From the desk of Mrs. Sonya Toet Principal Summerhill Nursery School
Driving Imagination at Summerhill Nursery School
At Summerhill Nursery School, imagination is always in motion — and this term our youngest learners proved just how far creativity can travel.
Toyota Dream Car Worldwide Art Contest
Fourteen of our little artists, aged just 3–5 years, took part in the prestigious Toyota Dream Car Worldwide Art Contest, a global initiative that invites children under 15 to imagine the future of mobility.
With crayons, paint and boundless imagination, our children designed their very own dream cars — not just fast or flashy vehicles, but thoughtful creations focused on sustainability, community, and South African identity.
They explored big ideas through little hands, asking powerful questions such as:
- How does your car help the planet?
- What makes a car special for South Africa?
- How can your car serve our community’s needs?
From solar-powered safari explorers to cars that plant trees as they drive, their ideas reflected empathy, innovation and care for the world around them.
The Toyota competition, which closed on 15 February 2026, continues to inspire young minds globally — encouraging children to dream boldly and imagine a better, greener future.
Celebrating Excellence: The Santam Child Art Project
In addition to Toyota’s global contest, Summerhill learners also shone brightly in the Santam Child Art Project, a respected national competition promoting the love of art among children across South Africa and Namibia.
In 2023 alone, an incredible 2 252 entries were received nationwide — a true celebration of young artistic expression.
Santam’s commitment to art education extends even further:
- 11 799 teachers have been trained through creative arts programmes.
- Through partnerships with the Curriculum Development Project (CDP), the Ibhabhathane Project at the Peter Clarke Art School, and the National Department of Education, teacher-training initiatives have reached all nine provinces.
- Special focus has been placed on empowering teachers in Special Needs schools in Limpopo Province.
Summerhill Winners — And We Couldn’t Be Prouder
We are delighted to celebrate our talented Summerhill learners who were recognised: (from top to bottom )
- Lathika Pulluri – Swinging with my friends (Age 5)
- Vihaan Jugmohan – Planting (Age 6)
- Christabella Ngwenya – Being surrounded by dolls
- Rukudzo Mwaluku – Outdoors (Age 13)
Their artwork beautifully captured joy, connection, imagination and the simple wonders of childhood.
Why It Matters
At Summerhill, art is not an “extra.” It is a language through which children explore ideas, emotions and possibility. Whether imagining the future of mobility through Toyota or expressing lived experience through Santam’s national platform, our learners are encouraged to think deeply, create freely and share bravely.
We are immensely proud of every child who picked up a crayon, paintbrush or pencil — because at Summerhill, creativity is always driven by heart.
