A century of good times at Darnall Primary School

In celebration of Darnall Primary School’s 100th birthday, we asked a few former pupils from different generations, as well as the principal, to share their memories of the small, country school with us.

Eugene Nel – Principal

A Darnall Primary School moment I will always treasure… was the surprise they planned for my 50th birthday. The school very secretively planned a flight for me over Darnall and while we were in the air I saw the pupils standing in a big 50 formation. Another special moment is when Travis Potgieter, a little chap in grade one greets you with a firm handshake and a smile.

Justin Galloway – pupil from 1990 to 1996

When I think of Darnall Primary… I think of carefree days, an amazing learning environment and participating in all sport and activities. The close-knit community, active involvement of parents and incredibly dedicated staff who ensured the culture of the school is maintained from year to year are some of the things that stood out for me at Darnall. Many of the staff who taught me are still there today. It is a small school with a big heart.

My fondest memories are… cycling to school some mornings from Zinkwazi through the sugar cane fields. I still have good memories of the school play “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” that I was involved in. The Guy Fawkes fireworks display evenings were exceptional and were always a huge part of the fund-raising each year.”

Kim Hagemann – pupil in the early 1970s

Darnall Primary School… has been part of our family for four generations. My grandfather, Leo Hagemann, was a founding pupil at the school in 1916. Since then, 24 Hagemann children have passed through the educational doors of Darnall Primary.

A small school demands participation of all kids at all levels, in the classroom and on the sportsfield. We learnt very quickly that everyone would be in the hockey team, or the rugby team or in the school play, as there was no privilege of choice. The intimacy of a small school has been Darnall Primary’s hallmark.

One of the strongest memories I have… are the distances which we were prepared to travel to play our sport. Darnall fell under the “Zululand schools boundaries,” so it was with no hassle we would travel to Hluhluwe or Mkuze for a rugby game or an athletics tournament.

Nicole Stone – pupil from 1995 – 2001

Darnall Primary means… a lot to me, it has been in my life almost since I was born. My mom, Sue Stone, has been the school secretary since 1994 and my dad has been actively involved with the trust and Tongaat Hulett since 1984.

It really was the foundation years of my life, impacting my personality and attitude towards those around me. To this day, I love going home to our little town of Darnall to see my folks and always glance across at the DPS fields and entrance with fond memories.

My fondest memories are… the sporting events that DPS organised and participated in. From the Sugar Splash at the Darnall Country Club swimming pool, to cross-country around the town, winding through the golf course and the numerous home-and-away matches of netball, cricket and hockey.

The school’s success is based on… the enthusiasm and commitment of the teachers and staff at the school. I also feel the community in which the school operates, makes the school so special and allows for the children to grow into confident, well mannered young people.

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