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History
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The school opened in1942 on land acquired by its founder Mr. M.G.Fleming. It was run as an Anglican Diocesan preparatory school for boys under the ownership of Ruzawi Schools Ltd., who bought it from Mr. Fleming, and operated successfully for many years. A sudden decline in enrolment, due mainly to the withdrawal of large numbers of Zambian pupils, brought about the closure of the school in 1975. In 1978 all movable property was auctioned and the buildings remained empty for partial occupation by pupils and staff of Cyrene Mission during the civil war years.
In 1981 the Whitestone School Trust was founded and the school was purchased from Ruzawi Schools Ltd. It was re-opened in September 1982 as a mixed boys' and girls' school catering for both day pupils and boarders from Grades 1 to 7.
Whitestone School has been established on 28 hectares of attractive granite kopje countryside in the southern Bulawayo suburb of Burnside. The school site is rich in a wide variety of indigenous flora and fauna and offers endless opportunity for exploration and study. A blend of rocky outcrop and mixed woodlands together with well appointed sports fields makes it a playground paradise for children.
At Whitestone we believe it important not only to teach the children virtues such as honesty, humility, self-discipline, concern for others and good manners, but also to encourage each individual to discover and develop their unique qualities and talents. We do not force children to conform to a stereotyped mould.
The teachers are therefore concerned not only with the academic progress of our pupils but also with their general welfare, happiness and spiritual, social and physical growth. Our teachers are available to talk to children or parents on any matter of concern.
There is a resident school chaplain who has a particular responsibility for pastoral care. He is very willing to talk in complete confidence with parents who would like to see him about any problems their children may be experiencing, and offer help in any way he can. Courses on aspects of parenting are regularly offered to parents, while voluntary Christian activities for children include clubs and holiday camps.
A firm and fair system of discipline is part of the Whitestone philosophy and it is considered as a shared responsibility between home and school. At Whitestone there is a three term year: 1st Term - mid January to mid April 2nd Term - mid May to mid August 3rd Term - mid September to early December
A strong grounding is established particularly in English and Mathematics and in the range of subjects appropriate to a preparatory school. These include: Environmental Studies, Art & Craft, Computer Studies, Drama and Literature, Music, Handwriting, Religious Education, Ndebele and Physical Education.
At the end of Grade 7, all pupils write the ZIMSEC National Examinations and the Cambridge International Primary Programme Stage 6 Examinations. Many of the staff at Whitestone School are accredited Markers for this programme.
Pupils visit places of industrial, agricultural, historical and aesthetic interest. Senior pupils are frequently involved in educational tours to the United Kingdom.
INTERPRETIVE EDUCATION & ADVENTURE INTO LEARNING
Enthusiasm generated is harnessed by our specialist teacher to establish the basics of study techniques as well as build on the skills a child is constantly assimilating in the classroom.
Children who need support in English, particularly with Reading and Spelling, will visit the Remedial Department in small groups for short periods of intensive tuition during the week on a regular basis.
SPORTING
AND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITY The school has a broad-based afternoon activities programme designed to allow the individual to experience as wide a range of sporting and cultural activities as possible and at the same time giving children the opportunity to develop within their chosen sphere. Children are encouraged to maintain a balance of sporting and cultural pursuits.
In order to give pupils an opportunity to pursue their varied personal interests, Friday afternoons are kept free of school activities. Many children attend private music, riding or sailing lessons at this time.
Opportunity is provided in the following areas:~
Specialist
instruction in Ballet, Acrobatic, Modern and Ballroom Dancing is available
privately on the school campus.
The school offers a wide range of facilities providing for all aspects of our curriculum.
Facilities include:~
Families are particularly welcome to the informal Family service which is held in the Chapel on Sunday mornings at 9.00 am and every first and third Sunday evening at 5.00pm.
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Environmental Studies form a linking and integral part of our curriculum and
include field trips and camps (for senior pupils). Here the children are given
the opportunity to experience, explore and become attuned to their environment.
This resource based learning programme provides for hands-on
investigation opportunities for children using three-dimensional objects (as
well as other media) to which they would not normally have access. 
Afternoon activities take place between 2.00pm. and 5.00pm. from Monday to
Thursday. On days when Grades 3 to 7 children stay at school, lunch is available
in the dining hall. Grade 1 & 2 children attend afternoon activities once a
week but do not stay for lunch.
