Heritage Trail

The magnificent 19th-century stained-glass window by Clement Heaton which graces the landing of the main staircase has been restored and light now streams through the glass, enhancing the beautiful colours and images. It dates back to 1892 and is of immense historical value. It reminds us that reframing and securing the historical aspects of Collegiate lights our path to the possibilities of the future. The window, one of several, was originally in Britain’s famed Imperial Institute. Each of the windows represented a colony of the British Empire. When the Institute ceased to exist, the South African window was offered by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to Mrs E K Lorimer, director of the King George VI Art Gallery. The price of shipping was paid by a Port Elizabeth Glass Company. The window arrived in four pieces, and after being reassembled in Port Elizabeth, was on show at the Art Gallery for some time. When the time came to find a permanent home for this superb window, it was offered to Herbert McWilliams, architect of Collegiate, for inclusion in the new building. In 2023, David Manning and his team removed the stained glass window so that it could be restored.

An exotic white oak tree was planted outside the reception area in memory of Karen Schoombie (9 September 1955 – 8 August 1983). Karen’s mother donated several items to the school. For example: the plant-stand in the principal’s office, a copper bowl and a wooden bench which was placed at the swimming pool. The bench has, unfortunately, not withstood the test of time.

Mrs Jacqui Abrey was born in Leicestershire, Britain, and spent her childhood travelling all over the world with her parents. Once settled in what was then Port Elizabeth, she completed her schooling at Victoria Park High School. Her first teaching post was at Westering High School, where she met her husband. In 1987 she continued her career as a Mathematics teacher and HOD at Collegiate. Unfortunately, Parkinson’s disease which was complicated by PSP led to her passing in 2021. A memorial celebration was held at Collegiate on 16 September 2021. The service was attended by many friends and staff members. Happy anecdotes and memories were shared. Her family had a bench in her honour placed outside of the Games Club and Collegiate planted a tree nearby as a long-lasting tribute to her vibrant persona.

Catherine Dowley nee Thornton was born on 25 May 1984 and passed away on 26 May 2018.  An indigenous Cheesewood Tree was donated to the school by Catherine’s close friends. It was planted in time for the Class of 2002’s twentieth reunion in May 2022 by the Class of 2002 in loving memory of one of the kindest most incredible souls,

Chanel Munro wrote about the planting of the tree and the legacy of Catherine: "This beautiful tree will hold her legacy and memory for years to come. May the friendships formed under its shade stand strong and true as she once did. Catherine, you will be missed and loved always.”

The War Memorial commemorates women’s work in the Great War of 1914-1918. The marble statue was sculpted by the assistant Art master at the Port Elizabeth School of Art. The statue depicts a woman in the uniform of the VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment). The Lamp of Service demonstrates the willingness of women to carry out any duty required while at war. Over time, the statue became a memorial to all those who gave their lives in the performance of their duty, in any war. The Memorial was moved from the old school and now stands in the bottom corridor facing the quadrangle.

The iron railings situated at the Aquatics changerooms are from the original school which was situated on Bird Street. The railings were moved from the Bird Street site and re-erected around the garden in front of the swimming pool. Mrs Pigott formally handed over this gift in April 1974. Generous donations from the Old Girls’ to the Centenary Fund made this possible and commemorated Collegiate’s Centenary in April 1974.

The Games Club is a fairly recent addition to Collegiate, having been completed in 2021. The ‘cottage’ was formerly the home of the Estate Manager. It was transformed into a venue from which one can sit on the patio and view the playing fields. It is often used to hold various functions throughout the year. In the 150th year, the matriculants held their ‘Bring a Brekkie’ at the Club. The Games Club is beautifully decorated with several items from years gone by. A competition was held amongst the grades to decide upon a name. This was won jointly by Mrs Heather Shaw's D4 class and Miss Jessamy Kromhout’s E3 class of 2021. The winning classes aptly named the venue in honour of the line of the school song, "Girls of the Games Club". The girls received their reward of a doughnut each at the Games Club.

The sundial was gifted to the school by the matriculants of 1960 on the occasion of their twenty-fifth reunion and is dedicated to the memory of their fellow learners: Carryl Albert (Levitan), Joan Berry, Merle Khan (Marksman), and Erica Melmed (Gordon). (August 1985).

The unveiling of this beautiful painting took place on 7 May 2018 at a special assembly. Lizo Pemba attended our morning assembly and spoke briefly to the learners about his work. The painting was commissioned for the foyer of our school. What a privilege to have an artwork of this calibre gracing what is fondly remembered as the ‘Blue Area’ of our entrance hall.

The Stevenson Hall is viewed as Miss Elizabeth Stevenson’s greatest achievement, whilst principal of Collegiate and was named in her honour in 1966. Wooden boards were hung on the walls, with the names of past principals, and those learners who have won the Stephen Honour and Whitehead trophies. Chandeliers beautified the hall and were presented as a tribute to the work done by members of the Old Girls during World War II (1939-1945). The five grand-sized chandeliers each hold twelve ball-shaped frosted shades encrusted with a gild design resembling the calyx of a flower. Portraits of some of Collegiate’s past principals are hung in the hall. These are set in arch-headed recesses. In each arch is a replica of the school badge resting on crossed palm leaves covered with gold leaf. The matric class of 1990 presented the school with the wooden stair rails which lead up onto the stage and included the words ‘Lean on Me’.

The two large tapestries in the Auditorium depict the main characters of the German opera ‘The Trumpeter’. These were presented to Collegiate by Mrs J. Kernick, who worked them both during her late teens.

In the foyer is a parting gift to the school from Miss Stevenson, a beautiful plaque carved in wood, enclosing a painting by Mr Pickford Marriott, the Art Master. Below appears these words:

Whatsoever things are true, 

Whatsoever things are honourable,

Whatsoever things are just,

Whatsoever things are pure.

Whatsoever things are lovely,

Whatsoever things are of good report,

If there be any virtue and if there be any praise,

Think on these  things.