St Henry’sMarist College

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St Henry’s Marist College

Saint Marcellin chaMpagnat

Marcellin Champagnat was born in 1789 in revolutionary

France. At the age of eleven and with little aptitude for

academic work, Marcellin, decided he preferred farm

work to hours spent over books. A few years later, a

visiting priest suggested that he might like to train for the

priesthood. Marcellin found the early years of his studies

extremely difficult.

While in seminary, Marcellin and some others conceived

a vision for the founding of the Society of Mary. He was

determined the Society should include teaching Brothers

to work with rural children with no Christian education.

In 1816, in his first parish, he was called to the bedside

of a dying sixteen-year-old boy completely ignorant of

Christian teaching. Deeply moved by this experience,

Marcellin decided to act. In January 1817, Marcellin and two others formed

the nucleus of the Marist Brothers. Others soon followed. A primary school was

established which became a teacher training centre for the Brothers. Marcellin

motivated them with his enthusiasm for teaching and spreading the

gospel, teaching them how to pray and to live in community.

After a long and painful illness, Marcellin died of cancer

on 6 June 1840, leaving this message in his Spiritual

Testament: “Let there be among you just one heart

and one mind. Let it always be said of the Little Brothers

of Mary as it was of the early Christians: See how they love

one another!” Marcellin’s simple educational philosophy:

to teach children one must love them. He saw God at

the centre of life and the Virgin Mary as a sure means

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St Henry’s Marist College

MariSt BrotherSFounded in 1817, the Marist Brothers is an international

community with the goal of educating young people,

especially those most neglected. Most of the Brothers minister in

schools, others work with young people in parishes and religious

retreats, at-risk youth settings, young adult ministry and overseas

missions.

Time and again St. Marcellin said he wanted “to make Jesus

known and loved” throughout the world. He would run a needle

through an apple (representing the earth) to demonstrate how

he wanted the message of “Ad Jesum per Mariam” (“To Jesus

through Mary”) to cross the globe.

The Marist Brothers are involved in educational work throughout

the world and now conduct primary and secondary schools,

academies, industrial schools, orphanages and retreat houses

in 79 countries on five continents, reaching almost half a million

young people.

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St Henry’s Marist College

MariSt inSouth africa

In the mid nineteenth century, the Bishop of the Cape set about getting religious brothers and

sisters to teach the children in his small Catholic community. Answering his invitation, five Marist

Brothers landed in the Cape in 1867and established the first two Marist schools outside Europe in

Cape Town. A sign reading “Marist Brothers’ Schools” can still be seen on an arched gateway

leading from the Public Gardens to the original school building (now an annex to the Art Gallery).

The concern of the early priests and religious was to care for their relatively small Catholic

communities. For many years, the South African Catholic Church devoted the majority of its

manpower and resources to the white community and comparatively little to other groups that

eventually made up the bulk of its members.

In the mid nineteenth century, the Bishop of the Cape set about getting religious brothers and

sisters to teach the children in his small Catholic community. Answering his invitation, five Marist

Brothers landed in the Cape in 1867and established the first two Marist schools outside Europe

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St Henry’s Marist College

in Cape Town. A sign reading “Marist Brothers’ Schools” can still be seen on an arched gateway leading

from the Public Gardens to the original school building (now an annex to the Art Gallery).

The concern of the early priests and religious was to care for their relatively small Catholic communities.

For many years, the South African Catholic Church devoted the majority of its manpower and resources

to the white community and comparatively little to other groups that eventually made up the bulk of its

members.

The Marists spread to the Eastern Cape, the Transvaal, the Transkei, Basutoland, Natal and the Orange

Free State.

In 1960, the famous “Winds of Change” speech was delivered to Parliament in Cape Town. The world was

being radically transformed through a post-industrial revolution, decolonization, and, in the Church, an

unexpected revolution had been launched with the Second Vatican Council. South Africa suffered the

tragedy of Sharpeville and the persecution of opponents of apartheid, with Nelson Mandela and other

figures involved in the struggle being imprisoned.

The SA Bishops Conference had censured the politics of apartheid. In the face of political repression,

they spoke out increasingly strongly. The 1976 Soweto student riots caused even deeper soul-searching

among Catholics. Some Catholic schools had already opened their doors to all and, by the late 1970s,

Catholic schools registered for “Whites only” were admitting significant numbers of children of other races.

