Life at St John’s D.S.G. | ST JOHN'S D.S.G. - PIETERMARITZBURG

Life at St John’s D.S.G.

Yesterday our Grade 8s attended their Rite of Pass

Yesterday our Grade 8s attended their Rite of Passage Service, a formal “welcome” and an occasion that marks their transition from Junior School to Senior School.

Each girl is presented with their own Bible and receives a blessing from our Chaplain, Rev. Pickford. They are also asked to recognise this change and agree to leave behind any childish ways by choosing to embrace the Senior School and all the responsibilities that come with it.

Welcome to the St John’s D.S.G. family (officially!), Grade 8s!💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

BOOKINGS TO ATTEND THE JUNIOR SCHOOL DRIVE-BY OPEN

BOOKINGS TO ATTEND THE JUNIOR SCHOOL DRIVE-BY OPEN DAY CLOSE AT 12H00 ON THURSDAY, 4 MARCH!

Join us for South Africa’s first ever Drive-by Open Day on Saturday, 6 March to experience our “Small School with Big Heart” from the comfort and safety of your own car!

If you are considering St John’s D.S.G. as the school of choice for your daughter, we would love to see you at our Junior School Open Day. Our unique, drive-by approach means you will have the opportunity to learn more about our lovely school, and get to meet some of our amazing teachers, while keeping a safe distance.

Click on the link in our bio to book your dedicated time slot to experience this one of a kind event!

Be quick as places are limited 💛

This morning the St John’s D.S.G. community woke

This morning the St John’s D.S.G. community woke up to the devastating news that a much loved and respected member of staff, Mr Sifiso Ngcobo, sadly, and unexpectedly, passed away last night. A family man at heart, Mr Ngcobo was a true gentleman and an integral member of our Transport Department, whose love for the school, and those within it, was evident to all.

We will so miss Mr Ngcobo, and we send our love, thoughts and prayers to his beautiful wife, Nqobile, and the rest of his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time 💛

Last week our Grade 12s took part in their Matric

Last week our Grade 12s took part in their Matric and Prefect Blessing.

This is a special service conducted by our Chaplain, Rev. Pickford, to mark the Matrics’ position within the school and to recognise each girl as a leader with the potential to positively influence those in younger grades. 💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #valentinesday #blackandyellow #learning #education #teaching #bigheart

Congratulations to the Matric Class of 2020! They

Congratulations to the Matric Class of 2020! They have done themselves proud, achieving extraordinary results which are the best in the school’s 123-year history! Here are some of their main achievements:

💛62 candidates wrote and achieved 100% Bachelor Degree passes.
💛166 subject Level 7 symbols (80% or more). This is 38,1% of the total symbols and a 7,5% increase on the 2019 results.
💛160 subject Level 6 symbols (70 – 79 %). This means that 74,8% of all marks were 70% or higher. This too is an increase of over 9% from last year.
💛The girls achieved an average of 3 distinctions per candidate, with 54 girls achieving at least 1 distinction.
💛On average the girls achieved 5 Level 6 or 7 passes per candidate.

In total, 25 girls achieved A aggregates (over 80% average in all subjects) and 22 candidates achieved B aggregates (70 – 79%). This means that 75,8% of girls achieved A or B aggregates, which surpasses the record set by the 2018 Matrics by 12%. The average overall mark achieved was 75%.

We welcomed some of our Class of 2020 (and their parents) this morning to a special congratulatory breakfast on campus and it was great to see such cheery and proud faces – even through the masks!

Mr Tyson, our Head of Academics says, “2020 was an extraordinary year with COVID-19 closing schools and forcing teaching and learning to go online. Both the girls and the staff rose to the occasion and adapted and learned new skills to help adjust to the new normal that we have all had to get used to. Despite these challenges, the Matrics of 2020 have done themselves and the school proud, achieving extraordinary results which equate with the best we have ever had. For this, the 2020 Matrics and staff are applauded.”

Well done girls, we are SO proud of you all!

For more information on our 2020 IEB Matric Results click on our link in our bio💛

St John's D.S.G. warmly welcomes Mr Johan Grobler

St John's D.S.G. warmly welcomes Mr Johan Grobler to the Music team.

