Lavender Hill High School- LHHS

Saturday, 15 August 2026

Grade 12 2027 Orientation session presented by Ms M Stewart.

On Monday, 03 August 2026 Mr A. Solomon took our learners Toufique Adams, Keagan Philander, Keenan Lekas and Ethan Noble to attend a talk by a NASA female astronaut at Parklands College , Parklands. The purpose of this visit is to expose our learners to the importance of Mathematics and STEM subjects.

A huge thank you to Dr Sinobia Kenny and AIMSEC.

Southern Mail

Gillian De Koker: A legacy of love and service at Lavender Hill High School

Roshan Abrahams

The community bid a farewell to beloved Creative Arts teacher Gillian Jacobs Du Plessis De Koker, at her funeral on Saturday, August 1.

The Lavender Hill community is mourning the loss of beloved creative arts teacher Gillian Jacobs Du Plessis De Koker, who dedicated more than 20 years of her life to teaching at Lavender Hill High School.

She was born in Parkwood on December 25, 1977.

Gillian passed away from natural causes at the age of 48. Her funeral was held at Lavender Hill High School on Saturday, August, 1, where family, friends, colleagues, former pupils and community members gathered to celebrate a life devoted to education, compassion and service.

A devoted educator
Her daughter, Marilyn Du Plessis, paid tribute to a mother whose greatest passion was teaching and making every child feel valued.

"It is with deep sadness that we honour the life and legacy of my mother, Gillian De Koker, a devoted educator who faithfully served the learners of Lavender Hill High School for 20 years.

“For two decades, my mother poured her heart into teaching, believing that every child deserved the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed. She was more than a teacher - she was a mentor, a role model and a source of encouragement to countless learners whose lives she touched with her kindness, patience and unwavering dedication."

A classroom filled with hope
According to Marilyn, her mother's classroom was a place where every pupil felt welcome and inspired.

"Her classroom was a place where learners felt safe, valued and inspired. She had a remarkable gift for making every learner believe in themselves and for bringing out the very best in those entrusted to her care. The lessons she taught extended far beyond the curriculum, instilling values of respect, compassion, perseverance and hope.

“My mother was one of the best mothers in Lavender Hill. She only wanted the best for every child. She never let anyone feel left out and would always go out of her way to help others."

A colleague and friend
Marilyn said her mother's kindness reached far beyond her pupils and touched everyone she worked with.

"To her colleagues, my mother was an irreplaceable friend and steadfast source of support. She shared her wisdom generously, celebrated the successes of others and offered comfort during difficult times. Her warm smile, gentle spirit and caring heart made Lavender Hill High School a better place simply because she was there.

“Her passing has left a profound void in our school community, but her legacy will live on in the countless lives she shaped over the past 20 years. Every learner she inspired, every colleague she encouraged, and every family whose child was blessed to be in her classroom carries a part of her legacy forward."

A legacy that lives on
While her passing has left an immense void, Marilyn said her mother's influence will never be forgotten.

"Though we mourn her loss, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose, compassion and unwavering commitment to education. My mother's influence cannot be measured only by the years she taught, but by the hearts she touched and the futures she helped shape.

“May she rest in eternal peace, and may we, as her family, find comfort in knowing that her life's work made a lasting difference. My mother will forever remain a cherished member of the Lavender Hill High School family and will be remembered with love, gratitude and deep respect."

Gillian is survived by her two children - a son and a daughter - and her two granddaughters, who will continue to cherish her memory.

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

The whole school saluting the positive contribution Gillian de Koker made in their lives. What a beautiful and dignified send-off from our learners!

❤️🎓🙏

Sunday, 19 July 2026

Dear Lavender Hill High School- LHHS community

We are indeed sad and heartbroken to inform you about the passing of our beloved educator, colleague and friend Ms. Gillian de Koker. May Our Creator grant her a high place in heaven and place peace, contentment and understanding in the hearts of everyone whose lives she has touched.

MHSRIP and rise in glory.
🙏❤️🎓

Admin Team

The Art for Life learners' art pieces are being displayed at the Groot Constantia Youth Exhibition, Iziko Education Centre until 30 June 2026. Many of their art pieces are sold to eager buyers that appreciate the unique art pieces on display. A huge thank you to Kenneth Alexander for investing in our learners.