User:Elliot Tjirovi

History

On the 4th of May, 1959, a group of business men at the instigation of Mr. Henry Hugo, then Regional Manager for an oil company in Windhoek, met in the end lounge of the Continental Hotel to discuss what steps could be taken to improve the quality of High School education available in the English medium in South West Africa.

Four months later on 9 September 1959, a significant meeting took place between Messrs CG Avenant, L Judge and JM Hofmeyer with the Director of Education for South West Africa, Mr. JD Möhr. The Director showed great understanding for the concern of the English speaking section of the community and recommended that a memorandum be submitted asking for an English Medium School in Windhoek, and expressed the view that a good case could probably be made for it. This case, he said, would be strengthened if Windhoek residents could obtain a letter of support from the English Education Association in Otjiwarongo.

To test the reactions the committee decided to call a public meeting and, prior to doing so, Mr. JM Hofmeyer discussed matters at an interview with the Secretary for South West Africa, Mr Charl Marais, on 25 September 1959. Mr. Marais clearly indicated his concern in the matter, and asked that definite proposals be passed at the proposed meeting and submitted to the Administration for their consideration.

Some 200 people gathered in the Red Cross Hall, Windhoek on the evening of 6 October 1959 at which, in the course of the main address, Mr. Hofmeyer quoted statistics from the 1958 Education Report concerning the number of white school children (see table below). On 18 November, 1959, only 6 months after the idea had first been mooted, the Executive Committee of South West Africa made their historic decision to approve the establishment of an English Medium High School in principle and resolved that attempts be made to make the necessary accommodation available as soon as possible.

In the same spirit of co-operation and goodwill, the Director of Works invited the Interim School Committee to assist in finding a site and, three weeks later, on 14 December 1959, the committee submitted their suggestions to him listing 11 possible sites.

Simultaneously the Municipal Town planner was approached by Mr. Frank Dixon, a member of the interim committee, and the Town planner’s formal recommendations of the site, that was already starting to emerge as a favourite, were submitted on 10 February, 1960. After a joint inspection with the Director of Works and the Government Architect, a letter was dispatched on 4 February, 1960, just three months after the historic Executive Committee’s decision, formally recommending the site on which the school now stands.

For the first time difficulties were encountered. The Administration felt unable to accept certain conditions laid down by the Municipal Council, which owned the land. Letters went back and forth. Eventually, in an endeavour to resolve matters, members of the committee appeared before the Municipal Town planning Committee and later, in desperation, before the Administrator and Executive Committee. The Executive Committee proved most helpful going out of its way to stretch matters in order to assist and on 8 September 1960, the Chairman met the secretary for South West Africa on the site and he formally signed the purchase agreement of the property.

In a press release published on 18 November, 1960, it was stated that:

“The Administrator expresses the hope that this will sufficiently meet a long felt need on the part of the English-speaking section of the South West African public”.

Exactly a year had passed to the day since the Executive Committee’s momentous decision on 18 November 1959, a year of outstanding co-operation and goodwill, and a site was now owned for the English Medium High School. The Municipality of Windhoek donated Erf 6067 with an area of 119,644.74 m².

Mr. Hennie Cloete, MEC responsible for Public Works, got busy. The co-operation and goodwill from his Department was second-to-none. A tight programme was laid down and adhered to. A month for sketch plans, two months for working drawings, six weeks for tenders, and the builder to commence work in June 1960 and to guarantee occupation in January 1962. This remarkable feat of co-operation and goodwill, utilising the limited resources available in South West Africa at the time, was fulfilled when on 23 January, 1962, Mr. C Levéy, the first Principal, opened the school.

Centaurus High School is indebted forever to the following people for their efforts and goodwill in the establishment of the first English medium high school in South West Africa/Namibia: Mr. JM Hofmeyer (1st chairman of the School Committee), Mr. Percy Niehaus (Senator), Mr. Q Webster, Mr. AH du Plessis (Deputy-Minister), Mr. D du P. Viljoen (Administrator of SWA in 1962), the Mr. Charl Marais (Secretary of SWA), Mr. JD Möhr (Director of Education) and the Director of Works.