Mr Grobler is an experienced Subject Music and Choir teacher whose visions this year are to develop collaborative performance relationships with other choirs;
create a repertoire scope to reach wider audiences and to enrich the choristers and our fellow pupils to develop a passion for Choral music and singing.

Other exciting news from the Music Department for 2021 is that we are eagerly anticipating the set-up of our new Music Production Studio later this year, where girls can receive instruction in the use of tailor made software to compose, record and produce their own music.

Training will be under “real-world” conditions which will provide our girls with a competitive edge for many future careers such as advertising, marketing, sound engineering, music production and as a recording artist. We are excited to be able to teach the next generation of music-world influencers! 💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

In a time where we are restricted on being too clo

You’ve heard of a drive-by birthday party and a

You’ve heard of a drive-by birthday party and a drive-by baby shower, but have you heard of a drive-by Open Day?

Join us for South Africa’s first ever Drive-by Open Day on Saturday, 6 March to experience our “Small School with Big Heart” from the comfort and safety of your own car!

If you are considering St John’s D.S.G. as the school of choice for your daughter, we would love to see you at our Junior School Open Day. Our unique, drive-by approach means you will have the opportunity to learn more about our lovely school, and get to meet some of our amazing teachers, while keeping a safe distance.

Click on the link in our bio to book your dedicated timeslot to experience this one of a kind event!

Be quick as places are limited.💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

A school’s life and history should not just be a

A school’s life and history should not just be a documentation of the bricks and mortar, but the hundreds of people who learn, teach, and work within it. These people are the heartbeat of the school and what gives it purpose and life. However, in 2021, the bricks and mortar have become the stars of the show! We are thrilled with our new building which has given us:

💛 12 classrooms
💛 An upgraded lecture theatre
💛 A new state-of-the-art resource centre
💛 A team-teaching venue, which can accommodate a whole grade
💛 Staff offices
💛 A meeting room
💛 A new school entrance with controlled access and 16 parking bays
💛 A beautiful reception

In addition, our theatre reception and Principal’s office has been upgraded and an interview waiting area created.

This project was started in December 2019, and continued in to a year that was possibly one of the most challenging for many. However, with lots of hard work and dedication from the St John’s D.S.G. community, contractors, builders and their teams, we managed to have it ready just in time for the start of the 2021 year!

We are so proud of this beautiful space 💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

It’s been just over a week since we welcomed all

It’s been just over a week since we welcomed all our wonderful Grade 8s and their families to St John’s D.S.G.

The girls’ orientation week has been filled with so many fun activities to help them settle in and find their feet. It’s been great to see the start of so many special friendships! 💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

St John’s D.S.G. Junior School Open Day 2021. T

St John’s D.S.G. Junior School Open Day 2021.

Times have changed and so we've had to as well!

But don’t be discouraged, we will still get to see you at our Open Day, but in a slightly different way.

All will be revealed soon! 💛
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#whythecar #opendaywithadifference #openday #smallschoolbigheart #SJS #familyfun #juniorschool #girlsschool

“You’re off to great places, Today is your day

“You’re off to great places,
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting
So get on your way!”
-Dr Seuss-

Exciting new adventures await our new little Grade RR “Eaglets” who all started on Wednesday!

We can’t wait to see how these girls blossom at St Johns D.S.G. 💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

We were excited to start welcoming back some of ou

We were excited to start welcoming back some of our Junior Grades this morning!

Our kind Junior School staff were all waiting eagerly to help and guide them safely to their new classrooms.

Even under the masks, we could see the biggest smiles and happiest faces.

Here’s to a happy 2021 girls 💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

Looks like our Grade RR and 1 girls got off to a f

Looks like our Grade RR and 1 girls got off to a fantastic start to the year.

We can't wait to see you all in 'real life' very soon!

