Port Natal School marks 85 years with week of celebrations
From the unveiling of a new school museum to a major alumni reunion, Port Natal School is preparing to celebrate its 85th year of excellence.
FINAL preparations are underway as Port Natal School gets ready to celebrate its 85th anniversary with a week-long programme of events from July 27 to August 1, culminating in a special reunion of past learners and the official opening of the school’s museum.
The milestone celebrations will begin on Monday, July 27, with Dress-Up Week, during which learners will swap their school uniforms for themed outfits from Monday to Thursday.
Port Natal’s Madeleine Knepscheld said this year’s anniversary would be particularly significant as the school was finally able to celebrate the milestone in style after its 80th anniversary celebrations were impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We couldn’t make a big deal out of our 80th anniversary because it was during Covid and there were many restrictions in place. This time we are going all out,” said Knepscheld.
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On Tuesday, July 28, the school will officially mark its 85th anniversary with the unveiling of the Port Natal School Museum. The day will also feature the Old Porties High Tea and a ceremonial cake-cutting. Celebrations continue on Friday, July 31, with the 50th Porties Alumni Reunion. Current learners and alumni will gather for a special assembly and Bell-Ringing Ceremony.
“This is another special moment because some of our past learners left the school before the bell was installed, so they will finally get to experience it,” said Knepscheld.
During the ceremony, the school bell will be rung eight times, followed by a further five rings by principal Dennis Beukes. The day’s programme will conclude with a family picnic open to past and present learners, parents and guardians.
The anniversary celebrations will wrap up on Saturday, August 1, with a Sports Day, bringing an end to a memorable week honouring the school’s rich history and generations of Porties.
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