ONE of South Africa’s oldest schools, La Trobe Moravian Primary School in Enon, will celebrate its 203rd year on Tuesday, 20 April.
The oldest school in the country is the L.R. Schmidt Moravian Primary School in Genadendal, which was established in 1738. La Trobe Primary School, which is near Kirkwood, is the ninth oldest school in South Africa with Muir College in Uitenhage the 11th oldest.
History of the school
A missionary from England, Christian Ignatius La Trobe, in 1815 made an official visit to the Moravian missions in South Africa, where he planned the founding of a new mission station named Enon at the foot of the Zuurberg mountains.
A school was built close to the church on 20 April 1818 and named after the missionary. More than a hundred years later, during 1921, the school building was extended with two identical size classrooms to accommodate up to 100 children and to appoint two teachers.
Reverend Z. Joorst was the assistant at the school (1932-1936) and on 1 April 1954 was appointed as principal and reverend of the community. His successors were Reverend JR Davids (1960-1963), Reverend F Engel (1963-1974) and Reverend R Douglas (1974-1981). Rev. Douglas was the last principal that was the Reverend of the Moravian Church and the school principal. All principals following him were just principals, not having to fill the job of two professions.
During Rev. Douglas’ reign the school was extended to incorporate more grades up to Grade 8 (former Standard 6). In 1985 it was scaled down again to become a primary school only. According to Cindi-Lou Koeberg, the school became the source for education for the children in the area.
“We have had many children that have become teachers as a product of good education,” said Koeberg.
“Mr G.T. Claasen was a learner and returned to become an educator and then principal of La Trobe Primary from 1998-2017. Another child that gave back to the community to become a teacher at La Trobe and retired at this school at the age of 60, was Mrs S. Oliver.”
Celebrating 203 years
Currently La Trobe primary school has 292 learners and eight educators. The school is known for its competent athletes.
Koeberg said the 203rd celebrations will commence with praise and worship. The guest speakers include the Reverend of the Moravian Church Rev. Tamboer, past principal Mr G.T Claasen, current principal Mr PDM Hendricks and the eldest past pupil currently still living in Enon known as Uncle Pikkie.
The children will also be entertaining with dancing and a well prepared plate of eats will be provided by the school’s nutritional staff.
“To end off the day the school will surprise all learners with a small food hamper for them and their families,” said Koeberg.
