Past-pupil Sheldon Tovey
Past pupil Sheldon Tovey is living proof of the potential of learners with special educational needs. After leaving Unity College, Sheldon spent 2017 at Living Link where he learnt a lot about independent living. For his work experience at Dischem in Midrand, he had to catch an Uber to Brightwater Commons in Randburg at 5am each morning, then catch a bus to the Gautrain station in Sandton, take the Gautrain to Midrand, and then catch the shuttle to work. He also worked at Alexander Forbes for 6 months. His mother, Nadine, says she is so proud of how far he has come!
Sheldon is currently working at 1618 Advisory Services, where he does administration and filing. He is also an assistant coach for the Under 12s at the Randburg Football Club.
Keep up the great work, Sheldon!
Connor is learning how to drive
Congratulations to Connor Burns in the Senior Phase who obtained his learner’s license. His Mum Trudi says he’s started learning how to drive with their automatic vehicle. We wish you many a safe journey behind the wheel, Connor!
Clever seatbelt covers
An Australian mom came up with a clever idea to warn paramedics about her daughter’s condition, in case they should ever be in a car accident. She’s turned her innovative idea into a business.
Connecting Us: Lexi Colyn
In this regular feature, we get to know a bit more about the Unity College learners and their families. If you’d like your family to be featured, please e-mail info@unity-college.org.za
This month we get to know more about Lexi Colyn in the Junior phase.
Dad’s name and occupation
Gordon – manager of a vehicle tracking company
Mom’s name and occupation
Michelle – mom and sometimes teacher
Siblings’ names and ages
Brother Dylan (16) and sister Jorja (14)
How long has Lexi been at Unity College?
Since the beginning of this year
What talents, hobbies or interests does Lexi have?
Lexi loves to play teacher, playing with her babies and MOVING – especially on jumping castles and trampolines. She is very friendly and empathetic towards other people, especially when they are hurt or sick. She also loves to get involved in baking and cooking – doesn’t always go according to plan! Lexi is amazing at doing puzzles and likes to play cards and other board games with us.
What fun activities do you like to do as a family?
Camping, Kruger National Park, going to restaurants where Lexi can play outside and weekend braai’s with our families.
What therapies or interventions have benefitted Lexi the most?
Lexi was a late developer, so physiotherapy as a baby and young child was a huge help in teaching her how to sit, crawl and eventually walk. She loves occupational therapy, especially gross motor skills. Lexi has really benefitted from the social awareness programme, as she needs help to learn many of the skills that other children seem to just pick up on their own.
What are your dreams for your child?
We want her to always be loved and happy. As all parents we also want her to live an independent life and to feel like she belongs, wherever that may be. We also want her to be safe.
