Southernwood Primary celebrates centenary birthday
East London’s Southernwood Primary School is proud to celebrate their 100th birthday this year.
The school started from humble beginnings in a building in St. George’s Road, Southernwood between October 4, 1918 and October 2, 1920.
The school in its present building was opened by Mr James Stewart.
The first school committee meeting was held on 21 January 1919 in the school room in St George’s Road.
Mr Bruyns was the first chairman and Mr Sturgess the first secretary. At this meeting, a principal was appointed, namely Miss Craig, who remained at the school until March 31, 1930.
Miss Tyrrell, the first teacher to assist Miss Craig, was appointed in August 1927 and she was only paid £6 (R114) a month.
The two houses of the school were named after Miss Craig and Miss Tyrrell. Today Craig is known as Red House and Tyrrell as Yellow House.
Mr Barnes was elected chairman of the school committee on May 11, 1921. He later donated an honours board to the school.
On August 9, 1963, the education department advised the school that they had accepted the tender of R 16 663 for the building of the swimming pool and levelling of the school grounds.
The woodwork class was started in 1940, and in 1951 the school applied for a special class.
The school library was started by Mrs Battle in January 1977.
Mr Bruce Main became principal in April 1981 and stayed until September 1985. He wrote the words for the school song.
The school was named a full service school in October 2015. The small hall was converted into a Grade 6 and Grade 7 class when the prefabs fell down.
Mrs Michelle Rothmann became principal on February 1, 2016. Since then two small classrooms have been built by Amalgamated Precast in 2016.
“We await four more classrooms from the department before year end. We have purchased two new buses to transport the children to sport and outings.
“We have done minor alterations to make the school more secure and the admin office accessible to visitors and parents.”
“Southernwood Primary still offers an excellent education, with affordable fees. We have plans to expand to two classes per grade in the foundation phase for 2019 and eventually have two classes per grade and separate classes for children who need support.”
Southernwood Primary offers swimming, netball, soccer and cricket. They also have a thriving art department and have entered various competitions.
“Southerwood Primary is an up and coming institution designed for all learners, including those who need that little bit more,” said Rothmann.