1962

On 23 January 1962, the English Medium High School, a title used for purposes of identification only, opened its doors for the first time with 265 pupils with Mr. C. Levéy as its first principal and ten members of staff, which grew to a total of 14 members of staff towards the end of the year. About 175 of the 265 learners were transferred from the parallel medium Windhoek High School. Also on this day, The Windhoek West High School, today known as Jan Möhr High School, Windhoek, Namibia, opened its doors for the first time.

Mr. Sam Cohen very generously donated R10, 000 (approximately N$ 500,000 in today’s terms) to the school for the building of the school hall. A painting of Mr. Cohen is hanging in the foyer of the school hall.

More than 200 people assembled at the school at 05:30 on 17 April 1962 to witness the official opening ceremony by Mr. AH du Plessis MEC. The Director of Education, Mr. Jan Möhr, addressed those present and Mr. Du Plessis then officially unveiled the plaque. The Matric class planted some trees in the main quadrangle after which the guests were served tea. A plaque to commemorate the tree planting ceremony can be seen on the inside wall of the passage bordering on the main quadrangle.

The school’s hostel also opened at the beginning of the year with Mr. AJ Walters being the first Superintendent. The hostel (today the boy’s Hostel) was built to accommodate 40 boys and 40 girls. From the start, the space was found to be insufficient as 47 boys and 43 girls entered the hostel on the first day. The Department of Education hastily started to construct another wing to accommodate an extra 20 boys and it was completed in July. During the second term, Mr. Walters was promoted to the post of Vice-Principal and Mr. AJ Wasserfall became the second superintendent.

By the end of 1962, a tender for the building of the school tennis courts was put out and the school grounds had been graded for the development of the sports fields. Over the duration of a considerable number of years, this development took place to what we have today. At that stage, the school consisted of the Office block (A-block), the Biology/Physical Science Block (C-block), the Junior Science/Domestic Science block (D-block), the library/classroom block (E-block) and the gymnasium/Woodwork block (G-block). The assembly hall was still in the construction phase. The Domestic Science room has since been converted into the computer room and the Woodwork room became an exam room.

The School Committee threw out a very wide net to find a school badge and motto. Ultimately, a design submitted by Grant Levéy, the deputy head-boy, was accepted. The badge was quite simple with an open book being the main focus point surrounded by a laurel wreath. The book indicated learning (knowledge) and the laurel, victory. The motto – Dignitas ante honores (dignity before honour) – epitomized significantly the culture of which the school was part of.

Three schoolhouses were started. Anderson House was named after the late Mr. WJC Anderson who was the headmaster from 1916-1947 of what became Windhoek High School. Hofmeyer House was named after Mr. M Hofmeyer, the first Chairman of the first School Committee. Webster House was named after Mr. Webster, a man whose untiring efforts played a part in the origin and founding of the first English Medium High School in South West Africa.

The first Matric Farewell Dance was held. Culture: Debating, Music and Scouts. Cadet training also started. Matric results: 8 first class passes, 13 passes and 3 failures. Sport codes offered: Athletics, Tennis, Rugby, Gymnastics, Cricket, Soccer, Hockey and Netball. 3 SWA representatives: 1 for hockey, 1 for rugby and 1 for soccer.

1963

Sixteen teachers on the staff and 310 learners. The pupil numbers at the school increased to such an extent that the library and one of the sick rooms had to be used as additional classroom space. The school committee immediately applied for the construction of a further six classrooms. In June, the Sam Cohen School Hall was completed.

Matric results: 25 passes and 18 failures. New Cultural Societies: Students’ Christian Association. New Sport Codes: Table Tennis, Judo and Boxing. 12 SWA representatives/champions: 1 for athletics, 1 for hockey, 5 for shooting, 4 for bisley, 3 for tennis and 1 for scouts.

Dirk Johannes Stofberg

1964

The principal, Mr. Levéy resigned on 17 February and the Vice-Principal, Mr. AJ Walters took over as Acting Principal until Mr. R Hohmann became the second Principal on 5 October. 276 learners in the school. Mr. J Gouwsventer became the new Superintendent of the Hostel in June. The school’s Cadet Band led the Windhoek Carnival Procession for the second time. The Sam Cohen Hall was officially opened on 17 October. Matric results: 1 first class pass, 11 passes and 17 failures. 3 SWA representatives: 3 for Shooting. The Junior Tennis team won the Junior Tennis League and the Senior Soccer team won the League Cup.

