Northcliff High's founding headmaster passes away

Northcliff High School's founding Headmaster, Mr G G Dickerson, passed away peacefully in Cape Town on 6 August 2008.

In September 1968 Mr Dickerson was asked to open a new high school in Northcliff, and began the preparations – appointing staff, designing the school badge, planning the uniform – so that Northcliff High School could open with 180 Grade 8 pupils in January 1969. Almost all the fine traditions of Northcliff High School were designed by Mr Dickerson. He also provided the Latin names for Northcliff's top awards and of course the school motto Nihil tam Altum (Nothing too high).

Mr Dickerson and his teaching staff instilled interest, enthusiasm and a quest for excellence into all aspects of school life – academic, cultural and sporting – and this has carried on through successive generations of educators. Northcliff has been privileged to see the results in the outstanding achievements of our pupils over the years. The high standards of dress and behaviour demanded today were first set by Mr Dickerson and the early teachers.

Although he retired over twenty years ago he never tired of hearing news of the continuing achievements of 'his school', and was particularly pleased to learn of the successes of Northcliff past pupils.

Northcliff High School – strong, vibrant, successful, one of the top schools in the country – is a living legacy of its first headmaster, Mr Dickerson.

Ave atque Vale – Hail and Farewell!