1938 - 1947

1938

The school is half a century old. Celebrations include a birthday cake, a staff-versus-girls hockey match and a staff concert.

1940-41

Miss Darke resigns, and Miss Barker takes over until a new appointment is made. Miss Sewell is appointed headmistress. She arrives in 1941, having experienced the horrors of war in England and endured a dangerous sea voyage, through U-boat infested waters. Her headship is short-lived and disastrous, however; she resigns in 1942 and dies a year later in Nairobi.

Croco 1938 copy

1942

Mrs Winifred Bryn Jones, originally from Britain and formerly headmistress of Kimberley Girls’ High, arrives in Johannesburg to take up a History post to fill in the time while her husband is away at war. On arrival at the railway station, the Board asks her to become headmistress.

Karney 1938 copy

1946

The Community of St Mary the Virgin, from Wantage, England, takes over after Mrs Bryn Jones resigns.

They have the vision and tenacity to make long-cherished dreams – most particularly a hall, a swimming pool and a chapel – a reality.

St Marys 1940 2

Decade 6

St Mary’s boasts 295 pupils in 1944

Our history, 1938 - 1947

The Royal Family visit in 1947

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and their two daughters, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, visit South Africa amid great fanfare.
Read more The Royal Family visit in 1947

The Community of St Mary The Virgin arrives

The Community of St Mary the Virgin, from Wantage, England, takes on the internal management of the school after Mrs Bryn Jones resigns.
Read more The Community of St Mary The Virgin arrives

An end to the war in Europe

The war in Europe finally ends with the fall of Nazi Germany in May 1945.
Read more An end to the war in Europe

The role of South Africans in the war

South Africans play an important role in a number of theatres of war.
Read more The role of South Africans in the war

Mrs Bryn Jones - A calming influence in the war years

Mrs Bryn Jones is the perfect head for the war years.
Read more Mrs Bryn Jones - A calming influence in the war years

The school in 1940

Miss Darke resigns.
Read more The school in 1940

St Mary's Anderson shelter

St Mary's builds an Anderson shelter.
Read more St Mary's Anderson shelter

Rising Afrikaner nationalism

Some St Mary's girls enjoy the Voortrekker celebrations.
Read more Rising Afrikaner nationalism

The school turns 50

The school turns 50 in 1938.
Read more The school turns 50