St Francis College turns 25

The three-day celebration started on Friday, May 30, with pupils competing in a sold-out sing, fashion and dance talent show.

On Saturday, there were another two sold out concerts, at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Earlier in the day, a fun walk, fête and visit by Lakeside Mall’s Spike and Goldie formed part of the celebrations.

On Sunday, the school held a dedication service and a past pupils’ picnic.

One of the school’s past pupils, Etwatwa resident Phindile Malele, was in Grade Six when she started at St Francis College.

She has visited the school several times since she matriculated, and was at the celebrations on Saturday.

Malele said she is proud to be in contact with the school and “it’s so home” despite the years that have passed.

“I am still in contact, because Dian Cockcroft (head of school) has been a mother and been able to change so many lives,” she said.

“Cockcroft has the ability to open doors – she pushes you to realise your full potential.

She said the school helped her with life skills and went the extra mile in children’s lives, such as helping them apply for higher education courses.

The ex-pupil’s daughter, Siphesihle Malele, is currently a pupil at the school.

Cockcroft, who founded the school, said it opened its doors in 1989 as one of the first independent black schools not linked to a church.

Cockcroft said the school started with 65 children in 1989 and now has 700 pupils, with over 300 applications for entry into its grades nought to 12 for next year.

She said the school is doing well academically and on the sports field, with the facilities available to them.

The school moved to its current premises in 2003.