Here at Wynberg Girls’ High School, stories echo through the halls. Imagine the year is 1884. The Dutch Reformed Church decided to create a school for girls in Wynberg. It was a small village then. The school opened in 1885. It was first known as Ladies’ Seminary. People nicknamed it the “School in the Bush.”
The first principal was Miss Margaret Stewart. The school’s motto became “Honour before Honours” in 1890. It means character matters more than awards. The first Standard Ten class finished in 1892. The Cape Education Department took over running the school in 1905.
Wynberg Girls’ High School has always valued personal growth. It values integrity over accolades. This focus shaped generations of women. They left their mark on South Africa and beyond.
The school badge has an interesting story. The school is built on part of the Waterloo Estate. Captain William Underwood owned it. He fought under the Duke of Wellington. In 1938, Miss Hawkins named the new hostel Waterloo House. She got permission to use the Duke of Wellington’s coat of arms. This became the school badge.
Sports became important early on. Wynberg was the first girls’ school with a qualified Physical Education teacher. That was Mrs Dolly Rees. She had studied in London. A gymnasium was built in 1900. The girls played hockey, cricket, and tennis.
Wynberg Girls’ High School has many notable alumni. Natalie Du Toit is a swimmer. Ingrid Jonker was a poet. Kirstin Lewis competed in the Olympics as an archer. These women show the diverse talents nurtured here.
Today, Wynberg Girls’ High School continues to evolve. It embraces change. The school prepares young women for a democratic South Africa. The vision is to create confident learners. They strive for excellence. The values include integrity, courage, respect and inclusivity.
Dr. Jennifer Wallace is the principal. She wants to build on the school’s academic reputation. She wants to empower learners to be critical thinkers. The school aims to create an inclusive environment. It wants everyone to feel valued.
The school shares facilities with the Wynberg Campus of Schools. These include an Astroturf complex and a swimming pool. There is also a Ballet Hall and art studios. The library is well-equipped. Wynberg Girls’ High School provides a rich learning environment.
From its humble beginnings as a small seminary to its current status as a leading school, Wynberg Girls’ High School remains committed to its founding values. It prepares young women to make a difference in the world. The echoes of “Honour before Honours” resonate in every classroom. They resonate in every action of the students.