The DSG is primarily a boarding school with around 80% of the 360 girls boarding in three 
houses: Crewe, Merrriman and Espin. (The Junior School boarders are accommodated in Greystone).The accommodation is practical, comfortable and attractive. It is a secure environment, with 24 hour supervision by caring staff within a clear disciplinary structure. Senior House Tutors, Housemistresses and Matrons work closely with parents.
Most boarders have their own study cubicle within the House where they do their homework. Junior girls study in the common room under supervision.
The strength of the house system at the DSG lies in its sensitivity to the wellbeing of the girls. In this regard, the school prefects play a vital part. They are encouraged to see their role as pastoral rather than authoritarian and their influence is a crucial element in upholding the school’s friendly, supportive atmosphere.
Some day girls and boarders of all houses eat in the Nonie Mullins dining hall, where friendships flourish over nutritious and well presented meals.
Each weekday is filled with a vigorous programme of afternoon activities and most Saturdays DSG girls will be representing their school on the sports fields or in cultural events. Sundays have a different pace. Breakfast is served later and girls are encouraged to relax. They spread duvets under the oak trees to read and listen to music, sunbathe at the pool, walk to the aviary to watch the peacocks and geese and congregate around the fountain to chat. For the more energetic there is always someone who is keen on a casual game of tennis after lunch. Sundays end with a service or music meditation in the Chapel.
It is a mere 5 minute walk to town and although strict rules govern town excursions, our girls enjoy the freedom of doing their own shopping or visiting a coffee shop. Girls are allowed one leave-out weekend on either side of the half term break and parents are welcome to take their daughters out for a couple of hours when they are in Grahamstown.
The school Sanatorium is staffed by two qualified nursing sisters and a General Practitioner visits the school every weekday. Arrangements are made for visits to specialists, dentists, radiographers and physiotherapists.
It is imperative that our girls know that there is always someone willing to listen to their problems. A concerned adult who can help them work through difficult personal times.
Our Wellness Centre has been established to provide the girls with emotional, spiritual and health support. It is run by the Chaplain, the San Sisters, Life Orientation teacher, school doctor and Principal who are all available for 24 hours of the day. Apart from individual counselling and care, the Wellness Centre also offers group workshops by specialists, covering a wide field of relevant topics such as skin care, diet, relationships and study stress.
Emma - Boarding at DSG:
Sister Mary Kruiskamp-San & Wellness Centre: Mrs Margie Eriksen-Boarding at DSG:
Kelly Long represents South Africa 10th May 2012
Kelly Long represented South Africa at the 5th International Sustainable World Project Olympiad in the USA
