KAREN WATKINS
John McNaughton opened the doors of his new school on July 1, 1841, then known as the “Established School at Wynberg”, located in Glebe Cottage, close to the Wynberg Military Base.
This makes it the second oldest boys’ school in the country.
Newly arrived from Scotland, Mr McNaughton found himself teaching in a single room with 65 pupils who, in terms of the government policy of the day, were admitted without prejudice in terms of colour or creed.
In 1943 the junior school separated from the high school and moved to its present site in Aliwal Road in 1982.
As Wynberg approaches the launch week of its 175th celebrations on Saturday January 30, they pay homage to those who have gone before, and celebrate the landmark the schools have become and their place in the 21st century and beyond.
Wynberg Boys’ Junior principal Cedric Poleman said it is an exciting time for everyone associated with the school’s history. “While we will use our 175th celebration to reflect on the past we have our sights firmly set on the future and will use these celebrations as an opportunity to chart our course into the future.
“Wynberg Boys’ is a vibrant dyna-mic place that has successfully blended tradition and values with forward thinking. It’s a truly South African school and representative of the community it serves,” said Mr Poleman.
Wynberg Boys’ High School principal Jan de Waal said they are planning many 175th anniversary celebrations over the next few weeks. These include a street parade to Glebe Cottage, the unveiling of a frieze, the launch of a tartan because of Scottish ties to Scotland, concerts showcasing the musical talents of the Old Boys and current pupils at both the junior and high schools and the launch of a coffee table book, among many other things.
Full details of the programme of events are available on www. wbhs.org.za or email 175@wbhs. org.za or visit facebook.com/ Wynberg175
