8 May 2026

Dear Parents,

Chess, Chapel, and Connections

We began our week with Monday Morning Chapel that was nothing short of a treat. Our Grade 4s took to the stage to perform their drama pieces, radiating confidence and joy. Behind every happy child on the stage was the dedicated guidance of Mrs. Holloway and our passionate teaching staff. It was a reminder of how central Chapel is to our life at Clifton, a sacred space where we come together to reflect, worship, and celebrate as one family.

The Game of Kings

Congratulations to our chess players, who represented us with such distinction in their fixtures this week. Watching our children engage in the "Noble Game" is always a pleasure; the focus and strategy displayed across the boards were a testament to their talent and sportsmanship. Well done to everyone who took part.

Honouring Our Roots

This week, Mr. Pete Quinn made a significant journey to join the Clifton Durban staff and children at the gravesite of Mr. Harry Stubbs, Clifton’s founding Headmaster. The visit marked the 90th anniversary of Mr. Stubbs’ passing. A moment to pay homage, offer prayers, and reflect quietly on the man whose vision began the story of our two wonderful schools. History, legacy, and tradition are the threads that weave us together, and we are grateful to Mr. Quinn for representing us so meaningfully.

Mr. Quinn's Commemoration:

"The name 'Harry Stubbs' may not be familiar to the Clifton, Nottingham Road family. While Mr. Stubbs served as the first headmaster of Durban Preparatory High School (DPHS or 'Prep'), he was also the founder of Clifton, Durban. He is also credited with forging relations with Col Greene in the late 1920s, investigating the possibility of a Clifton of sorts in the KZN Midlands. His headstone, found in the Stellawood Cemetery reads, "...founder of the Clifton schools." Of interest, the name 'Clifton' is derived from Mr. Stubbs nephew, Clifford Plimsole, who died shortly after World War 1. 

It was the 90th memorial of Harry Stubbs's passing on 6th May. Clifton College extended an invitation to join in the service of thanksgiving and remembrance at Mr. Stubbs's graveside. This proved to be a poignant reminder of his legacy and courage. It reminded those present of his dream to create a school with a foundation to grow faith, build character, and foster a love of learning, concluding with a wreath-laying ceremony. There is no question that the spirit of Clifton remains strong and true to Mr. Stubbs's vision. 

There is an intentional drive to grow relations between the Cliftons, and it was particularly interesting to spend time in the Clifton College Heritage Centre with Mr. Shaun McCabe, historian extraordinaire, who provided a great deal of information about the 'early days' of Clifton, Nottingham Road. 

Grateful thanks are extended to Mr. Shaun McCabe, Mr. Alan Angel (Principal of the Prep School), and Mr. Adam Rogers (Executive Headmaster)."