1990-1999

During the 1990s many changes and improvements occurred in Herschel. At the very beginning of the 1990s in the second term Herschel started the annual eisteddfods which are a big part of our calendar today. This event was conducted by Mr Bruce Riley.

In 1991 there were many new things introduced. The first term showed an improvement in the music side of Herschel when Mr Chapman (the director of music at the time) introduced Herschel’s first wind band and the Herschel orchestra.  The three classes in each grade were given the names ‘Disa’, ‘Erica’, and ‘Protea’ and later, when the school felt the need to add an extra class to each grade, the included the name ‘Ilex’. In the 3rd term of 1991 plans started coming forth about new classrooms, the atrium and the resource centre (which we know today as the library).  To end of this busy year was the renovation of the Home Economic room turning it into the well-equipped Consumers Studies classroom we have today.

1992 marked the year of Herschel’s 70th birthday. As part of the celebration they made up a time capsule which was buried and is intended to be opened in 2062.

In 1993 the school song was written and, due to bomb scares, full time security guards were employed. Boarding in the prep school was also closed at the end of 1993.

In 1994, the computer room that was added to the school in the previous year was moved to its current position in the resource centre and the equipment was upgraded. In August the school was connected to the internet. This proved a valuable and extremely beneficial resource which has been used ever since to aid girls with their homework and projects. This computer room still exists today with 28 computers all equipped with software and internet access.

Finally complete, the new chapel came into use in September 1994, beautifully suited to its new position in the old library. A musical evening was held to celebrate its opening. The school caterer’s assistant, Kathy Parkinson, was the first bride to get married in the chapel on the 30th September 1994.

The opening of the Chapel.

Outreach at Herschel evolved in 1995 and began to include Wednesday afternoon activities for students from Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. Once the students had arrived at the school they were met by a group of Interact members, and after sandwiches and cool drinks they proceeded to go to their word-processing or Toastmasters’ courses.

Later that year the head girl, Thandi Siebert, presented the school with a new school song, “Ad Dei Glorium.”

1994 was election year in South Africa and these elections dominated most of the second term. School was closed for the elections from the 27th- 29th April. “There were a couple of bomb scares,” recalls one of the teachers, “we all would have to vacate the classrooms and meet where the sports centre is now.” These were difficult times for all South Africans but everyone felt the euphoria of the introduction of the new president, Nelson Mandela for the beginning of the democratic South Africa. Due to the new government, on the 1^st of April, all of the education departments were amalgamated into the Western Cape Education Department.

Basketball and indoor hockey were introduced into the sporting timetable at Herschel in 1995. On 3rd of May, the new science block was finally re-opened. The official opening was done by Doctor Jean Bradshaw who gave a brief speech, encouraging everyone to make the most of these new facilities as the world of science was opening up for women. These new laboratories were considered absolutely wonderful, with lecture theatre type seating and special practical areas.

Due to an increasing awareness of “green” issues in the world at that time, the year of 1996 saw the establishment of a new club, The Environmental Awareness Club. This club was headed by Mrs. Diedericks and three Standard Nines (grade 11’s). The club grew slowly but surely with roughly 40 members at the beginning. The second term of ’96 was filled with exciting and fulfilling activities, one of which was the visit of Nan Rice who spoke to the girls about the issue of whale and dolphin protection is South Africa. Another successful activity was the cake sale in aid of the Amazon Forest.  Yet another new club, The Photography Club opened up many new and exciting opportunities in the lives of Herschel girls who participated in the construction of a fully functional dark room which produced some amazing results.

At the end of 1996 the school was shocked and saddened by the resignation of Headmistress Mrs Pamela Duff.

The Sport's Centre was built at the end of Mrs Duff's time at Herschel.

Herschel's 75th birthday celebration was held on founder's day, 14 February, 1997. Before Mrs Duff's resignation, she officiated the birthday celebrations. The founder's day service was held on the preparatory hockey field and was addressed by the Archbishop of Cape Town, the Most Reverend Njongonkulu Ndungane, along with Herschel’s new chaplain, Paddy Allen. The service was attended by nearly 2000 members of the Herschel community. The grade eights in the year  1997, who were trained by Mr Scott, re-enacted highlights of Herschel’s early history. To make it a truly memorable birthday, a huge 'h' was formed on the hockey field by the whole school. To end Herschel’s 75^th birthday, there was a cocktail party for recent old Herschelians.

During 1997, Herschel welcomed her ninth headmistress, Mrs. Van Zyl, after the retirement of Mrs Duff.

Mrs van Zyl brought about an achieved school in both, the academic performance of the girls and its physical facilities, making Herschel one of the best schools in South Africa.

In 1999, the girls that were fortunate to experience the cultural tour to Europe, were accompanied by Mrs Golding and Mrs Steyn. Another tour that took place in 1999 was the chorale tour to Namibia.

The 1990's was a time of change, not only for South Africa, but also for Herschel. The school evolved and many new buildings, clubs, and facilities were added to the school to make it the wonderful and enriching place it is today.