Promoting independent, creative, and critical thinking enabling pupils to develop a healthy growth mindset.
Our #OneCollege is inspired by the faith, trust, shared hope, and unique community spirit that exists in our school. Going beyond close ties and common interests, it is a combined effort towards togetherness. Differences are seen as gifts and not obstacles, opportunities for growth are recognised, and challenges are overcome. #OneCollege forms the soul of our school and we do not take it for granted.
As a leading independent co-educational Catholic school in Johannesburg, De La Salle Holy Cross College follows an academic curriculum that has been designed to meet the national Independent Examination Board (IEB) requirements for all grades. Our educational philosophy promotes independent, creative, and critical thinking to enable pupils to develop a growth mindset. From Grade RR – 12, the College aims to start a lifelong love of learning, offering a world-class education to future-proof children for their respective journeys. The College is proud of our 37-year amalgamated history of 100% matric pass rate, a truly remarkable legacy of academic excellence.
Dr. Marisa Di Terlizzi, the Junior School Head, emphasises the importance of making every child feel seen and valued at De La Salle Holy Cross College. She aims to create a nurturing that encourages children to engage in various activities beyond academics, fostering a love for school and empowering them to positively contribute to their community through individual recognition and support.
Welcome to De La Salle Holy Cross College Junior School, Where Childhood is Celebrated!
Our co-educational environment offers Catholic education that is based on the charism of our owners, the De La Salle Brothers, and the Holy Cross Sisters. Our strong ethos forms the foundation of our relevant, developmentally appropriate offering. Our philosophy of “Love First, Teach Second” is based on the vision of our founders, whose values remain at the heart of our school.
We believe that children learn best by doing, and our sensory and experiential teaching involves children in active play and engagement, with a strong underpinning of a growth mindset philosophy in an environment of academic excellence. We partner with our parents in developing young people with a holistic skill set, who can think strategically, reflectively, and critically, and problem solve ethically in a changing world. We are very proud of our high-level offering of sport and cultural activities, and the development of the inherent talents of our pupils through explicit teaching and coaching. With service at our core, we use various opportunities to teach young people social responsibility as active contributors to society.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Junior School!
Welcome to our Grade RR and Grade R preschool where learning meets joy in an inquiry-based and play-based environment. With our vast outdoor facilities and vibrant indoor activities, our school offers a nurturing haven in which young minds can blossom.
Our dedicated team of experienced teachers brings passion and expertise to every aspect of child development. With a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning, we encourage curiosity and exploration, fostering a love for discovery that will last a lifetime.
At our faith-based school, we believe in nurturing not just academic excellence, but also the values of compassion, empathy, and respect. Our caring community and strong ethos create a supportive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Whether it’s engaging in imaginative play, exploring the natural world in our outdoor spaces, or delving into creative indoor learning activities, every day at our preschool is an adventure filled with learning, laughter and fun!
Join us at Grade RR and Grade R where our children are encouraged to give of their best, grow in confidence, be curious and become young people ready to take on the world.
Our learning programmes in the Junior school are underpinned by creative and critical thinking which brings complementary dimensions to thinking and learning.
Our schooling environment encourages the development of potential in all facets of learning, i.e., academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
From Grades 1 to 6, pupils engage with aspects of inquiry-based learning and STEM. Pupils participate in a relevant and meaningful termly Flexible Learning Programme which involves an integration of learning areas, framed around specific driving questions.
De La Salle Holy Cross College’s Junior School philosophy aims to be skills, concept and process oriented rather than content and product oriented.
As we transition from lecturing of prescribed text to independent thinking and creative development, it is essential for our children to be accountable for their learning and to engage actively in the learning process.
Linda has been teaching for over 30 years and has pursued further education, including a Master’s degree in Intercultural Communication. She has been involved in various educational programmes and is committed to academic excellence. In addition to her professional achievements, Linda cherishes her family and finds joy in continuous learning, literature, linguistics and nurturing young minds at DLSHC College.
“Welcome to De La Salle Holy Cross College Junior High where we set the stage for pupils to thrive spiritually, academically, physically, socially,
and emotionally.” Colette Marx – Deputy Head: Junior High
Our Junior High phase stands as a beacon of inspiration where potential can be unlocked. We take pride in fostering a nurturing environment that ignites the passion for learning and prepares responsible global citizens for the world of tomorrow.
