One is rooted to One's roots
Updated: Sep 11
Marguerite Benson, Prep Alumni and Prep School Teacher
Career Journey
After completing my years at St George’s Diocesan School, I went to South Africa for high school and university. I began my teaching career at Ella du Plessis. Eventually, I got married and had children who both followed in my footsteps, beginning their schooling at STG.
Naturally, I eventually found my way back to the school as a teacher, where I taught for several years. I later continued my teaching career at Centaurus and finally at Windhoek International School.
Looking back, there is something rather special about returning to where it all began. One is rooted to one’s roots.
Values & Foundations
I strongly believe that school is where we develop some of our best and most lasting friendships. I am still in contact with many of my primary school friends. Those early school years were the foundation upon which both our education and our friendships were built. That umbilical cord still holds the bond of friendship together. What a carefree time of our lives!
At the time, we did not realize the sacrifices our parents made to provide us with a sound and good education. What a privilege it was to attend a good school. We should appreciate the opportunities we are given. Education is a privilege, and the foundations laid during those early years remain with us throughout our lives.
School Memories
I started at STG on 17 January 1961, on my seventh birthday! My parents were farmers, so off I went to boarding school. Mrs Pay was our hostel mistress, Mrs Pearsal was the boys’ hostel mistress, and our cook was Mrs. Hole. Miss Audrey Fuller was the
headmistress until Mrs Grace Haythornthwaight took over two years later. Mrs Revington was the Sub A teacher. She taught us our ABCs, how to read — including "Chicken Licken"! — and basic arithmetic. She was a star of a woman. Mrs Schutz was the Sub B teacher, and she was strict and not particularly empathetic.
There were only about 14 to 16 children in the boarding school. Occasionally, a day girl would stay with us for a few days if her parents had to leave town for whatever reason. We were all farm children, and our parents knew each other, mainly because we were part of the tiny English-speaking community.
We were a rough-and-tumble group — resilient and tough. For me, the teachers were fascinating, interesting, and so different from my humble and plain mother. Mrs Ferreira, whose granddaughter Anne was in my class and with whom I am still in contact, always wore high-heeled shoes in different colors to match her outfit. She was upright and smart!
Then there was Miss Heath — young, modern, and intriguing. Then along came Mrs Alice Lindemann in Standard 5. Wow! I absolutely loved her. She was different, interesting, and kind. I remained friends with her until her death some years ago. It was also the era of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, rock ’n’ roll music, the Vietnam War, hippies, and freedom of speech and expression.
One of the most fascinating people was Cookie Black. She was a ballet teacher, and her daughter, Nana (Alana), was in my class. Of course, I took ballet classes! To this day, I LOVE dancing of all types and genres! Another wonderful memory was when Reverend Colin Winter arrived with his family of five children. Clare Winter was in my class, and we have kept our friendship strong over the years.
Then, out of the blue, this “younger” male teacher arrived: David Spencer-Payne, and he certainly got the Standard 5 girls twittering! He was wonderful with us young ones. He would drive us to the public swimming pool on allocated days and play ’60s music for us in the Anglican church hall on a Friday evening while we danced, played games, and generally tried to pass the time socializing.
These are the kinds of memories that stay with you. They were simple, carefree days, but they became an important part of who we were.
People Who Made a Difference
Looking back, so many people contributed to making my school years memorable.
Mrs Revington was one of the first. Her patience and dedication in teaching us our ABCs, reading, and arithmetic laid some of the earliest foundations of my education.
Mrs Alice Lindemann had a profound impact on me. Our friendship continued long after I left school, right until her death, and I remain in contact with her husband, John. Cookie Black introduced me to ballet, which became something I have loved throughout my life. That early exposure to dancing has stayed with me, and I still love dancing in all its forms and genres.
Reverend Colin Winter and his family also became an important part of my school memories, and the friendship we formed has endured. Then there was David Spencer-Payne, who brought something different to school life for us young girls. His willingness to take us swimming and spend time playing music for us created wonderful opportunities to socialize and simply enjoy being young.
Of course, my classmates and friends were equally important. Many of those friendships began in those early school years and have endured for decades. They are a reminder that the people we meet at school can become part of our lives long after we leave the school gates.
Advice to Current Students
My advice to current students is simple: appreciate the opportunity you have been given. A good education is a privilege. At the time, we often do not understand the sacrifices our parents make to give us that opportunity. Only later, when we look back, do we realize how fortunate we were.
Make the most of your school years. Learn, grow, make friends, and enjoy the carefree moments. The friendships and experiences you gain at school can become some of the most enduring treasures of your life. Your school years form a foundation for the future, but they also become a treasured part of your past, and most importantly, never forget where you came from.
Once a St. Georgian, always a St. Georgian.
