IT’S not often that someone decides on a career early in life but, from a young age Jillian Balarin (nee Wingrove) knew she wanted to pursue a career in education, something she continues to dedicate her life to.

It was thanks to her late mother, May, an inspirational Grade Three educator, that the flame of devoting a life to helping and developing children was placed in her heart.

That flame continues to burn brightly with Balarin’s appointment as the new principal of Kloof Pre-Primary School.

“I was born in Phalaborwa before we moved to Durban when I was in Grade Four. In KZN, I schooled at Atholton Senior Primary, Durban Girls’ College and Port Shepstone High School before starting my teaching career after Edgewood Teachers’ Training College in Pinetown.”

At school, Balarin was a more than decent sportswoman, representing KZN as a sprint athlete and hockey player. She also completed two bucket-list Comrades Marathons.

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Unfortunately, her running days were unexpectedly cut short on a New Year’s Day accident in 2023 when she fell 3m off a ladder, smashing her knee and ankle.

This tragedy could be seen as a stern test in life, harsh enough to break the average person down, but Balarin comes from a generation of steel, grit and determination.

She has remained busy and active, continuing her contribution to the education world.

The passionate educator met her husband, Gary, at Edgewood, and they moved to Waterfall three years after teaching on the South Coast.

“After a short stint at Hillcrest Christian Academy, I started my own playschool from home, to allow me to look after our first daughter while still offering a schooling option to the community,” she said.

“I ran ‘The Squad’ for 13 memorable years before re-entering mainstream schooling at Curro Hillcrest and more recently Thomas More College.”

At TMC, Balarin said she was privileged to be the Grade Three Head and HOD of Early Childhood Development.

With such a wealth of experience and backed by her strong faith, the new principal takes up her post wanting to make a difference.

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“I love working with small children, watching them grow and helping build a flourishing, healthy community. This is not just a job for me; I am passionate about children recognising their unique God-given talents, which assists in developing their confidence and ability to learn.

“There are many opportunities at Kloof Pre-Primary to make a marked difference in the lives of the children, parents, staff and our community as a whole.”

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