Ixopo High School.

Welcome to Ixopo High School.  The Ixopo School was founded in 1895 but it was only in 1957 that the High School moved to it's present site where it overlooks hills that   " are grass-covered and rolling, and they are lovely beyond any singing of it ... " as Alan Paton described them in his book  " Cry the Beloved Country ".

With more than 100 years of history and tradition it has been possible to develop a special spirit and ethos.

A brief History ...

Although the  " Ixopo Government School " was opened officially in August 1895, formal education in the village dates back to as early as 1878, when the township of Stuartstown (Ixopo's former name) was first laid out by the first settlers in the village.   In that same year, the enterprising village folk also founded the "Ixopo school and library Association", and built  a building on the land behind the present Agricultural Hall.

The first mistress of the school was Mrs. J.T.  Shum, who taught for 17 years in the "Ixopo Government Aided School".

In 1895, the Natal Education Department was persuaded to assume full responsibility for education in the village and established the Ixopo Government School, with Mr J.W. Robinson as its first headmaster.

The original school building was built on the corner of High Street and Commercial Road, now one of the Primary School Hostels.  In 1920 the school moved to the site of the present Primary School.

In 1957 the High School moved to it's present site with the official opening of the new school building.

Our Ethos.

Complementing  more than 10 years of history and tradition, and linked to the fact that the school is relatively small, it has been possible over the years to develop a very special spirit and ethos.  The school community, in many ways, resembles an extended family unit where the individual is able to maintain his or her own identity.

Because the majority of our pupils are boarders, many younger staff members live on campass and even those who reside off-campus, live within walking distance of the school.  They are all a dedicated group of ladies and gentleman who are fully involved in all aspects of school life and, by their example, a similar spirit of envolvement and participation exists among the boys and girls.  We have endeavoured toi nuture a caring ethos which can cater for the many needs of our student body.

Parents are encouraged to communicate directly with teachers and boarding staff, should problems be encountered and staff members in turn, will reciprotate when the cecessity arises.  we acknowledge that various problems will arise from time to time, as they do in all schools, but believe that through communication and a caring attitude we are able to find solutions to most areas of concern.

The School Song.

In the morning of my life I shall look to the sunshine
At a moment in my life when the world is new
And the blessing I shall ask is that God will grant me
To be brave and strong and true.
And to fill the world with love my whole life through

In the noon tide of my life I shall look to the sunshine,
At a moment in my life when the sky is blue
And the blessing I shall ask will remain unchanging
To be brave and strong and true
And to fill the world with love my whole life through

At the evening of my life, I shall look to the sunset
At a moment in my life when the night is due
And the question I shall ask only I can answer
Was I brave and strong and true
Did I fill the world with love my whole life throug.