Well done girls 💛
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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

Then (2012) vs now: who would have thought, 9 year

Then (2012) vs now: who would have thought, 9 years later, that these two would be celebrating their first day of school for the year... at home!? Wishing all our girls a great first day “back” 💛

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the @merchi

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the @merchistonprep family following the passing of Mr Dave Beetar last night, a man whose dedication and contribution to education spanned nearly 40 years. Dave was an exceptional Principal who positively and profoundly impacted the hearts and minds of so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Trish Beetar, Matthew, Nathan, Andrew, Tracy and their extended family, as well as those who are grieving the loss of a very special man who leaves behind an incredible legacy. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.” Psalm 46v1 💛

WALL OF THANKS 💛💛💛 We have teamed up on

WALL OF THANKS 💛💛💛

We have teamed up once again with our friends from PMB Drawing & Survey Centre to create a wall of honour to thank all the brave health care workers who are heroically helping save lives during this difficult time.

Take a look when you next driving along New England Road!

We thank them from the bottom of our hearts 💛

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#stjohnsdsg #smallschoolbigheart #girlsschool #school #girlsschool #pietermaritzburgschool #family #love #school #teachers #covidkindness #covid19 #blackandyellow #learning #education #learning #teaching 💛💛💛

Today should have been the day that the school cam

Today should have been the day that the school came alive with sounds of laughter and happy chatter amongst the girls about their holidays.

As it was not to be, we asked 2021 Head Girl, Jodi Jefferys to send the St John’s DSG community a special message of encouragement. 💛

Happy New Year! May 2021 be a great year filled wi

Happy New Year! May 2021 be a great year filled with love, laughter and amazing memories 💛

Merry Christmas to all our St John’s D.S.G. fami

Merry Christmas to all our St John’s D.S.G. families, staff and their loved ones. We hope you have a special time celebrating this very important day with those closest to you 💛

Did you know that almost 25% of our 2020 Matrics j

Did you know that almost 25% of our 2020 Matrics joined the St John’s D.S.G. family in Grade R / 1 - wow! 💛 #familyfriday

We are looking for a Head of I.T. (Academics) with

We are looking for a Head of I.T. (Academics) with “big heart” to join the St John’s D.S.G. family. Please click on the link in our bio and go to Our School > Vacancies 💛

Congratulations to Alexandra Santos (Grade 5) for

Congratulations to Alexandra Santos (Grade 5) for placing first in the country in the u13 BMX South African Championships. Alexandra says, “When I got SA1, I could have actually cried with joy, to know that I am the fastest rider in South Africa in my age group for BMX.” Well done Alexandra, we are very proud of you! 💛

It’s safe to say that the general consensus is t

It’s safe to say that the general consensus is that the Grade 3s are most looking forward to learning new subjects and of course getting to wear a blazer next year in Grade 4! Miss Wiesinger surprised our Grade 3 class recently with a very helpful information booklet to put the girls’ minds at ease about moving up to the Senior Primary 💛

“The best thing about being married is the happi

“The best thing about being married is the happiness I feel at being part of a family.” These are the wise words from Mr Sifiso Ngcobo, one of our lovely School Drivers, who married the love of his life, Nqobile on Saturday. We wish Mr and Mrs Ngcobo many happy and healthy years together. 💛

Little swimmers with BIG heart! A very big “well

Little swimmers with BIG heart! A very big “well done” to these incredible Grade R girls (and their lovely mums) for swimming in last week’s PinkDrive Swimathon at Seals and raising over R3 000 for the nominated charities 💛

Congratulations to Lauren Wetherill (Grade 8) for

Congratulations to Lauren Wetherill (Grade 8) for receiving a Gold Medal in Free Dance (level 6) at the recent Glenwood Gymnastics Club Competition. Her routine was also filmed and sent to Gymnastics South Africa for entry into their Virtual National Competition 2020. Lauren has been participating in competitive Gymnastics since Grade 1 and has competed in over 50 competitions throughout the years - wow! Well done on this outstanding achievement Lauren - we are so proud of you. 💛

We were beaming with pride when our Grade 7s had t

We were beaming with pride when our Grade 7s had their Prize-Giving today - not just because of what they have achieved during this difficult year, but more importantly, because of who they are. Their determination, enthusiasm and resilience has shone through. Well done, girls 💛

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