Pescodia Primary celebrates 50 years with thanksgiving and gala events

PESCODIA Primary School in Kimberley is marking its 50th anniversary with two special events. A Thanksgiving service will be held on September 26 at 5pm at Pescodia High School, followed by a formal gala dinner on September 27.

A colourful history

The school first opened its doors in 1975 to serve the growing Roodepan community in Kimberley’s north-west. That same year, the city-centre state-supported St Francis Xavier closed, and most of its teachers moved to the new school. Other educators came from Homevale and Venus primary schools.

Although teaching began in 1975, the school was officially opened on February 24, 1978, by Reverend A Hendrickse. Mr Peter Alexander Du Toit served as the first principal, with Mr McGulty, a prominent local figure, as the first school committee chairperson.

Built for around 1,000 learners, the school included specialised facilities such as an art room, handwork room, science lab, and two remedial classrooms. It was the first “Coloured school” in Kimberley and the Northern Cape to offer remedial education, employing the first Coloured remedial specialist, Ms Stella Skriker. 

From 1978 to 1998, the school also provided adult education, pioneering in that field as well. At the time, the staff numbered 58 educators working double shifts: 54 women and four men.

Rapid growth and challenges

Learner numbers surged to 1,485 by the school’s second year, prompting a double-shift system. Morning classes ran from 7am to 1.30pm, and afternoon classes from 12.30pm to 5pm. The overlap hour accommodated practical subjects and physical education, even during Kimberley’s summer heat.

This system was challenging for learners, teachers, and parents. Only those who experienced it know how taxing it was on both education quality and staff morale. Rapid growth also caused shortages of exercise books and other materials, creating instability that limited the school’s potential.

Leadership changes and growth

In April 1981, Principal Du Toit passed away. Deputy Principal James Matthews took over until year-end. In 1982, Mr Benjamin Carelse became the second principal, bringing stability and a period of growth. Pride in the school, known for its “green gyms”, grew among both teachers and learners.

The school weathered the boycotts preceding democracy, with staff maintaining professionalism and ensuring learners were minimally disadvantaged.

With democracy in 1994 came major educational changes: School Committees became School Governing Bodies, “Standards” became “Grades,” and learners and educators took on new titles. Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) required staff retraining through afternoon and holiday courses. Despite these challenges, the school’s educators persevered with dedication and integrity.

New leadership

In 2003, Mr Japie Thompson became principal. Today, Pescodia Primary is among Kimberley’s top five primary schools for athletics, rugby, soccer, cricket, netball, and hockey. The school has produced a diverse range of professionals, including pastors, police officers, nurses, educators, entrepreneurs, lawyers, doctors, accountants, politicians, and provincial and international athletes.

The school credits its committees and governing bodies, which have always been made up of men and women of integrity who provide selfless service to the school and community.

Principal Thompson said: “I am confident that our school will continue to serve the community with pride and diligence. Let us make dreams real by giving all our children the chance to grow and to dream. 

“Our children are our DIAMONDS forever – we must search for them, shape them, and treasure them. Thank you to our staff, parents, departmental officials, school governing body, former colleagues, and past learners for their selfless contribution to the success of our school.”