Welcome from our Executive Head of School

Welcome to St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, Pretoria – a place where young women are nurtured to flourish, empowered to lead, and inspired to make a meaningful impact in the world. For more than 145 years, we have proudly upheld Christian values that form the foundation of our vibrant and caring school community.

At St Mary’s DSG, we are dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of each girl. Our Christian ethos informs everything we do, fostering a love of learning, creativity and a deep sense of service. Through our excellent enrichment programmes, we aim to equip our students with the skills and confidence to contribute significantly to society and the environment.

Resilience, self-awareness and confidence are integral to our school’s character-building journey. These traits are interwoven with our pillars of excellence: academics, sports, leadership, outreach, performing and creative arts, and spiritual growth. Our values of respect, integrity, agility, a growth mindset and generosity of spirit underpin our approach, encapsulated by our belief that “when she believes in herself, she will fly”.

Respect for God, respect for others and self-respect are the cornerstones of our relationships. These principles create a safe, empowering environment where learners and teachers grow through shared experiences. This relational dynamic promotes mutual learning, where individuality and collaboration thrive.

St Mary’s DSG is committed to promoting a culture of human rights, social justice and ubuntu. We uphold democratic practices and respect the dignity of every individual, ensuring that our school environment serves the best interests of each child. Our talented staff empower every girl to unlock her potential, preparing her to navigate a dynamic world with confidence, humility and purpose. Our graduates leave us as strong, confident young women of integrity, ready to contribute positively nationally and globally.

Our motto, Filiae Regis – “Daughters of the King” – reflects the purpose and identity we instil in every student. Rooted in the values of our Anglican faith, we celebrate diversity and individuality while fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Over the years, our alumnae have become trailblazers across various fields, from science and business to the arts and social justice, embodying the strength and determination cultivated at St Mary’s DSG.

We invite you to explore what makes our school unique. Watch our 145th celebration video to experience the vibrant, nurturing and empowering environment that has defined St Mary’s DSG for generations.

We look forward to welcoming your daughter into our community – where she will grow, thrive and take flight as a Daughter of the King.

Warm regards,
Mrs Odelle Howard