More resources and personnel were being directed towards the poor and the marginalized. !n the 1980s

Marist communities were set up in Umtata , Slough and north of Kuruman. The Brothers’ work with the poor

includes training of staff in rural schools, adult education, teaching in township schools, fund-raising for

disadvantaged schools and community centres.

There are five Marist schools in South Africa: St David’s Marist College in Inanda, Sacred Heart Marist

College in Observatory and Marian College in Linmeyer, all in Johannesburg; St Henry’s Marist College in

Durban and St Joseph’s Marist College in Rondebosch, Cape Town.

ethoSA specific Marist ethos has evolved and been codified in the light of the

life and philosophy of the Marist Founder, St Marcellin Champagnat:

Presence: Spending time with youngsters provides opportunities to enter

their lives, build up relationships and understand them better

Simplicity: Being child-like as in the spirit of the Gospel means avoiding

duplicity, pretence and empty show. Relationships are open and honest.

Family Spirit: There is a place for everyone. A sense of belonging

is fostered. A sound family does not neglect moral authority and

expectations.

Love of Work: Marcellin’s practical lifestyle moved others to work hard and

to respect all kinds of labour. He balanced work with prayer and life in

community.

Mary’s Way: Mary was a prayerful woman of faith, obedient and grateful

to God. She was concerned for others and stood by those who suffered.

Students in a Marist school are nurtured in an environment where

“Integrity” is the watchword, where absolute honesty in all that is said and

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St Henry’s Marist College

acadeMicSSt Henry’s Marist College is justifiably proud of its superb

academic record, its annual success rate of 100% at

Matric level and a very high percentage of candidates

obtaining exemptions. Since 1996, the College pupils

have written the Independent Examination Board Matric

which is regarded as the pre-eminent examination

body in South Africa. The pupils are helped to develop

a spirit of inquiry so that they will undertake personal

independent study. The Learning Resource Centre,

incorporating the School Library and Archives, is well-

equipped as the nucleus of research.

St Henry’s is academic home to about 750 young men

and women from Grade 000 through to Grade 12. Pupil-

Teacher ratios are very favourable, classes averaging

twenty-two to twenty-five students, ensuring that each

student receives the best possible individual attention.

The teaching staff keep abreast of the educational

changes in our country, attending relevant in-house

courses offered by the Education Department

and the Independent Examinations Board.

In the Foundation and Junior Preparatory Phase

traditional spelling, phonics, tables, bonds,

grammar and reading programmes form a

core part of the schemes of work alongside

tested creative and innovative contemporary

approaches and methods.Married to this is a

vigilant concern for the spiritual and emotional

well-being of the pupils and continuous

interaction between management, teachers and

parents.

Assessment is carried out continually on both

a formal and informal basis. Problem areas

are addressed as soon as possible to avoid

accumulation of learning difficulties. The teachers’

focus is always on the happy, productive student,

keen to attend school and who enjoys success in

as many areas as possible, academic and

extra-mural.

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St Henry’s Marist College

MileStoneS1929

1931

1933193319641984

1996199920002006

2008

201020112014

1930

The Little Brothers of Mary (the Marist Brothers)purchase a

prime Ridge Road property on the Berea, Durban. St Henry’s

Marist Brothers’ School opened its doors on 4 February with 17

pupils and Brother Paul Eusterius as the first Principal.

The new double-storeyed building of six classrooms, a library,

Principal’s office and cloisters is opened.

The first Matric class writes the first public examinations and the

nine writing achieve a 100% pass.

The first Matric class writes the first public examinations

and the nine writing achieve a 100% pass.

The first swimming gala is held.

Mr Anthony Akal is appointed the first lay Principal.

The pre-primary classes begin for the first time, with both boys

and girls at the little desks.

Marcellin Champagnat canonized.

The Marist Association Hall opened by Archbishop Napier and

blessed by Archbishop Hurley.

The Learning Resources Centre is completed and

opened and blessed by Cardinal Napier.

The first girls write Matric and the first Head Girl is

appointed.

Dr Akal retires after 26 years as College Principal.

Mrs Rene MacQuillin, the first lady College Principal, is

appointed.

The College celebrates its 85th Anniversary

IInauguration of the House system.

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St Henry’s Marist College

Tel: 031 261 7369 (Administration)

Fax: 031 262 2125 (General Administration)

10 Mazisi Kunene (South Ridge) Road, Glenwood, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

PO Box 30480, Mayville, 4058

Email: office@sthenrys.co.za

Web: www.sthenrys.co.za

St Henry’sMarist College

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St Henry’s Marist College