Dear Family and Friends of St Anne’s
It was with a heavy heart that we heard that retired, legendary teacher, Penny Peacock, had succumbed to cancer this past week. Penny taught English at St Anne’s with dedication and passion and those who found themselves in her class knew that they were lucky, even if it meant that they would be stretched and that full engagement and accountability were expected! She was a big character with a brilliant mind, and this combination made an indelible impression on girls and staff. After her retirement in 2022, Penny continued to tutor girls who formed a close bond with her, and it was a very sad day when she became too ill to continue.
Penny was an exceptional teacher and our school social media posts, informing our community of Penny’s passing, have been flooded with heartfelt comments from past pupils and colleagues, indicative of the enormous long-lasting influence she had on generations of St Anne’s women. A quick glance at some extracts from these read:
‘To this day she was probably the person who had the most profound influence on how I see and perceive the world other than my parents’, ‘Her belief in us was strong enough that we believed it too’, ‘She had one of the greatest influences on how I saw myself and my potential at such a pivotal stage of teenhood’, ‘My time in her classroom played a role in the woman I am today’, ‘Inspired so many of us to be better than we thought’, ‘She has most definitely left a legacy resonating through all the girls she taught’, ‘There is no doubt that she has influenced generations of women who carry her forward to influence further generations’, ‘Forever grateful to have learnt from her’, ‘Such a brilliant teacher and an inspirational friend and colleague’.
She was a teacher who inspired through her incredible knowledge, passion and enthusiasm, and she tapped into the potential of her students and urged them to reach higher. She was firm and could be pretty tough, and she would show complete disdain for slapdash work. She expected diligence and pride in the work produced, and she set the example by working very hard for her students. And she loved through it all. Her wit was priceless and she splashed the world with colour. She shaped young people by teaching the importance of deep listening, of thinking creatively and critically, of using one’s voice wisely, and of holding true to one’s values. The world needs many more Mrs Peacocks.
This sense of loss and gratitude made me think more about the future of our schools. We need more brilliant minds and vibrant characters studying to become teachers as the impact of people like Penny influences lives profoundly.
Too often, very intelligent and socially strong young people are discouraged from going into teaching as there must be something ‘better’ for someone of their calibre. What could be more affirming than shaping the lives of beautiful young people, of compounding their potential, and of having the privilege of spending vital years with them? What could be more exciting and fulfilling in life? It is high time that more gifted young people stepped up to join the teaching profession and our world would be far richer. The profession offers opportunities for extension and leadership, and one’s qualifications are globally transferable. The lifestyle is usually ‘family friendly’ and one’s colleagues offer support, growth and great company! Perhaps when one is at school, the thought of returning to school seems a little bland, but as the years pass, I hope that many of our strong academics and role models may see teaching as an exciting and worthy profession where a person can make a significant difference to the future. It is vital that as parents, mentors and friends, we encourage the crème de la crème to venture into igniting the next generation of young minds.
Our sincere condolences to the Peacock family. Rest in peace, Penny, after a life well lived.
Warm regards
Debbie Martin
COLLEGE HEAD
HONOURS
We are proud to announce that the following girls have been awarded their Honours in recognition of their outstanding commitment, dedication and achievement.
