The news highlight of the past week was the election of the head girl and deputy head girls for 2018. The senior girls in Forms III, IV and V elected the leaders from a list of 14 girls. Congratulations Reatlilwe Maroga, Shreya Dharmalingham and Teagynne Wilson. At the announcement, I spoke to the senior girls about the significance of our leadership approach at St Mary’s, as being one of servant leadership. When the girls put their names forward for consideration, they are offering themselves in service to the community. They will be expected to give up their personal interests and goals and make a commitment to furthering their fellow pupils’ interests and the interests of the school.

St Mary’s School is blessed to have teachers, administrative and support staff, together with a Board, parents and Old Girls who serve our interests and the school selessly. It is the hard work and effort of all stakeholders that ensures the beautiful, secure, successful and happy environment which the girls enjoy.

A well-maintained campus with facilities that enhance the girls’ daily experience is one of our priorities. The latest upgrades include:

Renovations to the kitchen and dining room, which are areas that cater for the boarders and the myriad of functions that we host

• A tiled floor in the chapel, which has enhanced the acoustics greatly
• Floodlights for two netball courtsto allow more effective scheduling for the senior teams during winter
• A water-harvesting/ hydration management system for the Desmond Tutu science block

We are in the process of planning an upgrade to the Consumer Studies classrooms and reviewing the Pitt block and how we could use the building and space around the building to accommodate flexible learning areas for both the Senior and Junior schools.

Deanne King

Head of School