Prospectus

Montrose was established in January 1970 to meet the primary education needs of the community of Parkmore and its surrounding environs. Situated in the heart of Sandton, the area has always attracted a populace of highly motivated and committed people, whose desire for excellence in education is renowned. Our scholars are imbued with this inherent trait which manifests itself in their achievements in academic, cultural and sporting spheres.  

The school has always been fortunate enough to have parents who have given unstintingly of their time, expertise and financial support, in the interests of Montrose and its development. This sound educational environment, created by the partnership of parents and teachers continues to attract staff of the highest calibre, who in turn, generate positive attitudes and encourage pupils to reach their full potential.

Our motto ‘YIELD NOT!’, encapsulates these ideals. 

The multi-faceted education offered at Montrose affords each individual the opportunity to participate fully and become responsible, confident and caring members of society.

Montrose is a co-educational, multi-cultural primary school. The principal is responsible for the daily administration of the school, the education and discipline of the pupils and the management of the academic staff.

The management, control and executive power of the school is vested in a governing body, which is elected from the parent body every three years.

The governing body, under the leadership and guidance of its chairman, has the responsibility to:

• ensure that the school meets the needs and aspirations of the community which it serves.

• maintain the character and ethos of the school.

• recognize and protect the freedom of belief, religion, speech and association.

The finances of the school are controlled by a finance committee and administrated by a bursar. An annual, independent audit is carried out at the end of each financial year.

The Montrose Parents Association (MPA) has a long tradition of service to the school. Over the years, funds raised by this committee have been used to provide a swimming pool and change room complex, a media centre, four tennis/netball courts, a tuck shop, computer centre, junior perceptual playground and science laboratory. Additional funds have been used to supplement the teaching aids. These include extra overhead projectors, tape recorders, reading laboratories, perceptual training apparatus and sporting equipment. The MPA also serves a social and recreational function encouraging pupil and parent participation in all events at the school. This enhances the Montrose spirit of participation and partnership. All parents are automatically members of the Association and the Committee is elected annually.

Montrose seeks to provide an enlightened, stimulating academic environment for all pupils. The Montrose aim is for each child to reach his/her full potential in every facet of the educational spectrum. It is also the wish of the parents and the governors of the school to maintain a realistic pupil/teacher ratio that compares favourably with most private schools. Montrose pupils are encouraged to participate in extended academic activities such as Mathematics Olympiads, Young Scientists’ Expositions and to attend extra curricular enrichment courses. All pupils in the senior primary phase are given the opportunity to go on conducted tours to many different areas of our country. The benefits reaped by these tours are incalculable. Where pupils experience serious learning difficulties, Montrose offers two pilot classes in the Junior Primary phase and also offer extra-lessons in English, Afrikaans, Maths, handwriting and reading. Each pupil, teacher and parent has a specific role to play in the educative process and parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s progress with the teachers and the principal.

Participation in sport is strongly encouraged at Montrose and facilities include a swimming pool, tennis and netball courts, extensive playing fields and a junior perceptual playground. Tennis, swimming and cricket predominate in the summer, while soccer, netball, softball and athletics are the major winter sports. Tennis coaching and mini-tennis run throughout the year. 

Montrose is very proud of its modern, vibrant Media Centre and lecture theatre, and its up-to-date Computer Centres where each pupil has access to a computer. A fully-equipped Science Laboratory enables pupils to learn their Science from ‘hands on’ experience. Nourishing lunches and snacks may be bought daily from the well-stocked Tuck Shop which is privately run.

At Montrose many extra-mural activities are arranged with a view to broadening the general interest and cultural enrichment of the pupils. Cultural activities that are included in the curriculum are art, music and a biennial drama production, where every child in the school has a part to play. Extra-curricular club activities include choir, recorder groups, Marimba Band, art and many others. Clubs offered vary, depending on staff and pupil interest, but there is always a wide variety to choose from. The school premises are also used for ballet instruction by qualified external teachers. At Montrose, each and every pupil has ample opportunity to become a busy, involved member of the school. In essence, the school aims to provide ‘An Education For Life’.