The Johannesburg Girls Preparatory School in Berea turned 130 years on 2 November and various educational events were held to mark the milestone.
The school was started by Fanny Backland on 2 November in 1887 in Jeppe Street in a home garage of the first schoolchild, Isobel Alexandra.
Since its inception, the school has had about 127 principals.
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The celebration gave teachers, children and staff members an opportunity to learn about the history of the school.
The day was also held to remind youngsters about the vision and the mission of the school.
Part of the activities on the day included a theatrical play about the former principals of the school which was put together by the school’s prefects.
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According to the principal, Melanie Hassim and her deputy, Dina Scalzullo, the day was a joyful success for all who were part of the celebration.
Hassim said the 1 190 schoolchildren received cupcakes and they dressed in their school’s colours together with their teachers.
She said a fun day was held with children swimming, dancing and even playing on a jumping castle.
“It was really a huge success and everyone was excited,” said Hassim.
“This 130-year birthday celebration of our school was a special one. Since I’ve been a principal here we did 120 and 125-year celebrations but this one was just unique.”
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Sculzullo said, “The exciting part of the day was when children were handed balloons and sang a happy birthday song before releasing the balloons into the air. We were very elated and our children really enjoyed themselves.”
Sculzullo defined their school as a heritage site and said they intend to preserve it.
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
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