Boarding at St Anne’s
Bonds forged in blue.
I love that I have my St Anne’s sisters who will always be there no matter what happens. St Anne’s is my home away from home.
– St Anne’s Old Girl
STRONG BONDS FORM RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING
The College has a large boarding contingent, accommodating both weekly and termly boarders from all over South Africa, neighbouring countries, and abroad. About two thirds of the girls at St Anne’s are residential boarders, with the majority being termly boarders. This means that there’s a happy, lively energy on our expansive, beautiful campus throughout the term as our girls go about their daily activities.
The homely, spacious boarding houses, top-class facilities, and caring Housemothers establish a happy, fun and fulfilling boarding life at St Anne’s. St Anne’s is a ‘home away from home’, with a family feel and a strong sense of community. Our boarding environment equips girls with life skills and unique friendships that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.
Because St Anne’s doesn’t have a preparatory school and has an intake from over 45 different junior schools, every Grade 8 is a ‘new girl’, which means that strong bonds form right from the beginning.
80% OF ALL STUDENTS AT ST ANNE’S ARE BOARDERS
60% OF OUR BOARDERS ARE TERMLY BOARDERS
40% OF OUR BOARDERS ARE WEEKLY BOARDERS
WEEKLY BOARDING IS AVAILABLE TO KZN-BASED FAMILIES
Day girls are encouraged to join house activities
THE HOUSES
You grow as a person both physically and mentally as you surround yourself with fun, friends, challenges, and rewards.
An important cornerstone of every girls’ boarding school experience is the house system. Boarders and day scholars are assigned to one of six comfortable Boarding Houses that sleep about 60 girls each.
Each House is cared for by a resident Housemother, who is a mother figure to the girls and liaises with their parents on all pastoral matters. She is assisted in the House by a resident boarder mistress (who is usually also completing an Internship), as well as the senior girls.
Day boarders are also welcomed warmly and, as their title suggests, they are encouraged to spend most of the day at school to enjoy a full St Anne’s experience. The House community also extends to parents, who have the opportunity to meet each other at annual House get-togethers.
The result is a sense of House unity, loyalty and camaraderie that can only be described as passionate. A strong sense of competition exists between the Houses, with regular Interhouse competitions in drama, music, and sport.
ANDREWS HOUSE
ANDREWS HOUSE
Andrews House was named after Miss Dorothy Andrews, Lady Warden of St Anne’s from 1917 – 1941.
In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system, and the school was divided up into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines. By 1943, it was time to create a new house, so Andrews House was formed with volunteers from other houses. At that time, it was merely a regrouping of dormitories until a new home could be built.
The opening of the new Andrews House by Bishop Fisher took place in 1946, although there was a delay in moving into the new building. A door was ceremonially unlocked on 27 June by Mrs Fisher, wife of the Bishop, while the whole school circled around the building.
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Andrews House was only occupied in October 1946, but the builders found that the new baths were too big for the bathrooms. As a result, the new baths went into Frances Baines (FB), FB baths were installed in Marianne Browne, and the Marianne Browne baths eventually came to Andrews – probably the only recorded instance of a kind of ‘musical baths’.
The first Andrews’ Housemistress was Miss Merter, and the Head of House was Beryl McKiever.
The school’s MacKenzie Memorial Library was initially housed in the basement of Andrews House but, once a separate building for the library was completed, the room became the Andrews’ common room.
During 1964 and 1965, the girls of St Anne’s took part in various fundraising activities to bring an American girl to St Anne’s for a year. Andrews House made and sold sweets, and the girl ended up spending a happy year at St Anne’s.
Within the school, school spirit has always been strong. In 1984, Andrews House had a war cry: “Sun in the sky, feet on the ground, our great team has come to town” – which they felt helped them win both Swimming and Athletics Effort Cups and helped them come second in both events.
By 1968, each House had sports banners that the members paraded with great pride – and a good deal of noise – at the gala and on Sports Day, when Andrews managed to prevent Usherwood from achieving what would have been their 13th consecutive win.
