2018

St Mary’s begins the school year with a celebratory cocktail party, heralding in the school’s 130th year of excellence in education.

The school has a strong commitment to diversity. In the words of Zaneli Steeneveldt (matric 2018), “The Diversity Committee celebrates the diversity of the human race and wants to create a world that celebrates it as well.” In 2018, plaques are placed in the foyer of The Edge to symbolise the school’s vision and the Board’s promise to prioritise diversity and transformation. Quoting from the Preamble to the constitution, in the 11 official languages, the plaques proclaim that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, “united in our diversity”.

Photo 1

Early in 2019, the interior of the chapel is enriched by the addition of a set of The Stations of the Cross, paintings which encourage reflection upon “the redemptive suffering of Jesus” (Joseph Capelle, artist).

Capelle Small

A multi-purpose facility for basketball, hockey and athletics is completed in April 2019.

The 2018/2019 rowing season marks 25 years since rowing is officially recognised as a school sport. From small beginnings, the sport quickly gains adherents and St Mary’s begins to dominate the rowing scene, on occasions even beating boys’ schools.

The year 2020 saw Covid-19 taking its toll on the country and the world. Education took an unprecedented knock as schools and universities closed. The St Mary’s staff, however, were not daunted and learnt skills to teach their lessons remotely.

St Mary’s is extremely proud of the superb results of the class of 2020. The results from these girls are the best ever in the school’s 133-year history. They achieved 100% pass and 100% bachelor’s degree pass and obtained 430 distinctions with 118 being A+ symbols. Forty-seven girls achieved an average of 80% or more and the entire grade (101 girls) attained an average of 60% or more. Twenty-nine girls obtained seven or more distinctions. In total, St Mary’s had 29 placements in the IEB’s top 1% in a subject.

Decade 14

Mrs Shiakallis is appointed headmistress of the Senior School, Ms King remains head of the whole school.

Our history, 2018

Drama Department

Read more Drama Department

Some sporting milestones and other achievements

Read more Some sporting milestones and other achievements

Our beautiful chapel

Celebratory chapel events

Read more Our beautiful chapel

Changes to the school uniform

The school uniform revisited to become more inclusive

Read more Changes to the school uniform

Achievements and recognition

Old Girls and St Mary’s historical prominence

Read more Achievements and recognition

#BlackLivesMatter global movement

St Mary’s is not spared the impact of the #BlackLivesMatter global movement.

Read more #BlackLivesMatter global movement

Teaching and learning challenges and innovations in 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic introduces a new normal.

Read more Teaching and learning challenges and innovations in 2020

Basketball comes of age: the new multi-purpose facility

The entire school takes part in the official opening in March 2019 of the newest sporting facility which is purpose-built for basketball, hockey and athletics.

Read more Basketball comes of age: the new multi-purpose facility

The Edge mosaic

A beautiful mosaic is installed on the outside east wall at the entrance to The Edge.
Read more The Edge mosaic

Academic achievements

A proud academic record

Read more Academic achievements

Sporting milestones

The school celebrates its achievements

Read more Sporting milestones

Diversity and Transformation

The school’s vision: a society rooted in equality

Read more Diversity and Transformation

St Mary's turns 130 years

The school celebrates this auspicious occasion

Read more St Mary's turns 130 years

South Africa has a new president

In February 2018, Cyril Ramaphosa becomes South Africa’s fifth, democratically elected president.

Read more South Africa has a new president