Welcome to the John Mackenzie Primary website! We are delighted to have your child with us and look forward to an exciting and dynamic year ahead. To those of you who have a child attending the school for the first time this year, a special word of welcome. Thank you for making JMS your school of choice for your child's education. We are sure that your child will settle in quickly and will be happy here.
A. Pautz, Principal
Principal's Welcome
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.
Our Vision and Mission
Vision - To continue being a leader in education, empowering our students to realise their full potential and adapting our services to meet the needs of a global marketplace.
Mission - As a leader in Private Education in Northern Botswana, we empower our students, our parents and our community by providing a holistic approach to learning, knowledge and civic engagement; facilitating an environment for all students to achieve their academic and career goals while realising their full potential