1965

Eighteen teachers on the staff and 248 learners. On 21 April 1965 the first Parent Teachers Association was formed. In October, the North Block (Block B) was completed enabling the library, projection room and laboratories to be used for their proper functions. Later that same year a firm of consulting engineers was commissioned to replan the school grounds so as to enlarge the area available for sports fields. The School Committee accepted a tender for a tennis shelter. The plans for the construction and the sitting of a new hostel for girls were submitted to the Education Department. A new floor was laid in the gymnasium.

Mr. W Campbell was the winner of a competition for a new name for the school. The new name, Centaurus High School, was submitted to the Education Department for their approval.

The school’s Cadet Band led the Windhoek Carnival Procession for the third time. New Sport Code: Chess Club. The senior and under 15 Soccer teams won both Soccer League competitions. Nine girls were chosen for the Windhoek Youth Festival Choir. A group of our learners participated in a mass gymnastic display of all Windhoek Schools. The Senior Cricket team shared the league with Windhoek High School. Matric results: 1 first class pass, 13 passes and 19 failures. 7 SWA representatives/champions: 2 for Hockey, 2 for Soccer and 3 for Shooting.

1966

Seventeen teachers and 272 learners. No school magazine appeared this year. The name Centaurus High School, Windhoek was officially adopted. The tennis shelter is also completed. The school had the most hockey players in the SWA team. The first Hostel Formal Dinner took place. Matric results: 5 first class passes, 24 passes and 10 failures. 2 SWA representatives/champions: 2 for Shooting.

1967

Seventeen teachers on the staff and 261 learners. The new School Badge was designed. After many years of begging and pleading, the Administration commenced the levelling of the school grounds in order to have adequate facilities for sport at a projected cost of R70, 000.00. Alterations and renovations at the hostel were also undertaken. Mr. WB Miller became the new Superintendent of the hostel at the start of the second term.

Matric results: 9 first class pass 19 passes and 3 failures. 13 SWA representatives/champions: 1 for Sailing, 1 for Tennis, 1 for Badminton, 7 for Hockey and 3 for Soccer. The Boy’s Hockey team won the league and the First Hockey team won the Windhoek League and shared the first place in the SWA League. The Principal, Mr. Hohmann, retires.

1968

New Principal, Mr. GD Pakendorf, who also took over as new Superintendent of the hostel. 319 learners. The new School Badge was adopted. No Magazine appeared. The Office block was altered. Matric results: 12 first class aApass 19 passes and 2 failures. 13 SWA representatives/champions: 2 for Swimming, 3 for Tennis, 3 for Soccer and 6 for Hockey.

1969

Twenty-seven teachers on the staff and 387 learners. The enrolment of the school continued to increase by about 25% to 415 learners and the hostel by 50% to 130 boarders. The construction of the Girl’s Hostel started late in this year. The first school bus was bought, later to be named Fluffy, the nickname of a teacher, Mrs. DI Du Plessis. The PTA raised R10, 000 during the Big Walk. The Principal, Mr. Pakendorf, resigns.

1970

Acting Principal Mr. LTP van der Walt. Twenty-six teachers and 443 learners. The construction of the Girl’s Hostel continued. Mr. WR Kempen became the new superintendent of the hostel.

The Cadet Band leads the Windhoek Carnival Procession for the 8th successive year. The Soccer, Rugby and Hockey fields, and the Shooting range were completed.

11 SWA representatives/champions: 4 for Soccer, 4 for Swimming and 3 for Hockey. Girls’ and Boys’ teams win the Interschool Gala. Boys’ Hockey shares the first place in the League.

1971

New Principal Mr. I Baard. Twenty-nine teachers on the staff. 470 learners enrolled. The Girl’s Hostel opened officially on Monday, 17 April. Mr. WR Kempen was the first Superintendent of the Girl’s Hostel. The 10th anniversary of the school was celebrated during the weekend of 14-17 April.

A storeroom was converted into the Common Room for the prefects. The second Hockey field, third and fourth Tennis courts and Rugby field was completed. The matrics donated a watercolour painting by the Namibian artist Christine Marais to the school, which hangs in the staff room.

