St Martins School Logo

Rites of Passage

As our pupils journey through the school from Grade One to Matric, as a school we acknowledge and celebrate their various milestones.  The following rites of passage have been put in place:

In Grade One the blazer ceremony is hosted early in term one.  With their parents, teachers and the rest of the Prep School in attendance, the Grade ones walk up onto the stage with their new blazer over their arms.  The Prep Prefects help them put on their blazer for the first time and they are then, with a firm handshake, welcomed into The Prep School by the Principal of the Prep and the Headmaster.  Photos, which are then laminated and sent home, are taken with parents after the ceremony and it is really quite a grand affair.

At the advent of the Senior Primary years in Grade Four, pupils get to ring the bell at the entrance of the Prep signifying the entry to this phase. This same bellis rung when pupils leave the Prep on the last day of their Grade 7 year.

In addition to ringing the bell, the end of the Prep School career is further celebrated by the official walk from the Prep to the High School.  Accompanied by the Headmaster, Principal and a number of teachers and prefects from the High School, one of whom carries a cross, we walk the 2km from the Prep to the valedictory service in our High School chapel, which is followed by a cocktail party to celebrate all that was good about the Prep and to look forward to everything that awaits the pupils in their teens.

To celebrate pupils’ entry into Form One the Key Ceremony is held during which each pupil is given an uncut key, rich with symbolism about having to make decisions on how to cut this key.

All these ceremonies are moving and often quite emotional –  particularly for the parents – and they add something special to what we do at our school.

rites of passage 03

NEWS

St Martin’s School Celebrates Exceptional Matric Results for the Class of 2024

I am exceptionally proud to announce the outstanding academic achievements of the Class of 2024. Our students have once again demonstrated excellence, achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate with 90% of the class achieving a Bachelor degree pass.
Read More

Dedication Ceremony at St Martin’s Boarding House

St Martin’s School celebrated a truly momentous occasion that embodies our unwavering commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for our students.
Read More

BLOG

Alumni Newsletter – June 2025

Reigniting the Flame of Friendship, Sportsmanship, and Community
Read More

Video Podcast – Episode 3 – The Critical Role of Early Education in Child Development

In Episode 3 of the St Martin’s School Video Podcast, we explore how quality early education lays the foundation for a child’s academic, social, and emotional development.
Read More

VIDEO PODCAST

Video Podcast – Episode 3 – The Critical Role of Early Education in Child Development

In Episode 3 of the St Martin’s School Video Podcast, we explore how quality early education lays the foundation for a child’s academic, social, and emotional development.
Read More

Video Podcast – Episode 2 – Building Success through Resilience and Growth

In Episode 2 of the St Martin’s School Video Podcast, we discuss how redefining failure as a learning opportunity fosters resilience and personal growth among our students.
Read More

ALUMNI

Alumni Newsletter – June 2025

Reigniting the Flame of Friendship, Sportsmanship, and Community
Read More

Dr Ronwyn Van Eeden: From Deputy Head Girl to Esteemed Medical Oncologist

Dr Ronwyn Van Eeden (neé Masie), a proud member of the Class of 2000 at St Martin’s School, reflects fondly on her time as Deputy Head Girl.
Read More