💙 Beayu Chiang – Sport, Hockey
💙 Belle Hofmeyr – Sport, Hockey
💙 Holly Hofmeyr – Sport, Hockey
💙 Inati Ngcobo – Sport, Hockey
HISTORY DRAMA TOUR: JOHANNESBURG 2026
Reflections from the Grade 11 History Drama Tour
One of the highlights of my History tour was walking down Vilakazi Street and visiting Nelson Mandela’s former home. The vibrant street is a true reflection of South Africa’s rich culture. Visiting the site where Hector Pieterson was shot was really moving. Standing where such a significant moment in our history took place gave me a much deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made during the struggle against apartheid. Seeing Mandela’s home was a reminder of the courage and resilience of those who fought for the free and diverse South Africa we are privileged to live in today. The entire tour was a moving and unforgettable experience that left me with a greater appreciation for our country’s history. – Sarah Woodburn
South Africa’s History is laid out right at your fingertips: the vivid, intense tragedies Apartheid brought about, but also the triumphant thrum of hope and unity of our people. My breath was taken away instantly as I stood before the Apartheid museum’s entrances labelled: ‘blankes’ and ‘nie-blankes’. I knew the unfairness of the hierarchy of race groups, but not the weight of the suffering behind those names before I pushed past the bars of naivety. Looking back, what stood out to me the most was the heartbreaking videos of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission testimonies where the victims of racial violence have to face the murderers who request amnesty. The History tour was such an eye-opening experience. – Hsing-Ting Chien
My favourite part of the tour was definitely the Apartheid Museum. Walking through the museum made the history feel real in a way that no textbook ever could. Seeing the photographs, videos and personal stories enabled a deeper sense of understanding and allowed us to empathise with the freedom fighters and the innocents victimized by the regime, both white and black. It was an uncomfortable and anger-inducing experience, and a reminder of the importance of remembering ALL of our history. – ‘Mabareng Seeiso
Being in the hub of Joburg and exposed to such raw and gruesome History was really such an eye-opening and enriching experience. Walking around the Constitutional Hill prison cells and looking at the carvings on the wall really made me feel as though the old inmates’ stories were coming back to life. This was a very difficult place to be in, but it was very necessary to see the degree of inequality. Being inside the women’s prison and hearing about the horror stories left me quite upset and uneasy. But like Mrs Ram always says, if you don’t feel uncomfortable while learning about History, you are not really learning. I am very grateful for this opportunity. – Llewella Spence
Constitutional Hill was an eye-opening experience. Going through the different parts of the prison makes what you learn in class come to life, and it gives one a picture of what actually happened in the walls of the cells. When we had seen all parts of the prison (women’s side, black male and white male side) made us all speechless. Reading and hearing about the harsh, unfair and disturbing treatment that happened within the prisons feels surreal. This experience is one that I would recommend to all, even those who don’t take History, because it truly opens your eyes to understand the history of South Africa and would make you want to learn and understand more. – Coco Chubb
Going to Constitutional Hill was as educational as it was sobering. Often learning about apartheid in class feels distant, but going to see the No.4 prison, speaking to past victims of apartheid and visiting the Constitutional Court not only consolidated what we learnt in class but allowed us to appreciate how far we have truly come as a country. Palesa Musa, a former inmate at the No. 4 prison, activist and survivor of Apartheid, summed it up beautifully when she said: “we fought in the past, so the youth in the present can better the future of South Africa”. Our trip reminded us that we were once divided, but also highlighted how our History and hope for the future unite us. – Naledi Foko
Watching Woza Albert! at the Market Theatre was one of the highlights of our Johannesburg tour. As both a History and Dramatic Arts student, I found the production especially meaningful because it brought our study of Apartheid to life and linked perfectly with our set work for this year and Matric. The powerful performances reminded us how theatre can educate, inspire and preserve South Africa’s history. – Samkelo Vikilahle
PROPERTY INSIGHTS FOR FUTURE HOMEOWNERS
By MRS JANINE POLLARD (HEAD OF CONSUMER STUDIES)
St Anne’s Grade 12 Consumer Studies learners recently had the privilege of hosting property practitioners Sade Wagner and Mbali Khuzwayo from Harcourts Hilton. The informative session provided valuable insights into the property market, covering everything from purchasing a first home and renting to the fundamentals of building and property investment. We extend our sincere thanks to Sade and Mbali for sharing their expertise and equipping our learners with practical knowledge for their future journeys.
GREY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL COMES TO LIFE
By MRS jenitha raghoo (HEAD OF life sciences)
“Code Blue! Renal Emergency Department needs all doctors on duty!”
