St Benedict School 4.13

On January 22, 1956 in a little place close to Mariannhill called Pinetown, the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood opened a tiny school in an old wood-and-iron house with only 32 pupils. This was the humble beginning of an educational facility that has grown to become a flourishing school in the area, with a present enrolment of 400 students

Tragically in November 1971 a fire swept through the school, destroying many classrooms in the primary school. Not dampening their spirits, temporary classrooms were found at Gelofte Skool. The Parent-Teacher Association under the Chairmanship of Mr Chris Phillips undertook the task of rebuilding the school. In a great spirit of solidarity with the sisters and loyalty to the school, the classrooms were rebuilt over the Christmas holidays. The new classrooms were ready for use in the new school year of January 1972.

With learner and staffing numbers having doubled since 2002. Mr Francois Louis is currently the Principal of the entire school. He is assisted by Mr D. de Gouviea-Smith who is the Head of the High School and Mrs Pam Morrissey who is the Head of the Primary School.

St Benedict School lives up to its patron’s ideal that everyone is special in God’s eyes and deserves to be respected, loved and cared for a community of equals and friends.