Founders' Day Ceremony : 9th August 2005
Photos taken on the Day
One of the oldest schools in South Africa, St Andrew’s College, celebrated its founding on 9 August by Bishop John Armstrong in 1855. Despite the wet weather the streets of Grahamstown were alive with celebrators during the Founder’s Day Ceremony and procession through the city. Pupils, staff, Old Andreans, parents and members of the community attended a commemorative service led by South African icon Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and local Bishop Thabo Makgoba.
The service commenced with Grade 11 learner Koketso Pelle handing Bishop Thabo a letter from Bishop Bethlehem. The letter was handed to Pelle five days ago at the start of the Merriman Commemorative Long Walk, which extended from Uitenhage to Grahamstown. Over 70 Grade 11 learners endured the long hike and arrived in the Cathedral in period dress that morning to join the school for the Founder’s Day celebrations.
Headmaster David Wylde, honoured founder of the school Bishop Armstrong, congratulated the Merriman walkers and acknowledged in tribute of Woman’s Day all the women who had contributed towards the school for the past 150 years and the special relationship with sister school the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG). “It is profoundly humbling that we celebrate the founding of a boys only school on National Woman’s Day,” said Wylde.
A total of four bishops were amongst the congregation; Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Bishop Thabo Makgoba, The Bishop of Toronto Colin Johnson and Bishop Michael Nuttall (retired Bishop of Kwazulu-Natal) - a rare occurrence. Sounds from local school choirs from Victoria Girls’ High, Graeme College, Nombulelo Senior Secondary, DSG and St Andrew’s filled the Cathedral. Following the stirring service a procession, led by the St Andrew’s Pipe Band, flowed from the Cathedral to Upper House on the school campus where the symbolic blessing and unveiling of the new Jubilee 150 Foundation Stone took place by the two Bishops.
Thereafter a plaque was unveiled in the school Chapel in honour of the ‘Institution’ - a branch of the school which was established in 1860 to serve the sons of the African community in the Eastern Cape. The classrooms and dormitory were built on the site of the Chapel in 1862. In 1867 the Institution separated from St Andrew’s and flourished in the present Graham boarding house. It closed in 1907 when the students were removed to St Matthew’s Mission; the plaque was unveiled in honour of the Institution.
“I have an obsession with critical minds and schools must develop learners with questioning minds. They must ask – why? Through this thinking we will be able to boost transformation in our country.” said Archbishop Emeritus Tutu, who is Patron of the school’s Jubilee 150 fundraising campaign. “I believe that there is a future for independent schools in South Africa – there is room for all. Most have highly developed social consciences and share their resources which is wonderful.” He also made the statement that, “women are God’s best invention” and that he has always been a promoter in a revolution led by women.
Old Andrean John Gardner donated one of his works, a bronze bust of Archbishop Emeritus Tutu, as a gift to the school in honour of the occasion which was also unveiled. He was very impressed with the likeness and posed for photographers.
Learners and the community were energised by the day and Archbishop Emeritus Tutu’s presence. The celebrations concluded with musical entertainment by the DSG Marimba band and tea around the Clock Tower.
Missing Helen8th May 2012
"Missing Helen" will be St Andrew's College and DSG's Dance 2012 Production. Updates on the preparation and production will be posted here.
Ireland Debating Tour4th May 2012
13 College Debaters participated in the St Andrew's Ireland Model United Nations competition in Dublin.