2004 marked a major upgrade of dormitories, as well as the addition of a Boardermistress flat. All Grade 12’s are now housed in single rooms with study facilities, Grade 11’s are in double rooms with study facilities, and Grade 10’s have a study area within the House.
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Andrews House was named after Miss Dorothy Andrews, Lady Warden of St Anne’s from 1917 – 1941.
In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system, and the school was divided up into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines. By 1943, it was time to create a new house, so Andrews House was formed with volunteers from other houses. At that time, it was merely a regrouping of dormitories until a new home could be built.
The opening of the new Andrews House by Bishop Fisher took place in 1946, although there was a delay in moving into the new building. A door was ceremonially unlocked on 27 June by Mrs Fisher, wife of the Bishop, while the whole school circled around the building.
Read More
Andrews House was only occupied in October 1946, but the builders found that the new baths were too big for the bathrooms. As a result, the new baths went into Frances Baines (FB), FB baths were installed in Marianne Browne, and the Marianne Browne baths eventually came to Andrews – probably the only recorded instance of a kind of ‘musical baths’.
The first Andrews’ Housemistress was Miss Merter, and the Head of House was Beryl McKiever.
The school’s MacKenzie Memorial Library was initially housed in the basement of Andrews House but, once a separate building for the library was completed, the room became the Andrews’ common room.
During 1964 and 1965, the girls of St Anne’s took part in various fundraising activities to bring an American girl to St Anne’s for a year. Andrews House made and sold sweets, and the girl ended up spending a happy year at St Anne’s.
Within the school, school spirit has always been strong. In 1984, Andrews House had a war cry: “Sun in the sky, feet on the ground, our great team has come to town” – which they felt helped them win both Swimming and Athletics Effort Cups and helped them come second in both events.
By 1968, each House had sports banners that the members paraded with great pride – and a good deal of noise – at the gala and on Sports Day, when Andrews managed to prevent Usherwood from achieving what would have been their 13th consecutive win.
2004 marked a major upgrade of dormitories, as well as the addition of a Boardermistress flat. All Grade 12’s are now housed in single rooms with study facilities, Grade 11’s are in double rooms with study facilities, and Grade 10’s have a study area within the House.
Read Less
FRANCES BAINES HOUSE
FRANCES BAINES HOUSE
Frances Baines House was named after Miss Frances Baines, Lady Warden of St Anne’s from 1907-1917.
In 1926, the House system was introduced, and the school was divided up into three ‘houses’ – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines – according to the dormitories in the main building. Frances Baines was housed in the former blue dormitory. Since then, the House system has provided a basis for competition both on and off the sports field.
The first Housemistress was BWW Burnside and the Head of House was Lynette Dick.
When Mr Mortimer’s house – adjacent to St Anne’s – was purchased by the school in 1930, it became the new home of Frances Baines House and remained so for over 30 years until a new house was built in 1959.
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The impact of both World Wars affected school life. By 1943, there were evacuees in both the Prep and the College from England, Portugal, Palestine, Egypt, Greece, India, and Kenya. Many of these girls were in Frances Baines.
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Frances Baines House was named after Miss Frances Baines, Lady Warden of St Anne’s from 1907-1917.
In 1926, the House system was introduced, and the school was divided up into three ‘houses’ – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines – according to the dormitories in the main building. Frances Baines was housed in the former blue dormitory. Since then, the House system has provided a basis for competition both on and off the sports field.
The first Housemistress was BWW Burnside and the Head of House was Lynette Dick.
When Mr Mortimer’s house – adjacent to St Anne’s – was purchased by the school in 1930, it became the new home of Frances Baines House and remained so for over 30 years until a new house was built in 1959.
Read More
The impact of both World Wars affected school life. By 1943, there were evacuees in both the Prep and the College from England, Portugal, Palestine, Egypt, Greece, India, and Kenya. Many of these girls were in Frances Baines.
Read Less
MACRORIE HOUSE
MACRORIE HOUSE
Macrorie House was named after Bishop Macrorie, who was involved with St Anne’s from its inception in 1877. Miss Emma Rice Cresswell, who had been Headmistress of St Mary’s School in Richmond, set up a new school at the old Presbyterian ‘Manse’ in Pietermaritz Street under the Dean’s patronage and within Bishop Macrorie’s diocese.
