PREPARATORY
2011 marks the 75th anniversary of St George’s Preparatory School and I feel deeply honoured to be part of the St George’s family at this very important time in our school’s history. In looking back at the past 75 years! am acutely aware of the enormous contributions many people have made to ensure that the Prep has been at the forefront of educational excellence in South Africa.
It is our duty as the current custodians of the school to ensure that the Prep not only continues to produce men and women of courage and character, but that we enable and empower our boys and girls to make significant differences in our world. The success and happiness of our future generations is in the hands of those leaders we educate today.
Breadth and depth of interest academic excellence, a caring learning environment, opportunities for growth, a spirit of community, strong pastoral care and clear moral values have been at the heart of our school for the past 75 years. As we enter the next 75 years, our challenge will be to provide our pupils with the best facilities, the best teachers, the best educational programmes and a nurturing environment so that they are afforded the opportunities to be the best that they can be for our collective futures.
In a hugely changing education scene in South Africa, St George’s Prep remains a beacon of continuity and strength with a proven track record. Be assured that the staff and I will continue to do our part to ensure that our pupils leave us confident and well-educated, ready to take on any challenges that lie ahead and eager to embrace the future.
Jonathan Liss
75 Years Making History
The Foundations are laid.
The Victorian era, with its wealth, opulence and distinctive architecture, left its mark on the city of Port Elizabeth in no uncertain terms. It was the time of horse-trams and hansom cabs, elaborate carriages, silk hats, beards, curled moustaches, elegant dresses with choker collars and leg-of-mutton sleeves, feathered hats, flowing veils and bonnets. In keeping with the rich hinterland, large brokerage firms had come into being that bought and sold the produce brought to Port Elizabeth from the surrounding farming areas.
A group of veritable ‘Merchant Princes’ owned these firms and prospered beyond their wildest dreams. One such Merchant Prince was John Daverin, owner of his own firm of brokers at a relatively early age. He was destined to become a business genius and a leading political figure in the Government of John X Merriman. Early in his career, Daverin had built a magnificent dwelling on his farm, Springmount, in the District of Alexandria, taking great pride in the layout of both farm buildings and truly magnificent gardens. He undertook extensive journeys and it was on one of his trips to Ireland that he met Clotilde D’Alton of Ballygriffen, who was destined to become his bride.
At that time, the elite residential area of Port Elizabeth was ‘The Hill’, situated on the flat piece of land above the town in the vicinity of the acreage that became the lush and beautiful St George’s Park. It was on a large tract of land adjacent to the Park that the gracious dwelling Knockfierna was built. This was the dream house of John Daverin, built for his beloved wife and the family that they dreamed of raising in this place, as magical as its name.
No expense was spared in the erection of this fine house. On their journeys overseas, the Daverins had bought mirrors, ornaments, glass from Venice, bronze from Florence and Beleek china. Only the best tiles, mahogany, handsome fireplaces and light fittings were used. This was to be a fitting home for a wealthy family! Charming romantic touches such as the gables on the roof, arched veranda and upper balcony and the velvety heart-shaped lawn must have caught Clotilde’s eye each time she returned from a trip with her daughters to take tea with some distinguished friends. All the accoutrements of this fine lifestyle had to be housed in equal style, so extensions to the house in the form of quarters for the staff, stables and hayloft were also built.
Knockfierna was truly a place of fairies, with merry voices, running feet, excited whispers and fluting laughter, all the ingredients of a true fairytale. What a wonderful place for children to spend their growing years!
