Nine decades of shaping young minds
Milestone celebration at Brenthurst Primary School.
Brenthurst Primary School, a cornerstone of the Brakpan community, celebrated a major milestone in January – its 90th birthday.
For nine decades, the institution has provided quality education to generations of learners, shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning which is evident in the school’s vision: Real Proud – a vision of real lifelong learners who are proud to be part of Brenthurst and proud to be part of South Africa.
Brenthurst Primary has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected and beloved schools in the area.
Throughout its history , the school has remained committed to its core values of academic excellence, creativity and community.
Over the years, Brenthurst has undergone many changes, from expansions and renovations to innovations in curriculum.
However, one thing has remained constant – the dedication of its educators, staff and learners.
Today, Brenthurst Primary School is a thriving community, with a diverse student body and staff compliment.
Currently the school boasts a faculty of 54 staff and over 1 000 learners, headed by principal Dr Razia Ghanchi-Badasie
Ghanchi-Badasie has been at the helm of the school since 2006, and is committed to improving the quality of education in South Africa, through staff development and promoting innovation in the classroom.
“We are extremely proud of our school’s heritage and achievements,” said Ghanchi-Badasie.
“As we commemorate this milestone, we look forward to many more years of inspiring young minds and making a positive impact on our community and country.”
The school started as Brakpan Junior School on January 16, 1935.
Back then, the school, under the leadership of Amy Bauermeester, as acting principal, and with three other teachers, consisted of grades one and two, and Standard One (Grade Three).
There were only 197 learners.
The school was officially opened on August 12, 1936, as Brenthurst Junior School.
By 1937, standards two and three (grades four and five) had been introduced and the school had 306 learners and nine teachers.
Classes were sometimes combined, with grades one and two together, and grades four and five sharing one class.
By 1945, the school had increased in size to 316 learners with 10 teachers.
Ten years later, Brenthurst went up to Standard Five (Grade Seven), and had 423 learners.
The school was closed on November 13, 1945, due to an outbreak of enteric fever (typhoid), and was turned into a temporary auxiliary hospital.
It was again closed, in April, 1948, during a polio epidemic.
During the school’s early years, learners used to receive milk or cocoa every day, as well as fruit, if it was available (fresh fruit in summer, and dried fruit in winter).
Brenthurst Primary School enjoyed a good academic record, as well as encouraging culture and sports.
This proud tradition is still upheld today.
The former principals are Amy Bauermeester (1935 to 1952), John Gilmour (1953 to 1955), Norman Browne (1956 to 1961), Arthur Andrews (1962 to 1966), Dr Tom van Rooyen (1967 to 1989), Brian Flynn (1990 to 1993), Neil Clough (1993 to 1997) and Diane Snyders (1997 to 2005).
The school officially celebrated its birthday last Friday with a party, where the mood was festive, and learners and staff indulged in sweet treats and enjoyed fun activities.
