Reader Bendels Tax Consulting British Dyslexia Association Central Auditory Processing Disorder I S A S A                      Kelly Kaye Social Worker                        My School           Private Property           S A A L E D           Santon S P C A                             SA Schools Collection           T H R A S S                             Wikipedia  The History of Bellavista School Prior to 1967, there was no school in Gauteng area to cater for the large number of children experiencing learning difficulties. The need for such a school was recognised by Mr. J. Blankfield and Mr. W. L. Yorke, both of whom had sons with learning problems. These two fathers, along with Mrs. Shirley Cohen, an educational psychologist, and Mr. Griffiths, a retired school inspector, decided to establish such a school. In 1967, Bellavista School opened at 5 St. George's Road, Parktown with an enrolment of 21 children. When in 1970, the school was advised that it could no longer remain in the Parktown premises, as these were to be demolished to make room for the building of a training college, the Board of Governors were given the opportunity to move to the present Birdhaven property. This was however, a difficult decision to make since the school was, and remains to this day, a non profit making organisation. The Board of Governors realised, after lengthy negotiations that considerable funds would need to be raised. Through the determination of the parents and the Board of Governors, Bellavista School moved to its present premises in Birdhaven. The school now caters for approximately 190 pupils from Grade 0 to Grade 7. Presently a new two-storey school is being built on the premises. The Board of Governors continues to be elected by the parent body and they have the overall responsibility for the administration of the school and the assessment unit. The school emblem is the original door knocker from the school's first premises. The lion symbolises strength and the knocker the receptiveness of children seeking education.  Our Vision A view to a brighter future  Our Mission To deliver excellence in education to children who experience barriers to learning and to equip them with life skills enabling them to embrace their future.  Core Strengths The following are as are identified as making Bellavista unique and giving the school an advantage in meeting potential market and client needs.These areas therefore become the focus for the manner in which we will approach the School's organisational development objectives. 1. A family culture in everything we do. 2. A dynamic and progressive attitude. 3. Our focus on children experiencing barriers to learning. 4. Our leading edge educational strategies. 5. We offer extra mural activities. 6. We are a small school with small classes. 7. Our staff is skilled and passionate. 8. The commitment and dedication of the Bellavista community. 9. Supportive Board. 10. Good governance. 11. Geographical location. 12. Well designed, accessible facilities. 13. BATU. 14. Professional development.