Infrastructure change throughout Herschel

Miss Harriet came to Herschel on the assurance that further extensions would be undertaken, when she came to visit the school, she noticed a lack of infrastructure for this potentially beautiful school because of the large amount of land which the school consumed. Miss Robinson then agreed to join the role of being the principle of the Herschel Girls’ School situated in Claremont during 1930 only if the council would spend more money on the buildings of the school grounds, which indicated her determination to transform Herschel from ordinary to extra-ordinary and to improve in the infrastructure at Herschel.

During the 1930s, there were many financial problems brought on by the Great Depression. This was a time of economic and political strain during this time throughout South Africa. The demand for South African agriculture and mineral exports declined drastically and a large portion of agricultural industry were unable to repay mortgages on their over-capitalised farms. All these financial strains around South Africa at this time led to further dislike of the ruling government, the National Party.

Many new buildings such as a library which is now currently the chapel was built at the Herschel Girls’ School. At this time, there were only fifty-five students who attended Herschel.

Senior open air balcony

In the late 920s and early 30s, it was common to sleep in the open air on a balcony, it was said to be good for one’s health to do so. Many of the houses in Cape Town during this period were doubled-storey houses and many houses had balconies. Further extensions were made around the new hall in 1930 and a sleeping balcony was provided there for the seniors. A dining room, the sleeping balcony and a classroom between the hall and the dining room wing was built.

By this time, the financial strain had subsided and Miss Robinson took advantage of this and saw it as an opportunity for change and then extended Herschel even more. She insisted on building a part of the school which was the Kindergarten, which is currently the Staffroom at the Senior School which had their own toilet facilities as well as a large classroom and Domestic Sciences ( which is now currently called Consumer Studies) classroom which she linked to the hall. Miss Robinson then managed to get the balcony extended, a fully equipped sick bay, an Art room, a new Staffroom with an adjacent cloakroom and a Science Laboratory. All these buildings were completed and opened in 1936. This was the most rapid infrastructural change at Herschel so far.

Library wing

In 1939-1940, the Baxter library was added to the school in the same year that Miss Robinson retired. The library was added onto the school campus, and this is currently where the chapel is today. William Duncan, who was the mayor of Cape Town and a very successful businessman, married Ethel Jagger in 1907-1908. The namely ”Jagger” is one of Herschel’s three houses namely; Rolt, Merriman and Jagger. Each student is put in a house and represents their respective houses in either cultural, academic or sport activities that take place throughout the year.

The Kindergarten

Miss Harriett Robinson has contributed a huge amount of infrastructural change and development o the Herschel Girls’ School and has transformed the school throughout a decade of development and has contributed to the current working environment of Herschel. Miss Robinson is a large aspect of history to Herschel and has laid a foundation for the modern day to build on from what she has provided us with. As time and society changes, technology and infrastructural development continues to evolve and hopefully we can lay the foundation of tomorrow.   

The front of the school

Matric Dances 1949-2012

Once a year, all the Herschel grade 12 girls gather to celebrate a beautiful and exciting evening which many have looked forward to their whole lives. Vast amounts of time is spent arranging he perfect dress, the perfect date and simply looking perfect for this special evening where girl can experience their fantasy of being a princess for one night. They are presented with an invitation which is never less than exquisite and the clue as to what the theme is. Stepping out of taxis, limousines and even fire engines, the girls are greeted by the staff and the grade 11 waitresses and on occasion, even unexpected surprises, such as fire eaters or men on stilts! They are then led into the Primary School Hall after posing for numerous pictures on the lawn outside.
After hours of hard work, the hall is beautifully decorated to the chosen theme of the evening and the girls are seated and served their meals by the grade 11 waitresses. They are entertained by performances ranging from local bands to DJs and on one occasion, opera. The Matric Dance is a very special night or every girl attending and is sure to never be forgotten as one of their fondest memories at Herschel.

The Matric Dance began in the year 1949. It was originally held in the fourth term in the Boarding House dining room and then it was moved to the Mary Jagger Hall in 1972. It was only in 1996 that it was moved to the Primary School Hall where it is still held to this day. Very little money was contributed towards the dance, leaving it up to the girls to decorate the hall themselves. The dance was then moved to the third term in 1964, and again to April in 1973.

