History forms a fundamental part of a school syllabus and we live in a country with a rich history.
However, St David’s Marist Inanda do more than just teach history, as they have become part of the country’s history. Within the contemporary design of this school is a rich history that looks back at 75 years of education, sport, fundraising and art with nostalgia and pride.
Carey Fisher-Gietzman, the marketing liaison at St David’s said the official opening ceremony of the school was on 27 January 1943. “His Lordship Bishop O’Leary opened the ceremony and then the Administrator of the Transvaal, laid the two foundation stones,” she said.
Fisher-Gietzman added that in 1948, St David’s reached a milestone and celebrated their first set of matriculants. “The first honours blazers were awarded in 1948 as well, and the debating society was founded with the name, Inanda Forum.
“The school has celebrated many small and significant achievements in its history, as well as faced many challenges, some defined by the prevailing politics of the difficult South African past.”
Fisher-Gietzman reflected on many highlights that the school had achieved. These ranged from sporting achievements to academic achievements to growth in their arts department. “Some of the internal milestones that marked growth in the school included 1962, which was the year the school celebrated their 21st birthday and Ray Bischoff became the school’s first Springbok. It was also a year of firsts for golf and the arts as the school held their first art exhibition and golf tournament.”
The year 1994 was not only a significant year for democracy in South Africa, but the beginning of a new phase of development in the life of the school, with a number of new buildings and facilities being built and improved.
Fisher-Gietzman reflected on the school’s goals. “St David’s mission is to be an African school preparing boys to take their place in society and to build South Africa as inquiring, well-balanced individuals aware of their social responsibilities to the wider community and ready to respond with compassion and justice to the realities of society.
“St David’s Marist Inanda will be celebrating 75 years from 4 June to 12 June with its community of staff, old boys, parents and boys.”
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Pupils immerse in history and heritage