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THE FAMILY DINING HALL REMAINS THAT TODAY (THE HUTCHINSON HALL). IT WAS, HOWEVER, ORIGINALLY A BILLIARD ROOM IN WHICH IT WAS NECESSARY TO FIX BLOCKS OF MARBLE INTO THE FLOOR TO SUPPORT THE TERRIFIC WEIGHT OF THE ENORMOUS BILLIARD TABLE. THESE BLOCKS OF MARBLE ARE STILL IN THE FLOOR OF THE HALL. THE STORY GOES THAT IF ONE EXAMINES THE PANELLING CLOSELY, ONE WILL SEE THE DEEP SCORES WHERE A DAGGER WAS ONCE STUCK ACCIDENTALLY INTO THE WOOD DURINGA FIGHT WHICH HAD ARISEN AS THE RESULT OF A QUARREL IN A GAME OF BILLIARDS! |
Today Knockfierna has lost none of its charm. Enter the cool, tiled hallway on a hot summer’s day and the house welcomes you. Stand in the gracious ‘withdrawing room’ and see through the filmy curtains the patterns of golden sunlight on the green lawn and trees without. Gaze upwards at the impossibly beautiful mirror on the first landing and admire the patterns cast by the stained glass insets on either side. Picture the owner in his study, (now the Secretary’s office) and wonder at the murals in the panelled study of the present Headmaster. On a wintry evening it is easy to imagine the family gathered round a cosy fireplace and perhaps a group of men folk deeply involved in a game of billiards. And early one morning.., is that the sound of chanted prayers and singing? There in the small chapel under the gable is the heart of this Catholic family’s life, where prayers for loved ones, songs of celebration on Saints’ Feast Days and the days of Advent were always heard.
Years have passed, and the Daverin family no longer graces the rooms of Knockfierna with its presence, except perhaps in quiet midnight visits. Yet, the voices of children and music still echo around the building, now much changed with necessary additions made over the years. Motorised traffic roars around the park, buses, taxis and ambulances rush by and the skyline of the city has changed drastically. How did all these changes come about, and who are the present inhabitants of this still magical place, where the gardens promise shady walks and many surprises? AhI That is another story.
Joy Pause
The Hutchinson Days (1936 – 1950)
With the passage of time and the demise of first John Daverin and later his wife Clotilde, Knockfierna passed into other hands. The second owner, Harry Harraway, a large force in the firm of Mosenthal’s, lived in the house until 1935 and then moved to Aloes across the park from Knockfierna. It was then that, as in the days of the Daverin family, Knockfierna once again lent its ambience to nurturing the young.
Raymond Whitworth Hutchinson, originally of Yorkshire, had settled in Cape Town in 1913 where he and a partner had, very successfully, founded and run the Western Province Preparatory School for boys in Claremont. ‘Hutch’ moved on to the Eastern Cape, where he purchased Knockfierna in 1935 with the express purpose of founding another school, also for boys. The school, named St George’s Preparatory School, came into being in 1936.
It was as if the house had come full circle! Once again its corridors echoed with childish laughter — there were pranks in the classrooms, boxing on the lawn and feasting and fun at midnight in the dormitory!
‘Hutch’, a colourful, charismatic personality was the perfect English gentleman and continued the style of gracious living so well- remembered by those who know and loved Knockfierna. A cultured and talented man, ‘Hutch’, as he came to be known by all, had wide interests and belonged to several sports clubs, the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and was acting organist at the Holy Trinity Church. Genial and kindly and a gifted speaker, ‘Hutch’ was a popular member of the community and was much loved by his pupils and staff.
The front portion of Knockfierna remained residential, with the upstairs balcony becoming the dormitory for the boarders. Classrooms were established in what had become the stables and other outbuildings. Day boarders were provided with a midday lunch. The hall, today known as the Hutchinson Hall in memory of the first headmaster, was used as the dining hall and also for assemblies. ‘Hutch’s’ wife, Kate, was responsible for house management and catering. The Hutchinsons had three children. The eldest, a girl named Pleasance, actually taught at St George’s School. The youngest, Peter, was a pupil at the school, whilst the elder son, Raymond North Hutchinson, attended St Andrew’s College in Grahamstown and later read for a teaching degree at Cambridge. ‘Hutch’ himself, besides teaching academic subjects, taught singing to the pupils and conducted music appreciation classes. In addition to the normal school curriculum, the boys enjoyed cricket, rugby, swimming, boxing, athletics, tennis, PT and Scouting.
After his death in 1950, ‘Hutch’ was succeeded as Headmaster by his son, Raymond N Hutchinson (‘Hutchie’), who held the post for two years.
‘Hutch’ served the school with enthusiasm, energy and diligence, bringing to his teaching the wealth of his talents and experience and setting the seal of finesse on the school that was so dear to his heart. He paved the way for his successors, laying the foundation for the school that was to become the wonderful establishment that it is today.
