LEADERSHIP
Message from Principal Joshua
At The Grove, we have a rich and illustrious history that spans three centuries, and we have a deep, unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality education to our learners. Through our inclusive and diverse approach, we tirelessly strive to create an enriching and supportive environment where every student can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential, both academically and personally.
HISTORY
Spanning three centuries
Below are some of the key dates and events that have shaped our school's history.
1834: Herschel's telescope
The brilliant Sir John Herschel was an astronomer, mathematician, chemist, botanist, photographer, geologist and artist. In his drawing from 1834, he depicts the twenty-foot reflecting telescope with which he mapped the southern skies. It stood in a clearing on the part of Herschel's estate known as 'The Grove', because of a grove of pine trees that surrounded it.
1842: The Obelisk
An obelisk was erected to commemorate the site of Herschel's reflecting telescope and Herschel's contribution to science in 1842. The Obelisk was made from granite imported from a quarry near Edinburgh. The stone blocks were sent to Cape Town by sailing ship and arrived in Table Bay in 1841.
Current: The Obelisk
The Obelisk stands in the centre of The Grove's campus.
1885: School starts at the Feldhausen homestead
Children in 2010 look at a model of Feldhausen homestead, which housed the St Saviour's Grammar School in 1885, where The Grove now stands. Later it was named the Diocesan College School and then Feldhausen School.
1901-1923: Principal Beechey
Theophilus James John Beechey, the first principal of the school we now know as The Grove, was held in high esteem by the Claremont community.
The highest honour which The Grove has bestowed for many years is the Beechey Award, presented each year to the Grade 7 girl and boy who exemplity the strong moral values on which Beechey shaped the school.
1939-1946: Principal Smith
During Smith's time, the school was renamed The Grove and a new badge was designed with the motto, Spes in Arduis (Hope in Adversity).
HISTORY
More history…
1969: The Senior Social Club
Continuing the long-standing tradition, Grade 7s escort senior citizens to the Senior Social Club Dinner in 2008.
In 1969 Principal Coop proposed a party for the senior citizens of the surrounding neighborhoods. This marked the start of an enormously popular event, held four times a year, which continues today.
1983: The Grove's first computer
The first computer at The Grove was an Apple II.
1989-Present: Helen Unwin
Helen Unwin began at The Grove in 1989 with a commitment that continues to this day. It is difficult to imagine how The Grove would operate without her.