There have been many themes over the years and every year the organisers manage to come up with an new and original idea.Originally the Matrics girls decorated the venue according to the theme themselves, but over time, the mothers of the grade 11's and the staff organising the dance took over this role, leaving it a wonderful surprise for the girls when they arrived at the dance. Themes of different cultures or different places were very commonly used, such as 'Spring in Paris', 'New York Hilton', 'Rio de Janeiro Carnival', 'Cuban Style', 'Indian', 'Greek' and even 'Egyptian'. The girls also loved the often used glamorous themes, such as 'Ballroom', 'Hollywood throughout the Ages', 'Catwalk', 'Red Carpet', 'Reflections' and 'A Venetian Ball'.

Many hours of hard work go towards the decorating the hall to the chosen theme. In 1999, one of the girls painted a giant dragon across one of the walls for the theme 'Eastern Fantasy'. A whole elephant was made out of tin foil for the very same year and they even went to the effort of creating a pond outside with real Koi fish in it. A lot of thought is also put into the invitations, which have ranged from an antique key with their invitations engraved on it, to having their invitation printed on old film clippings. The invitation receiving ceremony is always very exciting,this year the 2012 Matric Dance invitations were handed out by well known local DJs, Goldfish.

Matrics of 2012 recieving their invitations from Goldfish

The entrainment of the night usually involves a DJ or a live band. During the eight years in which Mevrou Stanford organised the dance, she hired a band called Spectrum, but in previous years various performers, such as, Mcully's Workshop, Cassandra Crossing and Black Forest preformed. However, the Matrics of 1998 were very lucky to be entertained by one of our very own Herschel girls, Amy Hudson, who sang 'Phantom of the Opera' with her date.

The funding of the Matric Dance was minimal until recently, and in order to afford to make such a special evening, the girls held various fund raising events. One was the Herschel High School fashion show. The venue of the dance was decorated by the grade 11 mothers and many of the Herschel girls themselves for many years. This also meant that catering could not be afforded until recent years and instead the meals were cooked by the mothers and served by the grade 11's. It was only in 2005 that they hired Silwood School of Cookery to cater.The food that would be served on the night would have a connection with the theme.

Although a simple phone call, SMS or even a Facebook inbox is all that is required for a girl to invite her date to the dance these days, but it wasn't all that simple. In the past, girls would send their dates 'acceptance letters' and await for them to sign it, the girls would then proudly place the letters up on the Matric notice board once they had received the needed signature, out of tradition.

It will always be a beautiful night that none of the girls will forget. Every year has its own special memories to be cherished. It was said that the Matric Dance of 1980 ended in all the girls marching around the school singing "Oh when the saints go marching in". Some years the girls even receive a small memento each, such as in 2005 when each girl received a crystal necklace. Many years are to come of this well cherished event and with it, more memories.

Authored by Jordan Barkai and Tamara Haller

1950 - 1959

Cape Town in the 1950s differed greatly to Cape Town today, as did Herschel. Cape Town - and South Africa - had a very different government and set of laws to those we have today. The systems in place naturally shaped Herschel and, as a result of this, many differences are seen in areas such as Academics, Culture and the school’s Ethos.

The 1950 Herschel Prospectus describes Herschel’s aim to be giving girls liberal education in accordance with the teaching of the English Church. This trains girls to think and work for themselves and to become thoughtful, efficient, “public-spirited” women, much like Herschel’s aim today. Mr Bruce Probyn, the current Headmaster, speaks of Herschel providing an “incomparable learning continuum for girls.” The 1950’s Prospectus also speaks of how particular attention was paid to ensuring clear and correct enunciation and a courteous manner of speaking.

The curriculum compromised of many subjects similar to those offered today, such as English, Mathematics, Physics and History. Some subjects differed entirely however, such as Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Class Singing, Aural Culture, Latin and Swedish Drill (a form of Physical Education similar to Yoga). Subjects such as Elocution (the study of formal speaking in areas such as pronunciation, grammar, style and tone), Ballet, Ballroom Dancing, Conversational French and Horse Riding could be taken at an additional cost. This cost averaged 3 Pounds per term, a large sum of money at the time.

The school year was divided into 4 terms, each roughly nine weeks in length, as it continues to be to this day. Emphasis was placed on girls not being permitted to miss the first or last day of term – another thing that has not changed! The fees were 24 Guineas per term for Day Girls (approximately 26 Pounds today) and 50 Guineas (55 Pounds) per term for Boarders.

