Harold Cressy finally gets a school hall
The 850-seater multi-purpose building will enhance educational facilities
AFTER 67 years without a school hall and having to host school activities outdoors, Harold Cressy High School in District Six is finally getting a multi-purpose hall. Construction of the first phase is under way and a site inspection was attended by former principals and alumni of the school yesterday.
The project was started in 2014 with a start-up grant by the provincial Department of Education and is being managed by the Harold Cressy Alumni Association.
The school boasts an impressive list of alumni, including former finance minister Trevor Manuel.
Former principal Lionel Adriaan yesterday expressed his delight about the project.
“I feel very happy about this project and proud when I look at the people behind it. I also feel honoured to have spent 32 years of my life at this school. Looking at the school today with its motto ‘to the one who is willing, nothing is difficult’ makes me believe in what is still left in me and the contribution that I can still make to impact on young people.”
The 850-seater hall will improve educational facilities, allowing for indoor sport sessions and accommodating evening school functions.
“We wanted to do something special for the school as the school also has a phenomenal history of theatre,” said Dr Shafick Ismail, chairperson of the Harold Cressy Alumni Association. “We want to preserve some of the school’s amazing heritage materials and create a living space.
“One of the important things in this project is that any donor will get a tax certificate from us. Any donation by an ex-student, or a company in the form of materials, will be given a tax certificate for the value of the donation,” he said.
The hall was expected to be ready for use in about three years, he said.
Former pupil Rolene Wagner said the project made her happy that other learners would have such an accommodating space.