Margaret Pettit: A dedicated educator and leader
Margaret has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless learners.
Margaret Pettit is a remarkable individual whose passion for education and commitment to her learners over two decades at Dainfern College was recently recognised with a 20-year-long- service award. From her humble beginnings as a Grade 7 teacher to her current position as the Deputy Principal of Student Affairs and Head of English at Dainfern College, Margaret has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless learners.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Margaret was a city girl through and through. She received her education at Holy Cross Convent in Victory Park, where she developed a love for literature and language. During her time at Holy Cross, Margaret discovered her calling to become an educator, fueled by her desire to share her knowledge and inspire young minds.
“I have always been an avid reader. As a very young child, I would spend many hours reading Enid Blyton books, one of my favourites – The Faraway Tree and also the classic The Wind in The Willows by Kenneth Grahame, which really stimulated my imagination and my love for reading began. My interest in English as a subject developed from there,” said Pettit.
Pettit began her teaching journey at Franklin D Roosevelt Primary School, where she dedicated 15 years of her life to shaping the minds of primary school learners. Her time at Franklin D Roosevelt allowed her to hone her teaching skills and develop a deep understanding of the educational needs of young learners.
“The intermediate phase is an interesting stage of a child’s development. It is the in-between stage of their schooling career, between early childhood development and the later teenage and young adult years. Children are still spontaneous and eager to learn. They are starting to develop a sense of humour and enjoy the learning process. They are free of the pressures of selecting matric subjects and deciding on a career path for the future. I think it is the transitional stage of a child’s school learning journey,” she said.
In 2002, Margaret’s dedication and experience led her to join Dainfern College, a prestigious institution known for its commitment to academic excellence. As a member of the Dainfern College faculty, Margaret’s impact was felt immediately. Her passion for English literature and language was contagious, and she inspired her students to explore the depths of their creativity and intellectual curiosity.
Throughout her career, Margaret Pettit has exemplified the qualities of an exceptional educator. Her unwavering commitment, passion for teaching, and ability to inspire have left an indelible mark on the lives of her students and the Dainfern College community. Her journey as an educator has been one of service and dedication, and her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
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