Where we came from

The History of Northcliff Primary School

Northcliff Primary School Building

Before

Northcliff Primary school before

After

Northcliff Primary school after

Northcliff Primary School Uniform

Before

Northcliff Primary school uniform before

After

Northcliff Primary school uniform after

The Beginning

Northcliff Primary School consisted of a small building with an office, small staffroom and three classrooms. The third classroom doubled up as a hall. The staffroom was used each night by the Civic Guard, who was responsible for policing the area. 

Mr Fred Cohen was responsible for donating the land and building Northcliff Primary School. Mr and Mrs Stakesby-Lewis were the architects who drew up the plans for the school. Since 1942 buildings and classrooms have been added to accommodate the growing number of learners attending Northcliff Primary School.

Mrs Morris designed and introduced the first school uniform and this has been updated on a regular basis as fashion and weather has changed. The original colours of burgundy (maroon) and turquoise (teal) have remained as our brand. A school badge was designed that included a lit torch and our motto – Aemulmini Meliora, which means “We strive for better things”. Almost 80 years later, we still strive for better things at Northcliff Primary School – in the classroom, on the sports fields, in the cultural fields and to encourage excellent morals and values in our learners.

Mr. J. Kriel

A message from Mr. J. Kriel First Inspector of Northcliff School

I convey my hearty congratulations to the Principal, staff, pupils and parents of the Northcliff School on the attainment of its majority. I had the privilege of being closely connected with the School from 1943 to 1953 and I have watched its growth with great interest and pleasure, so that it was a real joy to me to be able to attend the official opening of the new hall and library not so long ago.

The School has come through difficult times- it was born in the travail of a World War-and to-day the world is again in a state of chaos, but if only we would retain our faith in God, in ourselves and in our country, I am sure that the future holds the promise of great blessings for us all and that the Northcliff School will not fail in its duty to inculcate in its pupils that spirit of faith and service. which will enable them to do their share in helping to make this country a better and happier place for all of us who love it.

That the next twenty-one years may be prosperous and the School continue to progress as in the past, is my earnest wish.

Northcliff School's first Pupil
DR. L. CHATZ, M.B., B.CH.

A Message from Northcliff School's first Pupil

I feel quite nostalgic when I congratulate Northcliff School on its 21st Anniversary, as I was the first pupil at the School, and here I am so many miles away in Victoria, Australia.

I remember how, being the first pupil under Mrs. E. Morris, I was allowed home at 11.30 a.m. for the first few weeks.

I had no homework, no school bells, very little playgrounds. A halcyon existence excepting for my early rising in order to catch the bus!

On the second teacher’s (Mrs. Trott) arrival, our numbers had increased to 30 pupils. How well I remember, not without chagrin, at six of us endeavouring to ‘draai stokkies’ in defiance towards the inception of homework. Needless to say, our cause was lost, and were our faces red!

Then came our new head, Mr. Ben Ryan, who inaugurated a library, football, a prefect system and variety concert evenings.

I rejoice in our puny 30 pupils having expanded into a large school of 680. In conclusion, I should like to wish Northcliff School everything of the best for the future and may it make even bigger strides forward in the years to come.