For one lesson, our Grade 11 Life Sciences classroom was transformed into Grey Memorial Hospital, where learners swapped their school uniforms for the roles of junior doctors in the Renal Emergency Department.
Working in medical teams, students were presented with five patients suffering from different kidney-related disorders. Armed with patient histories, blood test results, urine analyses and symptom profiles, they were challenged to diagnose each case using their knowledge of the excretory system and nephron function.
From identifying Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes Insipidus to investigating glomerulonephritis, dehydration, and kidney stones, learners had to think critically, interpret evidence and apply biological concepts rather than simply recall facts. Like real doctors, they quickly discovered that not every clue was important and that careful observation and logical reasoning were the keys to making an accurate diagnosis.
Each medical team presented their findings, explaining the diagnosis, the nephron structure involved, the affected nephron process, the biological reason for the patient’s symptoms and an appropriate treatment or lifestyle recommendation. The classroom buzzed with discussion as learners debated diagnoses, defended their conclusions and connected theory to authentic, real-world medical scenarios.
This immersive case-study approach provided an engaging way to consolidate the Grade 11 Excretory System unit while developing essential scientific skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, communication and evidence-based reasoning.
Who knew that learning about kidneys could feel so much like starring in an episode of Grey’s Anatomy?
INTERNATIONAL STUDY EXPERIENCES
During the June/July holidays, Grade 10 students Yamukelo Mdlopane and Ryan-Emily Kent embraced exceptional international learning opportunities at two of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Yamukelo attended the Oxford Royale Academy at the University of Oxford, where she lived and studied at Balliol College, one of Oxford’s oldest and most historic colleges, while completing the Law and Politics Programme alongside students from around the world. Ryan-Emily attended the Oxbridge Summer Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge, where she joined the STEM stream and experienced life as a Cambridge student while studying alongside an international cohort of aspiring scholars.
Below are extracts from their experiences.
The Summer Before I Turned Sixteen: My Oxford Royale Experience
Yamukelo Mdlopane
Travelling to the United Kingdom on my own at fifteen years old was both exciting and daunting. As one of the youngest students in my class, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but any nerves quickly disappeared as I met students from more than 100 countries, all united by a shared love of learning.
Each day was filled with lectures, seminars and debates exploring international law, political systems and global affairs. Learning from experienced tutors while studying in a city that has inspired generations of scholars was both challenging and rewarding.
Some of my favourite memories, however, happened outside the classroom. Conversations with friends from around the world about our cultures, ambitions and perspectives reminded me that education extends far beyond textbooks. Whether we were discussing world politics over dinner, exploring Oxford together or sharing stories about life back home, every interaction broadened my understanding of the world.
Oxford Royale gave me much more than an academic experience. It strengthened my independence, introduced me to lifelong friendships across continents and showed me the value of learning alongside people from diverse backgrounds. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to represent both South Africa and St Anne’s, and I hope my experience encourages others to embrace opportunities beyond the classroom.
The programme concluded with a graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of students from across the academy. I was proud to graduate with an A* (92%), placing second in my class, just one percentage point behind the top academic award. I was also honoured to receive the Effort, Commitment and Enthusiasm Award, recognising my engagement and contribution throughout the programme.
My Cambridge Summer School Experience
Ryan-Emily Kent
During the June/July holidays, I was fortunate to spend two weeks at the University of Cambridge as part of the Oxbridge Summer Scholars Programme. It was an unforgettable experience that challenged me academically, broadened my perspective and helped me grow in confidence and independence.
I joined the STEM stream, where each day was filled with lectures, seminars, tutorials and masterclasses led by experts in their fields. Some of my favourite topics included pure mathematics, astronomy and engineering. While the work was often demanding, I learnt that stepping outside my comfort zone and tackling difficult concepts is an important part of learning.
