School History
It all began on 9 April 1957
Situated in the leafy suburb of Rynfield, Benoni we at Rynfield Primary School embrace our history from establishment in 1957.
66 Years ago, on what otherwise might have been just another ordinary day, Rynfield Primary School opened its doors for the first time on 9 April 1957.
In 1957 the most popular toys were slinky’s hula hoops and Frisbees! By far the most popular movie (then called films) was Around the World in 80 days and one of the books on the top ten list was ‘The Cat and the Hat – Dr. Seuss”. And, a bucket of KFC with 14 pieces of chicken cost the equivalent of R5,50 although KFC wasn’t yet in South Africa as of yet. How things have changed!
On that first day, there were 337 learners and 10 teachers ably lead by Mr L. Valentine. Three years later Mr Valentine wrote in the school’s journal:
66 years later we have 903 learners, 42 teachers, 2 support-staff, 7 full-time sport coaches and 4 learnerships. Our parents still go the extra mile giving generously of both time and money to ensure that we can offer the very best at our beautiful School. We have extremely talented, caring teachers, exceptional sports coaches and magical secretaries. Our Facilities Manager and Ground Staff keep RPS looking neat and tidy.
In 2017, our 60th Anniversary year our current Principal, Mrs C. Cuthbertson wrote:
May RPS go from strength to strength, as we continue to proactively move forward together, embracing excellence in all that we do!
It all began on 9 April 1957
Situated in the leafy suburb of Rynfield, Benoni we at Rynfield Primary School embrace our history from establishment in 1957.
66 Years ago, on what otherwise might have been just another ordinary day, Rynfield Primary School opened its doors for the first time on 9 April 1957.
In 1957 the most popular toys were slinky’s hula hoops and Frisbees! By far the most popular movie (then called films) was Around the World in 80 days and one of the books on the top ten list was ‘The Cat and the Hat – Dr. Seuss”. And, a bucket of KFC with 14 pieces of chicken cost the equivalent of R5,50 although KFC wasn’t yet in South Africa as of yet. How things have changed!
On that first day, there were 337 learners and 10 teachers ably lead by Mr L. Valentine. Three years later Mr Valentine wrote in the school’s journal:
“The magnificent sum of £3000 (pounds) has been raised by the parents who have a genuine and keen interest in the school.”
66 years later we have 903 learners, 42 teachers, 2 support-staff, 7 full-time sport coaches and 4 learnerships. Our parents still go the extra mile giving generously of both time and money to ensure that we can offer the very best at our beautiful School. We have extremely talented, caring teachers, exceptional sports coaches and magical secretaries. Our Facilities Manager and Ground Staff keep RPS looking neat and tidy.
In 2017, our 60th Anniversary year our current Principal, Mrs C. Cuthbertson wrote:
“The cherry on the top … and that is why we are celebrating this historical diamond milestone this year is our boys and girls – in the words of Roald Dahl in his Gobblefunk language – we have Whoopsy – Spunklers at RPS. To translate – we have fantastic children at our school. Our pupils, the bringers of joy at RPS – because of their values – Truth, Peace, Love, Accountability and Non-Violence, their respect and perseverance and because no matter how tough things are – they always show heart, spirit, character and courage. All qualities that will stand them in good stead as they journey through life.”
May RPS go from strength to strength, as we continue to proactively move forward together, embracing excellence in all that we do!
Past & Current Principals
-
2010 - to date
Mrs L. Cuthbertson
-
1998 - 2009
Mr P.C.J. Erasmus
-
1993 - 1998
Mrs M. Palmer
-
1976 - 1993
Mr J.P. Forster
-
1958 - 1975
Mr L.A. Valentine
Rynfield Primary School Founder
Past & Current Principals
-
2010 - to date
Mrs L. Cuthbertson
-
1998 - 2009
Mr P.C.J. Erasmus
-
1993 - 1998
Mrs M. Palmer
-
1976 - 1993
Mr J.P. Forster
-
1958 - 1975
Mr L.A. Valentine
Rynfield Primary School Founder
Memoirs
-
9.10.1958
The attendance figures for this week have fallen considerably owing to the incidence of Chicken Pox.
-
03.30.1960
Pupils in Stds. IV and V attended a symphony concert in the Benoni Town Hall.
-
29.04.1960
Attendance 88.2% owing to inclement weather and epidemic of Measels.
-
22.03.1971
It was reported that a battery operated record player had disappeared from the classroom. It was later found in the hall.
-
13.05.1972
The school was approached by a reporter from the Benoni City Times. In reply to his enquires he was informed that while this is a large school and it had been found necessary to use the hall foyer and an adjoining Methodist Church hall as classrooms, the classes as such were not overcrowded.
-
07.11.1981
Frith v.d. Merwe addressed Std. 2 and 3’s at Annual Prize-Giving.
-
09.01.1990
This is the first school day without municipal bus transport in Benoni. A fair amount of confusion reigns among the pupils who were used to travelling to and from school by bus.
-
2017
60th Anniversary celebrations ! 60 years later the School’s growth sits at 870 pupils, 42 teachers and 5 sports coaches.
-
2022
66 Years later RPS has 903 learners, 42 teachers, 2 support-staff, 7 full-time sport coaches and 4 learnerships.
-
04.03.2022
RPS hosted Jacaranda FM (94.2) radio station on the school field. Mrs Cuthbertson spoke to Martin Bester live on air.
Memoirs
-
9.10.1958
The attendance figures for this week have fallen considerably owing to the incidence of Chicken Pox.
-
03.30.1960
Pupils in Stds. IV and V attended a symphony concert in the Benoni Town Hall.
-
29.04.1960
Attendance 88.2% owing to inclement weather and epidemic of Measels.
-
22.03.1971
It was reported that a battery operated record player had disappeared from the classroom. It was later found in the hall.
-
13.05.1972
The school was approached by a reporter from the Benoni City Times. In reply to his enquires he was informed that while this is a large school and it had been found necessary to use the hall foyer and an adjoining Methodist Church hall as classrooms, the classes as such were not overcrowded.
-
07.11.1981
Frith v.d. Merwe addressed Std. 2 and 3’s at Annual Prize-Giving.
-
09.01.1990
This is the first school day without municipal bus transport in Benoni. A fair amount of confusion reigns among the pupils who were used to travelling to and from school by bus.
-
2017
60th Anniversary celebrations ! 60 years later the School’s growth sits at 870 pupils, 42 teachers and 5 sports coaches.
-
2022
66 Years later RPS has 903 learners, 42 teachers, 2 support-staff, 7 full-time sport coaches and 4 learnerships.
-
04.03.2022
RPS hosted Jacaranda FM (94.2) radio station on the school field. Mrs Cuthbertson spoke to Martin Bester live on air.