Newly elected SGB chairperson aims to put interests of learners first

Last month, schools across the province welcomed new members of the school governing bodies (SGB) who will assist with transforming the learning environment.

They will tackle their roles and responsibilities for the next coming three years.

To find out more about the role of an SGB, the Advertiser spoke to Heather van den Aardweg, Boksburg High School’s incoming SGB chairperson who was elected on March 31 and inducted on April 14.

Apart from being the SGB chairperson, she is a qualified remedial therapist and a deputy principal at Wit Deep Primary School.

With her wealth of knowledge as a teacher, van der Aardweg said her new role will come in handy but she’s ready to learn and make a positive impact at Boksburg High School.

She is also no stranger to the SGB sphere as she also held a secretary title within the school’s SGB since 2013.
Explaining the role of an SGB, she said the SGB is primarily concerned with governance.

“The roles of the SGB include deciding on the school’s policies, such as admission policy, finance, religion and code of conduct policies. The SGB supports and works hand in hand with the school management team (SMT) regarding how they manage the school.”

The 45-year-old Germiston resident shared that the SGB committee consists of predominately parents, educators, RCL members, principal and a non-teaching staff member.

“Within the group, there are office bearers, which include the chairperson, vice-chairperson, treasurer and the secretary. The SGB runs for three years but the office bearer’s positions last for a year as they are re-elected every year. However, the same person can run within the three years.”

The deputy principal said within the SGB, there are sub-committees, such as the learning and teaching support material (LTSM), discipline, ICT, extramural, fund-raising and buildings and grounds committees.

She said her duties will include working hand in hand with the principal and SMT to discuss what needs to be discussed on the agendas during the meetings. “I will also make sure that the financial records of the school are in order, assisting in any discipline issues and any other matters.”

Curbing bullying in schools
According to van den Aardweg, every school needs to have a no-tolerance approach and should set it out very clearly in the code of conduct of the school.

“Communication is very critical. Parents must talk to us regarding the well-being of their children in school. There are cases where learners don’t report such issues to the school; however, schools need to create an open channel where they can invite relevant stakeholders such as the police to enlighten the learners about bullying so that they can be more open about such issues.”

Her plans
Van den Aardweg, who said is the first-ever chairperson to have a background in education, aims to put the interests of learners first.

“My enthusiasm and commitment to the ethos of Boksburg High and community collaboration will ensure quality education for all.”

She urges parents to fulfil their obligations towards supporting their children, teachers and management for the betterment of their children’s future.

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