SCHOOL HOURS
Gr R 07:45 – 12:45 Monday – Friday
Gr 1 & 2 07:45 – 13:30 Monday – Thursday
07:45 – 13:15 Friday
Gr 3 07:45 – 14:15 Monday – Thursday
07:45 – 13:15 Friday
Gr 4 – 7 07:45 – 14:15 Monday – Thursday
07:45 – 14:00 Friday
AFTERCARE HOURS
Gr R & 1 12:45 – 18:00 Monday – Friday
Gr 2 – 7 13:00 – 18:00 Monday – Friday
CLOSED DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
VISION & MISSION
The Vision of our school is “STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE” and can be reached by living according to our values and beliefs which include: respect, loyalty, responsibility and accountability.
The Mission of our school is:
The Principal, Staff and Learners of Excelsior Primary School strive towards a value driven education as foundation to:
- Maintain high academic and moral standards
- Establish a positive self-image in body and mind
- Encourage love for our fellow-man and nature
- Develop a strong sense of responsibility through positive discipline
- Create healthy Learner – Teacher – Parent relationships
- Prepare for a well-balanced adulthood
2024 Motto
EXCELSIOR…WHERE I BELONG!
SCHOOL HISTORY
The history of our school can be traced back as far as 1905, possibly 1904, then known as the Stikland Primary School.The first principal was Mr John Preiss and his wife, Lettie, acted as his assistant. Apart from English and Dutch, Singing, Needlework, Drawing and Physical Education were also taught. The school was a corrugated iron building consisting of two classrooms.
Mr Preiss was succeeded by Anna van Dijk. In 1916 there were 29 learners in the school and the number remained constant up to 1950 when the school was placed under the management and jurisdiction of the Parow School Board. The school then altered to incorporate dual medium education.In 1950 Mr A C van Wyk became the new principal. The pupil number had increased and by 1959, 350 learners attended the school. Plans for a new school were also drawn up and passed. The school, the front wing of the existing building, was taken into commission in January 1960 but, officially inaugurated on 17 November 1960.
The name Excelsior, meaning “Ever Higher”, was chosen by Petrusa Grobbelaar who suggested the name as part of a competition. The school song was composed by Mr Dirkie de Villiers.
In 1962 Mr D J van der Merwe became the new principal. During his time as principal, large extensions were necessitated to accommodate the ever-increasing number of learners. Extensions were made in 1966 and again in 1971 when the hall, library and laboratory were constructed.
In April 1977, Mr Van der Merwe was succeeded by Mr S Pienaar and in 1994 the Aftercare Centre was built. Mr Pienaar’s career ended in December 1996 when he was succeeded by Mr H Botha whose career ended June 2016 and was succeeded by our current principal, Mr E Pio.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Good day, I am Eric Pio, Principal of Excelsior Primary School and welcome to one of the best primary schools in the Western Cape. Excelsior is an English medium primary school catering for learners from Grade R to Grade 7 and is situated in the suburb of Bellville, Cape Town.
Excelsior Primary School’s motto is EVER HIGHER, which we strive for every day. Excelsior is a value driven school where values such as good discipline, self-worth and respect form the backbone of the education the learners receive at this almost 120-year-old institution. Excelsior Primary School has certainly stood the test of time!
The school’s Vision and Mission statement focuses on the holistic development of each learner, continuously creating opportunities to develop and grow into the best person they can be. Our ultimate aim is to guide and form our learners into becoming well-adjusted,
contributing members of society.
Through many educational activities, our school offers the following to ensure the holistic development of each learner:
- Academics of the highest quality
- Vast variety of sport- and cultural activities
- Educational outings and opportunities
The school has a forward-thinking and committed School Governing Body and a competent and dedicated School Management Team. Governance and Management are supported by a team of qualified and dedicated staff members who are always willing to go the extra mile to achieve the vision of our school. In all our decisions, the best interest of our learners is our main consideration.
If you are fortunate enough to become part of the Excelsior family, WELCOME TO EXCELSIOR … WHERE YOU
BELONG!
Ever Higher
Eric Pio
