St Mary’s Primary School marks the end of an era as principal, Roshan Ramdheen retires after a remarkable 27 years of service.
Under his leadership, the school has not only flourished academically but has become a beacon of progress, innovation, and community spirit.
Appointed in 1998 at just 38 years old, Ramdheen was the youngest principal in the school’s history.
Deputy principal, Ramesh Singh said: “His tenure, characterised by visionary leadership, redefined St Mary’s, shaping it into one of the most progressive and well-respected schools in the region. Ramdheen’s commitment to improving both the physical infrastructure and educational resources at St Mary’s was evident from the start. In 2001, he spearheaded the conversion of the PE rooms into a state-of-the-art administration centre, complete with a modern boardroom, marking the beginning of the school’s transformation under his leadership.
“One of his most iconic contributions was the creation of the school stadium. Under his guidance, stadium seating was introduced, providing a grand stage for school events, sports days, and community gatherings, making the grounds a central hub for the pupils life. Ramdheen also led the charge to ensure that the school remained at the forefront of safety and security, implementing a CCTV camera system around the school and a two-way intercom system in every classroom, providing better communication and monitoring for both staff and pupils.”
In line with his focus on pupil well-being, Ramdheen initiated a major toilet renovation project in 2015, investing R220,000 to modernise the facilities and ensure the highest standards of hygiene and comfort for pupils.
“The school was also the first in the area to install air-conditioning in every classroom in 2023, making St Mary’s a leader in creating a comfortable learning environment for pupils, especially during the summer months.
“True to his holistic approach, Ramdheen launched the Filtered Water Fountain Project in 2023, installing 15 state-of-the-art water fountains throughout the school to ensure that all pupils had access to clean, safe water. This initiative not only improved pupil health but also promoted sustainability by encouraging the use of reusable water bottles.
“Ramdheen was also instrumental in integrating technology into the curriculum. His leadership led to the installation of HD interactive screens in every classroom in 2017, providing an engaging, modern learning experience. Additionally, the establishment of a robotics room equipped with 25 laptops marked a bold step toward embracing the digital future,” Singh said.
As the school’s enrollment grew, Ramdheen responded with the construction of a new block in 2016 to accommodate additional Zulu and Afrikaans classes, emphasising the importance of language diversity.
“Ramdheen’s leadership transformed not just the physical infrastructure of St Mary’s but its very culture. His legacy is one of inclusivity, progress, and an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. His initiatives, from the drive-through system to the resurfaced pool, demonstrated his ability to think ahead, blending convenience with safety and fun.
“His retirement marks the end of a chapter that has seen St Mary’s grow into a model of modern education. As he steps away from his role, the entire St Mary’s community, past and present is forever grateful for his contributions. In recognition of his immense contributions, the school hall has been renamed The Roshan Ramdheen Hall, ensuring that his legacy will forever live on in the heart of the school.
“As Ramdheen embarks on this new chapter in his life, St Mary’s Primary will continue to thrive, carrying forward the values he instilled in staff, pupils, and families. His retirement is not an end, but a new beginning for a school that will forever bear the imprint of his vision. St Mary’s Primary thanks you for your unwavering service and dedication. Your legacy will remain an integral part of the school’s story for generations to come,” Singh concluded.
