The St Mary’s Foundation began the year by hosting the twenty-nine Senior School pupils who have been awarded scholarships, funders and staff to a tea. Mary Vilakazi, Junior School parent and the Deputy CEO of Momentum Holdings, addressed the girls regarding her experience and childhood journey from a scholarship recipient to a successful businesswoman. The girls were encouraged to use the opportunity of attending St Mary’s to form a network of lifelong friends in order to create a support structure for themselves.

Two 2016 scholarship alumni were invited to join the girls to share their experience of life after matric at St Mary’s.

The girls enjoyed a picnic on the lawns at SMOGS cottage and all new girls were presented with St Mary’s bears.