Our story – Pecanwood College

The land we stand on this day has a memory of stories that are rich in texture and colour, beauty and devastation. This land is rich and fertile, so farmers grew abundant crops of mielies and tomatoes, with cows and sheep aplenty. The farmers built a high dam wall across the strong flowing rivers – Hartbeespoort dam was “born”.

Quite a distance from this beautiful and quiet place, were two towns which grew and grew into bustling cities, ever creeping closer and closer to the dam.

One afternoon, at about the time of the turn of the century, there was a visionary businesswoman, with a love for her children and a passion for their education, Petro Geerts. As her name suggests, she was a strong, resourceful fighter who made it her mission to find other allies to partner with her to build a school overlooking the picturesque dam under the ancient Magaliesberg Mountains. She struggled long and hard to gather others to support her cause. 

Along with her close friend, Joan Coetzee, they were introduced to the Van der Byl brothers of Irene. These industrious men purchased the farm adjacent to Oberon Drive and began the renovation and alterations of the old farmhouse into a delightful country school. 

In January 2005, the school opened its doors to 54 children from Grade 0 to Grade 7, six teachers, one secretary and a director of the school, Mr Chris Lee. You may have noticed that the Preparatory Administration block stands “skew” to the rest of the current school buildings and so will always remind us of where this school started as the farmhouse with cows, sheep and chickens as part of the everyday landscape.

The school was without a headmaster for the whole first term until Mr Jacques Braithwaite was appointed, from Heronbridge. He was such a talented man: Physical Science was his passion, 

an accomplished musician and bass player - he loved the school dearly. His memory will live on in the words and the music of our school song that he lovingly composed.

There was no time to slumber or rest: new building plans were drawn; bulldozers and excavators dug and moved earth; bit by bit farmland was transformed into gorgeous school buildings and classrooms. All energy and focus was in preparation for the growth to the high school Grade 8 and 9, and Grade 00 the following year.

It was only in September 2006, that Mr Mike Farrer was appointed as headmaster of the High School. The continual groaning of the earthworks could be heard all across the campus for the first few years as the school expanded from the Pre-prep, to the senior primary quad followed by the high school Mandela quad and administration block. 

The attractive architecture caught the attention of families far and wide, and the need for a hostel was evident. Founders House was built, with a magnificent view, and thanks to her maternal instincts and fearless determination, Mrs Carla de Brito became the first Hostel Head.

The building construction continued to gain momentum with the High School Physical Science, Life Science and IT laboratories being added. Pretty soon the hostel was bursting at the seams – the rowdy and boisterous boys needed to move to a “home” for themselves. Founders Boys began its story. Furthermore, sports fields and a sparkling swimming pool was included in the offering. Finally, the last of the big builds included the new Pre-prep relocation and custom-designed classrooms.

But, with the taste of success, one often grows hungry for more. Mr Farrer was not satisfied and felt that there was something lacking. He fought long and hard and finally his dream to unite the school was realized in the building of the versatile, large school Hall. His efforts were rewarded as it now stands proudly as the Farrer Hall.

Over the years, the focus has shifted from an obsession of acquiring and developing the landscape to an appreciation and respect of the natural world around us – a desire to create a nurturing environment for children, plants and animals to thrive. There was a strong drive to become an Eco-friendly and Eco-wise school to instil a love for conservation and a deep social responsibility in the learners.

Ours is a tale of old. A tale of victories won and lost. A reminder of special legends who have graced this place. Memorable teachers, significant families and heroes both young and old. 

In the beauty of this place, we find treasures to remind us of the triumphs attained. We are grateful to those who have gone before and paved the way. 

As you walk through the Mandela quad, you may notice a sturdy, wooden, railway sleeper in honour of Mr Chris Lee. You may also pause a while alongside the tranquil garden outside the old Farmhouse in honour of Mr Nigel Sloane. Keep a watchful eye as there are more to be discovered.

But of them all, there is one that should be mentioned as without this her tenacity, we would not be here today. In the junior prep quad, there is a wrought iron bench that bears the name of Petro Geerts. Her bench looks over the magnificent view of the dam and ancient crags as a reminder that someone some years back had the perfect vision to create THIS, our blessed school.