A new year often comes with new opportunities and developments that many look forward to as the year unfolds.
The new developments at Con Amore School for 2019 are a new head of department (HOD) and two deputy principals.
Marietha Els was appointed as the new HOD for foundation phase two, while Ina Hayes and Servaas Wahl began the year as the school’s deputy principals.
Els and Hayes have been at the school for years, but Wahl is new to the school.
“This is my 32nd year in teaching. Bonaero Park Primary School is one of the schools I have worked at. I was there for 18 years and spent five and a half years at Birch Acres Primary School as an HOD,” said Wahl.
“I am excited and a bit nervous at the same time, because I have always been in mainstream schools and this is my first time working at a special school. This is a different environment for me and although it is a bit challenging, I am not afraid but ready and eager to begin this journey.”
Els’ love for teaching and working with children has seen her teaching for 31 years.
“This is my 21st year at Con Amore and I have worked at and was appointed as HOD for different phases at the school, including the autism phase,” said Els.
“I am also very excited with the new appointment and I feel I can make a big difference in my phase and the school. I look forward towards a great journey ahead.”
Although Hayes has 15 years in education, she has been working at Con Amore for three years.
“I was a teacher and later an HOD at my previous school and started here as the HOD for foundation phase two, three years ago,” said Hayes.
“I am happy to be part of this journey and get involved in a different way now from HOD to deputy principal. As the deputy, you get involved with the staff and the learners in a different way, and I am looking forward to it and hope to make the best of it.”
The two deputies agreed they would work hand-in-hand with the principal and support him moving forward.
All three teachers told Express they loved teaching and enjoy working with the learners. One can see their passion for teaching as they speak about their different experiences in the field.
