Cedar Primary celebrates 60 years

Hazel Allies-Husselman|Published 1 year ago

Celebrating Cedar Primary School’s 60th anniversary, are from left, former principal, Donald Ehrenreich, outgoing principal Carlin Symonds, one of the first teachers at the school, Helen Swartbooi, former pupil and author Lionel Maxim, and another 1963 teacher, Theresa Henry.

Former and current staff and pupils, as well as parents, celebrated Cedar Primary School’s 60th anniversary at the Anglican Church of the Resurrection in Bonteheuwel on Monday March 13.

A procession, led by the marching band, walked from the school to the church, where a thanksgiving service was held.

The school opened its doors in 1963, and was given its name by the first principal, Charles Slater. Over the years the school had four principals. The second principal was Donald Ehrenreich, followed by Susan Johannsson, and the current principal, Carlin Symonds, who will retire at the end of this term.

Ms Symonds said Mr Slater named the school after the Biblical Cedar tree of Lebanon.

“It is said that they grow slow, steady and sure, up, out and deep. Cedars have its roots firmly in the ground with branches reaching out to the heavens with its crown. I’m sure this was meant symbolically and that all who passed through the doors of Cedar Primary should come out on the other side with a deep-rooted value system, confident and developed holistically. That was the dream of Mr Slater, and all his successors carried the dream through,” Ms Symonds said.

Cedar Primary started small but grew rapidly and soon extra classes were built behind the school.

Hundreds of thousands have since attended there, including Lionel Maxim, who wrote the children’s book, Madiba the Rainbow Man. He invited the late Nelson Mandela to the school when he launched his book there.

The school also hosted government ministers, dignitaries, and achieved many sporting accolades in athletics, netball, table tennis, kung fu, gymnastics, as well as cultural activities, camps, and school tours, over the years.

In 2015 the school suffered a setback when the administration block burnt down. It took them five years to restore the damage.

Teacher Miranda Hans is currently the longest serving teacher there. She was appointed at Cedar 13 years ago, after taking a short break from the profession.

“I remember I was nervous to come to Bonteheuwel, because of all the negative things that were said about the area. To my surprise, I have never felt unsafe here. We are one of the smaller schools, but we know about working hard and working as a team. Our school management is very helpful. Our good working environment was even more so demonstrated during the height of the Covid pandemic. One of the school’s values is that our learners always come first. Even during Covid, our school was smooth-running. Covid did not stop us from what we were supposed to do - while following all precautionary measures. We had no mass Covid cases. I am so happy to be part of this amazing team,” Ms Hans said.

Fabian Manuel, a former head prefect at the school, said his time at Cedar Primary was pivotal.

"It shaped and moulded me into who I am today as an adult and academic. Cedar became a 'greenhouse where my skills and qualities were honed and nurtured as a growing individual. Respect, integrity, sincerity and academic excellence were always high on the school's agenda and these are the qualities that I apply on a daily basis and which I will continue to carry forward in years to come."

The pupils of Cedar Primary make their way to the Church of the Resurrection for the thanksgiving service.

Principal Carlin Symonds addresses the audience at the thanksgiving service.

From left are, former teachers, Charmaine Lekay, Glenda Paulsen, Donald Ehrenreich, principal Carlin Symonds, Lillian Standaar, Hendriena Williams, Margreatha Pedro, Stanley Allies and Olwin Solomons.

This class photograph was taken in the 1970s. The school lost many of its memorabilia when the administration block burnt down in 2015.