Morning assembly with a powerful reminder of our history as we learned about the brave women who stood up for their rights on 9 August 1956, during the anti-pass law protests in South Africa.
Their courage and determination continue to inspire us all. Let us honour their legacy by striving for equality and empowerment every day.
Happy Women’s Day!
Celebrating World Entrepreneurship Day in a Big Way!
What a privilege it was to have Devin Heffer, Brand and Communications Manager at Hollywoodbets and a proud St Henry’s alumnus from the Class of 2004, join us this morning to inspire our pupils and staff with his incredible journey. Devin shared the Hollywoodbets brand story in his talk titled “From R4 in the pocket to paint the world Purple: An entrepreneurial journey born out of survival.”
A few years ago, we introduced Entrepreneurship into our curriculum at St Henry’s, recognising the importance of equipping our students with life skills that they can use to start their own businesses. Today, on World Entrepreneurship Day, we couldn’t have asked for a better way to showcase that entrepreneurial spirit than with one of our very own alumni. This event is part of our Marist Alumni Journeys series – Inspiring the Future of Tomorrow.
Devin’s journey is closely tied to the remarkable story of Hollywoodbets, a company that started from humble beginnings just over 40 years ago by Devin’s father, Owen Heffer. Owen grew the business, starting with just four rand in his pocket, selling tipping sheets outside Greyville Racecourse. His perseverance and tenacity have shaped Hollywoodbets into the success it is today, with a team of over 6,000 members who understand the importance of hard work.
Our pupils were captivated by Devin’s story, and a few lucky ones even walked away with some fantastic prizes, including a signed Hollywoodbets Dolphins cricket bat and shirt, a signed Hollywoodbets Sharks jersey, and tickets to an upcoming game at Hollywoodbets Stadium this weekend!
Some key takeaways from Devin’s talk included the importance of creating an exceptional customer experience, the value of family in the business, and the power of innovation. Hollywoodbets’ ability to listen to their customers and continuously embrace new ways of doing things has driven their success.
Giving back is a core value at Hollywoodbets, and their community support initiatives, along with their Hollywoodbets Foundation continue to have a significant impact on countless lives.
Thank you, Devin, for sharing your journey and for inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs at St Henry’s!
St Henry’s Marist College recently hosted its annual isiZulu Cultural Evening, a vibrant celebration of Zulu culture, traditions, and cuisine. The event featured traditional music, dance, and storytelling, with students showcasing their pride in their heritage.
Guests enjoyed an immersive cultural experience, including delicious Zulu dishes like phuthu and isiphalaphala. The evening fostered a sense of unity and cultural appreciation, offering a deeper understanding of the Zulu people’s rich legacy.
Celebrating Mandela Day, our entire school community came together to honour the legacy of Nelson Mandela with special acts of kindness!
Our PP/JP students united to make care packages for the Angel Wings Charity. Grade 3s and Grade 1s paired up to make sandwiches, Grade 2s added fruit, chips and a chocolate to each bag, and our little artists from Grade 000 – R drew heartfelt cards to attach to each pack. These care packages were lovingly prepared, spreading smiles and hope in our community. Thank you to all our students, teachers, and parents for making this possible. Special thanks to Fr Sean for joining us this morning.
Meanwhile, our Grades 4-12 students united for Mandela Day by each bringing a packet of soup to support KHULA Education. This amazing organisation provides vital assistance to rural schools and underserved communities in KwaZulu-Natal. They then gathered to sing the South African anthem in tribute to Nelson Mandela, proudly standing in the formation of “67” to celebrate the 67 years he dedicated to fighting for freedom and justice.
A big thank you to all our students, teachers and parents for making this possible. Special thanks to Fr Sean for joining us this morning.
Today, we gathered to celebrate the feast of St Marcellin Champagnat, our Marist founder!
During our Champagnat Day Mass, students, teachers, alumni and invited guests gathered to worship and reflect on the teachings of St Marcellin Champagnat. The Champagnat Day Pledges were presented by each class, committing to acts of service for others. A truly remarkable way to pay tribute to the founder of our Marist schools, fostering the spirit of compassion and dedication that St Marcellin Champagnat embodied.
Join us at the World International Day of the African Child on 12 June from 10:00 – 12:00 at Belmont Square Conference Centre, Rondebosch, Cape Town (or sign up and we will send you an event link for the day) to explore what the right to education is in the eyes of children, guest speakers and experts in this field. We look towards the future and a constructive way forward!
Sign-up
09:30– Arrivals.
10:00– Welcome Remarks and Introduction of the speaker.
10:20– Key note address- The Right to Education-Way Forward by Dr. Rutendo Hwindingwi
10: 45-Song- What about us- Michael Jackson.
11:00– Presentation from School pupils on The Right to Education through the eyes of children (4) essays or speeches.
11:50– Closing Remarks
12:00– Vote of Thanks- Arrivals.
10:00– Welcome Remarks and Introduction of the speaker.
10:20– Key note address- The Right to Education-Way Forward by Dr. Rutendo Hwindingwi
10: 45-Song- What about us- Michael Jackson.
11:00– Presentation from School pupils on The Right to Education through the eyes of children (4) essays or speeches.
11:50– Closing Remarks
12:00– Vote of Thanks
This year we celebrate our 95th Birthday!
Our pupils, staff, alumni and extended Marist Family celebrated our Mass of Thanksgiving on Friday morning with many blessings for this special day. Cake was then served upon arrival back at the college for all to enjoy!
Special thanks to Holy Trinity Catholic Parish for hosting us!
Photo & Video: Matt Bartholomew
Happy Birthday #StHenrysMaristCollege #Celebrating95Years #ProudlyMarist
Marist Mercy Care is one of the largest non-profit organisations in the Sundays River Valley. They run a number of incredibly enriching community based initiatives throughout the year that add great value to the lives of the children, youth and aged in the area. Student leaders of the Marist Schools in South Africa volunteered at the December summer camp which was attended by over 400 children in the Addo area to add fun and learning to their Christmas holidays.
