Convent school now Herberg Manor

The Irish Sisters of the Assumption had a significant presence in Somerset East, South Africa, including a school and boarding establishment. The school, located at 53 Louis Trichardt Street, offered primary to Grade 10 (Std 8) education, with music and commercial classes being particularly popular. They also hosted annual operettas. Due to political changes and staff shortages, the school gradually closed, but their work continued at St Theresa's Primary School, which has grown in stature. The original building is now a guesthouse called Herberg Manor.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
• Flourishing School:
The Sisters ran a school and boarding establishment in Somerset East, offering a range of classes and popular music and commercial courses.
• Political Impact:
The political situation in South Africa between 1948 and 1996 led to challenges for religious orders. The Sisters and priests faced restrictions, eventually impacting the school's operations and leading to its closure.
• Continued Legacy:
Despite the closure of the main school, the Sisters continued their educational work at St Theresa's Primary School.
• Herberg Manor:
The original school building on Louis Trichardt Street is now a guesthouse known as Herberg Manor.
• Assumption Development Sisters:
The Sisters were initially known as the Sisters of the Assumption and later became the Assumption Development Sisters, focusing on community engagement and support for young people, especially in poorer areas, according to a Facebook post.
• Initial Foundation in Grahamstown:
The first convent and school in Southern Africa were established by the Sisters in Grahamstown, according to a New Contree article.
• End of Institutional Phase:
The Grahamstown convent closed in December 1982 after 133 years, but the Sisters continued their work in the community.