CENTENEARY COUNT DOWN
25 JANUARY 2025
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MEET THE FIRST FEMALE PRINCIPAL OF PATERSON HIGH
MRS. ROSE DE DONCKER was appointed as the principal of PATERSON HIGH on the
9 th January 2019.
She is the first female principal in the 96 year history of the school.
Mrs. De Doncker started at Paterson High in June 2015, after having been appointed as the
HEAD OF THE MATHEMATICS department.
She had previously served in this same position at McCarthy Comprehensive School, in
Uitenhage for approximately 8 years. In December 2015, Mrs. De Doncker, was appointed
as deputy principal after Mr. Fredericks had retired and this post became available. In
August 2018, when DR. PILLAY, her predecessor retired, she was the acting principal for a
period of 5 months until she was appointed as principal the following year.
Mrs. De Doncker, is a Mathematics teacher and is still currently teaching grade 11 and
grade 12 Mathematics at school. She has been an educator for 31 years and has a wealth of
experience in terms of teaching as well as administration and management.
She matriculated at Gelvandale High School in 1986, went on to complete her teacher’s
diploma at Dower College and then proceeded to finish her BA degree at the then University
of Port Elizabeth. She completed her HONOURS degree in Mathematics Education at the
North West University. She is married and a mother of two boys, aged 17 and 19.
Headboy 2022- Keanan Skosana
Headgirl 2022- Tamron Billet
Paterson High along with Frank Joubert has been identified for the Literacy Project headed by poets Vince Oliphant and Selwyn Milborrow. Vince Oliphant, alumnus of the school, will come to school next term to work with matriculants.
97th Anniversary of Paterson High
Validictory service 2021 held at NAFA Hall.
Gold medal to Hamish Bardien at International Science Fair.
Wednesday Wellness
Yoga with Chloe.
Wellness Wednesday.
Creation of coping mechanisms for educators.
Heritage Day 2021
Maths Revision Classes on a Saturday morning
Dr. Ronald Beyers of NMU (Nelson Mandela University) preparing grade 8 learners for online learning.
Toastmasters Graduation 2021
Paterson High beat Despatch High in Round 1 of the Herald Isuzu Schools Quiz. Mrs. Arndt and Mr Xuba helped to prepare the team for their competition.
Women’s Day Celebrations 2021
Youth day Event 2021
Dr. Ron Beyers doing Coding with grade 8 learners in
George Botha Lab.
We are very excited and proud to WELCOME the newest member of the Paterson Family.
Ms Shirmonique Maaka received her official LETTER of APPOINTMENT today!! As an ex-learner and previous headgirl of the school, young Ms Maaka did her final year practicals last year at Paterson High. When a challenge arose to teach Life Sciences, she did not hesitate to take charge of the grade 12 group. An UNQUALIFIED educator, with little teaching experience, trusted to teach MATRICS in a COVID YEAR, was always going to be a concern for the school. Ms Maaka quickly dispelled all fears. She taught afternoons, weekends and holidays. Her dedication and commitment would propel her to push her learners to reach new heights.True to her word, her results last year for her matric Life Sciences group in 2020, was the HIGHEST of all the schools in the Northern Areas. Ms Maaka richly deserves the appointment! We congratulate her and extend our best wishes to her on this exciting new journey.
Montani Semper Liberi.
We were very honoured to have THAAKIRA MOHAMED, self-published author of the book MERCY, addressing our learners in our newly REVAMPED LIBRARY. She is a social justice activist, motivational speaker and integral life coach. Our girls were in awe as she detailed her journey from abuse to healing. In so doing, she inspired them to rise up against any form of GBV and to become warriors. GIRLS were reminded that “queens can turn pain into power”. What an inspiring and empowering day for our girls. We wish Mrs Mahomed and her family all the best on their journey of upliftment.
An amazing initiative to assist the Class of 2021 with fundraising, culminated in a fun-filled “reversal of roles” day at Paterson High. Teachers donned uniforms and sported pigtails and “fake badges”. Learners came dressed smartly as educators and even presented a lesson or 2 in some classes. A wonderful day, with many laughs and a glorious spirit that prevailed throughout.
Paterson High principals- The past and the present
On Thursday 4 March 2021, iGEMS ( Incubating Great Engineering Minds) was at Paterson in the Science Lab to recruit our Gr 10 learners. If learners are interested in the programme and meet the requirements, they are entered into a 7 year programme from Grade 11, through University until placement at an Engineering Company after graduation. Our relationship with iGEMS started in 2018 with Mandilakhe Gqolana, Anathi Nyaluza and the late Thandolwethu Kota as our 1st 3 learners admitted into the programme. The pics below were taken during the presentation done by iGEMS coordinator Babalo Goba.
Wednesday 3 March was the launch of EXPO at Paterson for 2021. The aim is to upgrade two previous Physics Projects and to start new projects to assist with food security, purification of water and also a project or two in the category of Mathematics.
Mr. Gavin Baartzes presented the school with a Tour/Play Brochure of 1970. It was donated by a member of the Class of 1969. We welcome all memorabilia in preparation for our Centenary celebrations in 4 years time.
96th Birthday of Paterson High
Final day of 2020
Staff lit a candle and had a minute of silence for those who lost their lives during the pandemic. The principal, Rose de Doncker thanked the staff and management for their dedication, commitment and resilience displayed during this challenging year.
Wishing all a blessed and safe festive season.
Ms. Shirmonique Maaka and Mr. Viwe Xuba attended Natural Sciences Key Concepts Workshop at STEM LAB NMU. Owing to their commitment the school received a second consignment of Science equipment.
Valedictory Service 2020
view gallery
Matriculants 2020 were sponsored jackets.
Thank you for the sponsor.
Heritage Day 2020
Celebrations
Maths Bootcamp to assist learners.
Grade 12 bootcamp on Saturdays
29 August 2020 -classes for Business Studies, Physics, History, Accounting and Mathematics
Grade 12 bootcamp on Saturdays.
22 August covered English and Afrikaans home language, Life sciences and Physical sciences.
Sylvester Funani, motivational speaker, Regional Manager NEDBANK, Life Coach, addressing Grade 12 boys/young men on how to treat women with respect and not as an object to be abused.
Women’s Day 2020 celebrations with Carol Bouah as guestspeaker.
Empowering our young girls.
Science Expo 2020 Launch
Learners from Alexander Road High, St James Secondary, St Teresa’s Primary, Adolph Schauder Primary attended. Launch was held in the George Botha Science Lab.
Farewell of Dr. S Pillay