The School Council was made up of thirteen members, as well as the Headmistress at the time, Miss HC McLean. The members consisted of the School Chaplain, Reverend Eustace Wade, and His Grace the Archbishop of Cape Town, Esquire H Alers Hankey, Mrs A J Ballantine, Esquire B Baker, Mrs JF Brock, Professor WF Grant, Esquire GD Jooste, Mrs R Lane Forsyth, the Right Reverend Sidney Lavis (Coadjutor Bishop of Cape Town), Esquire FC Robb, Esquire GH Starck. These esteemed individuals were responsible for all major decision making at Herschel during the 1950s. An example of their work is the acquisition of The Hill, the property that would become the Preparatory School. South Africa was known as the Union of South Africa in the 1950s. The National Party came into power in 1948, but South Africa was still under British Influence until she gained her independence in 1961. Herschelians would be seen singing “God Save the Queen” at school events, and one Founder’s Day celebration was postponed due to the death of George V1 in 1952.

The National Party began introducing various Apartheid policies during the 50s and this affected the daily lives of Herschelians. The Population Registration Act of 1950 catogorised South Africans as “White,” “Coloured,” “Asian,” or “Native.” All South Africans and Herschelians alike had to carry ID books specifying their race from the age of sixteen.

The first Group Areas were demarked in 1957, in coordination with the Group Areas Act of 1950. Claremont – and thus Herschel – was deemed a “Whites only” zone. DF Malan said the following as one of the many justifications made for these policies: “Frequently Natives and Coloured people deliberately seat themselves next to white women...simply to show that they stand for absolute equality. ... Respectable European women, who not only have the colour but the odour next to them, have to resort to motor cars, and that has not only imposed a large additional burden on their shoulders but has contributed to the traffic congestion in Cape Town.

Girls attending Herschel were thus greatly influenced by the Apartheid Government, as well as British Royalty due the Britain’s control over South Africa. The main differences between Herschel in the 1950s and Herschel today are as a result of South Africa gaining independence from Britain in 1961, as well as the more recent abolition of Apartheid in 1994. While our history has obviously played a role in shaping Herschel today, it is widely believed that the transitions that South Africa has undergone have further improved life at Herschel, and Herschel is committed to continue this in years to come. 

Miss Hilda Caroline McLean came from St Anne’s Diocesan Collage in Pietermaritzburg, where she was the vice principal. She is Herschel’s longest running head to date, with the record of 13 years.

Mrs. Hilda Caroline McLean

Ms McLean had strong beliefs in strict discipline and the importance of academic work that she instilled at Herschel. Two months after her arrival, she wrote to the council stating how she was impressed by the academic standards of the school, but felt bothered by the fact that the pupils were notified of test dates in advance. She took steps to put this right at once. Each subject was to be tested once in a three-week period without prior warning. She also made Afrikaans a compulsory second language.

Ms McLean was responsible for the second major development at Herschel, the acquisition of “The Hill” in 1954. She launched the extension fund, which was aimed at raising funds in order to purchase “The Hill”. It was also intended that the funds be used for other projects, such as the development of the swimming pool changing rooms in 1950. Ms McLean had a vision to see “The Hill” being a complete separate junior school, not as a boarding house. The council did not have the funds for what Ms McLean sought after. She was very enthusiastic about her vision and spent many of her early years at Herschel getting the parents involved with fund raising activities. Along with getting the parents involved, she urged the council to apply for a loan. After a large amount of determination she raised enough money to purchase The Hill in 1954, together with sufficient ground to extend the sports field.

Ms McLean started the Four Schools fund in 1959. This was a fund to ensure the financial future of the four Anglican Church schools in Cape Town at that time; which include Herschel, Bishops, St Georges and St Cyprians. This fund provided permanent income independent of the school fees. The fund was discontinued due to the schools wanting separate financial backing.

Four Schools Fund

Ms McLean’s thirteen dedicated years at Herschel benefitted not only the schools physical development and with academics, but also with bringing the Herschel community together.

During 1950 – 1959 many new developments were built at Herschel. The most important development built thought out this time period, was of the Preparatory School.

