Norkem Park Primary School’s principal, John Clark, who retired on January 31, said he hoped his 25-year legacy would further be cemented in the school.
Clark (65), who bowed out in the month of his birthday, said even though he felt a tinge of sadness about leaving the school after so many years, the milestones he reached during his tenure and the highlights would forever outweigh the momentary nostalgia.
Clark, who was born in Orange Grove in Johannesburg began his teaching career in 1979.
After teaching in several primary schools around Johannesburg, he was finally appointed as headmaster of Norkem Park Primary in 1993.
“When I started, South Africa was still going through a lot of changes. One of the first things we did was to choose to be one of the first schools in the whole of South Africa to become a Model C school. This meant we could admit learners of different races,” Clark said.
He said his journey of making the school the best, took tradition and commitment. He also attributed the success of the school to his staff. However, it was not smooth sailing to run the school. He had his fair share of challenges throughout the years.
For instance, while it is important to embrace innovative methods of teaching, which in turn will help the learners to be on the cutting edge of world-class education, he says it is not the same vision that resonates with some parents and the department of education, as they are failing to imagine the future of a classroom.
“People are always reluctant to change. They see change as a negative but we have had wonderful parents who have been incredibly supportive.”
Clark said even in the beginning he had challenges with old staff members who were stuck on old conventional methods of teaching.
“Sadly, we often had political interference whereby people tried to do favours for friends by helping them get their kids into the school because we were known as the school of choice in this area.
He said undue power was exerted on him to stretch the capacity of the school. The school can only take 700 learners but because of demands, there are currently 1 166 learners.
“This is because of our outlook and our technological advancement – that is why everyone wants their child here.”
Clark spoke fondly of his teachers, who have been pillars of strength.
“I have staff members whom I love; they are all wonderful. I have been involved in handpicking each and every staff member and they have been incredibly supportive of me. We worked hard and also played hard.”
Clark said some of the highlights included addressing a group of international educators from the United Nations in 2011 during a forum organised by Unisa at the Saint George’s Hotel in Pretoria.
“We have had people from the United Kingdom who visited the school to produce a video project in 2009.”
The most recent highlight for Clark was the introduction of smart boards at the school.
“The entire school, from Grade One all the way to Grade Seven, has a smart board.”
Shelley Anderson, who took over the reigns as acting principal on February 1, said: “Mr Clark has always had an open-door policy. Anyone could come to him with anything at any time.
“He is a very wise man and very knowledgeable. He always gave very sound advice to people and had everyone’s best interest at heart. He has been extremely supportive of the children, the teachers and parents.
“We are very sad to see him leave because he was a very strong, inspirational leader. We wish he could stay at the school to continue to be our inspiration for many years to come.”
