A Year of Transformation, Unity and Purpose at St Mary’s DSG
A Year of Transformation, Unity and Purpose at St Mary’s DSG
The 2025 academic year will be remembered as a defining chapter in the life of St Mary’s Diocesan School for Girls, one marked by transformation, achievement, and a renewed sense of shared purpose. As the first full year of implementing our Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2029), the year brought cohesion in leadership, integration across the school, and measurable impact in every portfolio. Together, we strengthened the foundations of a faith-inspired institution dedicated to raising young women of purpose, courage, and compassion. Through intentional alignment of systems, leadership, and strategy, we have reached a state of readiness that allows us to move into 2026 with confidence.
Our long-term strategic direction is anchored in five interconnected pillars that guide our journey toward becoming a world-class, faith-inspired school for young women of purpose. These include strengthening our Brand and Identity through increased visibility and partnership-building; ensuring Alignment across the Junior and Senior Schools through collaborative systems and unified leadership; enhancing Infrastructure to future-proof our facilities; investing in People and Sustainability to attract, retain, and develop outstanding staff; and safeguarding Financial Sustainability through disciplined stewardship and shared-value partnerships. Together, these pillars ensure that strategy and spirit move in harmony as we advance toward Vision 2029.
This year marked the first full rollout of this strategic framework, supported by strengthened governance across all portfolios. The Triad Leadership Model: Executive Head, Head of Senior School, and Head of Junior School, brought unity and clarity to decision-making, while improved enrolment growth and increased national visibility positioned the school for sustainable expansion. We also celebrated the highest academic results in the history of St Mary’s DSG, a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication of our staff and students.
Across the school, departments flourished in 2025. Academics celebrated innovation through the Science Expo, Day of Discovery, international achievements, and foundational work for STEAM and AI integration. Sport reached new heights through championship victories and record provincial representation. The Arts experienced a creative renaissance with cross-disciplinary collaborations, Africanised performances, strengthened Junior School programmes, and international choir success. Boarding further excelled through upgraded facilities, a strengthened professional team, and full capacity in most grades for 2026. Advancement and Marketing deepened donor relations, grew enrolment, and strengthened national visibility, while Chaplaincy enriched our spiritual life through multilingual worship and hosting the National Chaplains Conference. IT enhancements, including a unified School Management System and improved cybersecurity, strengthened operational efficiency, and the school saw significant growth in leadership culture, professional development, and staff wellbeing support. Compliance achievements; including a NOSA 4-star rating affirmed operational excellence across the school.
At the heart of this year’s success is the strength of our community. We extend heartfelt thanks to our academic, administrative, support and boarding staff for their dedication; to our parents for their partnership; to our alumnae for their continued loyalty; and to our Parents’ Association and Board for their unwavering guidance and support. Throughout 2025, our events drew us closer together through moments of celebration, connection, and shared purpose. As we approach the festive season, we warmly invite all families to join us for Christmas @ DSG, one of our most treasured community gatherings.
This past week also highlighted the courage and conviction of our girls, who stood boldly for women’s rights through their involvement in the Women for Change campaign. Their leadership reminds us of the importance of nurturing socially aware, confident young women who recognise the power they hold to effect meaningful change in the world. As a school, we remain committed to ensuring that every St Mary’s DSG girl is equipped not only with knowledge, but also with the courage to use her voice.
As we look ahead to 2026, we do so with deep gratitude and renewed hope. Our strategic foundation is strong, our community is united, and our vision is clear. Together, we move forward with purpose, confident that St Mary’s DSG will continue to flourish as a school where excellence, faith, and compassion shape young women who change the world.
I wish you all a blessed and peaceful festive season.
