1958 - 1967

1960

The school’s new wing gets an upper storey. The Junior School gains a tuck shop, a hall and two new classrooms.

1962

The Sisters announce that they will be leaving. In these 16 years the school’s Christian ethos has been buttressed, the facilities have expanded, the academic standard has steadied and sport is on the rise.

Dom Sc lesson 1964
Prefects 1964 copy

1963

Miss Nancy Wamsley becomes St Mary’s first South African-born headmistress in this, the school’s 75th year. There are now about 550 pupils, up from the 200 when the Sisters took over.

The school has learnt to raise funds and husband its finances over the decades but the expectations of the baby boomer generation are high and their standard of living is on the rise. They are a handful.

Article St Marys orphanage 1962

1964

The swimmers win the inter-high gala for the first time and school spirit reaches fever pitch.

1966

The school’s new Science laboratory is opened, the culmination of a long-cherished dream.

Mrs Keys 1963

Decade 8

The school has become a dominant force in sport

Our history, 1958 - 1967

Junior School headmistress

Mrs Keys moves from teacher to headmistress.

Read more Junior School headmistress

Miss Wamsley, a Science boffin

Miss Wamsley is the right person to take the school forward, academically.

Read more Miss Wamsley, a Science boffin

An overview of the Sisters' influence

The influence of the Sisters on the school is immense.

Read more An overview of the Sisters' influence

St Mary's and the wider community

St Mary’s develops ties with the wider community.

Read more St Mary's and the wider community

Construction continues at the school

A new building construction is underway as an upper storey is added to the school’s new wing.

Read more Construction continues at the school

The fugitive Mandela arrested

Nelson Mandela is caught and sentenced

Read more The fugitive Mandela arrested

South Africa becomes a republic

South Africa becomes increasingly isolated in the world.
Read more South Africa becomes a republic

A fateful year for the country

1960 is a turning point for the country.

Read more A fateful year for the country