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 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.
In May 2024 we move into our new building ‘Khanyisa’ which means to bring light. Both the Senior and Junior School girls played a pivotal role in the naming of this building. The four quadrants have been names after our values in isiZulu and Sesotho; Thando (Love), Ulwazi (Wisdom), Bonngwe (Oneness) and Kutlwano (Understanding).
Khanyisa will be used as a multi-disciplinary space to be shared by both the Junior and Senior Schools. The building was planned along the two main campus axial lines of the Junior and Senior Schools, and that of the visitor parking and drop-off parking areas, making it a nexus and entrance point to the school. This intersection splits the building into four parts to be moved through rather than be arrived at. The aim was to create spaces that facilitate incidental learning, which extends beyond the classroom space; to prompt engagement and discussion among peers; to provide flexibility to explore, while maintaining the benefits offered by traditional classroom spaces. Water, energy, mechanical and passive design systems were designed into the fabric of the building so that pupils can learn about sustainability in a holistic way.
Decade 14
Mrs Shiakallis is appointed headmistress of the Senior School, Ms King remains head of the whole school.
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
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.