St Columba’s School

An education at St Columba's goes beyond academic achievement. We stand for developing the whole child, nurturing character, ethics, confidence, compassion, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning.
As educators, our responsibility is to prepare young people for a rapidly changing world. We encourage our students to think creatively, solve problems, embrace opportunities and develop the skills they will need to build meaningful livelihoods and contribute positively to their communities.
The future of South Africa rests in the hands of today's youth. By investing in their growth, values and potential, we are helping shape a generation capable of leading, innovating and creating a thriving nation for all.
Today, we celebrate the young minds, big dreams and bright futures that fill our classrooms every day.

Happy Youth Day, South Africa.

Sport has a huge impact on a child's development. Beyond physical fitness, it teaches teamwork, resilience, discipline, leadership, goal-setting and how to handle success and disappointment with confidence.

Being a smaller school, our students all have the opportunity to participate in sport. Camaraderie through sport is also essential for children because it fosters social bonds, builds emotional intelligence and teaches collaboration.

Alessandro Carli heads up the sports programme at St Columba's. He focuses on creating opportunities for every child to get involved, build confidence and experience the numerous benefits that sport offers on and off the field.

Do you know someone looking for a school that values sport as an important part of a well-rounded education?
💡 Tell them about the St Columba’s difference!

Whoop, whoop! Grade 9s celebrating the start of the FIFA World Cup with doughnuts. All the best to our SA team vs Mexico tonight!
🇿🇦🍩⚽🥅📣🤞

A great school needs strong leadership. For us, that means remaining connected to the classroom, understanding the daily realities of teaching and learning, and helping create an environment where students and staff thrive.

Nikki Witthaus, our Deputy Principal, plays an important role in maintaining the standards, structure and culture that underpin life at St Columba's. She helps make sure every child is known as an individual while fostering a school environment built on consistency, accountability and care.

Alongside her leadership responsibilities, Nikki continues to teach mathematics, bringing the same balance of high expectations and personal support into her classroom.

Do you know someone looking for a school where strong leadership and genuine care go hand in hand?
💡 Tell them about the St Columba’s difference!

The world our children are growing up in requires more than academic knowledge. They need to be able to communicate across cultures, solve problems creatively, think critically and adapt to new technologies.

Through Coding, Robotics, Design & Technology, students develop logical thinking, innovation and resilience. Through isiZulu, they gain confidence in communicating with others while developing an appreciation for South Africa's rich linguistic and cultural diversity.

These skills are best developed through hands-on learning, curiosity and a teacher who makes learning interesting and relevant.

For the past 20 years, Jacob Mokoena has been doing exactly that at St Columba's. His passion for education and long-standing commitment to the school have helped generations of students build skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Do you know someone looking for a school that prepares children for the future while helping them thrive in the world around them?
💡 Tell them about the St Columba’s difference!

Grade 10 can be a challenging year for teenagers. Academic demands increase and social dynamics evolve so students need to learn how to manage pressure, overcome setbacks and take more ownership of their learning.

Having worked as a teacher and an educational psychologist, Alexandra Nidd understands that every student learns differently. Her qualifications include an M Soc Sci (Psychology), PGCE and PGDP (Mental Health Counselling), giving her valuable insight into both learning and adolescent development.

Alexandra encourages students to develop discipline, accountability and a strong work ethic while recognising that growth often comes through challenges, mistakes and perseverance.

Do you know someone looking for a school that supports both academic achievement and personal growth during the high school years?
💡 Tell them about the St Columba’s difference!

In Grade 9, students start making subject choices that influence their future studies and career paths. They further develop their independence, critical thinking skills and are better understanding their strengths, interests and aspirations.

Students need the confidence to ask questions, challenge themselves and learn from mistakes. Strong relationships with teachers make a significant difference as they navigate these important choices.

Phindile Stoffels is a wonderful example of the lasting impact a school community can have. St Columba's has been part of her and her family's story for many years. Today, as a teacher with a background in psychology, counselling and education, she is back with us, guiding the next generation of students through the same corridors that helped shape her own journey.

Do you know someone looking for a school that helps students prepare for the future while supporting their personal growth?
💡 Tell them about the St Columba’s difference!

Grade 8 is a year of new beginnings. Students enter high school and teendom having to navigate new subjects, new expectations, new friendships and the exciting unfolding of who they are becoming.

We believe art is a healthy outlet for self-expression, imagination, problem-solving and emotional growth, helping adolescents build confidence while finding their unique voice.

As a Grade 8 Homeroom Teacher and Afrikaans and Art teacher, Marli Lottering helps students settle into high school life. Her classroom is a space where they feel supported, inspired and encouraged to grow into the best version of themselves.

Do you know someone looking for a high school where their child will be supported through this important transition?

💡Tell them about the St Columba’s difference!

Catholic Schools Week is a time to celebrate the unique role Catholic schools play in nurturing the academic, emotional, spiritual and moral development of children. It recognises the importance of values-based education, where compassion, respect, service and community are woven into everyday school life. It is also an opportunity for schools to reflect on how they create environments where children feel safe, supported and inspired to grow into thoughtful and responsible young people.

Last week’s activities reflected these values in action. Our choir visited our dear neighbours at Old People's Home, bringing gifts, treats and a heartfelt musical performance that filled the room with joy. Our Grade 7 students also spent time reading stories to our Grade 1s, building connections, confidence and a spirit of care between the older and younger children.

These moments remind us that education goes beyond academics and is also about building character, community and compassion. 💙

Grade 7 prepares students for their transition to high school: increased responsibility, subject-based learning and greater independence.

At this age, children benefit from teachers who make learning relatable and build confidence, especially in subjects that can feel intimidating.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a specialised Major in Economic and Management Sciences and Accounting for the Further Education and Training (FET) phase, Stacey Meyer brings expertise and enthusiasm into her classroom. Her practical, energetic teaching style helps students connect with concepts in meaningful ways while building skills and resilience to carry them into high school and beyond.

Know anyone looking for a school that prepares children academically while nurturing confidence, kindness and individual growth?

☺️Tell them about the St Columba’s difference!