The school was called St Anne’s Diocesan College for Girls, and the Bishop was declared “the Visitor” of the school. With the resignation of Miss Cresswell, Archdeacon Usherwood’s sister, Miss Eliza Jane Usherwood, was appointed Lady Warden by Bishop Macrorie in 1879.
In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system and the school was divided up into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines.
Read More
The Red and ‘Baby’ dormitories became ‘Macrorie East’ and ‘Macrorie West’, and the new Macrorie House was allocated the colour gold. It had a house-room with an armchair, table, and bench decorated with old gold curtains and cushions. The House system proved to be hugely successful, providing a base for competition both on and off the sports fields that our girls still enjoy today.
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Macrorie House was named after Bishop Macrorie, who was involved with St Anne’s from its inception in 1877. Miss Emma Rice Cresswell, who had been Headmistress of St Mary’s School in Richmond, set up a new school at the old Presbyterian ‘Manse’ in Pietermaritz Street under the Dean’s patronage and within Bishop Macrorie’s diocese.
The school was called St Anne’s Diocesan College for Girls, and the Bishop was declared “the Visitor” of the school. With the resignation of Miss Cresswell, Archdeacon Usherwood’s sister, Miss Eliza Jane Usherwood, was appointed Lady Warden by Bishop Macrorie in 1879.
In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system and the school was divided up into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines.
Read More
The Red and ‘Baby’ dormitories became ‘Macrorie East’ and ‘Macrorie West’, and the new Macrorie House was allocated the colour gold. It had a house-room with an armchair, table, and bench decorated with old gold curtains and cushions. The House system proved to be hugely successful, providing a base for competition both on and off the sports fields that our girls still enjoy today.
Read Less
MARIANNE BROWNE HOUSE
MARIANNE BROWNE HOUSE
Marianne Browne House was named after Miss Marianne Browne, Lady Warden of St Anne’s from 1890 – 1903 when the school was still located in Loop Street, Pietermaritzburg. Miss Marianne Browne was a good friend of the previous Lady Warden, Miss Usherwood, and was the sister of the Bishop of Bristol. Miss Browne suffered from poor health and was frequently confined to her room with severe headaches, yet she was greatly respected. She was also very gentle and loving towards the girls, despite commanding authority.
When St Anne’s decided to move from Loop Street to Hilton Avenue, Miss Browne helped choose the site and saw to the drawing up of the new plans for the College. She also felt that, because of the strong religious foundation of the school, the school should have a chapel. Miss Browne therefore started a fund for the chapel before she left St Anne’s.
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In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system, and the school was divided up into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines.
In 1938, a new dormitory block was built adjoining the main building, made possible by the donation of £3,000 from Mr Charles James and Miss Effie Mackenzie. This provided a new home for a brand new house – Marianne Browne – which was officially opened by Mrs James at prize-giving in May 1939. The house was made up of girls drafted from the three original houses.
The first Housemistresses were Miss Woods and Miss McLean and the first Head of House was Jean Bradley.
The basement of Marianne Browne House first provided change rooms for the whole school. In 1947, it was converted into the Domestic Science classroom. Three stoves were given to the school, and sewing machines were bought with a generous donation by Mrs James. In 1960, the new Frances Baines House was opened, which meant that the Domestic Science class could move out of Marianne Browne, and the basement became a common room for the house.
In 1965, Marianne Browne suffered the breakdown of their boiler and had to contend with ‘billows of smoke’. An oil heater was promptly installed, although use had to be made of the other houses’ baths for a week.
During 1964 and 1965, the girls of St Anne’s took part in various fundraising activities to bring an American field scholar to the school. Marianne Browne, with Mrs Butler’s help, raffled a beautiful cake presented by Mrs Lawson. It was won by Wendy Drummond, an Andrews’ girl, much to her form’s (grade’s) delight.
2004 saw a major upgrade of the dormitories. All Grade 12’s are now housed in single rooms with study facilities, Grade 11’s in double rooms with study facilities, and Grade 10’s have a study area within the house.