The aim of the Junior High is to provide a holistic education, ensuring pupils excel not only academically but also in character and skills development.
We follow a tailored curriculum that sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and prepares pupils for the challenges of the modern world.
Our dedicated teachers and Wellness team is committed to creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment.
Through personalised attention, we help pupils navigate their academic journey with confidence. Initiatives such as peer tutoring, one trusted adult, Social-Emotional Learning, connect groups, our Umphakathi (community) Centre and #Mindshift all contribute to an immersive and engaging atmosphere that fosters creativity and innovation.
Access to technology, well-equipped classrooms, and co-curricular opportunities enhance overall learning. Pupils explore their interests and talents through a wide range of activities. Whether it’s sport, creative arts, outreach or leadership programmes, we offer a wide variety of opportunities for pupils to discover and develop their skills.
Instilling strong values and a sense of community in line with our Lasallian/Holy Cross ethos is at the core of everything we do. Our Junior High School emphasizes teamwork, respect and integrity preparing young minds to excel beyond textbook education and integrate with the global community.
What a privilege it is to educate young people and offer a quality education. At De La Salle Holy Cross College, our staff are dedicated to ensuring that each child in their care is seen and supported on their educational journey.
Our academic results at the end of Grade 12 are excellent as each pupil is encouraged to attain beyond their potential. Our focus in all decision-making is the best interest of the child and is firmly rooted in our Lasallian/Holy Cross ethos.
De La Salle Holy Cross College is a Catholic school. The faith based educational learning environment is open to all and provides a welcoming space where pupils have the opportunity to appreciate and deepen their faith.
The College is in the unique position of having a Junior High model for the Grade 7 – 9 pupils. We offer a wide variety of academic subjects from which the Grade 9 pupils can choose for Grade 12.
For those pupils requiring extension, we offer Olympiads and Further Studies subjects. Regardless of subject choice, pupils are taught to be creative, critical thinkers, to communicate confidently and to collaborate with ease. Our Social & Emotional Learning curriculum, offered from Grade 7 to Grade 9, teaches the pupils to be flexible, develop grit and be socially astute.
Our Wellness Centre provides the opportunity for our pupils to seek out assistance when needed from our psychologists, remedial specialists and social worker. Our small Connect classes at the beginning of the school day offer the pupils the opportunity to prepare themselves for what lies ahead. Our One Trusted Adult programme allows each pupil to select their trusted adult – an adult in whom they can confide and find support.
School should be a memorable and happy time, so our pupils are expected to be involved in our co-curricular programme which offers numerous activities. Every pupil can develop in their area of interest. Our pupils enjoy the opportunity to live our motto: Be First That You May Be Of Service, and they are able to serve the community in a number of ways throughout the year. We also offer our pupils the opportunity to enrol in the President’s Award, and we encourage our pupils to take on new challenges and to develop their courage. Linda Galanakis – Head of High School
The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a parent committee that was established to strengthen the link between the school and parent body.
The PAC supports the school through ground level communication, sharing of information and suggestions, directing of queries through appropriate channels, fundraising initiatives and other activities where the school relies on assistance from parents, all contributing to the positive spirit and ethos of our school.
The PAC forms an integral part of the close-knit community that we have come to appreciate at De La Salle Holy Cross College. Their contributions also include the managing of the Care Committee which aids parents in need, the welcoming of new families into the community, the promotion of Transformation, Diversity and Inclusion, School Ethos, Outreach initiatives, Marketing and Environmental Affairs
amongst others.
We would like to emphasise that the PAC is very much a WORKING group, which exists to contribute effectively to our Ethos and positive spirit of the College. It is an advisory council which has been established to meet specific objectives and will not be involved in matters that are the direct responsibility of the Owners, the Trustees or the Board of Governors and are not involved in the day-to-day management of the school.
Please feel free to reach out to any of the committee members regarding their respective portfolios.
The Parent-Led Transformation, Diversity and Inclusivity Committee consists of parents with a passion for promoting that the core principles of an inclusive community is evident in all educational, co-curricular and social activities within the school. We aim to help parents, staff and learners benefit from a community that seeks to meet the needs of all its members. We act as an advisory committee to the school and engage constructively with staff, management and parents around matters of diversity and inclusivity. Our members are co-opted onto other working committees in order to create an awareness of the diversity in our community, fostering the spirit of inclusion.
