St Catherine’s 66th Birthday
General school history:
St Catherine’s School, situated in the heart of Empangeni, is a private school and it is the property of the Dominican Congregation of St Catherine of Siena of Oakford, Natal.
St Catherine’s School was founded in 1955 and it is owned by the Oakford Dominican Sisters. St Patrick’s was built in 1957 and was funded by the Benedictine Monastery in St Louis, USA.
St Catherine’s School opened on 15 February 1955 with 11 pupils – 9 girls and 2 boys and 2 classrooms. By that October, 15 pupils enrolled. Our school continued to grow and by the beginning of 1958 the local newspaper carried the headline ‘Empangeni Convent filled to capacity’. St Catherine’s has continued to grow and develop since then.
We are a family school catering for pupils from Grade RRR (Pre-Primary) to Grade 12.
There is a weekly boarding facility for pupils from Grade 8 to Grade 12. St Catherine’s School produces consistently excellent academic results and well-rounded learners who achieve success in their professions and make positive contributions to their communities.
Mission Statement
Developing the pupils to achieve their unique potential in a caring, Christian environment in order to equip them to achieve success in the service of God and the community. To this end we commit ourselves to excellence in a nurturing environment fostering talents, self-esteem and dignity.
Message from the Heads of our various phases:
Gillian Dalais, Principal:
What a privilege it is to be part of the St Catherine’s family! Watching our learners grow and develop into strong and determined young ladies and gentlemen is truly an honour and makes every day worthwhile. Despite all the challenges of Covid, our staff have shown determination and commitment to their teaching and as a result the learners have been enriched by their loyalty, enthusiasm and dedication.
The completion of our multi-purpose sport’s centre later this year will be the culmination of three years of structural additions to our building, to cater comfortably for all our learners.
I am proud to be a part of this school with its heritage and traditions spanning sixty-six years. Together, we will strive to keep God at the centre of our school and uphold the Christian and moral values which the Dominican Sisters lived and worked by from the inception of the school in 1955, and which makes St Catherine’s stand out in our community.
Pictures by Head Hunters Photography
Karen Braithwaite, Head of Sport and Admin:
I matriculated from St Catherine’s in 1993 and I was the Sports Captain.
I enjoyed my school years so much that once I finished my studies and had a bit of experience under my belt, I returned to St Catherine’s in 2001 as the Geography teacher. Due to my family relocating, I left St Catherine’s in 2002 only to once again return in 2017 as the Geography teacher, again. I’ve now taking on the position as Head of Admin and Sport.
St Catherine’s is a small school with a very big heart, where everyone is treated like family. Our teachers have every resource at their fingertips and our children are eager to learn.
The most exciting new development at school is the building of our new multi-purpose hall which will be used for events and sporting fixtures.
Debby Brink, Head of the Pre-Primary:
I have been blessed to be a part of the St Catherine’s team for 12 years and I have been HOD for 10 of those years. St Catherine’s is a wonderful Christian school where the staff are dedicated, caring and hard working. I love the calm, family atmosphere at our school, a place where learning is fun!
Our Pre-Primary is situated in the heart of the school, in its own buildings which are fenced off from the big children. We feel safe and secure in our surroundings, yet still included in all the ‘big school’ activities and functions. Our big brothers and sisters love to wave at us over the fence and come to visit at break times. We have busy and productive days of learning through constructive play and planned lessons.
We boast small classes and fully qualified teachers which play a vital role in ensuring your child will be nurtured, moulded and ready for big school at the end of Grade R.
Bernie Combrinck, Head of the Foundation Phase:
I have been teaching at St Catherine’s for fifteen years. I enjoy teaching here as we have very special people on our staff. There is always time for a ‘how are you doing’ and a sincere friendly greeting. The Foundation Phase teachers are amazing with the children, always putting their needs first.
We are well on the way to making a beautiful playground for our children. A new platform under the mango tree and the jungle-gym have been completed.
The garden beds are being cultivated and the grass is growing beautifully. The children can’t wait for playtime now! That’s what teaching is all about – the children and the best we can do for them.
Patty Percival, Head of Senior Primary:
I have been working at St Catherine’s since August 1992 ….27 and a half years.
The caring family feeling in our school makes St Catherine’s special.
The pupils are polite and the teachers eager to do their best!
Our beautiful gardens, with ‘Hop’ our resident rabbit, make our outside environment a real pleasure to be in.
Our Senior Primary Phase has grown from one class of girls in each grade to 2 co-ed classes for each grade. This year, Grade 5 to 7 have made an exciting change from having class teachers, to having subject teachers.
Liezl Els, Head of the High School:
This is my 16th year at St Catherine’s. What makes working here so unique and special, are the girls in the High School. I consider them to be my daughters and each one of them takes up a special place in my heart.
They all bring a lovely fragrance with them that adds to the delightful aroma that we have in the High School. It is such an honour and privilege to teach at St Catherine’s. We are one of the oldest schools in the area and our roots are firmly secured in good soil.
Thank you to the Dominican Sisters that started our school in 1955, may the traditions that sets us apart from other schools never be forgotten.
