The Ridge School turns 100 years

WESTCLIFF – Despite fear of the rain, centenary celebrations still took place at The Ridge School with a lot to write home about.

Naidine Sibanda

January 31, 2019

The orchestra provides the instrumentals to The Ridge School song. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

What a day for The Ridge School who celebrated their 100th anniversary this year. The centenary launch and parade took place at the school situated in Westcliff. The boys were all dressed in their blue uniform in harmony with the unexpectedly blue sky.

The ‘oldest Ridge boy’ Dr Des Sonnenfeld lighted the Parker Aloe to kick things off.

The ‘oldest Ridge boy’ (standing next to the Parker Aloe) Dr Des Sonnenfeld has just lighted the aloe to kick off the ceremony. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Headmaster at The Ridge School Richard Stanley gave the opening prayer and welcomed everyone. He said it was wonderful to gather at the school at that time while bearing in mind that many other boys were doing the same all the way back in 1919.

Headmaster at The Ridge School Richard Stanley welcomes everyone to the Centenary Launch and Parade. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Stanley said, “It is symbolic to be facing the junior school which was built on the image of the old one. To me, it connects the old and the new, how we learn and carry on the legacy from the old.

“People who are present today have been the life of the school for many years.”

Former headmaster of the school from 1997 to 2014, Paul Channon said the attendants were there to celebrate an anniversary which is like a huge birthday. “Normally we are so busy we don’t recognise time that has gone by but today we reflect on all of that time.”

Former headmaster of The Ridge School from 1997 to 2014, Paul Channon gives the centenary address. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

He added that the school had been incepted just after the end of the First World War and has seen significant events in the world including the transition of South Africa from apartheid to majority rule in 1994.

Some of the mentioned long-serving members of staff at The Ridge School. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Channon said, “In many ways, birthdays are like chapters in a book and I say to the boys, write each chapter of your life as different, meaningful and also make a difference by easing someone else’s pain. In due course, you should be able to look back with happiness and satisfaction with the chapters written.”

The boys dance in style during the Ridgie dance at the centenary clebrations. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

The Senior Choir and Orchestra gave performances to get everyone on their feet on intervals while James Pitman did a fly-over display and got everyone looking up to the sky in awe. The school mascot, Ridgie, also gave everyone a fair share of entertainment through dance.

The Ridgie dance has taken flight with Ridgie the mascot leading the boys. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Details: The Ridge School 011 481 5800

Are you hosting any events at your school? Email details of the event to naidines@caxton.co.za

Also checkout:

100 years for Parkview Junior School