L.R. Schmidt (Mor) Primary School boasts a rich history that dates back to 1738, when Georg Schmidt, revered as the Father of Education in Genadendal, arrived in Baviaanskloof.
Schmidt established a school with 19 learners, teaching reading, writing, gardening, clay building, and Christianity. Schmidt’s work, especially educating the Khoi, faced opposition from the Dutch Congregation. He was forced to stop his efforts and left the country in 1744.
Magdalena Tikkuie, one of Schmidt’s first converts, continued his work after he left South Africa. He had given Magdalena a Dutch New Testament in 1738, which became the first schoolbook in Genadendal. The Bible was used to teach reading, and writing, and to spread the gospel for 48 years.
In 1792 when missionaries returned to South Africa, they were surprised to find Magdalena with Schmidt’s New Testament teaching the gospel. This demonstrated that Schmidt's work had endured. The missionaries re-opened the school, which has been active since 1792 and is the oldest primary school in South Africa.
In 1814, Sir John Cradock and Lord Charles Somerset helped fund a proper school building in Genadendal, adopting the British education system by Joseph Lancaster. The school, known as the “Juvenile School,” initially taught Biblical Studies, languages, history, geography, and technology. The Lancaster system, which used monitors to manage large groups, was implemented and continued in Moravian Mission Schools.
Louis Rudolf Schmidt born in 1872, trained in Germany and returned to South Africa in 1895. After committing his life to Christianity, and training as a missionary, he worked in Genadendal as a missionary, town doctor, dentist, land surveyor, and locksmith.
The school named after him symbolically opened many doors for young lives.
Here is an overview of the dedicated team at L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School:
L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School provides Foundation, Intermediate and Senior Phase subjects in its academic curriculum.
Life Skills:
Life Skills:
L.R. Schmidt Primary School in Genadendal has a fully equipped and connected digital lab, thanks to Cell C's initiative to enhance digital connectivity in schools in partnership with the Department of Basic Education.
Cell C transformed one of the school’s classrooms into an inspiring digital lab, outfitted with laptops, screens, a projector, a printer, a server, and power points for network cabinets.
The lab has new desks, chairs, flooring, and a fresh coat of paint, and is connected with Cell C-sponsored data, providing students with internet access.
Additionally, teachers and students receive training to use hardware and software.
L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School offers various cultural activities and clubs that include:
L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School is affiliated with extra-mural sports that include:
"Good nutrition is as critical to learning as pencils or textbooks."
L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School falls into the Quintiles 3 Category of No Fee Schools and forms part of the National Schools Nutrition Programme.
The state provides the school with the finances to pay for two trained cooks who prepare daily meals in a registered kitchen for over 300 learners on the programme.
“I attended L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School. It's the best school and the teachers teach the children, not the other way around like I see happening nowadays.” Jenny James
“The staff at L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School are all so welcoming and friendly.” Thobisile Siwela Mgquba
“L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School is one of the best!” Eleanor Samuels
“I attended L.R Schmidt (Mor) Primary School 50 years ago. My favourite teacher was Miss Magda Lamour. Love you, Miss!” Sophia Mars
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our Grade R Graduation Ceremony at L.R. Schmidt (Mor) Primary Sc...
Our staff recently completed a computer training session on using the Cami Program.
On the 29th of November 2024, we said goodbye to Mr. Ivan Gerswindt, who served our school faithfully for 15 y...
We are so proud of our learners whose beautiful artwork was showcased at the Greyton Artwalk.
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Curt Hans and Mr. Angelo Dirk. ...
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Green Monday Project.
