Principal retires with fond memories
Pauline Rosseau, principal at Maris Stella bids a fond farewell to the school after 25 years as she begins her retirement.
AS the school year came to an end this month, Maris Stella principal, Pauline Rosseau closed the page on a chapter of her life. Mrs Rosseau, as she is known toy her pupils, has been at the school for 25 years.
Rosseau’s earliest memory was her first day of school at Maris Stella in grade one. Her school journey ends with her retiring as principal. She left to Holy Family College in grade three and returned to the school as the HOD of religious Education where she taught for 16 years before being appointed deputy principal in 2005 and principal in 2008.
“After 25 years, its been like my second home. Joan Schmidt (deputy principal) and I start our day at 7am till about 7pm at night between the galas, meetings, music events and parent evenings, we always finish late. On a good quiet week we might finish early on three days at 4.30pm,” she laughed, “It’s a beautiful place to be and work, an amazing atmosphere that doesn’t feel like a school, but more like a home.”
Rosseau said she was ready to retire. “I’m ready for this new chapter in my life to concentrate on my spiritual, home and community life. I will miss the people, the many daily hugs from the girls and the place.”
She hopes to spend more quality time with her children and grandchildren and continue with spiritual studies. “I’ve bought a home in Camelot and hope to have day retreats in my new home, I also want to grow Bonsai’s and my staff have given me a beautiful Olive Tree as a farewell gift”
The highlight of Rosseau’s life at Maris Stella is the Touch stone experience, an outreach project in Underberg that was introduced to the girls. “Buses take groups of girls to different rural schools and they have to teach them life orientation, literacy, storytelling and drama. I co-ordinate the hiking and backpacking for the trip. This teaches them resilience and takes them from a protected environment. It is so good to see the sense of achievement and wonder on their faces.”
Another highlight was the Camino Santiago trip she did last year with with a group of girls last year as well as the many productions at the school.
Rousseau said her inauguration day as principal, would always stand out especially after her accident. “I was sent home in the morning after I’d fallen all the way down the stairs. Luckily I escaped with a few cuts and bruises but returned for my ceremony that night.”
She may be leaving Maris Stella as principal, but said she would return occasionally for her granddaughter’s school plays and events with her title as grandma.
