School History

History
Shool Song
Code of Honour

History

1860
Mrs Hugo

In 1860, Mrs Hugo ( Du Buisson) established a school for 40 girls and young ladies.

1872
Prof. and Mrs Jan de Villiers

In 1872, the school was taken over by Prof. and Mrs Jan de Villiers. Now, with 200 learners, Jan Orrelis taught music while Mrs de Villiers was the headmistress of the Ladies Seminary. Tuition was in English, with French and Dutch being two of the subjects.

1913
La Rochelle Girls' High School

In 1913, the school became known as the La Rochelle Girls' High School. The name means "the small rock" and is a reference to one of the fort cities of the French Huguenots.

The changing of the name caused some sadness amongst teachers and past learners, but the aims of the school were kept intact. (Head, heart and hand have an equal place in the education of the young girls.) An interesting fact is that Dutch was gradually replaced by Afrikaans and the girls enjoyed their literature classes even more.

1922
School Song

The school song was written by Jan FE Cilliers and composed by ML de Villiers in 1922 and in 1923 the school badge was created.

1938
Primary School Officially Opened

In 1938, the primary school was separated from the high school and officially opened in March 1938.

School Song

Our motto is “Forward”, our name La Rochelle.
It’s a spirit and a name that to people can tell
how basely the right
had to bow before might,
yet it kept a good heart with a spirit aflame
that conquered defeat in the Lord’s holy Name.

CHORUS

We strive to go forward, we aim high and well,
sweet sounds still our name:
La Rochelle, La Rochelle.

Written by Jan F E Cilliers and in 1922 composed by M L de Villiers.

Code of Honour

We strive to build and to work in God’s strength

We strive to uphold the name, honour and traditions of our school

We strive to be considerate and helpful towards our fellow-men

We strive to be obedient to our superiors and friendly and courteous to all

We strive to be trustworthy, honest and sincere in all we do

We strive to create a healthy and constructive atmosphere around us

We strive to cultivate self-control and to practise it

We strive to become women worthy of serving our country

Contact Us

© La Rochelle Girls’ Primary School. All Rights Reserved