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”.
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).
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
Ms King has been head of school for 10 years
Drama Department
After a more than two-year hiatus in school theatrical productions, our stages come alive again with BU21 in the AV Room and The Story of Alkebulan in The Edge.
Some sporting milestones and other achievements
The St Mary’s Hockey Festival is revived after a two-year, Covid-19-induced, interruption.
Changes to the school uniform
The school uniform revisited to become more inclusive
Achievements and recognition
Old Girls and St Mary’s historical prominence
#BlackLivesMatter global movement
St Mary’s is not spared the impact of the #BlackLivesMatter global movement.
Teaching and learning challenges and innovations in 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic introduces a new normal.
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.
The Edge mosaic
Our beautiful chapel
The school commissions a unique set of The Stations of the Cross
Some sporting milestones and other achievements
The school celebrates its achievements
Diversity and Transformation
The school’s vision: a society rooted in equality
St Mary's turns 130 years
The school celebrates this auspicious occasion
South Africa has a new president
In February 2018, Cyril Ramaphosa becomes South Africa’s fifth, democratically elected president.