The Hill was a 13-acre property that was owned by Captain Wilks before becoming the new Herschel Girls Preparatory School. Captain Wilks requested the subdivision of the property to the Town Planning Board, who later approved the request. Herschel was offered the property containing 13 acres of land by Captain Wilks, for £70 000. Herschel was not able to afford this amount due to lack of funding, but due to the subdivision of property that had granted a few years previously, Herschel was then offered 4 and a half acres for £28 000. Only a quarter of the sum was available to purchase the property. So in order to raise the money to purchase the land, Mrs. McLean, the headmistress at the time, started various fund raising activities. The funds that were available at the time was a total of £7 500 and it would be imperative to raise £32 000 in order to complete the project and make the necessary alterations. Alterations would cost a total of £12 000.

By February 1955, The Hill had been turned into the new Herschel Girls Preparatory School. Alterations to the building started immediately in April, with the promise of being completed by the third term of the year. Due to delays during the process, alterations were only completed on Friday the 18^th of November 1955.

Herschel Girls' Preparatory School

After moving 140 of the junior pupils to the new Preparatory School, more space was now available in the already existing buildings.This allowed Herschel to now accommodate over 80 new daygirls into the High School. The High School was now also able to provide a new lecture room, projector room and other facilities that the school needed. 

By April 13^th 1957, Herschel had completed building a new Gravel Hockey Pitch, which they had been working towards building for 10 years. Herschel was able to completed The Hockey Pitch with two additional tennis courts, which were put to sufficient use in its first year of existence.

The Junior Boarding House that Herschel had been working towards became a reality by 1958. During the development of the boardinghouse, the weekly boarders were placed in temporary housing, which consisted of two flats across from Herschel. By the end of the development four large dormitories, a common room and more space was avalible to the boarders in their new home.

Since the 1950’s, when the Preparatory School was built, many new developments and extension projects have taken place. Creating a timeless place of learning.

Authored by Carina Pentz, Anna Meyer Danielle Hugo

Herschel, South Africa and Apartheid 1960’s

The 1960’s saw many a change in South Africa. It would be freed from British rule and become a republic, but the enforcement and brutality of racial segregation and Apartheid would see violence and unrest in the country. This meant that South Africa would become alienated from the rest of the world.

1960 became the year in which Apartheid would become enforced. Due to this thousands of people were forcibly removed to the State created 'homelands." In 1960 the Apartheid policy was enforced on the Claremont area meaning that the blacks and coloured’s that lived there were forced to move away. It is noted that Herschel mainly consisted of “white” girls.

The 1960’s also saw an era of high fashion and glamour. As seen in the photo below of one of the matric dances, the girls’ hair is styled in a beehive like style and their dresses are very typical of the 1960’s. This photograph was taken in 1961.       

Herschel Girls School Matric Dance 1961

This year saw many Apartheid laws take effect. The Unlawful Organisations Act No 34 of 1960 was declared, allowing the Apartheid government in South Africa to declare unlawful any organization deemed to threaten public order. The ANC and PAC are declared unlawful and were immediately banned. It was an occurrence such as this that caused brutal violence to erupt in the country, as people felt that they were being treated unfairly; an example being the Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 where 69 people were shot dead because of a protest and an underestimation by police.

 

Sharpeville Massacre 1960, 69 people lie dead on the streets due to being shot by police.

However not all the events during the 1960’s were violent. On the 15^th April 1961, South Africa had much to celebrate as it became free from British control, and became a republic. This event would probably see education changed around the country, as schools would no longer have to teach according to Britain or British ways. The achievement of the republic had been one of the National Party’s long-term goals since coming to power in 1948. 

However, celebration would soon turn to horror as Dr Verwoerd, the prime minister of South Africa, was very near assassinated by a bullet. He miraculously survived this attempt,   but sadly in 1966 another attempt would succeed in Cape Town. He was stabbed in the neck and chest four times by a uniformed parliamentary messenger named Dimitri Tsafendas

Dr Hendrik Verwoerd 1901-1966, Prime Minister of South Africa. Stabbed September 6th 1966

 

The 1960’s did see many a change in South Africa. Being freed from British rule and becoming a republic, but the enforcement and brutality of racial segregation and Apartheid did see violence and unrest in the country.

