Remembering Sonja Joy Anderson-Morshead: A legacy of passion and education for Summerhill School SA

The community of Summerhill Nursery, Preparatory, and College is in deep mourning following the passing of the school’s cherished founder, Sonja Joy Anderson-Morshead, who passed on at the age of 82.

Born in 1942, Anderson-Morshead passed away on August 10, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

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A memorial service to honour her life and contributions will be held in Kyalami on September 8 at 15:00, where friends, family, and community members are invited to pay their respects.

Eda Gonsalves, the former principal of Summerhill Nursery, reflects on Anderson-Morshead’s remarkable qualities, describing her as a person of unwavering altruism, dedication, and compassion.

These traits have profoundly influenced both current and former learners and staff at Summerhill, creating a lasting impact that resonates throughout the community.

Gonsalves expressed, “Mrs Morshead’s leadership and vision will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of working with her or learning under her guidance. We are immensely grateful for her positive impact on the many lives she touched during her lifetime.”

Gonsalves further shared her personal connection to Anderson-Morshead, stating, “it has been such a privilege to have known her for almost 50 years. Working closely together for 21 years was not only wonderful but also fun, as we worked diligently to put Summerhill School on the map.”

This sentiment highlights the deep bond formed through years of collaboration and shared goals. Gonsalves added, “it was a great honour to have been involved in her care over the past few years. She has touched so many lives with her love, compassion, generosity, and unwavering passion for education.”

In 1994, Anderson-Morshead took a significant step by registering Summerhill Nursery and Preparatory School with the Department of Education.

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Since its inception, the preparatory and nursery schools have experienced remarkable growth, both in terms of the number of learners and staff, as well as through the expansion of classrooms and sporting facilities.

The college site serves as a natural extension of the nursery and preparatory school, fulfilling Anderson-Morshead’s vision of creating a comprehensive educational environment.

It was always her dream that, once sufficient capital was secured for development, the school would gradually expand to include a senior school catering to learners from Grade 8 to 12. This dream has been a driving force behind her efforts and dedication to the institution.

The legacy of Anderson-Morshead will undoubtedly continue to thrive, as it has taken her many years of hard work and perseverance to reach this significant goal.

The college itself was established in 2009 as a Cambridge International School and has since evolved into a registered Cambridge Examination Centre, further solidifying her vision for quality education.

On the school’s website, Anderson-Morshead expressed her pride in all the achievements to date, confidently stating that her vision has been realised and continues to be fulfilled.

In conclusion, Gonsalves emphasised that Anderson-Morshead was a truly remarkable lady and a visionary leader whose influence will be felt for years to come.

For those who wish to attend the memorial service, they are kindly advised to email their name, surname, and cellphone number to sonjamorsheadmemorial@gmail.com, ensuring that everyone who knew and loved her can come together to celebrate her extraordinary life and contributions to education.

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