St Mary’s School, Waverley, is an independent Anglican school catering for girls from Grade 0 to matric. Little Saints, its pre-primary school, offers schooling for boys and girls for Grades 000 and 00. St Mary’s was established in 1888, making it Johannesburg’s oldest school. Its rich history, its leadership and its Anglican tradition and ethos ensure that it remains relevant in the South African context, yet offers an education for a 21st century global world. Its pupils come from diverse backgrounds and are encouraged to embrace their individuality, and to be open, friendly and confident. An impressive number have made their mark in the arts and sciences, business, politics, the media and sport, both locally and abroad.
Registration form
Head of school
Deanne King (Head of School), Sarah Warner (Headmistress Junior School and Little Saints)
Contact person
Lorraine Davis
Telephone Number
011 531 1870
Email address
[email protected]
Website address
https://www.stmarysschool.co.za/schools/little-saints
Physical address
St Mary’s School, Waverley, 55 Athol Street, P O Box 981, Highland North, 2037, Johannesburg, Waverley
Number of learners
1050
Average class size
20
Religious
St Mary’s is an Anglican school. As such, the chaplain is an Anglican priest within the Diocese of Johannesburg, and is part of staff, management and executive meetings. The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Johannesburg appoints a representative to sit on the school Board. The chapel is placed at the centre of the school. To paraphrase Sister Janet (1949): the chapel stands as a witness to all who come to know what we stand for here, and as a place that the girls looking back on their school days will never forget. Once a week, girls attend a chapel assembly led by the chaplain, where various aspects of the Christian faith are presented. Holy Communion is celebrated three or four times a term. A highlight of the second term is the school’s Patronal Festival, celebrated in The Close with the entire school. Girls are encouraged to actively participate in worship, by reading, leading the prayers and as altar servers. Sisters of Christ Society (SOCS) offers an opportunity for girls to explore and grow in their relationship with God.
Academic
At St Mary’s, pre-primary schooling for boys and girls aged three to five begins in Grades 000 and 00 at Little Saints. Our Reggio-inspired socio-constructivist approach to pre-school education guides children to discover meaning and to encounter their world through exploration and play. Our view of the girls and boys in our care as strong and competent is informed by the emphasis Reggio places on the defence and promotion of the rights and potential of all children. The exhilarating atmosphere of Little Saints is attributable in no small part to the respect and centrality our approach gives to play, and the joyous expression it finds in creativity, communication and social interaction.
