Last Thursday, Ascension Day, we celebrated our Patronal Festival at St Mary’s. Our festival is a highlight for the school, and a day that reminds us all of the unique and special character of St Mary’s School.

We were privileged to have Bishop Steve Moreo preside and celebrate the Eucharist with us, and Father Moses Thabethe delivered the sermon. Father Moses reminded us that our patron saint, Mary mother of Jesus, was a bold and courageous woman who “sang her own song” (the Song of Mary, known as the “Magnicat”, in Luke 1:46-55). Her example guides us all at St Mary’s, and we are encouraged to be courageous, resilient women who believe in our individuality and are strengthened through our faith in God.

The Patronal Eucharist was made even more special through beautiful music. Both the range and excellence of music across the school enhance and underpin our worship. The Music department, under the leadership of Dudley Trollope, presented choral and orchestral accompaniment. The theme of the Eucharist was “Christ be our light”, and the Eucharist opened with a hymn of the same name. We interpreted light at play as dance and colour; thus our dance crew under the leadership of Claire van Niekerk, bedecked in burnt umber skirts over their black dance outts, enhanced our worship in the introit hymn. Together, the music and dance lifted our spirits and supported the beautiful message.

The traditional picnic that followed the service was a time for the girls and staff to celebrate our school in a happy, unstructured setting. It was a treat to watch the girls play.

The rhythm of our school year now takes us into mid-year examinations. I encourage the girls to approach this challenge with enthusiasm, as it is an opportunity for them to show what they have learnt and what skills they have developed.

I congratulate the cast of The Dean Play, who made it through to the finals of the Festival of Excellence in Dramatic Art. St Mary’s was well represented, entering three plays.

Deanne King

Head of School