Joy Pause
The Pridmore Era 1952-1957
Not long before he died, Mr Hutchinson suggested that I might take over the school from him and that he would continue teaching, but I kept the suggestion to myself. However, in December 1950, his son Raymond (‘Hutchie’) made a definite proposal while staying with me in Cape Town and negotiations began.
In July 1951, I flew to Port Elizabeth, mainly to meet Mr Cecil Galpin, the Hutchinson family lawyer. But owing to the appalling weather, he was stranded at Kromme River and no meeting took place. My plane came down short of the runway at St Albans and, in turning sharply, burst a tyre, causing great alan’-. While I was sitting in the Headmaster’s study after lunch. A wild-looking woman rushed in saying someone had stabbed but I decided not to intervene. The following morning when I went to the bathroom to shave, I saw a fireman in uniform climbing a ladder a few yards away. It transpired that the Dining Hall chimney had caught fire — altogether an eventful weekend, but not a very good omen. However, in December an agreement was signed by which I leased the School for6 years.
I was very fortunate to have Mr Howard Andrew as my Second Master. Throughout our time at St George’s he and Jean gave Connie and me their loyal support. I was also lucky in obtaining the services of Mr Peter Tame and Mr John Forster. Peter ran the Scout Troop most enthusiastically and contributed greatly to the success of the School Concert, while John played his part in various ways.
We started with 96 boys, of whom 17 were boarders. In 1954 there was a gratifying increase in numbers and the Pre-Prep was divided into two classes. In our last year (1957) there were 135 boys in the school.
Most of the boys were keen on cricket. In 1953 and 1954, the 1st Xl played 25 matches and only lost four of them. The standard of rugby was not high, but St George’s won the Inter-Primary Schools Cup for swimming in 1956.
J. Pridmore, Headmaster, 1952-1957 From ‘St George’s News 23April1983
Howard R Andrew 1958-1961
Howard Andrew, master extraordinary at St George’s, served this school during every decade of its existence and with all its headmasters. In the late thirties and early forties he lived and worked in close association with the Hutchinsons as a young, resident, bachelor master. Through the fifties and into the sixties, having returned with Jean, Howard served as second master, first to Raymond N. Hutchinson, son of the founder, and then to John Pridmore, and was appointed the first headmaster of the private company in 1958. In those days, Howard not only had to run a day school, such as today, but he was also responsible for the boarders and the finances. Bursar par excellence, Norman Thomson, came to St George’s in the year after Howard decided to go farming.
But, once a schoolmaster, always a schoolmaster, and in the later sixties Howard and Jean returned to St George’s where they remained through the seventies and into the eighties — a truly remarkable story of love for and dedication to this school over six decades. The ‘HR’s, whose honour, humour and humanity have touched all those fortunate to have known them, have been a wonderful human link over the years of the school’s existence.
From ‘St George’s News’, 23 April1983
The Time of RJ Andrew 1961-1972
The formation of a Parents’ Association brought many benefits to the school as fundraising was given high priority. Assistance came not only in the form of finance but also with many fathers giving of their time at week-ends to improve facilities, particularly in the grounds. I have a clear picture of one prominent businessman erecting a set of rugby goalposts for the boys to improve their kicking skills, and another putting in many hours constructing a durable metal framework and heavy-duty fencing around the cricket nets — all this at no cost to the school. Yet another parent came to the rescue when the massive flag pole was due for re-painting. The daunting operation of lowering and raising the pole was carried out by a team of stevedores under the direction of this retired ship’s captain. The construction of an all-weather surface on the tennis court, new cricket practice wickets, tennisette courts and the face-lifting of the overworked playground with grass sods, are further examples of benefits accruing from fundraising efforts.
Meanwhile the school was growing, and pressure on classroom and dining hall accommodation was increasing. It became necessary, therefore, to embark on a programme of extensions and alterations which took the form of lengthening the dining area and building a large Sub B room above it. Walls were knocked down to enlarge some of the smaller classrooms.
About this time, demand for boarding places from the Karoo regions was on the decline — a phenomenon experienced by other private schools in the Eastern Cape. The Board decided, therefore, that the demand for full boarding (now mainly from areas close to Port Elizabeth) did not warrant the expense of running a boarding establishment. This decision freed dormitories for other much needed uses. ‘Senior dorm’ became the art room, light and airy, ‘middle dorm’ served as the Std 6 base and was equipped as a laboratory for the teaching of the newly introduced Nuffield science course, and ‘junior dorm’ became the library. Enrolment had risen to 167 and it is interesting to note that Americans made up almost ten percent of this total.
