Reunion 2025

The long-awaited St Mary's DSG Alumnae Reunion 2025 took place on Saturday the 13th of September on a beautiful, sunny, spring day. There were meetings of old friends and meetings of those who hadn't seen each other for many years from as far afield as the UK, Australia, Botswana, Cape Town, Kwa Zulu Natal and the Free State, not to mention the alumnae who live closer to the school.

There was much excited chatter, happy (and sad) exchange of news and enjoyment of the Kopano Choir (a new initiative with members coming from the all spheres of the school community), the Chapel Service, delicious tea, PR Tours providing memories and showcasing changes, a stunning performance by St Mary's Singers and delicious lunch in the Wantage Hall that looked absolutely stunning decked out in Delphiniums, Ranunculus and Cymbidiums with touches of terracotta. Fun was had in the photobooth and a lot of fun later when socializing at the Alumnae VIP area and then the PA Fiesta sunset concert.

Kgomotso Moalusi (1989) welcomed all to the proceedings in the Wantage Hall. There was a special welcome for the school management – Mrs Odelle Howard, (Executive Head of School), Mrs Jomari Miller (Academic Deputy of the Senior School and new Head of Senior School from January 2026), Mrs Thobeka Mngambi (the new Head of the Junior School), Mrs Nosipho Nkosi (Head of Advancement), Mrs Deanne Broughton (Marketing), Rev Alison Thabete (School Chaplain) and Mr Jon-Reece Evans (Junior School Chaplain). Our Grade 12 Alumnae Ambassador, Nomvula Mohale, and her team Jane Pienaar, Owethu Tshabalala and Tiiso Masenyo were also warmly welcomed.

Irene Downer 1969 was welcomed as the most senior alumna at the Reunion. There were special celebrations for the 55th, 50th, 40th, 30th, 15th, 10th and 5th anniversary years. Former staff Jeanette van der Breggen, Sue Harris Daffon, Barbara Wesolinski, Catherine Cullinan, Pippa Marais and Erica Barnes were also accorded a warm welcome. A truly representative spectrum of the St Mary’s community. It really was wonderful to welcome all back to the school for such a special occasion.

Special thanks go to Tiffany van Tonder (chair of the Alumnae Association), Victoria Chamberlain, the St Mary’s Singers and Lhente Pitout their conductor, the Gr 11 girls who assisted on the Friday and Saturday, the catering, estates and laundry staff. Also to all the staff who assisted in some way in the planning and on the day of the Reunion – such an event does not happen without much effort behind the scenes.