spirituality
Spirituality forms the foundation of daily life at St Anne’s. We strive to nurture girls to be aware that they are spiritual beings and to consider the teachings of Jesus Christ. The name ‘Diocesan College’ indicates our membership of the Anglican Church and the Diocese of KwaZulu-Natal.
All people may follow their faith while still respecting and abiding by the Christian faith of St Anne’s. All girls are expected to attend regular worship in our Chapel – morning services twice a week, and either Holy Eucharist or Evening Prayer on Sundays.
MEET THE CHAPLAIN
The spiritual life of the St Anne’s community is cared for by the College Chaplain, Reverend Doctor Susan van Niekerk, who joined the staff at St Anne’s in 2011. Rev Susan guides religious life at St Anne’s, offering meaningful guidance and counsel to girls and staff.
Rev Susan spent a few years of her childhood in Hilton, living in a house that borders onto the St Anne’s vlei. She did most of her schooling in Johannesburg. Despite accumulating a BSc in Laboratory Medicine, an MSc in Biotechnology and a PhD in Molecular Genetics and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGCE), Susan decided to follow her true calling, get a Diploma in Theology and become an Anglican priest. She worked in parish ministry at St Martins-in-the-Veld, Rosebank, and then Chaplain to the College at Bishop Bavin School, where she also taught Life Sciences.
Rev Susan has a passion for Jesus and for providing girls with opportunities to encounter God and grow in their faith. She has a good sense of humour and leads worship creatively. She loves being at St Anne’s and is grateful to be part of what God is doing here.
BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION
At St Anne’s, we offer a comprehensive programme for Baptism and Confirmation, guiding students in their spiritual journey. Baptism, often received in early childhood, marks the beginning of one’s Christian faith. As students mature, they may choose to affirm this commitment through Confirmation, a sacrament signifying their personal decision to follow Christ. Eligible students, aged 16 and above, participate in a Confirmation service led by an Anglican bishop, reflecting our school’s Anglican heritage. For those not yet baptised, arrangements can be made either at their home church or at St Anne’s, with baptisms typically conducted during regular Chapel Services.
While Confirmation is a significant milestone, it is not a prerequisite for marriage in the church or for receiving Holy Communion; baptism suffices for these sacraments. Preparation for Confirmation includes classes led by the Chaplain in Grade 8 and 9, ongoing chapel activities, and mandatory attendance at a Confirmation Camp. A baptism certificate or an affidavit confirming the baptism details is required two weeks prior to the Confirmation service.
The College Chapel was built in 1911 shortly after the school moved to Hilton Avenue. It has always played a central role in the lives of our girls and has been extended twice since that date to accommodate all girls and staff. The Chapel is a place of calm, peace, and quiet where girls go to reflect and worship.
The Chapel is adorned with numerous, beautiful stained-glass windows, most of which were gifts to the school, with some dating as far back as 1911.
The latest addition is the Rose Window, a breathtaking, three-metre stained glass window set into the north wall of the Chapel. The artwork is described as “an ancient art form in modern time†by Ruth Nesbitt, who worked on the intricate commission with her husband Hunter Nesbitt, a renowned artist and stained-glass expert.
The striking rose window is made up of a number of elements in multiples of twelve: petals, borders and Hilton daisies. Blue triangles represent the blue-green rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, and angels hold symbols that represent the fruits of the spirit: love, self-control, patience, peace, humility, strength, kindness, gentleness, joy, grace, hope and faithfulness. The central pane of the window represents earth, wind, fire and water, embodying the love of our Creator.
The rich colours of the glass refract coloured light into the Chapel, shining onto the congregation and blessing our community.
