St George’s Celebrates 99 Years

St George’s Diocesan School in Windhoek kicked off their centenary celebrations at the school on Friday, 6 July.

The ceremony, which included the 99th birthday of the school, is in fact a preparation for the centenary celebrations scheduled to take place in 2019. Over 10 000 pupils have passed through the gates of the school, and it has also established an alumni office where pupils can keep in touch with each other after graduation.

Deputy head Berdine Beukes said that it was time to reflect on the achievements on the school and where they are headed in future. “This is a moment to consider what our aspirations have been over the years. Success is never final,” she said. “We are one and all, a place of unity and diversity. We celebrate our synergy and energy and we seek to walk humbly with God.”

Delivering a scripture reading, Reverend Dr Archford Musodza called on the pupils to incorporate God into their everyday lives. “Over the decades, generations of young people have started here and pupils were armed about the story and ingenuity of God’s humanity. This celebration is our expression to God, our founders and all those who continue to build a future for our school. We have a place in God’s council.”

Further stating that the school has a mission in life, Musodza encouraged the pupils to go through the journey of life together. “We are a link in a chain, a bind of connection between persons. We have to do good all the time, we have to keep His commandments and serve Him.”

Speaking as an alumnus of St George’s prep school from 1996, Nicole Maske, EOS Capital’s chief executive officer, said that it was a great privilege to share her story. “I see my life as being a happy and fulfilled one thus far. We had no colleges back then, so most of us went to St Paul’s College. But there are four things I’ve learnt from St George’s: One is the importance of friends and lifelong friendships. Each of my classmates have a special place in my heart and memories. One thing you’ll find is that you’ll make friends who will make life that much better”.

A second thing she learnt was perseverance. “I’m not good at athletics, I’m more of a cheerleader. I thought it was a good idea to enter the 800m and I nearly died. But I knew I had to finish and I did. Perseverance is one of the biggest determinants in how successful a person becomes.”

Thirdly, there was setting goals, especially according to her abilities, and never comparing herself to others. “This learning was thanks to some amazing teachers and the incredible diversity in our class. Each of us had a place,” Maske said.

Lastly, she encouraged the pupils to not only work, but have fun too. “We used to do art and pottery. Being St Georgian is all about being well-rounded. It is a great school and I wish it a happy 99th birthday.”

According to Sasha van Tonder, head girl of St George’s College, the school was established for the betterment of children. “Ninety-nine years later, this cause holds true,” she said. Also giving a short speech at the proceedings, head boy John Mbako had no intention of calling St George a perfect school, but rather one that brings everyone closer through its mistakes. “True value comes not from sight, but from vision and vision is a function of the mind,” he said. “Our founders possessed vision and today, we express it.”

Entertainment was provided by the Richmond Youth Honour Choir from Canada as well as the college’s choir.