St. Michael's School, Bloemfontein

St. Michael's School, established in 1874 by the Community of St Michael and All Angels, is a public school with a boarding option for girls located in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa. It is the third oldest girls school in South Africa.[1]: 37  Its brother school is St. Andrew's School, which is located nearby in the suburb of Westdene. Originally a private school, St. Michael's later become a government-aided school, but still retains its Anglican foundation. The current principal is Mr Braam Van Wyk.

St Michael's School For Girls
SMS
Location
Bloemfontein
,
Free State

South Africa
Coordinates29°06′13″S 26°12′02″E
Information
TypeAll-Girls Semi-Private School
MottoAnte Deum Asto
I Stand Before God
Established1874
FounderBishop Webb
HeadmasterBraam Van Wyk
Head teacherImelita Van der Berg
ChaplainGrant Trewwern
Grades00 - 12
Colour(s)Navy blue, gold and white
Boarding HousesCommunity House, Hildegarde House
School HousesAthlone, Buxton, Clarendon, Connaught
AffiliationAnglican Church of Southern Africa
Websitewww.stms.co.za

History

St Michael's is the oldest girls' school North of the Orange River.[1]: 37  It was founded by Bishop Webb in 1874, and in the same year, the first Mother Superior, Sister Emma, and five volunteers arrived in Bloemfontein to become the Community of Saint Michael and All Angels.[1]: 38  Henrietta Stockdale, who became a famous member of the nursing fraternity in this country, was among these.[1]: 38  Her statue stands in the grounds of St Cyprian's Cathedral in Kimberley. The school was originally built on the western boundary of Bloemfontein, where the Sand du Plessis Theatre now stands, in Markgraaff Street.

The school moved to its present site in Brandwag in 1970.[1]: 37  The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Frederick Amoore. Many precious relics were also transferred and can be seen in the archives, in the chapel and in and around the school complex. In 1975, the Rev. Mother Mary Ruth and the sisters retired from their administrative, academic and hostel duties in the school. Currently, governance is vested in the school parent community represented by an elected board of governors as a school governing body.

St Michael's has an Anglican tradition with an Anglican chaplain and a chapel where worship services are conducted regularly. The bishop of the Diocese of the Free State is also the school visitor and serves on the school board of governors.

Notable alumni

References
  1. "St. Michael's 100". South African Panorama. Information Service of South Africa. 19 (1). 1974 – via Internet Archive.
  2. Matsuma, Lungile. "Player makes memorable SA debut". News24. Retrieved 19 August 2022.


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