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MOLLIE STONE HOUSE
MOLLIE STONE HOUSE
In 1924, a property was purchased from Mr Mortimer to enable the St Anne’s Preparatory School to move to Hilton. St Anne’s Preparatory School was founded in Blackridge in 1921 and moved to Hilton on 13 August 1924. In February 1925, an impressive service of dedication was held when the choir, followed by the Bishop and five clergies, processed through the buildings singing ‘I Will Lift up Mine Eyes Unto the Hills’ and ‘Now Thank We All Our God’.
In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system and the school was divided into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines.
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By 1972, only 23 girls were in the preparatory section, and the St Anne’s Nursery School started in January 1972. In 1973, girls in Standard 5, the first Form 1, moved up to the College. Once these girls moved into Standard 6 (Grade 8), it was decided not to continue with Standard 5 and, after 50 years of existence as a separate entity, the St Anne’s Preparatory School was no more. The nursery school remained in the same building until June 1978, when it moved to new premises.
It was then decided to open a new house named after Miss Mollie Stone, who had been Lady Warden of the College from 1942 to 1950. Mollie Stone House opened in 1982, with senior girls from other Houses volunteering to join the new House. Together with new girls in the junior forms, there was a total of 50 girls in the House. Mollie Stone House was dedicated by Bishop Michael on Ascension Day – 20 May 1982.
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In 1924, a property was purchased from Mr Mortimer to enable the St Anne’s Preparatory School to move to Hilton. St Anne’s Preparatory School was founded in Blackridge in 1921 and moved to Hilton on 13 August 1924. In February 1925, an impressive service of dedication was held when the choir, followed by the Bishop and five clergies, processed through the buildings singing ‘I Will Lift up Mine Eyes Unto the Hills’ and ‘Now Thank We All Our God’.
In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system and the school was divided into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines.
Read More
By 1972, only 23 girls were in the preparatory section, and the St Anne’s Nursery School started in January 1972. In 1973, girls in Standard 5, the first Form 1, moved up to the College. Once these girls moved into Standard 6 (Grade 8), it was decided not to continue with Standard 5 and, after 50 years of existence as a separate entity, the St Anne’s Preparatory School was no more. The nursery school remained in the same building until June 1978, when it moved to new premises.
It was then decided to open a new house named after Miss Mollie Stone, who had been Lady Warden of the College from 1942 to 1950. Mollie Stone House opened in 1982, with senior girls from other Houses volunteering to join the new House. Together with new girls in the junior forms, there was a total of 50 girls in the House. Mollie Stone House was dedicated by Bishop Michael on Ascension Day – 20 May 1982.
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USHERWOOD HOUSE
USHERWOOD HOUSE
Usherwood House was named after Miss Eliza Usherwood, Lady Warden of St Anne’s from 1879 – 1889.
In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system and the school was divided into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines. Usherwood was housed in the green dormitory, and this became the House colour. The House system proved to be hugely successful, providing a base for competition both on and off the sports fields that our girls still enjoy today.
The first Housemistress was Miss Jones and the first Head of House was Nancy Trotter.
When the girls of Frances Baines moved out of the main building in 1930, the accommodation was shared by Macrorie and Usherwood Houses.
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St Anne’s has always emphasised helping those in need and the importance of religion in everyday life. To this end, the Usherwood girls took part in Lenten sewing throughout the thirties, making dressing gowns, blue overalls and knickers for St Cross’s Orphanage and the Peter David Home. By 1937, each House had identified a different charity to support; Usherwood gave frocks, knickers, and dolls to the Leper Mission in Zululand.
In 1943, when plans had been made for a new house to be built, Usherwood – still housed at one end of the main building – would gain Andrews’ small dormitory upstairs.
On 10 August 1945, victory in Japan was declared, and girls were granted a half holiday. On this day, the school organised an afternoon of sports, and Usherwood won the Housemistresses’ race.
It was a tradition for Usherwood House to present a nativity play in the chapel. In 1954, the chapel was undergoing renovations, but the girls of Usherwood House were still able to perform their traditional nativity play in December using temporary seating and light.