Matric results: 6 first class passes, 35 passes and 11 failures. 4 SWA representatives/champions: 4 for Hockey.

1972

Twenty-seven teachers on the staff. A new South Block (Block F) was completed. The Gymnasium was enlarged and an office added for the Gym teacher. The Office Block was also altered.

Boy’s Hostel new Superintendent, Mr. JJ Grobbelaar. It had 97 boarders of which 26 came from Emma Hoogenhout Primary school who stayed in our hostel while their hostel was being built at Emma. Mr. E Genis took over as Superintendent of the Girl’s Hostel in April.

Matric results: 11 first class passes, 17 passes with university exemption and 21 passes. 11 SWA representatives: 5 for Hockey, 3 for Cadet Band, 1 for Rugby, 1 for Athletics and 1 for Soccer. Drum Majorettes, Yoga and Karate were also introduced during this year.

1973

Twenty-four teachers on the staff. 480 learners of which 12 were Portuguese learners from Angola.

Matric results: 1 first class pass with distinction, 6 first class passes, 14 passes with university exemption and 18 passes. The matrics donated two commissioned watercolour paintings of the school by Christine Marais. These paintings are hanging in the Principal’s office.

A new sport code was introduced: Bridge. 11 SWA representatives: 4 for Hockey, 1 for Rugby, 1 for Athletics, 2 for Cross-Country, 2 for Cricket and 2 for Soccer.

1974

Twenty-nine teachers on the staff. The PTA donated a piano for the stage and also paid for the installation of the intercom system. The Standard 5’s (today Grade 7’s) became part of the High School from this year onwards and they returned to the Primary Schools in 1990.

The Boy’s Hostel got a new Superintendent during the first term, Mr. Padley. The hostel was renovated during the third term. The Matrics donated a clock to the staff. This clock currently hangs in the foyer across from the Secretary’s office.

13 SWA representatives: 1 for Boxing, 3 for Cricket, 2 for Athletics, 4 for Hockey and 3 for Soccer.

1975

Twenty-six teachers on the staff. The internal road system and amphitheatre was constructed during this year. The outdoor chessboard in the amphitheatre with chess pieces are used for the first time. The streetlights and security lights are installed.

The Boy’s Hostel got a new Superintendent at the start of the year, Mr. Wright. 135 boarders in the hostel of which 65 were Portuguese speaking and 25 from Emma Hoogenhout Primary School. The matrics donated a mosaic artwork of the school badge by Christine Marais. This mosaic can be seen against the wall of the passage leading from the office block.

Matric Results: 1 A aggregate, 19 pass with university exemption, 30 passes and 20 failures. 14 SWA representatives: 2 for Athletics, 2 for Equestrian, 5 for Hockey and 5 for Soccer. Girl’s Hockey won their league while the Boy’s Hockey won the Jubber Trophy, their league and Men’s Second Division. The under 14 Soccer won their league.

The Principal, Mr. I Baard left at the end of the third term on a year’s study leave in England and Mr. RC West took over as Acting Principal.

1978

Herbert Charles Truebody, a learner who matriculated in 1976, was killed in action on the northern border on 4 May. New curtains for the assembly hall donated by the PTA. DSW boarders taken into the hostel.

12 SWA representatives: 12 for Hockey. The Indoor Hockey team won the Men’s Second League as well as the Second League Knockout Cup. The Boy’s Hockey went on to win their league.

1979

350 learners. No Magazine appeared during this year. The Boy’s Hockey won their league. The Principal, Mr. I Baard, resigns at the end of the third term. Mr. R West acting Principal for the fourth term 1980 New Principal, Mr. CM Roos who also took over as Superintendent at the Girl’s Hostel while Mr. Wasserfall became the new Superintendent at the Boy’s Hostel. 315 learners. No Magazine appeared during this year.

11 SWA representatives: 6 for Hockey, 3 for soccer, 1 girl for Senior SWA Tennis and 1 boy for Senior SWA Squash. The Boy’s Hockey won their league.

1981

Twenty-four teachers and 394 learners. A Squash court is built at the front end of the bus shed. A shelter was built between the Athletics track and the Hockey field to serve as a kiosk. CDM (today known as Namdeb) donated R10, 000 for the new Media Centre. Art was introduced as a subject in Std 6 (Grade 8). The library was carpeted. A second-hand bakkie was bought from the Administration for R100. The Girl’s Prestige Cadet Squad is the winners for the third year.

Mr. WM Theunissen became the new Superintendent for the Girls' Hostel. 100 girls in the hostel of which half came from DSW. Mr. CC Fourie was the Superintendent for the Boy’s Hostel.

15 SWA representatives: 6 for Hockey, 2 for Karate, 1 for Cricket, 4 for Swimming and 2 for Soccer. The Indoor Hockey team won the Men’s Second League. The Boy’s Hockey went on to win their league. The Boy’s First Tennis team won the league.

The Principal, Mr. CM Roos, resigns at the end of the year.

1982

New Principal, Mr. AG Crossman. Twenty-five teachers. The Typing Room (F2-6) caught a light on 30 September due to an electrical fault in the roof and damage was restricted to a burnt-out ceiling. The Cadet Band came first in the B Division. The Media Centre was officially opened on 17 November making our school the first school in SWA/Namibia to have such a centre.

Mr. R Douglas became the new Superintendent for the Girl’s Hostel. The Principal took over as the new Superintendent at the Boy’s Hostel. The boys also had the distinction of watching 1672 videos during the year! That works out to about six videos per day! The matrics donated a leather artwork of the school badge to the school, which can be seen hanging in the foyer of the assembly hall.

21 SWA representatives: 6 for Hockey, 2 for Karate, 1 for Cricket, 5 for Swimming, 1 for Diving, 1 for Tennis, 1 for Athletics and 4 for Soccer. The Boy’s Hockey won their league and the Jubber Trophy. The Boy’s First Tennis team won the league.

1983

Twenty-eight teachers on the staff and 341 learners. The PTA bought a 16-seater mini bus for the school. The 21st anniversary of the school was celebrated during the weekend of 15-17 April. The Boy’s Cadet Prestige Squad came first in the uniform inspection.

Matric Results: 22 with university exemption, 23 passes and 5 failures. 14 SWA representatives: 4 for Hockey, 1 for Sky-diving, 1 for Cricket, 9 for Swimming, 1 for Diving, 5 for Tennis, 1 for Athletics and 1 for Soccer. 2 learners represent SWA under 21 teams, and 4 learners and 3 staff members represent SWA Senior teams. C Perreira, a past learner, became the school’s second Springbok when he was chosen to represent SA at Hockey. Mrs. Jordan, a member of staff, also became a Springbok when she represented SA at Hockey. The Boys won the Tennis league. The boys won the Indoor Hockey league, the school league and the Jubber Trophy.

1984

No Magazine appeared. 9 SWA representatives: 8 for Hockey and 1 for Swimming. Matric results: 6 failed.

1985

Twenty-six teachers on the staff. The PTA purchased a photocopy machine for the school. Renovation took place with mainly painting, rewiring and reparations. The Woodwork room was also rebuilt. Mr. Maritz acted as Superintendent at the Boy’s Hostel during the third term. Screens for the overhead projectors were installed in the classrooms.

The matrics donated a wooden artwork hanging in the staff room. Matric results: 1 A aggregate pass, 12 passes with university exemption and 13 passes. 18 SWA representatives: 1 for Swimming, 7 for Hockey, 3 for Soccer, 2 for Water polo, 1 for Archery, 1 for Tennis, 1 for Karate, 1 for Diving and 1 for Cricket. The Boy’s First Hockey Team won their league and the Jubber Trophy while the Second Team won their league.

The Principal, Mr. AG Crossman resigns.

1986

New Principal, Mr. R Frauenknecht. Twenty-three teachers on the staff and 370 learners. The Girl’s Cadet Platoon and the Band won the first place in their respective categories at the SWA Championships. The Afrikaans drama group represented SWA in the ATKV drama competition in Stellenbosch.

Matric results: 10 passes with university exemption, 18 passes and 11 failures. 10 SWA representatives: 9 for Hockey and 1 for Cricket. The Boy’s First Hockey Team won their league and the Jubber Trophy while the Second Team won their league.

The Principal, Mr. R Frauenknecht, resigns.

