Principal's Welcome
Welcome to John Mackenzie Primary School!
As the new Principal, it is my honour to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all children, parents, and members of our community. At John Mackenzie Primary School, we believe in balance – fostering an environment where children can truly be children while excelling academically and on the sports field.
Our commitment to high academic and sporting standards is unwavering, but we also place a huge emphasis on the development of soft skills that are essential for success in today's world. Through outdoor education, we encourage exploration, curiosity, and a love for the natural world.
At JMS, our strong community culture is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves in creating a welcoming, family environment where every child feel valued and supported. Our team of highly qualified educators is dedicated to nurturing each child's unique talents and helping them reach their full potential.
With a long-standing reputation for excellence in all spheres, John Mackenzie Primary School is more than just a place of learning – it is a home where every member of our community belongs.
I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you, and I look forward to a year filled with growth, achievement, and endless possibilities.
Mr. S. Hamman, 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.
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
