MEMORIES OF REDHILL SCHOOL JOHANNESBURG SA.

Ron was back in school and Ange was starting preschool, both in the same place in a private school called Redhill Academy, located in a suburb called Morningside, in Sandton, just outside of Johannesburg and near our home. This was a private school and had its origins in the early 1900’s. It has been reborn or restructured over time and still remains a progressive fixture in South African history.

This was a well thought of school, with a high success rate for students that transferred on to University. It had a very diverse (co-ed) mix of students with both local and foreign children, a mix of cultures from around Johannesburg, children from some affluent families, and scholarships available for some students who could otherwise not afford to attend.The standards were high and curriculum based on a British form of private school education. School uniforms were mandatory and I felt brought a calmness to the atmosphere as everyone was presented for school each day in the same style.

Deysi dropped the girls off at school in the morning and picked them up again in the afternoon. Part of the curriculum at the school included a sports program in which every child was involved. Ron was deeply into the swim team and involved with her “house” in track and field. Also as a part of her educational activities Deysi had enrolled her in piano lessons and horseback riding lessons. The focus on learning was of high priority in this school.

I remember a time when she had finished her first year at Redhill and it was time for reports. I was away from my desk when Ron came by to drop off her report card. She left a note on it saying “dad I only got a B+ in Zulu. I hope you are not angry with me”. All the rest of her marks were “A’s”. Of course one of my colleagues has to walk by and find the note. He attaches his sticky to it which reads “you bloody well better not be or you’ll be answering to me!”. Geezus, I didn’t even get a chance to do anything and I was in shit.

Ange was involved in pre-school activities and was taught by a magnificent educator, who has just completed her 40th year at the school (2019). She loved the children and they loved her. Pippa as she was known, not only introduced them to learning but took part in their personal development. She attended and entertained the children at Ange’s birthday party in our house. She held a birthday for each child in school and made their day special. This was a truly inspiring teacher. To understand that she still teaches to this day is amazing. Ange also had extra curricular activities and was enrolled in dance, piano and horse riding. Ange’s schooling was all about learning social skills, how to interact with other children, and much about learning thru theme days and play days. She took to this like bee to honey. In no time all of the children in her class were her friends. It seemed like every week they had a dress day, a party or a fun reason to learn.

Ron quickly made friends and soon had a house full when the occasion warranted a small party. One of her classmates, who attended a “punk” party thrown by Ron at our home and was part of the circle of friends, later went on to produce and direct the movies Elysium and District 9. Interesting side note about this guy, was that he always included South African actors in his movies and wherever he could, filmed on location in and around Johannesburg or Pretoria. It appeared that he had remained true to his roots. Others, such as Ron, went on to achieve success in their own right. With the educational building blocks, from a school such as this, I am sure Ron was well prepared for her future studies. She attended schools in many different countries and ultimately graduated with a Master’s Degree from the University of Edinburg in Scotland.

Ange thrived at school. She couldn’t wait for the day to start. After school she came home to her part time job as guard dog trainer. She basically did whatever her mentor wanted to do and had a very peaceful demeanour. She learned a great deal in her time at Redhill School. It was the first time in her life that she did not have her mom around 24/7’s, although I’m sure her mom spent the first few months hiding in her car just down the street from the school waiting to catch a glimpse of her. As happy of a time as it was, her mother was now experiencing the empty nest syndrome as both girls were now gone a few hours each day. It was a life filled with play. Ange was also prepared for the life, that awaited her, and was subsequently educated in many different countries. She completed high school at a private girl’s school in Edinburgh Scotland, before continuing on and graduating with a Business Degree from University in BC, Canada.