Work and play went on as usual and scholarships were won to St Andrew’s, Kingswood and Bishops. Teaching staff remained mindful of the need to maintain high academic standards. The school entertained visiting sports teams from local, Grahamstown and Western Province schools and, in 1963, we went on tour to the Western Cape.
Reference must be made to the need which had arisen by the end of 1971 for building improvements, namely a changing room with showers, a visual aids room and new servants’ quarters.
RJ Andrew, Headmaster, 1961 – 1972 From ‘St George’s News 23Apr11 1983.
The Barber Years 1973-1983
Since 1936, St George’s has always aimed at providing a good education for its boys, recognising individuality while developing mind, body and spirit. However, within the near half-century of the school’s existence, new pressures and emphases have been felt in the educational world and, without changing any of its basic aims and ideals, it has been necessary for the school to assimilate some of the new ones into the school ethos. The schoolboy of the mid SOs is being exposed to ideas and apparatus which would, perhaps, have caused some bewilderment to his grandfather.
Presently, our library is being expanded, the apparatus available in the science laboratory improved, an introduction to computer programming is being given on our Apple 2, and our Media Centre is being developed.
A school is more than its buildings, playing fields, facilities. It is a living, moving, vibrant organism, a life, the people within it. This life is the teaching staff, administrative staff, Board of Governors, Parents Association Committee, domestic staff, pa rents and particularly, pupils.
Without the funds raised by the PA during the last decade, about R100 000 in total, the school could not have provided many of the facilities and extras which we now enjoy, nor would the buildings have been in their present good state of repair The sterling work done by the ladies over the years, particularly the Chairladies must not, and does not, go unrecognised.
This is a school in which the parents have a definite role; hopefully it will continue to be one of helpful assistance. Parent spirit and participation is a strong feature of many of our activities.
Since 1973, 23 of our boys have won scholarships to senior schools and 18 have been chosen to represent their province at sport while still at St George’s. It is hoped that our present boys will benefit from all that the school is trying to do for them and that they will follow in the successful footsteps of their other St George’s brothers.
From ‘St George’s News 23 April 1983
The Immelman Years 1984-2005
Jan Immelman was appointed Headmaster of St George’s Preparatory School towards the end of 1983, to take up office in January 1984. He succeeded Mr Gerald Barber, Headmaster for 11 years. At the time of his appointment, Jan was Second-Master-in-Charge at Kingswood College Junior School in Grahamstown. Jan, together with his wife Wendy, who was to play such a large role in supporting him, accompanied by their daughters Leanne and Tracey, had come to South Africa from Zimbabwe three years previously.
The Immelmans took up residence in Knockfierna, and Jan began a career or ‘way of life’ as part of the St George’s family, which was to span the next 22 years. In his letter in the first volume of The Charger, Jan voiced his delight at the privilege of being Head of a school with such fine traditions and standards. He expressed the wish that he would be able to ‘contribute something of value and permanence’ and to build judiciously on the foundations which had been cast by his predecessors —which he promptly set out to do. Ft was due to his vision and enthusiasm that the future plans for the upgrading and development of the school were set in motion. At the time of Jan’s appointment, Barry Lane, an ‘old boy’ of the Prep, was the Deputy Head of St George’s. Passionate about Science and Maths, Barry became part of the team that was to take StGeorge’s on its quest to achieve development, expansion and success.
St Georges Prep celebrated its Golden Jubilee on May 8, 1986 with a dinner at the Edward Hotel. At this dinner, the Golden Jubilee Appeal Campaign with Tony Smith as Chairman, was launched. Its aim was to raise R410 000 for the upgrading of the school.
On July 31, 1987 the New Wing, consisting of classrooms, a science lab and changerooms, was opened by Mr RN Hutchinson, son of the founder. From 1988, as part of Jan’s vision for St George’s, the school admitted its first two girls. St George’s was now co-educationalJ
As the number of pupils increased, so did the need for a larger hall. Once again plans were set in motion and the New Hall was opened on November 8, 1994. On his retirement from the Prep in 2005, this hall was named the Jan Immelman Hall in his honour.
