Springs Girls High School celebrated its 75th anniversary with a Ladies’ Tea on January 31 at the school’s premises.
The celebration was attended by the current learners and alumni of the school, including teachers.

Speaking to the Springs Advertiser, principal Angela Jones shared that she felt privileged to be part of the legacy, as she is a former girl in green, a teacher, a departmental head, a deputy principal and now a principal.

She said that being part of this occasion reminded her of the deep roots of the school and of the many lives that have been touched and influenced by the school in the 75 years of its existence. She also said that the school has dared to adapt and respond to change over the years.

“Our learners come from diverse backgrounds, which reflect our society, and it is this which enriches the life of the school. The school has also grown tremendously in terms of its buildings set in well-maintained gardens, a far cry from the school which opened its doors onto a dirt road and veld in the early 1950s,” said Jones.

As an all-girls’ school, Jones said that the girls are not only encouraged to give of their best in the classroom but are also supported to develop socially and personally through extra-mural enrichment, community outreach and sisterhood by members of staff who are committed to teaching and nurturing the potential of their charges.

She added that the learners are unapologetically able to be themselves and grow in confidence and independence.

The principal refers to the school staff as the ‘Green Team’ and she expressed that all the combined efforts of each staff member, over the many years of the school’s existence, have succeeded in offering the girls an educational space where they can find their voices, despite a myriad of challenges.

“A large number of our teaching staff are past ‘Girls in Green’. We appreciate the value of our younger staff members, who bring fresh ideas into the classroom, and value the wisdom of the educators who have served the school for many decades.”

“Added to this, the leadership of the school has been and is marked by integrity and commitment. We have a formidable team with a focused vision,” she said.

Heading to the celebration, the current girls shared in the school’s history, at which the sunflower was adopted as the school’s official flower to celebrate the auspicious occasion.

Learners were also invited to submit an artistic rendition of an emblem incorporating the flower. Jones said that the visiting alumni and friends of the school were treated to a celebratory ladies’ tea, where guests were entertained by a mini-musical which was presented by learners and a special poetry reading by one of the school’s talented poets.

The principal concluded that Springs Girls’ High School stands tall, rooted in values, nurturing every girl to bloom and reach for the light.