One of the most memorable aspects of the programme was meeting students from around the world. I formed friendships with young people from countries including Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, Russia and the United States, as well as another student from South Africa. Learning about different cultures and experiences was just as valuable as what we learnt in the classroom.
Beyond the academic programme, we explored many of Cambridge’s historic colleges, went punting on the River Cam and enjoyed visits to Oxford and Anglesey Abbey. These experiences made the programme even more special and allowed us to appreciate both the history and beauty of England.
Looking back, what stands out most is how much the experience encouraged me to grow. It taught me to be more independent, to embrace new challenges and to make the most of opportunities that may initially seem intimidating. I am incredibly grateful for the experience, the friendships I made and the lessons I learnt, all of which I will carry with me for years to come.
AFRIKAANS OLYMPIAD 2026
By MRS BRONWEN MANTLE (AFRIKAANS TEACHER)
Recently, 60 learners from Grades 10, 11 and 12 participated in the annual Afrikaans Olympiad, a prestigious competition designed to enhance Afrikaans language skills and knowledge. The Olympiad provides a platform for learners to showcase their understanding of Afrikaans literature, language and culture, while encouraging critical and creative thinking.
More than an academic challenge, the competition celebrates the richness and diversity of the Afrikaans language. Recognised by universities across South Africa, participation in the Olympiad is a valuable opportunity for academic and personal growth.
We congratulate and thank all the learners who participated for their commitment, enthusiasm and passion for the language. A sincere thank you is also extended to the Afrikaans Department for their dedication and hard work in facilitating this opportunity and supporting our learners in their linguistic development.
VISUAL ARTS STILL-LIFE EXAM DRAWINGS
As part of their June practical examination, the Grade 11 Visual Arts students created a collection of A3 artworks using pencil, colour pencils and gold paper. The pieces reflect their talent, dedication and artistic growth. Enjoy a glimpse of some of their impressive creations.
BOOK WEEK
By MS SALLY HOWES (HEAD OF MEDIA CENTRE)
Despite a busy third term schedule, Book Week once again brought readers together for a range of engaging activities. Highlights included a Q&A session with author Bridget Krone, a virtual link-up with DJ Styles Mbatha, a Lit Quiz, a cosy “Nap with a Book” event, a successful book sale, and the ever-popular Dress-as-a-Book-Character Friday, enthusiastically supported by learners and staff alike.
Creative paper-craft activities and competitions ran throughout the week, with many girls enjoying learning to make zines and other handmade books. We look forward to building on this interest with a bookbinding workshop next term.
Book Week celebrates the joy of reading, encourages a culture of literacy, and reminds our learners of the many academic and personal benefits that books provide. A special highlight was the inspiring College Lecture by Old Girl Caitlin Venniker (née Gunthorp, 1999) on balancing life as a veterinarian, author, and mother. The week closed alongside the Public Speaking Competition, a fitting reminder that strong reading habits remain the foundation of confident and accomplished communication.
LE PETIT-DÉJEUNER
By MRS SALLY EVANS (FRENCH TEACHER)
At our annual Petit-Déjeuner on 28 July, we welcomed more than 165 pupils and teachers from five schools.
Le français est une langue vivante, dynamique, pratique et internationale.
This special event provided a wonderful opportunity for St Anne’s Grade 8 girls to connect with French pupils and teachers from St Charles College, Hilton College, St John’s DSG and Michaelhouse. Not only did everyone enjoy a delicious breakfast of croissants, pain au chocolat and chocolat chaud, but they also had the opportunity to interact and converse in French.
The pupils had great fun completing a quiz based on their knowledge of France, listening to French music and, above all, spending time with friends who share the same passion for cette belle langue.
DANCE X COMPETITION
During the recent holidays, Jessica Buxton-Foreman, Katie Heenan and Oreabetse Sachane participated in The Dance X Competition which was held at the Sibiya Theatre in Durban on 27 June. They achieved the following results:
Jessica Buxton-Foreman:
Acro solo 1: ‘Exquisite Gold’. This solo also received a R400 prize for ‘Exceptional Female dancer’.