In June 1995, Evan Dold, then Chairman of the Board, announced that by the year 2000, the school would be fully dual-streamed. The next stage in the development of the school was the building of the double-storied classroom block between the Jubilee Wing and the back of the New Hall.
On April 9, 1996, St George’s celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with much pomp, ceremony and thanksgiving.
In January 2000, Jan’s dream of having a feeder school for St George’s was realised. The St George’s Pre-Primary School, with Jill Wilson as Head, opened its doors with two classrooms.
The need for an independent high school where St George’s pupils could continue their education had long been discussed. This led to the establishment of the St George’s Trust to ensure the funding of such a project. As no suitable building site was available at the time, the newly built Music Department on Mcintosh Road became the temporary home of St George’s College in January 2001. The College has since moved to Park Drive.
The catering department underwent modernization during this time and meals began to be served cafeteria-style in the Hutchinson Hall. Thanks to Jan’s vision and vigour, the life of the St George’s family became vibrant.
In between all these highlights, life flowed on at a steady pace, filled with precious memories. Jan and Wendy will always remember their two daughters leaving the house as brides. One thinks of the wonderful pub nights in the Hutchinson Hall, the outstanding stage productions, the ever-present music, choral and orchestral sounds in the school. The ballet dancers from Bugsy - Jan, Robin Biggs, James Masterton and Tony Lopes brought the house down. ‘Mevrou’ Maxie Theron’s Afrikaans pupils never failed to play their part and their annual concerts gave rise to our present cultural evenings, where many more languages are now spoken.
The drive-past of Queen Elizabeth II in 1995 and the Cricket World Cup in 2003 when St George’s offered hospitality to hungry and thirsty spectators were memorable highlights.
Following Jan’s example, there has always been a strong element of compassion at St George’s and the pupils have played a large role in supporting Aids Awareness, Cancer Awareness, lesser-privileged schools, the aged and the environment. Our amazing art displays enhance many occasions, such as Prize-Givings and shows, and our annual Victorian Tea Parties on the front lawn are legendary. No year would be complete without the Business Entrepreneurs’ Week and the Soap Box Derby, while the bittersweet Grade 7 Leaver’s Dinner brings lumps to many throats. From 1985 to 2000 The Charger kept us all informed of the goings-on at St George’s and was sadly missed, even though we had our own website. One will never forget the school sporting events, the Great Train Race, the Annual Family Fun Run. Of course, the annual Nativity Play rounds off the year and prepare us for the Christmas Season.
Joy Pause, November2005 (edited)
The Prep Today
75 years on, St Georges Preparatory School continues to provide an excellent, balanced, all-round grounding for young boys and girls. As a private school with a low pupil/staff ratio we are able to devote extensive individual attention to every child, and to go beyond the traditional syllabus boundaries — creating memorable educational experiences. Many of the children emerging from St George’s Prep go on to be appointed to leading roles in their high-school career, and beyond.
From small beginnings, with a total of 60 boys, the Prep, under the leadership of the current Headmaster, Jonathan Liss, now has a total of 410 boys and girls from Grades 0 to 7. In 2000, the St George’s PrePrimary was established as a feeder school to the Prep and, from 2001, the children had the option of staying within the St George’s family of schools to complete their high-school education at St George’s College.
Teaching Excellence
Teaching staff at the Prep are carefully selected for their commitment and dedication to their vocation, as well as their visionary approach to the individual needs of each child. They foster a passion for the experience of learning by using innovative methods in a fun-filled and friendly, yet disciplined environment.
Staying at the forefront of modern teaching methods, interactive Smartboards have been installed in every classroom, allowing both teachers and pupils to engage actively in the learning process. And while an enrichment programme designed for the more gifted students is provided, strong focus is also placed on learning support for those pupils who need additional help.
St George’s Prep is known for its pursuit of academic excellence and is widely recognised as one of the leading
Mathematics schools in the country. Prep pupils have fared exceptionally well in the annual Science Expo and have also won numerous awards in various English and Maths Olympiads, as well as in the Commonwealth Essay Competition. In 2010, the Prep was placed in the top 20 schools of the 1350 schools that wrote the International Conquesta Olympiad.
