Welcome to Maris Stella

Head of School’s Welcome

Since 1899 Maris Stella, Durban has shaped and empowered generations of young women.

It is a privilege to be given an opportunity to play a leading role in developing each girl holistically so that she becomes a meaningful contributor to society at large.

The Ethos of our school enables our girls to receive a faith-based education that will be a guide for all decisions in their lives. We at Maris Stella are firmly committed to facilitating the spiritual growth of each girl in order for them to always have faith on which to draw.

It was Nelson Mandela who in his book Long Walk To Freedom said, “Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that a son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that a child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation.” How wonderful that all those many years ago, courageous Holy Family Sisters, recognising the transformative value of Catholic Education, established our school and that as a result of their courage and foresight our girls at Maris Stella are in the incredibly fortunate position of receiving the education they do. Education is, as we all know, however, not just about what can be found in subject curriculums.

It is also about learning values, codes of conduct, and ways of being in order for our girls to take their place as global citizens who have the ability to effect positive change in the world.

I invite you to visit our beautiful school at your convenience and look forward to meeting you.

Joan Schmidt

Headmistress