TYNA Charter, Head of St Mary’s DSG, is saying a fond goodbye after twenty years at the school.
Mrs Charter graduated from Stellenbosch University and taught for four years at Voortrekker High School in PMB and St Martin’s School in Johannesburg before devoting her time to being a full time mom to her five children.
She and her family spent five years in Canada, before returning to South Africa to be closer to family. One of the things she noticed about the Canadian schools was that they were less authoritarian and more about promoting self motivation.
“Learners should want to learn not because somebody is forcing them to but because they want to. Its how you present it to make them want to be responsible and learn,” said Mrs Charter.
On her return to South Africa, she started off working for a book publisher which she enjoyed but wanted to get back into teaching. She applied for a position at St Mary’s and has never looked back since. She soon became Acting Head, enjoyed the challenge and so when the position of Head became available she applied for the post. She became Head in 2005 and has been happily at the helm of this prestigious school for the last eight years.
“It fills me with so much joy and hope for the future to see how full of ideas and how thoughtful the girls are. I am completely bowled over by how accomplished girls are these days. I have loved interacting with the girls, it keeps one young.”
She has loved the challenge of adapting to ever changing technology and how it has impacted on teaching and how the teachers interact with the learners.
“I have loved running a big school in the 20th century. You have to adapt and take up the challenge of change. I have been impressed with how the staff have stepped up to the new challenges. With social media we now have to enter their world and adapt all the time.”
She is looking forward to her retirement and taking some time out for herself and pursuing her own personal dreams.
“I am open to the universe. I have so much to do and look forward to. I need to tidy out my cupboards, tend to my organic vegetable garden and spend time with my family – I have eight grandchildren. I am a season ticket holder at the symphony so now I will have more time for that. I am also an avid reader.”
She still plans to be involved with the school through its Foundation Trust which provides bursaries to girls who would otherwise not be able to attend the school.
“I hope I have left the school in a place where the next Head can take it to the next step. It has been intense being a Head but I have loved it.”
Jonathan Manley, Head of the High School will be taking over from Mrs Charter next year.
