Anneline Govender has been appointed as the deputy principal of Brenthurst Primary School. The maths and natural science teacher, who was last year honoured with the Silver Achievement Award in the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category, at the 15th Annual National Teaching Awards, lives in Boksburg, with her husband, Pooven Chetty. The newlyweds were married on May 1.
• For how long have you been teaching?
Eighteen years.
I’ve been teaching at Brenthurst Primary School for 10 years.
• Have you always wanted to teach?
Yes, it’s my calling.
For me it’s hard work that’s effortless.
I say love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.
• What’s your favourite part of the job?
The interaction with young minds.
There’s so much innocence, there’s no malice, no anger or ill feelings.
It’s wonderful to persuade and mould someone and you see the results within a year.
• Worst part of the job?
The administration and paperwork.
It takes you away from your job.
• Do you have any funny or memorable classroom stories?
I was once talking to a learner about copying and she said: “Teachers call it copying, learners call it teamwork”.
That was really funny.
• Where do you see the education sector in 20 years?
It will be very technologically-orientated.
Teachers, however, can never be replaced.
It will be more interactive, with lessons linked online.
Learning will become much more global and the quality of education will be improved.
• What are some of your duties as deputy principal?
As well as teaching, some of my duties include administration, management of curriculum, management of support staff and discipline.
It’s basically the overall functioning of the school, ensuring everything from the academic side to extra-mural activities run smoothly.
It is a lot of responsibility.
• Name the contents of your handbag.
My purse, my ID, a lipstick, hand cream, a mirror compact, my cellphone and a pen.
• Name three things your couldn’t live without.
My cellphone, a hot shower in the morning and a good cup of coffee.
• What is the one lesson life has taught you?
To strive and always believe that hard work pays off in the end.
