Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, and Visitors,
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to JMS High. As the Principal, I am honored to be a part of this vibrant and dynamic learning community.
At JMS we are committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to ensure that each student receives the support and guidance they need to reach their full potential.
We believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration, where diversity is celebrated and every voice is valued. Our goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to instill in our students the values of integrity, empathy, and resilience, preparing them to become responsible global citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for choosing John Mackenzie. We look forward to an exciting and rewarding school year ahead!
Principal's Welcome
Mr. P. Langeveldt, Principal
Our History
The school was founded in 1899 when Reverend Nelson Fogarty of the Railway Mission became anxious to start schools in Plumtree, Francistown and Palaype. He envisaged about 12 children at each station and considered it “terrible to think that there are about 120 children on the railway line growing up without any education whatsoever.” His wish for a teacher was realized with the arrival of Mr. Edgar Lloyd from the UK in 1899. Mr. Lloyd started his school in the church hall, later to become St. Patrick’s Church, on August 16th 1899 with two children and by September 28th, the number had increased to twelve.
The school changed its name from Francistown European School to that of John Mackenzie School in 1958, in honour of the first Deputy Commissioner of Bechuanaland, an area north of the then Cape Province and south of the Molopo River. He was a missionary with the London Missionary Society and was largely responsible for Bechuanaland becoming a Protectorate.
Recognising the pressing need for an independent secondary school to serve the towns and all sectors of the community of Northern Botswana, permission was gained by John Mackenzie School to open a secondary section in 1994.