Acro solo 2: received a Gold X
Modern solo: ‘Gold X’ (85% and above).
She also received an award for the ‘highest scoring senior acro dance’.
Oreabetse Sachane:
Jazz Solo: Exquisite Gold
Lyrical: Gold X
Lyrical trio: Gold X
Contemporary group: Gold X
Katie Heenan:
Modern solo: Silver X
Tap solo: Gold X
All three students were part of a Jazz group dance where they received a Gold X.
Jess and Katie also participated at the WLDF (World Lyrical Dance Federation) competition held in Johannesburg on 3-5 July.
Katie placed 7th for her modern solo.
Jess’s acro solo placed 1st in the first round and was selected to be performed at the WLDF gala evening where it placed 3rd in her section. To compete in this gala event, you had to make the top 6 in your age group for that style. Jess also received a special award – the judges award – where she has been gifted with ‘Local free flights’ for the World Championships next year, and has qualified to represent team SA at this competition.
Well done to our three dancers!
SPORTS UPDATE
KES SOUTHAMPTON TOUR VISIT
St Anne’s was delighted to host KES Southampton on Wednesday afternoon for an exciting programme of hockey and netball fixtures.
The U16A Hockey team got proceedings off to a fantastic start with a convincing 3-0 victory, while the U16A Netball team battled hard in a closely contested match, narrowly going down 22-28.
In challenging wet and cold conditions, the 1st Team Hockey side delivered an outstanding performance to secure a well-earned 2-1 victory. Nicola Thomas was in superb form, scoring both goals for St Anne’s, while captain Holly Hofmeyr was deservedly named Player of the Match. It was a determined team effort, with every player contributing to the memorable win.
The 1st Team Netball team also showcased great energy and determination, encouraged by the enthusiastic support and spirited war cries from the St Anne’s crowd. Despite a brave performance, KES Southampton claimed a 35-27 victory.
Beyond the results, the afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange, with the girls enjoying time together and forming new friendships with the touring team from England. We thank KES Southampton for their visit and wish them every success for the remainder of their South African tour.
U13 MIDLANDS HOCKEY FESTIVAL
The U13 Midlands Hockey Festival took place at St Anne’s on the first weekend of Term 3, bringing together 20 primary school teams from across South Africa for a fantastic celebration of hockey. Teams travelled from as far afield as Somerset College in the Western Cape and Kingsmead College in Johannesburg, joining schools from Durban, the Kokstad and Underberg regions, and our local Midlands community.
The festival showcased both outdoor and indoor hockey, providing players with the opportunity to enjoy competitive sport, build new friendships and create lasting memories.
A special thank you goes to the many St Anne’s girls who volunteered throughout the weekend. Whether assisting at the sound desk, managing the technical table, umpiring matches or helping wherever needed, they represented the school with enthusiasm, responsibility and pride.
Thank you to all the players, coaches, supporters, officials and sponsors who contributed to making the festival such a memorable success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting U13 Midlands Hockey Festival in 2027!
INTERHOUSE TENNIS
The Interhouse Tennis Competition took place recently and proved to be a highly competitive and spirited event. The courts were filled with energy as girls from all houses gave their best throughout the day.
The Junior section was particularly close, with just a single point separating the leading teams. Macrorie secured the title with 18 points. The Senior section was equally hard fought, with Macrorie once again emerging victorious, finishing on 23 points.
Congratulations to Macrorie on being crowned the overall winners of the 2026 Tennis Interhouse Competition. Well done to all the players for their commitment, sportsmanship and enthusiastic participation, which contributed to the success of the event.
FINAL OVERALL RESULTS
1st Macrorie
2nd Marianne Browne
3rd Frances Baines
4th Mollie Stone
5th Andrews
6th Usherwood