1987

Acting Principal, Mr. Boltke. A 65-seater Mercedes Benz bus is bought and christened Titanic. Mr G Jackson appointed as the new Superintendent for the Girl’s Hostel and Mr. M McArthur for the Boy’s Hostel. The boarders from DSW moved out of our hostels during the third term. Boy’s hostel renovation started in August. The Cadet Band won the championships.

15 SWA representatives: 5 for Swimming, 2 for Cricket and 8 for Hockey.

1988

New Principal, Mr. P Tyldesley. Mr. Louw became the new Superintendent for the Girl’s Hostel.

Matric results: 2 exemptions and only 3 failures.

1989

Matric results: 1 exemption and only 2 failures.

1990

All schools in Namibia open for all colours, races and creeds for the first time. Centaurus accepts only about 25% of applicants due to poor command in English. Mr. Eddy acting Principal from the start of the third term. Mrs. Van Rooyen takes over as Superintendent for the Girl’s Hostel. The matrics donated a ceramic artwork of the school badge, which is in the assembly hall.

1991 407 learners. The Principal, Mr. P Tyldesley, resigns.

1992 New Principal, Mr. M McArthur. 1995 The Principal, Mr. M McArthur, resigns.

1996 Acting Principal for the first term, Mrs. A Sander. Acting Principal for the rest of the year, Mr. January.

1997 New Principal, Mrs. J Bothma.

2002 The indigenous language, Otjiherero, is introduced at the school in Grade 8. The Principal, Mrs. J Bothma, retires.

2003

New Principal, Mr. CWG Treurnicht. Twenty-nine teachers on the staff and 821 learners. Fluffy, the bus bought in 1970 is sold to Baumgartsbrunn Junior Secondary School. The school buys a new Toyota Hi-Ace mini-bus with trailer. An office for the caretaker is built under the office block. The old Squash court in the Bus Shed is broken down in order to bring the bus shed to its original size. The tuck shop is enlarged. A new sound system is installed in the assembly hall. A new intercom system is installed in the school. The telephone system is replaced. Two offices in the Office block are renovated. The Boy’s Hostel is closed for an indefinite period of time due to decay and a lack of funds for renovations. The matrics donated a board with the School Song printed thereon, which was installed in the Assembly hall.

16 Namibian representatives: 11 for u/18 Hockey, 4 for Senior Men’s Hockey and 1 for Senior Ladies Hockey.

2004

Thirty teachers on staff and 842 learners. This Official Homework Diary is published and issued to all learners and staff for the first time. Internet services are installed at the school and the school receives an E-mail address. Mrs. Cordi Ray, Head of Department for Languages, passes away on 28 February due to leukemia. The choir started again this year and performed very well. New steel benches for the learners in the quad are installed. New carpets are laid in the Administration block. The old Home Science room is converted into the new Computer Centre. The old Woodwork Centre is converted into a new class/exam room. The matrics donated a mirror with all their names sandblasted thereon, which was installed in the foyer of the Office Block.

32 Namibian representatives: 12 for u/16 Hockey, 13 for u/18 Hockey, 5 for u/21 Hockey and 2 for Basketball.

2005

Thirty-one teachers on staff and 893 learners. The shrubbery South of the Assembly Hall are removed and replaced with 12 shade trees. The office of the secretary and one of the HOD offices are renovated. TV cabinets are installed in the media centres. Part of the Western fence is shifted to accommodate the new Grade 10 Exam room. The tennis shelter and cadet store are demolished.

2 Namibian representatives: 2 for Basketball.

2006

Thirty-three teachers on staff and 897 learners. The first Yearly Fundraising Event nets enough money to buy 600 new chairs for the Assembly Hall and 22 chairs for the Staff Room.

2 Namibian representatives: 2 For Basketball

2007

Thirty-three teachers on staff and 809 learners. The second Yearly Fundraising Event nets enough money to buy 250 chairs for the Assembly Hall. 3 Class rooms and the Assembly Hall are renovated. The single flag post is taken down, renovated and two flag posts erected. The Matrics of 1997, under the leadership of the then Head Boy Hellon Kaulinge, donated some cash for the flag posts. The same group also donated a new podium for the Assembly Hall.

1 Namibian representative: 1 for Hockey.

2008

Thirty-three teachers on staff and 724 learners. The first Entrepreneurship day is held. Two classrooms renovated.