Welcome

Why St Mary's DSG

Our fundamental belief is that when a girl believes in herself, she will fly. So we have created an environment where this is possible. Our grounds are extensive and beautifully maintained, creating a feeling of space and possibility. Large open green spaces contrast with intimate hidden-away nooks, vast airy halls provide spaces for congregating, and smaller recesses allow for contemplation.

Our school gives every girl the opportunity to flourish – whether it is academically, artistically, on the sports field, or in any other sphere. We embrace diversity, celebrate individuality and encourage girls to explore their interests and become confident young women.

Please come and walk around St Mary’s DSG and that will pretty much answer the question for you.

Anglican ethos

St Mary’s DSG is an independent Anglican all-girls school. A diocese refers to an area under the supervision of a bishop, a structure that has existed since the school’s founding and continues to this day. The Right Reverend Allan Kannemeyer, the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Pretoria, is the current chairperson of the school’s board of governors.

The residing Anglican Bishop of Pretoria has been at the school’s helm throughout its history. Driven by Christian values and a sense of knowing what is right and what is wrong, St Mary’s DSG became one of the first schools in South Africa to admit girls of all races. The belief that diversity enriches the school community and helps to foster trust and respect is still a core principle at the school.

Although St Mary's DSG is an Anglican school, girls from other denominations and faiths are welcomed and their convictions respected.

Student wellness

At St Mary’s DSG, we care about the holistic well-being of the girls in our care – not only their intellectual and academic wellfare, but also their emotional, social, spiritual and physical health.

Through our social and emotional learning programme, we emphasise mindfulness and self-regulation for both students and adults. Teachers are tasked with incorporating mindfulness practices into their classroom routines, and modeling self-regulation skills when responding to challenging behaviour. This curriculum is integrated into various aspects of the school day and covers topics such as emotional regulation, empathy and decision-making.

Traditions

The school’s traditional values shine through in the way students approach their work, show compassion to others and uphold high standards of behaviour.

The Anglo-Catholic character of our chapel worship is a legacy of the nuns who guided the school for more than 70 years. Traditions such as the the ringing of the Angelus bell at midday, when the whole school pauses for prayer, is a meaningful connection to our past. The house system fosters a sense of belonging and inspires loyalty among our Old Girls.

The exceptional school motto Filae Regis aptly describes the nature of the school: “Daughters of the King”.