Sunnyridge Primary to celebrate 70th birthday on September 16
The school officially opened its doors on January 1, 1953.
Sunnyridge Primary School will be celebrating its 70th birthday on September 16.
Acting principal Hazel Smith is inviting the community to celebrate the milestone with the school.
GCN had the opportunity to chat with Smith, who was a learner at the school and now serves at the school.
The school officially opened its doors on January 1, 1953. The first principal to be appointed was AL Levin, and HB van der Westhuizen as vice principal.
The school started with six classrooms. On the first official school day, January 7, 1953, the enrolment was 105 boys and 85 girls; a total of 190 learners.
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One of the highlights of the school was the opening of the Brent Eustice media centre on July 28, 1999.
The event was attended by the late Professor Kader Asmal.
In 2001 the choir performed overseas in Switzerland, where a number of parents and educators accompanied them.
The tour was known as ‘Izimbongi zase Afrika’ – The Bringers of Praise from Africa. The talented Irene Morrick was the choir director.
In 2002, principal EJ Dreyer was awarded at the Most Improved Schools Awards ceremony and he received the award for racial integration.
Marianna Odendaal was appointed as principal in 2005 and stayed on until June 2022. Sunnyridge has produced some amazing learners who have made names from themselves.
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Robyn Moodaly, one of the first girls to play soccer in one of the boys’ teams, now represents South Africa in the Banyana Banyana team.
Jayde Symons has achieved in more than one sporting code including women’s cricket, hockey and, most recently, SA U20 Ladies TouchBoks.
The MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, is also an ex-Sunnyridge learner.
