Roedean learners reflect on more than a century of tradition
Roedean School SA celebrated 122 years of history on its Foundation Day, as past and present students came together to share in their traditions.
As Roedean School SA celebrated a remarkable 122 years of history on its Foundation Day, held on February 28, past and present learners looked back with fondness on various long-standing traditions, such as the bell ringing 22 times before and after school every day to commemorate the first intake of learners at the school back in 1903.
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The school’s current head student, Ita Collins, said the traditions at the school, with its Herbert Baker-designed heritage buildings, held a special meaning for her as they connect her to her sister who attended the school 14 years ago. “I’ve always been close to her, but there is something special in knowing she wore the same blazer as me and sang the same songs. My favourite tradition is singing the school song, not only because it gives me an insight into Roedean when it was founded, but also because the entire school sings together with such enthusiasm and joy, it’s difficult not to have a great time.”
Ita added that the traditions made life at Roedean more fun and interesting, because she was not just going about a normal school day, she was going about a school day at Roedean, where the walls whisper the lives of those who came before her.
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Neo Leseilane, the school’s Class of 2024 Dux student, who is studying computational and applied mathematics at Wits University, said her favourite Roedean tradition is Foundation Day, honouring the school’s founding in 1903. “I love hearing stories of mischief and mayhem from old Roedeanians. The school’s birthday is always a day of celebration, and a reminder of the history that we, as Roedeanians, have the privilege of being a part of.”
Romy Day, who matriculated in 2024 and is studying towards a BSc in Physiotherapy at Wits, also loved running across Bears Lawn, “as it gave us a sense of unity as we neared the end of our school years”.
The school’s traditions, she said: “Are meaningful because they mean I’m part of a legacy of empowered women who have lived lives of significance. It’s easy to be swept up in personal ambition, but Roedean’s values of truth, honour, freedom, and honesty will be my guiding light for years to come.”
Fascinating traditions at Roedean School SA include:
• Learners must always curtsey when receiving an award.
• The youngest learner in the school cuts the cake on Foundation Day.
• The head girl opens the dance floor at the matric dance with a waltz.
• It’s good luck to touch the copper frogs on the bell when passing the Sumner Arts Block
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