The history of MXM

Our school was founded in 1951. We started with five classes, a total of ninety students and twelve teachers. The building consisted of only one block. When classes were already in session, another floor was added. Secondary education consisted of a general department and a family-oriented program, "cutting and sewing & home economics."

The girls attended classes in the family-run school. KA Merksem was therefore immediately a coeducational school, which was very progressive at the time. However, boys and girls were separated by a white line on the playground. After school, they also had to go outside separately, girls first.

At the time, we were the first non-Catholic secondary school in the region. Many people had prejudices against this so-called "state school." This prejudice came primarily from deeply religious residents of Merksem. For example, a legendary pamphlet that a concerned priest placed in the mailboxes of local residents stated:

… 'You may not send your child to a school where the majority of the teachers are non-believers or liberals. How can you have the necessary guarantees there for the Christian education of your baptized child?' … Do you realize that children sent by their parents to such neutral schools end up in a morally very dangerous environment? …

Fortunately, this message did not prevent KA Merksem from growing into an actively pluralistic school in which all recognized worldviews are represented.

Delving into our rich archives will reveal a great deal about that era. A brief overview:

At registration, students coming from the state secondary school were admitted immediately. Students from the Catholic network had to pass an entrance exam first. Parents were also required to bring their marriage certificates to registration.
In 1951, school fees were 400 francs per year (about €10). However, education was free for war orphans and children of war victims.
For the first thirty years, the classrooms had a coal stove. However, this wasn't ideal. If you sat too close, you nearly burned. If you stood too far away, you were too cold.
Dusting off the old school announcements will occasionally raise an eyebrow. For example, the administration asked staff to pay special attention to the "girls' behavior." Rough play was strictly forbidden on the playground. Teachers also had to pay attention to their language, especially to "civilized" pronunciation.
Even in the early days, it was clear that teachers had to maintain a minimum level of discipline and order. The principal spoke of "gentle pressure." "No barracks-style discipline, but no carnival either, please."
Back then, cafés were still called coffeehouses. Of course, students weren't allowed inside unless accompanied by their parents.