A Vibrant Centre of Learning

It gives me great pleasure as the Principal of Maris Stella to say that Maris Stella at this time of its history is flourishing!

Our lovely old School, which has seen so many changes in South Africa and the world in its 104-year history is more than ever a vibrant and exciting centre of learning and excellence while at the same time retaining its graciousness, sense of tranquillity and peace.

We have moved into the twenty-first century as an acknowledged progressive leader in education in Durban while still remembering our roots and the strong Catholic foundations laid by our founders and predecessors. We continue to strive to base all that we do on Gospel values and particularly the value that all our pupils, staff and parents are ever mindful of - the needs of others less fortunate than themselves - always searching for ways to uplift our society.

A Leading School

We are proud that we as a School took a stand against the Apartheid laws and that in defiance of them declared its self in 1974 to be open to children of all colours. We are also grateful that we have been confident enough to be able to embrace changes that have come our way such as Outcomes Based Education (being the only Independent School private school in KwaZulu Natal to be a pilot school in this programme). We have been a leader in the struggle to implement Curriculum 2005 introducing Technology and also Arts and Culture as fully operating Learning Areas within the new curriculum.

The fact that the Independent Examinations Board has come to rely on our support in organising training courses and in implementing the new changes with regard to the General Education and Training Certificate, as well as our involvement in teacher upgrading, is testimony that Maris Stella is willing and eager to lend a hand to others who might not have the same facilities or training as our school and its professional staff.

Seven years ago we recognized the desperate need for well-trained teachers in our province and were part of the pilot group of Independent Schools in KwaZulu Natal that began to participate in the teacher intern programme. So far we have been involved in the training of fourteen teachers to the good of the community.

Growth of the School

The pupil numbers have increased by 60% during the last seven years, this increase being made possible by the utilization of our new Pre-school and the modification of the large, unused, boarding and convent facilities. Acquiring the new property for the school is extremely exciting as it has given us not only much needed additional recreational and sporting land for our girls, but also a wonderfully spacious house with many rooms that can be developed as a Centre for Arts and Culture for the use of our girls, and for the on-site upgrading of teachers in this critical Learning Area.

The releasing of the areas of the school presently utilized by these departments would mean that further facilities for Design and Technology can be created and hence we would also be able to make further contributions in this area as well.I have great confidence that, in moving into this new phase, our school will continue to make its mark with its value-driven education and its influence will be to the betterment of education in KwaZulu Natal in particular and South Africa in general!

For Maris Stella this is exciting and challenging, and at all times our motto will be foremost in our minds: “Suspice Confide”.... Look up and Trust.

Principal