Brenthurst Primary celebrates 80 years

The school, which started as Brakpan Junior School on January 16, 1935, is celebrating its 80th birthday.

Back then, the school — under the leadership of Amy Bauermeester, as acting principal, and with three other teachers — consisted of Grades One and Two, and Standard One (Grade Three).

There were only 197 pupils.

The school was officially opened on August 12, 1936, as Brenthurst Junior School.

By 1937, Standards Two and Three (Grades Four and Five) had been introduced and the school had 306 pupils and nine teachers.

Classes were sometimes combined, with Grades One and Two together, and Standards Two and Three (Grades Four and Five) sharing one class.

By 1945, the school had increased in size to 316 pupils, with 10 teachers.

Ten years later, Brenthurst went up to Standard Five (Grade Seven), and had 423 pupils.

Today, there are 777 pupils and 26 teachers, and the school also accommodates pupils in Grade R.

Brenthurst’s history books reveal the school was closed on November 13, 1945, due to an outbreak of enteric fever (typhoid), and was turned into a temporary auxiliary hospital.

It was again closed, in April, 1948, during a polio epidemic.

During the school’s early years, pupils used to receive milk or cocoa every day, as well as fruit, if it was available (fresh fruit in summer, and dried fruit in winter).

Brenthurst Primary School catered for English-speaking children only, and enjoyed a good academic record, as well as encouraging culture, in the form of singing, art and drama.

This proud tradition is still upheld today.

The current principal is Dr Razia Ghanchi-Badasie, who has held the position since 2006.

The eight former principals are Amy Bauermeester (1935 to 1952), John Gilmour (1953 to 1955), Norman Browne (1956 to 1961), Arthur Andrews (1962 to 1966), Dr Tom van Rooyen (1967 to 1989), Brian Flynn (1990 to 1993), Neil Clough (1993 to 1997) and Diane Snyders (1997 to 2005).

The school officially celebrated its birthday on Friday, January 16, with a party on its grounds, complete with birthday cards made by the pupils, and balloons.

Pupils and staff indulged in cupcakes and other sweet treats and enjoyed fun activities, including a fancy dress competition.

More photos:

Gallery: Happy 80th birthday

Gallery: Principals over the years: Brenthurst Primary School