A long-serving teacher at Rhodesfield Technical High School has been appointed as the school’s first female principal.
Ansie Ras, who joined the school 37 years ago, took up the position on October 1.
She began teaching in 1981 and joined Hoërskool Rhodesfield in 1982. She was appointed as head of department in 1993 and deputy principal in 2005.
She has seen the school change in 1994 from a white Afrikaans technical school to what it is today.
In 2016, Rhodesfield Technical High School was identified as a school of specialisation with a focus on aviation.
Since the launch in July 2018, the school has partnered with Comair on its aviation journey.
The school will implement a general aviation curriculum in 2020.
Ras said: “All my years at Rhodesfield have taught me many skills. I wish to thank Dr Albert Pienaar, former principal who served from 1986 to 1995, for giving us the space to develop and use our initiative in planning and organising events. This opportunity has equipped me for the challenges of today.
“Each learner is important and must be developed holistically. Learners need to be given opportunities to explore life and the world outside of school,” added Ras.
“I believe in hard work and discipline and I am looking forward to the challenge of changing the learning culture at Rhodesfield and to take the school to new heights. I want to thank each and every colleague, parent and learner for their support.
“Rhodesfield is about to take off and explore the skies!”
