100 years of courtesy and courage

When Darnall district parents decided they had had enough of their children going to school on the back of a cane truck train to Stanger back in 1914, the Darnall Primary School idea was born.

A committee was formed and a wood and iron building consisting of one big and one small classroom, surrounded by wide verandas, was built. There were separate lobbies for boys and girls.

The school day started at 9am and most children walked to school, except for little Doreen Stewart of Sinkwazi Park, who arrived in a cart drawn by a king-size, white billy goat.

The school was run by Edith Maggs, first principal and only teacher, who earned a grand total of one pound a month. She soon realised that the one-woman show needed more hands and Jenny Hagemann joined her. When the committee heard, they agreed to pay for a second teacher and raised her salary to one pound, ten shillings per month. This was the birth of the Darnall Government Aided School in 1916.

Now, 100 years later, the quaint school is preparing for the centenary celebration reunion this weekend.

Current principal, Eugene Nel, said while they value the old traditions of the school – such as ringing the big bell by hand to signal the end of period – they are always trying to modernise.

“We are a real countryside, family school. We get a lot of input and support from the parents and together we are always raising funds to upgrade the school. Right now, we are busy building a kiosk and change rooms on our new sport field,” said Nel, who has been the principal for eight years.

He said the school is very competitive in academics, cultural activities and sport.

“Even though we are in the sticks, we strive for a high standard in everything we do. About 40 per cent of our grade seven pupils get bursaries for high school. We are known for our well-mannered, disciplined pupils. I believe in always being polite, keeping strict discipline and upholding a high education standard, while following the school’s motto – courtesy and courage.”

The centenary celebration weekend will start on Friday, July 29 with a cocktail party at the Darnall Country Club and tickets cost R80 per person. Reunion day will follow on the Saturday and the weekend will be rounded off with a church service on Sunday at Bethany Farm.

All past parents, pupils and staff are welcome to attend the celebratory weekend.

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