Reference List

Unknown Author. Claremont, Cape Town. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claremont,_Cape_Town
1961. Cape Times. Pg1. April 15th
1960. Cape Argus. Pg1. March 21st
1966. Cape Times. Pg1. September 6th

The Preparatory School

The Preparatory School was part of the main school until 1954 when “The Hill” was purchased as a separate Junior School. Miss Mclean was responsible for the acquisition of The Hill as she felt very strongly about establishing a Junior School (but not a boarding house).  Originally, the plot designated for The Hill cost too much and the Herschel Council did not have enough funds to acquire what Miss Mclean had recommended. There was suggestion of extending the property for sports fields but they did not know where the money would come from. Therefore, they had fund-raisers and The Hill which consisted of 13 acres of land which was finally purchased for £70 000 with sufficient ground to extend the sports field. In February 1955, The Hill was transferred to a building close to the High School. Joel Milandau was responsible for the alterations. In November the juniors moved into the new junior quarters for Standards 1-5 (Grades 3-7) however, the Kindergarten remained at the High School.



The Hill before purchased in1955. Photo taken by Rosemarie Sturgis (Wilks)



Miss Ruby Porter, originally the Deputy Head of the High School, was the first Head of the Preparatory School. When she retired in 1958, a new Junior Boarding House was built. The Boarding House consisted of four dormitories: pink, blue, green and yellow, a common room which joined the main entrance and a dining room where pupils could have hot lunch.

Originally there were twenty to twenty-five boarders in the Preparatory School. Daily life included a structured schedule of work, rest, extramural sport and prep studies. Fees for the term cost R126 which included stationary, medical assistance and laundry service (whereas day girls paid R52.00 per term). The firm implementation of house rules ensured the success of running an efficient boarding school (that was much needed at the time) even meant that girls were allowed no tuck other than birthday cake to be sent with them to school. The girls were allowed no more than R2.00 pocket money per term of which 25 cents had to be donated to charity. Boarders were allowed to go away each alternate weekend from Friday 4.30pm – Sunday 5.45pm. Schoolboy brothers were allowed to visit on Sundays from 10-11 am.



General Purpose room used by boarders



Thirteen Headmistresses have contributed to the success of the school. They are :

·         Miss Morley A. Ralph (1922-1933)

·         Miss Harriet Robinson (1933-1944)

·         Miss Barbara Elcome (1945-1947)

·         Miss  Caroline McLean ( 1947-1962)

·         Miss Ruby Porter (1955-1958)

·         Miss Roth (1958-969)

·         Miss Turner  (1969-1971)

·         Mrs Pat Brown (1971-1987)

·         Mrs Margaret Chambers (1987-1994)

·         Miss Jenny Thompson (1994-2000)

·         Miss Barbara Taljard (2000-2004)

·         Mrs Jennifer Court ( 2004-2006)

·         Mrs Belinda Heidmann (2006-present)

School hours differed for older and younger juniors according to their concentration span. Grades 1-3 had to attend school from 8.30 am-12.45pm whereas the rest of the forms started school from 8.30-3 pm and Wednesdays they finished at 2.30 pm.  Daily, there was a 20 minute break in the middle of the morning and a break for lunch followed by 30 minute rest.  On average girls were allowed  97 days  off on holiday per year which  consisted of ten days  in the beginning of April, four weeks in the mid year, ten days at the end of September and seven weeks at the end of the year.

Many buildings and alterations lead to the development of what Herschel is made out to be today. In 1964, a new Kindergarten block was built which had no toilets. There wasn’t enough space so the dining room had to be compromised as an art room as well. In 1967, new alterations were made that united the school as The Preparatory Hall was built that housed important assemblies and plays, as well as a new Art room and Science laboratory. A new Kindergarten block was built in 1968, with three new classrooms. In 1969, under the leadership of Miss Turner, six new classrooms were built above the assembly hall and the whole complex interlinked to avoid the cold winters.  The same year, a completely revamped Boarding House was built as well as an additional two new classrooms. In the 70s, two preparatory classes were established to include boys and girls which then served as a feeder school for Western Province. In 1972, The Nursery School was established at The Hill. In 1982, it was decided that “The Hill” Nursery should be closed and the buildings were to be converted to the Boarding House for the Preparatory. A new Science laboratory was built in 1983. Under Miss Duffs leadership in 1986, greater alterations began as the Pre-preparatory was enlarged to include a Pre-Nursery Class, Pre-preparatory , computer room and a network linking both the Junior and Senior schools was established which made the two more unified rather than separate  from each other as originally intended.



