Opened in 1937, Highveld Primary School has a rich history. It started as Hill Extension School. Miss J. Dixon was the acting principal then.
The school initially had 75 pupils. It catered for Grade One to standard Two pupils which is now Grade 4. Mr J. Holmes became Principal in January 1939. In 1944, Mr H. Dent took over after Mr Holmes retired. The school had 545 pupils then. The children even received free milk, fruit, meat and biscuits.
Our school hall is named after Mr Dent. It is called the H.P. Dent Hall. Mr J.F. Oberholzer, M.P.C., officially opened it on 23 October 1965. Mr Dent retired on 15 December 1965 after 20 years. Mr Geyser became Principal in 1967 but retired on 27 June 1969. Mr G.L. Higgs then filled the position.
During Mr Higgs’ time, the school’s name changed. It became Highveld Primary on 21st July 1970. Tennis courts were built. Also a swimming pool, change rooms and a new tuck shop were added. A basic techniques room was erected on 26 November 1970. The area in front of the grades section was cemented.
Mr Higgs became Inspector of Education. He left on 30 April 1974. Mrs M.J. Renney became Acting Headmistress. Mr A.P. Malan was appointed Principal on 28 February 1975. He stayed for 8 years. Mrs Fundudis then became Principal after his retirement. The administration block and staff room were refurbished during her time. The enrolment in 1984 was 720.
A new media centre was built in 1990. Mr Graeme Paterson designed it. It cost R300 000 after 5 years of fundraising. Prof. Bredenkamp opened it and the new garden area on 24 January 1990. Mrs Fundudis left Highveld Primary in February 1997 after 25 years. She had been Principal for 13 years. Mrs Karen Warder took over as acting Principal on 1 March 1997. She later became Principal on 1 July 1997.
A new Governing Body was elected in April 1997. It followed the Gauteng Education Department’s rules. The body had 6 parents, 3 teachers, 1 non-teaching staff member and the Principal. During Mrs Warder’s time, many building projects happened. New equipment was bought. The front office was upgraded. The ladies’ toilets were extended. The staffroom became a classroom. A new staffroom was built.
Highveld’s learner enrolment was 880 in 2010. There were 24 Gauteng teachers and 14 Governing Body employed teachers. The SGB hired an OT, Psychologist, Remedial Therapist and Speech and Hearing Therapist. Mrs van den Oever retired at the end of December 2015. Mrs Douwie became Acting Principal. In October 2016, Mrs E. Douwie became the official Principal. The learner enrolment was 941.
Highveld Primary School aims to help each child grow spiritually. We also focus on emotional academic and physical development. The school wants to nurture norms and values. This will prepare learners for their roles in society. Highveld Primary School is located at 9 Ranier Road Hill Extention Johannesburg. The phone number is 011 435 0412.
In 2023, the school had 988 learners and 33 educators. This made the student-teacher ratio 30:1.