1988 - 1997
1988
St Mary’s, Johannesburg’s oldest school, marks its centenary. Mrs Pitt retires, and Mrs Judith Brown becomes headmistress in 1989.
1993
The school recognises rowing as an official sport. The success of the rowers soon becomes legendary and after 1994 they begin to take part, with much success, in world championships.
1994
The Wantage Centre is opened and it is to become an increasingly important resources centre. It is a library and a computer centre and has a lecture theatre.
The number of choirs is increasing and more pupils are showing an interest in playing a musical instrument. The windestra, consisting of flute, clarinet, saxophone, drums, viola and cello, performs both baroque and jazz.
1996
President Nelson Mandela is invited to watch a performance of the musical Sarafina! at the school.
1997
The boarding school is closed. Boarder numbers have dropped and it is no longer a viable option.
Decade 11
In 1988, St Mary’s celebrates its centenary
The boarding school is closed
The decision to close boarding is a difficult one.
SA welcomed back into the international community
South Africans are no longer the pariahs of the world.
Sports, old and new
No-one can doubt St Mary’s sporting achievements any longer.
Music comes to the fore
The great surge in musical interest begins.
The first cultural honours blazers
Cultural honours are recognised for the first time.
The end of the Joint Matriculation Board examination
The outreach programme is formalised
Building projects
Despite the country’s instability, new building projects continue.
School morale remains upbeat
During years of transition and anxiety, St Mary’s remains on an even keel.
The transition process - a summary
Left-wing parties and organisations are unbanned.
South Africa's transition to democracy is threatened by violence
The transition to democracy is marred by violence.
Mrs Judith Brown becomes headmistress
Mrs Brown responds to changing social norms.
A tribute to Mrs Pitt
St Mary’s is a very happy school under Mrs Pitt’s guidance.
The school marks a century of education
St Mary’s is 100 years’ old in 1988.