From the Principal’s Desk
Dear Parents, Guardians and Old Girls
It is hard to believe that just over two months have passed since I had the privilege of taking up the post of 13th Principal of Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School on Monday, 2 June 2025. These weeks have been both energising and deeply rewarding, and I am grateful for the warmth, kindness and cooperation with which I have been received — not only by the staff but also by our girls and our parent body.
From my very first day, on my daily rounds along the corridors, I have found GHS to be a school with a proud spirit, serious purpose and a clear sense of tradition. The corridors are quiet during lesson time, the classrooms are purposeful, and both girls and teachers are hard at work. I am encouraged by the diligence, optimism and enthusiasm that characterise daily life here, and I am confident about the direction in which we are heading.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mrs Esmé Weigelt, our Senior Deputy Principal, who so capably led the school during her time as Acting Principal prior to my arrival. Her guidance and steady hand have ensured a smooth transition for me, and I am indebted to her for her wisdom, professionalism and, especially, kindness.
Over the past two months, I have had the opportunity to meet many parents on Saturday mornings and during our three recent parent–teacher meetings. These interactions have allowed me to gain insight into both the strengths of our school and the areas in which we need to do better. While the positive energy has been encouraging, these interactions have also brought to the fore real concerns — for example, the academic performance of some of our girls in mathematics in Grades 10 and 11. We will continue to focus on identifying causes, finding solutions, and providing support to help every girl fulfil her potential.
In terms of school life, it has been a busy and exciting term so far. A few highlights stand out:
- Reunion Day was simply magnificent – and most heart-warming too. Nearly 400 Old Girls returned to GHS for a day filled with warmth, humour and deep affection for their alma mater. The speeches from representatives of each decade, dating back to the Class of 1965, were gracious, entertaining and rich in meaning. I was especially pleased to be able to announce at that special assembly the awarding from 2026 onwards of scholarships to the daughters of Old Girls.
- Founders’ Day three days later was a joyful celebration in honour of Miss Norma Burns and the pioneering spirit that led to the founding of our school 105 years ago. The picnic, schoolgirl-run market and Colour Run – amidst music and dancing – in the boarding establishment grounds brought the whole school together in a relaxed, happy way.
- Sporting excellence has continued to shine. In particular, I must single out our 1st basketball team, who 10 days ago triumphed in GHS’s own Val Fowler Tournament for the first time in eight years. Their spirited surge in the final quarter brought the win home to the ‘Green Machine’ — our 24th title in the history of this prestigious event honouring one of the most distinguished servants of our school, Miss Fowler.
- Cultural and academic life has of late also flourished, with debating successes, abundant music performances (including an exchange to faraway Zululand), a vibrant, Italian-themed Cook-Off that showcased the creativity and teamwork of our consumer studies girls, and various successes by our girls at symposia and in academic competitions.
- The BE and classroom block renovations over the July holidays have added style and elegance to our facilities, reflecting our commitment to providing the best possible environment for learning and living.
These successes and this progress would not be possible without the tireless dedication of our staff, the commitment of our coaches, and the willingness of our girls to participate with spirit and enthusiasm. I thank each one of them, and I also acknowledge the vital role played by parents who support, encourage and cheer on their daughters from the side-lines — both literally and figuratively.
That said, I remain conscious of the realities we face. The financial stability of our school depends on the timely payment of school fees, especially in these challenging economic times. Without these resources, it becomes increasingly difficult to sustain the high standards and broad opportunities that make GHS the exceptional institution it is. At the same time, I believe that schools such as ours must be far more than places of instruction. They should be builders of character, great centres of inspiration, and – especially in this province and this city – beacons of excellence. My aim is for our young ladies to look back on their schooldays here not only as the most inspiring years of their lives — where they developed a genuine hunger for knowledge, a rich sense of curiosity, and the courage to dream boldly — but also as their happiest. I want them to leave GHS as passionate Old Girls, deeply connected to this place and to one another. And I hope that every parent, guardian and Old Girl will roll up their sleeves and become fully involved in school life, so that together we create not just a true sisterhood among the girls but a deeper unity amongst all of all who make up this great green tide – girls, parents and guardians, staff, supporters, and of course Old Girls.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School, and I am optimistic about the journey ahead. The combination of tradition and forward-looking energy that I see here each day convinces me that GHS’s best chapters are yet to be written.
Thank you for your trust, your involvement, and your belief in our school.
Yours sincerely
Matthew Marwick
Principal: Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School