HISTORY OF QUEEN'S COLLEGE BOYS' PRIMARY SCHOOL
21 April 1858 is celebrated annually by Queen's College as its birthday. The school became overcrowded, and Dr H.Q.Davies felt that the primary pupils had their own special needs. The School Committee and School Board agreed that a separate school for junior boys was a great need.
After ideas and building plans were approved, the new school was built on a large piece of land, known then as the Commonage West Fields. The building was completed and, in 1957, the junior pupils of Queen's College moved to their new premises. On Tuesday, 15 November 1957, the school was officially opened by Dr J.G. Meiring - the Superintendent General of Education. It is, however, still part of the "Queen's College family", sharing its colours, school song, motto (Esse quam videri - To be, rather than to seem to be) and character-building, tradition-orientated ethos.
The first headmaster was Mr N.A. Brauer who transformed the barren landscape into pleasant surroundings. The Commonage West Fields, comprising two rugby fields and a cricket pitch, were called the Forrest Fields. In 1960 further ground was made available to the school and the Eldred Price Fields were leveled and grassed.
In 1965 the Administration made a grant of R1 350.00 towards four tennis courts. Fund raising for a hall started in 1965, the school had funds in excess of R11 000.00. Building started and the hall was completed the following year. Mr Brauer left at the end of 1967.
In July 1968 Mr A.E. van der Vlies took up his duties. It was during this year that the school was officially registered as the Queen's College Boys' Primary School. In 1969, and continuing for the next three years, more classrooms were added and the school almost doubled in size. In 1972 further progress was witnessed when the new Science Laboratory and Central Library were completed. In 1978, with the assistance from the Queen's Trust, a swimming pool was built at a cost of R58 000.00.
1980
In 1980 the Presbyterian Children's Home was purchased and named the Queen's Junior Hostel Complex.
1983
Mr. van der Vlies retired.
1984
We welcomed Mr. W.A. Shacklock to the school as principal.
1985
Official opening of computer room with 10 BBC computers.
The Hostel Complex underwent total renovations. Modernised ablution blocks, kitchen/dining room and electrical system. Louis Opperman celebrated his 21 years at QCJ.
1986
The school pool underwent repairs - from marble plaster to chip-tile.
Opening of the Nag 'n Crawl - our hosting venue at the Hostel Complex.
Beautification of the Quad - by generosity of old boy, Harold Atkinson and PTA of the school.
1987
Celebrated 30th anniversary as a primary school. During this year the following was undertaken to celebrate the 30th anniversary:
1990
The school put on the play "Oliver".
Copper plaques (design: Mr. Richard Second / Copper work: Mr. D.C. Scott) were added to our front door panels.
1991
QCJ became a Model C school, welcoming into its fold pupils from other cultures, races and creeds.
1994
Louis Opperman celebrated 30 years at QCJ.
The operetta, "Treasure Island", was produced.
1995
Mrs. Tucker, Headmaster's secretary, celebrated her 20 years at the school.
Mr. Bauer - 1st headmaster of QCJ passed away.
1997
Mrs. Tucker retires.
QCJ had their first "Queen's Country Fair".
1998
The bookroom became a new classroom for Mr. Opperman.
The computer room was upgraded.
1999
Queen's Junior faced Re-deployment of teachers.
2000
School was classified as a Section 21 school.
Administration Block got a face lift and a new entrance to school was built.
Pupils' bathrooms at school were renovated.
The school built a new playground with a Jungle Gym for the Hostel Complex.
2001
Closure of Special Class - due to Education Department's rationalization program.
2002
First two teachers of colour joined the QCJ teaching staff.
We acquired a new braai shack for the parents. This was erected next to the tuck shop.
QCJ music department presented "POP ICONS" between QCJ, Balmoral and Hangklip Junior.
Computer room totally revamped including the installation of 32 brand new computers.
2003
Mr. Shacklock celebrated his 20 years as headmaster of QCJ.
Mr. and Mrs. Opperman complete 30 years hostel service to the school.
2004
Mr. Opperman celebrated 40 years loyal service to the school.
2005
Arts and Culture Centre was developed and a Marimba Band was started by Mr. Rowan Knight.
Mr. Bernie Venter celebrated 30 years service to QCJ. The school swimming pool was named after him.
Billy Shacklock Pavilion was opened above the tuck shop.
The Queen's Junior Pre-school was opened, made up of one Gr 0 and two Gr R classes - situated at Stone House.
Later in the year, after fund raising, the Anita Opperman playground for the Pre-school was opened at the hostel complex. Mr. B Schacklock retired as Headmaster of Queen's Junior.
2006
Mr. Richard Second was appointed as the new Headmaster of Queen's Junior.
2007
The school celebrated its 50th year as a separate school in its own building.
Work was started on the 50th Lane to commemorate the occasion.
2008
The Queen's College family celebrated its Sesquicentenary year. Major events took place. The programme that spanned the whole year, included rugby, hockey and cricket festivals as well as cultural events and a Reunion Dinner.
2009
The retirement of Mr. Opperman after a teaching career spanning 44 years.
At Queen's Junior it is our belief that each boy is unique and that each one has a special contribution to make to the life of the school. It is our hope to nurture his talents and to help produce a well-balanced, responsible, happy and courteous boy who is ready, both academically, and psychologically, for his secondary school career.
