The centenary celebrations of Schauderville’s “beacon of hope on the hill” — Paterson High School — kicked off with an interfaith thanksgiving service on Sunday to celebrate the historic journey of the proud institution and its ambitious future.
The school celebrated its Founder’s Day at the SM Arends Hall in Schauderville as the start of a yearlong itinerary aimed at encapsuling its successes, challenges and future.
The Rev Sam Arends was the chair of the school’s management for several years.
Paterson High School first opened its doors to coloured and black pupils in a temporary building in Russell Road on January 26 1925, and was called Paterson Intermediate Coloured and Native School.
The name “Paterson” is in memory of the late John “Jock” Paterson, a Scot who had a major influence on the development of then Port Elizabeth.
Arends’ widow, Daphne, did the opening prayer at the service.
Also in attendance were former principals Henry Pearce, Tony Peterson and Dr Sivan Pillay as well as Nelson Mandela Bay education district director Ernest Gorgonzola and his wife, Jackie, in addition to dozens of pupils, parents and teachers both past and present.
Paterson rose from humble beginnings, starting with just 48 pupils, and held secondary classes at Weis Primary School in Municipality Street.
By April 1925, the number of pupils had grown to 68, and the school was officially named Paterson Intermediate School.
In 1926, a new concrete double-storey building was incorporated, and additional facilities were used for specialised classes.
In 1928, the school moved to a new location in Mount Road.
Thereafter Paterson quickly transitioned into a high school, but disaster struck in 1948 when a fire gutted the central section of the building.
Despite this setback, classes continued in the undamaged wings until a new building was constructed in Nicholas Road in 1950.
Alumni centenary committee chair Carrol Bouah shared the significance of the celebration.
“We honour the visionaries for the foundation laid, the men and women who walked the corridors of Paterson, generations who have come and for all generations we’re carrying forward.
“Founder’s Day is a very special day. Over the years, people have celebrated Founder’s Day in many organisations and schools and institutions.
“But this particular one of 100 years is particularly important to us.
“It’s a journey of more than 100,000 miles and so we celebrate the men and women of yesterday and honour the ones of today.
“We look forward with excitement to what the future holds.”
She said the centenary committee was established in 2021 with funds from the class of 1979, which kick-started the work of the committee.
“In 2022, we started with the programme. It was rigorous.
“There are many events that have happened in the lead up to the centenary to create awareness and excitement.
“The very first event we tackled was the renaming of the biology lab to the George Botha Science Lab.
“The centenary celebration is not just a throwback to our history but it’s a call for us to envision the next 100 years.
“The next step would be to set our sights on the future, embracing innovation while staying true to the core values of the school.”
Prayers of compassion were offered by Sheikh Imaan, a reading on the power of faith was done by Gurujee Surendra Daya, and prayers for unity and peace were led by Rev Neville Smith.
The school choir, Frank Joubert Primary School’s spiritual dancers and Hindi dancers added lustre to the occasion
Gorgonzola said the school was formed on the values of nonracialism and democracy.
“There are two great things in your mission statement and vision.
“Commitment and excellence stand out. Doing research, you will find the school has lived up to its mission and vision.
“Look at what the school has done over the years. The school is living up to excellence — excellence in teaching and in anything that they do.”
He encouraged the school to continue developing pockets of excellence.
Gorgonzola handed a framed congratulatory certificate to the former principals and current head, Rose de Doncker.
De Doncker said while the school remembered its struggles it also gave thanks for the support it had received and possibilities open to it.
“Through it all we are stronger, more resilient and more united than ever before.
“We envisage a future where our teachers continue to inspire.
“To our alumni we welcome you back home. To our parents, thank you for entrusting your children to our care.”
She also thanked the alumni centenary committee and the faith community who were integral to the service.
The Herald
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