Our 2026 Magic Moments family

We could not resist gathering everyone for a proper group photo on day two of the school year, right beneath our hand-painted 'Welcome Back to School' sign in the garden. Getting a group of eighty preschoolers to look at the camera all at the same time is a small, chaotic art form — but the resulting photograph is one of our favourites of the year already.

Every child in the photo is now officially part of our 2026 Magic Moments family. From our brave new starters in the Baby Room to our confident Grade R leaders getting ready for Big School, and everyone in between, this picture is a small snapshot of a very big year ahead. It will be printed and hung in the entrance hall.

Getting the shot was an event in itself. Younger children on the front row, taller Grade Rs at the back. Teachers positioned strategically to steady wobbly toddlers and coax shy smiles. The photographer (a very brave parent volunteer) counted down three times, made silly faces, held up a stuffed monkey, and captured a small handful of usable frames between spontaneous group waves.

One of the reasons we love the annual group photo tradition is what it does for the children's sense of belonging. Being included in the big picture — literally — matters. Children look at these photos and see themselves inside a community. They point out their own face, their friends, their teacher, and quietly absorb the message that they are part of something bigger.

It is also a lovely reference for our teachers. We use the group photo across the year to help new relievers, occasional therapists and student teachers learn faces and names quickly. And at the end of the year, comparing the January group photo to the December one is genuinely a mini-milestone — you can see how much every child has grown.

For any prospective families reading this: if you would like your child to feature in next year's photo, we would absolutely love to show you around Magic Moments. Enrolment for the current year is open, and we always keep a few spaces open across the term for children whose families relocate to Queensburgh, Pinetown, Northdene, Glen Park or Dawncliffe mid-year.

A quick tour is the very best way to decide if we are the right fit for your family. You will meet Janine and the teachers, walk through each classroom, see the playground, talk through fees and routines, and — if you bring your little one along — see how they respond to the space. Most children who visit for a tour are climbing on the jungle gym within about six minutes.

Our team is happy to answer any questions you might have. What are your ratios? What is the settling-in process like? Do you offer remedial support? What does aftercare look like? How do you handle allergies? What is the fee structure? All of these are welcomed and answered honestly in a relaxed conversation.

The group photo will be shared on our Facebook page shortly with a slightly tighter crop for online sharing. If you would prefer that your child is not visible in the online version, please let the office know and we will happily edit the online version. The printed hall version will continue to include every family who is comfortable being featured.

Book a tour and come and meet the team. If our current group photo has made you smile, wait until you see the school in person. It is genuinely one of the warmest, most joyful preschool environments in the Queensburgh area — and we would love to show you around.