Laerskool Kruinsig appoints its first-ever female principal

Thora du Plessis has been appointed as the first female principal in the history of Laerskool Kruinsig, effective from January 1, a moment she describes as both emotional and deeply rewarding.

Du Plessis obtained her HOD Diploma in 1992 from Goudstad Onderwyskollege and has been part of the teaching profession for 33 years.

She began her teaching career in 1992 at Laerskool van Riebeeck Park, where she taught for several years.

In 2007, she left the profession for two years to work in private practice, focusing on commercial property sales. She later returned to teaching at Laerskool Van Riebeeck Park.

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In 2010, Du Plessis joined Laerskool Kruinsig, although her initial stint there lasted two years before she returned to Van Riebeeck Park after being promoted to Foundation Phase head.

She continued working between the two schools and, in 2019, returned to Laerskool Kruinsig after being offered the position of deputy principal.

During the third term of 2025, Du Plessis served as acting principal. Following a formal interview process conducted in August, she received official confirmation of her appointment on December 12, 2025, confirming her role as principal from the start of 2026.

Over the course of her career, Du Plessis has taught Grade One through to Grade Seven. She says becoming a teacher was a lifelong dream.

“I love people. I have compassion and care for people, and that’s something that resonated with me from a very young age,” she said.

“I remember being one of five cousins who spent school holidays at my grandmother’s house. I was always the teacher, and they were always the learners.

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“I never thought of doing anything else but teaching. I love the children, I love people, and everything that comes with teaching.
“That’s where it started, as a little girl who really wanted to be a teacher,” she added.

Du Plessis believes that people grow into leadership positions and views her new role as a journey of learning and development.

“Since I started teaching, I’ve always wanted to become better and to inspire others by setting an example,” she said.

As principal, she aims to create an environment where both staff and learners feel valued.

“I want people to feel happy and important. Some children come from very difficult backgrounds, and every child has the right to feel loved, understood and valued,” she said.

Reflecting on her appointment, Du Plessis said it represents decades of dedication and hard work.

“This achievement means 33 years of really working hard. Teaching is not an 08:00 to 13:00 job, and it’s not a ‘full holidays’ job. You work at night, you work constantly,” she said.

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“I’ve been blessed with a very supportive family, and I’m proud that my hard work has paid off.”

Her vision for Laerskool Kruinsig centres on creating a positive school culture.

“If you have happy staff, you will have happy children. If you have happy children, you have a happy school and a happy community,” she said.

“Parents want their children to enjoy school, to receive a good education and to love coming to school, and that’s what’s most important to me.”