A new building added to the school in 1967



The biggest building  advancement happened during 1989, in which a new Pre-preparatory was built that continued until 1992, as the size of learners enrolled in the school increased which included three new classrooms and a large activity room. Sadly, due to declining numbers of boarders the Boarding House had to be closed and the space was then converted to classrooms and a new computer room was added.  Mrs Van Zyl, in her seven years as headmistress continued with the building and modernising process. These developments have  created a new Music Centre and Media Centre (Library, Computer Lab and Project room) at the Preparatory school; an enlarged Pre-preparatory School catering for girls in a Pre- nursery class.

The curriculum was fundamentally comprised from a broad selection of subjects that ranged from Science to Horse Riding. Subjects incorporated: Religious Studies, English, Afrikaans, Arithmetic, History, Geography, Nature Studies, Science, Handwriting, Domestic Science, Art, Class Music, Singing and Physical Education. Optional subjects included Dancing: Ballet, Ballroom that could only be taken in the winter, Natural Movement (each at the additional cost of R4.40 per term); Speech Training, Drama, Fencing, French Conversation (R6.60 p/t), German Piano, Riding (R9.00 p/t) and Violin.

Teachers showed great pride in their work, as they do today to ensure the best environment for successful academic learning.  As well as focusing on the more rational subjects, teachers also encouraged the girls to develop their creative sides by learning to express themselves. Mrs Mavis Kitow encouraged creativity as she taught English (from 1962-1970) and corrected any letters that the girls wanted to send to their parents and loved ones. She also showed an interest in Drama and emphasized the importance of social interaction and to be able to express oneself clearly and with confidence. Miss Viv (under leadership of Miss Irma Roth in the 1960s) taught Art to the Grade 4 and grade 7 classes as well as Poetry and Singing to the Kindergartners. Miss Montgomery taught music and piano. Other teachers in the 1960s included Mrs Van Rensburg who taught grade 3 and Miss Rosie Bennet who taught grade 7. Teachers taught single classes throughout.

Involvement in sport was seen as crucial to the process of learning, as like today it is strongly encouraged as it stimulates the brain and enhances learning. It also is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and to build teamwork. Sports such as Hockey and Netball were only introduced to Herschel in 1939. Commonly Cricket, Squash, Tennis and Swimming were part of extramural activities. Unlike today, Lacrosse, Gymnastics and Diving were also part of everyday sport.

Although the uniform has remained much the same to today, changes were made in 1973 as girls were allowed to wear “fashionable slack-skirts which were drip dry.” This did not last very long as the uniform was restored in 1994, back to the original skirts. Tracksuits were also introduced for casual wear.

Even though times have changed and girls and teachers have come and gone, new buildings and alterations have been made; the running of the school, values, work ethic and overall composition of school life has remained much the same. The foundations laid by the Junior School enable girls to progress to the Senior School as critical independent  thinkers which is taught at a young age.

  

Then: Herschel Junior boys and girls in the 1970s




Now: Herschel Juniors,Grade 1 of 2011

                                                          
  Authors: Belinda Anderson,Claudia Turnbull and Eva Bonadei









The Genesis of Herschel’s Legacy 1922-1929

The legacy of Herschel Girls School began in 1922, with South Africa in an age of white supremacy, and the early stages of revolution. The country was also pre-apartheid and post-WWI, which presented its own problems and advances. The war sparked the beginnings of gender equality and women empowerment. The school began in an era of social, political and economic change, which would prove to influence its staff, students and surrounding community.



Today, Herschel is located within the southern suburb of Claremont, which was originally a farm named Veldhuyzen (i.e. Feldhausen). This was a segment of the major Dutch Colonists’ estate, which was seized by the British in 1814 and subdivided in 1822. Feldhausen was sold to Mr. Valentinus Alexis Schonnberg, an incompetent farmer who soon fell into great debt through the gambling away of large sums of his money. In order to relieve some of his debt, Mr. V. A. Schonnberg rented out his farm to a Sir John Frederick William Herschel and his family, after whom our school was named, for GBP 3000 in 1834.

Within a few months of their arrival, the Herschel family had already made an offer to buy the land. By the 27th of February 1834, it was put under their name for the price of GBP 3000. Schonnberg’s sole condition was to remain on his small portion of the land, which was named after his noble neighbour as a token of his appreciation. In the event of Mr Schonnberg’s death, 5 years later, Feldhausen was auctioned off by his son, Mr V.A. Schonnberg Jr., in the liquidation of his father’s estate to discharge his remaining debts.

