St Michael’s School for Girls is the oldest girls’ school north of the Orange River.
St Michael’s School for Girls is the oldest girls’ school north of the Orange River. It was founded by Bishop Allan Becher Webb in 1874. In the same year, the first Mother Superior, Sister Emma, and five volunteers arrived in Bloemfontein to become the Community of St Michael and All Angels. Amongst the founding Sisters was Sister Henrietta Stockdale, who became a famous member of the nursing fraternity in South Africa.
She is buried in the grounds of St Cyprian’s Cathedral in Kimberley, where there is also a statue of her. A bronze sculpture of her can be found in the Cathedral of St Andrew and St Michael in Bloemfontein. The school was originally situated on the western boundary of Bloemfontein on the site where the Sand du Plessis Theatre now stands in Markgraaff Street. On December 11th, 1970, St Michael’s School closed for the last time there before it was moved to the present site in Klerck Ave, Brandwag.
The foundation stone of the new chapel was laid by Rev Mother Mary Ruth and blessed by Bishop Frederick Amoore on June 29th, 1970. Many precious relics were transferred to the new school, some of which can be seen in the school archive, the chapel and in and around the school campus. In 1975, Rev Mother Mary Ruth and the remaining Sisters retired from their administrative, academic and hostel duties in the school. Currently, governance is vested in the school parent community represented by an elected Board of Governors as the School Governing Body.
Choosing the correct school for your daughter is always a difficult yet important decision. Let us help you make that decision easier. With an academic track record that speaks for itself, St Michael’s School for Girls should be at the top of your list.
