Rhenish Girls’ High School in Stellenbosch celebrates its 150th Anniversary in 2010. It is the oldest girls’ school in the country, with a commendable history full of tradition, pride, and spirit.  Founded by the Rhenish Mission Society in 1860 for missionaries’ daughters, it has grown from the original eight girls, to a healthy 660 today. Together with the 650 children in the primary school (run separately since 1958), we now have a combined intake of just over 1300 Rhenishers!

The school badge, designed in 1904 and the school motto, “Ebenezer!” meaning, ”Hitherto hath the Lord helped us!” continues to be the Rhenish watchword.

A great anniversary provides an ideal opportunity for celebration. But it also invites commitment and consolidation.  “Rhenish is indeed “Rooted in the Past and Positioned for the Future” and we look forward to being at the cutting edge of change & development, equipping young people to lead, serve and contribute at every level of South Africa's young democracy well into the next century”, says Columbine Commaille, Principal Rhenish Girls’ High School. 

The launch of our Book, pictured above, marked the beginning of our special anniversary year.How appropriate that we were able to celebrate this wonderful occasion in the original school hall at the Rhenish Institute  (now housing the PJ Olivier Art School) on the Braak in Stellenbosch.  Obtain your copy for only R150 from the bursar@rhenish.co.za.

The book was co-authored by two legendary Rhenishers: Letitia Snyman, who was principal of the school from 1985 to 2002, and Penny Berens who matriculated in our Centenary year and has been closely involved in various ways in the field of education.  Its publication was made possible through the fundraising efforts of the Rhenish Old Girls’ Union (ROGU).  “Sharing a great heritage is the very thing that binds us as Rhenishers and having gained so much from being part of this wonderful school and family, enables us to give what and were we can with open arms.” says Kathi Jones, President of the Rhenish Old Girls’ Union.  ‘Once a Rhenisher… Always a Rhenisher!’

It is indeed a nostalgic book, deserving of a special place on your coffee table! Skilfully depicting our incredible journey of 150 years,  “Rhenish 150”is full of  wonderful stories, facts and treasured photographs, capturing the buildings, the people and the essence of Rhenish – and its role in Education in South Africa.

 “Back in 1860, the founders of the Rhenish Institute may not have dreamed of their little school celebrating its 150th anniversary one day, but they did have hopes and dreams for it” says Letitia Snyman – co-author of Rhenish 150. “The book celebrates their vision and the vision and energy of the amazing men and women who followed them.” Their story runs through the book, with chapters on the history of the area and the school, the remarkable men and women who guided the school through rough and smooth waters and the roller-coaster ride of state school policy over 150 years. Tribute is paid to the many girls and boys who made their mark on the world they entered after leaving the Rhenish family.  Over 100 treasured photographs enhance the text, many of them in colour, capturing the buildings, the people and the essence of Rhenish.

Rhenish invites all interested parties in education, business, and especially Rhenishers, to join in the 150 celebrations. Please partner with and support the school for our special anniversary year! The schools’ websites will provide regular updates on the programme of activities. Anyone, big or small, young or old, is invited to take part and support this wonderful milestone both in person and with much valued financial support.  For more information, and to offer resources of any kind, please email sylvia@rhenish.co.za (our 150 Office) - or call the school on +27 21 887 6807.

 Rhenish 150 Programme