The five bedroomed, single-story house, as   well as the long and narrow plot that Herschel lay upon, was sold to a Captain Thomas Harris. After Harris’ death his second wife, Caroline Rose, who had previously run a school with her mother, was left with the land and saw no other way to make ends meet but by converting Herschel into a seminary for young ladies. In order for Herschel to become a practical venue for a school it had to be enlarged and consequently the single-story home became double-story and it now consisted of five rooms on the upper level and eleven rooms on the lower. The plot would fall under the ownership of several successive owners one of whom would renovate it back into a private home while another, a certain green-thumbed  Mrs. Rutherfoord who clearly took notice of her neighbours, the Ardernes, when taking it upon herself to enhance the gardens.



Herschel began its restoration into a seminary on 14 July 1921, when the English Church School’s Association acquired the land, thanks to a generous donation from the Hon. J.W. Jagger. This change of ownership promped the first blueprints of Herschel Girl’s School as it is known today. There had been  pressure to open the school as quickly as possible, as many young girls had been turned away by other school’s in Cape Town, such as St. Cyprian’s,  due to a surplus of applicants in the post-WWI housing boom. Herschel Girl’s school was officially open on the 16th of February 1922.

Miss Morley Armitage Ralph was appointed as headmistress, after having headed the Diocesan School for Girls in Grahamstown. She was a middle-aged woman of who did not have a tertiary education qualification, as many women hadnt at the time, giving women’s current role in society. Miss Ralph’s ethos for the school evidently mirrored her generation’s morality.  Her vision for the students’ education was to receive a “good all-round education.” She wanted the Herschel girls to excel academically, but also placed great emphasis on cultural enrichment ( i.e. music, literature, art and drama). Herschel’s roots of social responsibility and spirituality stem from its first Headmistress, who encouraged religion as a medium in which “to find expression in thought for others”. Miss Ralph initiated a Social Responsibility Club, which dedicated itself to aiding their community through variouis charitable projects. Religion and moral values were closely related when it came to the white colonialist children that would have attended Herschel.

Miss Ralph’s “view on life” was reflected in the syllabus and the activities she planned for the students. Miss Ralph, the headmistress and Miss Stafford, the boarding house matron, had corresponding values which insisted on fresh air and the ideal to “Educate without compromise, the world is theirs to challenge”. Her passion for the outdoors resulted with the introduction of the sleeping balconies for the many boarders. She believed that to have the beds unsheltered would result in a constant supply of fresh air and therefore lessen the spreading of contagious diseases. This quote substantiates the effectiveness of the sleeping balconies in the trial stages of construction; “in health we have been singularly blessed, two cases of measles and one of chicken pox being the only infectious illness in the house since we opened”. The boarders bravely bared the wet winters and the howling south-easter winds when the sleeping balconies were constructed. 

Figure 5

The great economic depression of 1929 had a great international influence,  bruising  state economies and crippling the global community. This directly affected Herschel, and although Miss Ralph wanted to continue the expansion of the school she struggled to gain financial support from parents or the council. This caused numbers at Herschel Girls School to drop, and pressured the council to keep the school’s economic affairs afloat. The financial constraints of this time did immensely affect the school during the early stages but with the guidance of the devoted headmistress, Herschel Girls’ School was not just able to continue its existence during the global depression but also expand its assets.

Due to the positive change in perception about women’s’ abilities, the subjects offered at Herschel covered a broad spectrum for possible employment of the new “working woman”. Typing was offered at standard and higher grade which would be the equivalent of information technology. The girls were encouraged to take on more than the required subjects and soon pottery, botany and speech work became favourites in the timetable. Subsequently, the first Herschel magazine, “D’s Deeds” which was compiled by the students and organised by the English teacher, Miss van der Heijst was published by 1927.

Herschel Girls School was born within an era of exciting changes and developments. The young girls would have been susceptible to many positive and negative international and local influences when it came to entertainment, fashion, ethnicity, religion, morality and the independence of women. Even upon the eve of the great economic depression of 1929, the education provided by Herschel Girls’ School was one that strived for excellence in more than academics, and remained true to its ethos of morality and spirituality. These ideals were imbedded into the schools tradition, and maintained, from the beginning and beyond.

Authors: Xènia Greenhalgh, Nonto Mponda, Kim Parker