At last, in October 1975, the girls from Usherwood were able to move into a new home. On 5 March 1977, a service of thanksgiving was held in the chapel, followed by a procession to the new Usherwood House for the blessing of the buildings.
2004 saw a major upgrade of the dormitories, as well as the addition of a Boardermistress flat. All Grade 12’s are now housed in single rooms with study facilities, Grade 11’s in double rooms with study facilities, and Grade 10’s are provided with a special study area within the house.
Read Less
Usherwood House was named after Miss Eliza Usherwood, Lady Warden of St Anne’s from 1879 – 1889.
In 1926, St Anne’s decided to introduce the House system and the school was divided into three, according to dormitories in the main building – Macrorie, Usherwood, and Frances Baines. Usherwood was housed in the green dormitory, and this became the House colour. The House system proved to be hugely successful, providing a base for competition both on and off the sports fields that our girls still enjoy today.
The first Housemistress was Miss Jones and the first Head of House was Nancy Trotter.
When the girls of Frances Baines moved out of the main building in 1930, the accommodation was shared by Macrorie and Usherwood Houses.
Read More
St Anne’s has always emphasised helping those in need and the importance of religion in everyday life. To this end, the Usherwood girls took part in Lenten sewing throughout the thirties, making dressing gowns, blue overalls and knickers for St Cross’s Orphanage and the Peter David Home. By 1937, each House had identified a different charity to support; Usherwood gave frocks, knickers, and dolls to the Leper Mission in Zululand.
In 1943, when plans had been made for a new house to be built, Usherwood – still housed at one end of the main building – would gain Andrews’ small dormitory upstairs.
On 10 August 1945, victory in Japan was declared, and girls were granted a half holiday. On this day, the school organised an afternoon of sports, and Usherwood won the Housemistresses’ race.
It was a tradition for Usherwood House to present a nativity play in the chapel. In 1954, the chapel was undergoing renovations, but the girls of Usherwood House were still able to perform their traditional nativity play in December using temporary seating and light.
At last, in October 1975, the girls from Usherwood were able to move into a new home. On 5 March 1977, a service of thanksgiving was held in the chapel, followed by a procession to the new Usherwood House for the blessing of the buildings.
2004 saw a major upgrade of the dormitories, as well as the addition of a Boardermistress flat. All Grade 12’s are now housed in single rooms with study facilities, Grade 11’s in double rooms with study facilities, and Grade 10’s are provided with a special study area within the house.
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MORE ABOUT OUR BOARDING
The well-being of every girl is a primary concern at St Anne’s. A school doctor is available for consultations with the girls three days a week, and the San is overseen by qualified nursing staff who are on duty 24 hours a day.
The San is a peaceful wing, with windows opening onto beautiful gardens. It offers a calm and restful atmosphere where girls can go when they are ill or in need of help.
Healthy, interesting, and tasty food is essential at boarding school. Resident boarders are given three full meals, as well as morning and afternoon tea daily. Day boarders are also catered for at lunch and both morning and afternoon tea.
We outsource our catering to a professional catering company (Fedics) who have the necessary expertise to cater for the needs of girls’ boarding schools.
Girls are expected to attend every meal and adhere to the dining rules outlined in the College Routine Handbook.
Each house is allocated a day for laundry, which goes to the central laundry unit on the school grounds. Each girl is given a laundry book containing her name, laundry number, and laundry list. Each house also has its own small laundry equipped with a washing machine and tumble drier for delicate items.
Saturday school is critical to the school curriculum and it is compulsory for all girls to attend.
An entertainment committee is responsible for keeping the girls busy over the remaining weekend hours with activities such as outings to nearby nature reserves, trips to the mall and watching sport at the local boys’ schools.
Full boarders are allocated four day exeats and three weekend exeats per term as well as the Half-Term. Half-Term usually runs from a Thursday morning to Monday evening in the middle of each term, and all boarders must leave campus for this short break.
All girls may receive visits from their parents, grandparents, and siblings any time outside of the normal school day. Visits from friends and other relatives are permitted on Sundays from 14:30 to 16:30.
In Grade 12, girls may take up to five weekend exeats per term. They can also receive visits from their friends and other relatives between 15:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday