MR H P J PRETORIUS
PRINCIPAL
pretoriush@glenstantia.co.za
From the
Principal's Desk
Dear Parents
The term is well under way and we thank our parents who attended the Parents Evenings. We also encourage all parents to stay in contact with the teachers and keep a close eye on your child’s work as well as social life to know what is happening in their lives.
Congratulations to our Grade 4 to 7 Top Ten learners for Term 1, WELL DONE!, we are very proud of you, keep up the good work!
The exam timetables and breakdowns are available on the d6 Communicator. Please ensure that your child is well prepared and present at school for the upcoming assessments, which begin on Tuesday, 2 June for Grade 7 and Thursday, 4 June 2026, for Grade 4 to 6. Assist your child by creating a study timetable that spreads the workload and ensures all material is covered before the exams start.
With only two weeks to go until Go Kart Day and the Autumn Fair on Saturday, 16 May 2026, we urge you to purchase your tickets in advance on d6 or directly from the Finance Office. We encourage all parents to support this important fundraising event, as the proceeds will benefit all our learners.
Constantia Outfitters has informed us, that they are experiencing stock shortages, with the new Sports Uniform for certain age groups. Due to these shortages, learners who are affected may continue to participate in sporting activities wearing the old uniforms until new stock becomes available.
Our school will be participating in The Great E-Waste Race Challenge. Please see pages 15 to 19 for more details.
We wish all our mothers a happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
Yours faithfully,
Mr H P J Pretorius
Principal, Glenstantia Primary School.
History
Of the school
On 7 January 1981, 516 pupils arrived for their first day at the new Waterkloof Glen Primary School.
But the history of the school goes back much further, to 1978, when residents started campaigning for a new English primary school in the area; nor did the opening end the battle – parents were far from happy with the name forced on the school by the education authorities.
In 1979 matters came to a head when Lynwood Ridge refused to enrol any more five-and-a-half year olds because of overcrowding at the school. The Transvaal Education Department had indicated that a site had been earmarked for the building of a new school, but no date had been set for its construction. As a result, a Vigilance Committee was formed to campaign for the new school.
It was led by Mr RGW Thomson and the committee organised canvassing, publicity and public meetings, and by 1980 the school buildings were taking shape.
After a fire, and a scare that construction would not be finished on schedule acting principal Mr Tommy Stevens and 19 teachers opened the school on time, but without exercise books, which had to be borrowed from Constantia Park Laerskool, Brooklyn Primary and Lynnwood Laerskool.
The first assembly was memorable, with Mrs. Stevens officiating among plants, and scaffolding to the singing of “All Things Bright and Beautiful” accompanied by Mrs. Bronner on a piano accordion.
Once school started the final touches were added: on 21 January a new piano arrived, the first School Committee was elected on 19 February; and on 17 March a major victory – the TED agreed to officially change the name to Glenstantia Primary School.
Even with the proper name, much was still to be done: the playing fields had to be levelled, and grass planted; until then sports activities were held at The Glen, and in its first soccer match, against Burger Right, Glenstantia A and B list, 4 – 0 and 7 – 0 respectively.
The first of October saw the appointment of Mr Pretorius as principal, and Mr Will Bowker as his deputy, to take over from the start of the 1982 school year.
On 23 November, just two days before the first standard five valedictory service, the school finalised its motto: “Strive Joyfully”.
OUR VALUES
Glenstantia Primary School incorporate the below-mentioned values to foster a holistic and well-rounded education.
COMMITMENT
LOYALTY
RESPECT
HONESTY
(INTEGRITY)
TOLERANCE
RESPONSIBILITY
HELPFULNESS
FRIENDSHIP
PERSEVERANCE
EXCELLENCE
SELF-CONTROL
GRATITUDE
These values serve as the moral compass for students, guiding their behaviour, decisions, and interactions within the school community and beyond.
By instilling these values, we aim to not only impart academic knowledge but also to cultivate strong character traits that will empower students to become responsible and ethical individuals, capable of contributing positively to society.
These values lay the foundation for creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where students can develop both academically and personally.
SCHOOL LOGO
School song
Words: Cecilia Engelbrecht | Music: Cecilia van Tonder
At our school we all do try
to be of service to the Lord
Build the road of peace before us
Faith in Him, Strive Joyfully
We are grateful for His blessings
To help the weak and guide the strong.
God please grant us truth and honour
Faith in Thee, Strive Joyfully.
May our goals be reached in future
Peace and joy for mankind free
May the motto of our school
Be true in every walk of life
We are grateful for His blessings
To help the weak and guide the strong.
God please grant us truth and honour
Faith in Thee, Strive Joyfully
