Du Toit takes a bow from education
In education is not about yourself, it’s about the people you serve
“I have given my all to education. Now it’s time to focus on me and my husband.” These were the words from Ratha Martjie du Toit on her last day as the principal of Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston.
“I’m now starting a new chapter in my life.” Du Toit is retiring after 38 years in education. She started teaching in 1983 as a maths teacher.
“When I started teaching I was ready for all the challenges that were coming and ready to make a difference. I always wanted to be a teacher,” said du Toit.
She started her teaching career at Hoërskool Overkruin in Pretoria in 1983 and moved to Hoër Tegniese Skool John Vorster in 1989.
In 1995 she became the deputy principal of Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston and in 1999 she was appointed as principal.
“It’s been 22 years – I had the opportunity to do my best for the learners and the communities I have served. In education is not about yourself but the people you serve,” she said.
While in education she occupied several leadership roles. She was a marker, examiner and later moderator for mathematics.
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She was also part of the team that wrote an accredited mathematics textbook for Grade Nine. Du Toit made such an impact in the education sector that it led to nominations and awards.
She was nominated many times for the National Teachers Awards and took second place in Gauteng in the category Secondary School Leadership in 2017.
The Germiston Rotary Club honoured her with an award in 2020 for dedication and service to the community.
She said with all she has achieved in the education sector, she is most proud of how the school continues to work with the community.
“A school is part of a community and I’m proud of the learners who excelled in school and extra-curricular activities not offered by the school. The annual Ahgie Festival became a huge success and offered the community the opportunity to socialise,” said du Toit.
She always ensured that she attends school activities to support staff and learners. She is looking forward to playing golf, travelling and spending time with her children, grandchildren and friends.
“My husband and I could not travel as much as our time was consumed by my work. Now it will be our time to take it easy,” said du Toit.
She thanked the school’s staff and encouraged them to continue doing the work they do. “It was an honour to be your leader and being part of an excellent team,” she said.
Contact the newsroom by emailing:
Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
