WJPS bids Carol a fond farewell

AT the end of the school term, the pupils and staff at Westville Junior Primary School will bid a fond farewell to its principal, Carol Leech.

Carol has worked in the education industry for more than 44 years and began teaching Grade 1 in 1970 at Woodlands Infant School.

“It was a small school and we developed very close friendships,” she said. She then moved to Avon Junior Primary School in 1973 and taught there for 12 years.

She said she still has warm memories of the actively supportive parent community at the school, especially the governing body, some of whom she still meets occasionally.

In 1984 she moved to Westville Junior Primary School where she became head of department. She has seen much change in the political and social environment of the country and consequent changes in education.

After 1994, Carol was actively involved in developmental workshops for teachers towards the new curriculum.

She was then appointed to the role principal of the school in 2000. She has always held herself personally responsible in ensuring that each child received the best education while under her care, be it in the classroom, on the playground or on the sports field.

“Teaching goes far beyond the chalkboard,” said Carol. “One has to deal with staff and parents and the demands of the education department among other challenges but seeing children thrive and grow in a healthy environment makes it all worth it.

“In the 60s, the choices for women as a career path were to be a teacher, a secretary or a nurse. If offered the choice now, with so many other employment options available to women, I would do it all again.”

Carol has made an invaluable impact on the lives of thousands of children, parents, teachers and community members.

Carol said there were many funny stories during her time at the school, but the most recent one took place in a Grade R classroom.

“One of the teachers was telling the children that I was going to retire and one little boy popped up and said “Mrs Leech is going on holiday, she is putting new tyres on her car!” and I couldn’t help but laugh. Out of the mouths of babes,” said Carol.

Despite the heavy demands placed on her to take care of the welfare of the many young children of Westville, Carol has also been an exceptional mother to both her children, Bryan and Claire.

“My mom is phenomenal. I am awed everyday by her strength, intellect and passion. She has often been unappreciated, as many in education field are, but she has fought for the last 44 years for the quality of teaching and learning. As far as role models go, I couldn’t ask for a better one than my mom. She deserves her retirement and I am sure she will be sorely missed,” said Claire.