More than 1 200 learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12 gathered at Camps Bay High School on Wednesday 19 August as Camps Bay Schools celebrated 120 years of education, history and community.

The Founder’s Day celebration marked 120 years since the original Camps Bay School opened its doors in 1906, with just seven children beginning their education in an Anglican church hall in Argyle Road.

Since then, those seven learners have grown into generations of Camps Bay pupils, with Camps Bay Primary, Preparatory and High School now forming one interconnected school family.

The celebration brought together learners, staff, parents, past pupils and special guests to honour the schools’ history, celebrate their achievements and look towards the future.

The celebration also saw learners from all three schools come together on the high school field to form a giant “120”, which was captured from above in a special drone photograph marking the milestone.

“We are not a school that focuses on one particular aspect of a child and don’t deal with the other kids, we celebrate any kid’s talents. We like to develop whatever talent they show an interest in, and we hope they will take that talent forward when they leave the school.”

Future Focus

Louis Mostert reflected on the legacy of the schools and their hopes for the next 120 years.

He urged parents and the wider community to continue supporting the school as it looks ahead.

Chris Storey, principal of Camps Bay Primary School, said being part of the group of schools was special.

“I think it is a privilege to be part of a school environment that’s accessible for everyone. It is a space where each individual reaching their full potential is far more important than the top results. To celebrate 120 years is special but we have a big job for the future as well.”

Head prefect Blessing Manguno said: “It is amazing to see how the legacy has carried on and how everyone takes pride in being part of these schools. It is a loving community with people from different backgrounds and cultures coming together.”

Matric learner Ava Jacobson said: “I’ve been attending Camps Bay schools since grade R and have gone to all three schools. It is the most loving, diverse and culturally rich schools. It is such a luxury to go to this school.”

Former Learner

Former learner Dexter Tangocci, who matriculated in 2009, was invited as the keynote speaker. He is currently the co-founder of a commercial drone services company.

“The school played an enormous past in shaping who I am and where I ended up in life…I am enormously proud of this school community. I started here as a young boy in grade one and walked away as a young adult in matric, and it was a fantastic experience all the way through.”

He encouraged learners to continue working towards what they are passionate about.

“You don’t have to have everything figured out right now, you are at the beginning of your life, but stay curious. Try and make good decisions but don’t beat yourself up over bad decisions. Just let the good ones outweigh the bad ones.”

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