Laerskool Impala deputy principal reflects on 30 years in education

For Laerskool Impala deputy principal Christelle Le Roux, a career in education has always been about more than teaching.

She describes it as a calling and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.

During Women’s Month, Le Roux reflected on her journey in education, which has spanned more than three decades.

She said her love of working with people and making a difference naturally drew her to education.

“Education gives me the opportunity every day not only to teach knowledge, but also to shape young people, inspire them and help them believe in their own potential,” she said.

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Le Roux began her teaching career at Laerskool Oosterkruin in 1994, where she taught Grade Four Afrikaans Home Language and Mathematics, as well as Grade Seven Economic and Management Sciences. She remained at the school until 2014.

In October 2014, she joined Laerskool Impala, where she has taken on various roles and responsibilities. She currently teaches Grade Seven Mathematics and is involved in academic management, curriculum development, staff support and learner development.

“Over the years, my passion for education naturally developed into a passion for leadership. I realised that I could make a greater difference by not only supporting learners, but also by mentoring teachers, empowering staff and working with a team to create an environment where everyone can grow,” she said.

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Le Roux said becoming a deputy principal was both a privilege and a responsibility.

“I see leadership as an opportunity to serve. I want to lead people, but at the same time, I want to walk alongside them,” she said.

Her career has also included a long-standing passion for netball. With more than 32 years of coaching experience, Le Roux has helped develop and mentor young players and coaches.

She is involved with D6 Netball as Umpires Convenor and serves on the Executive Committee and Trials Committee of Gauteng Netball.

She is particularly proud of the growth of netball at Laerskool Impala. The school’s netball programme progressed from eighth position in 2019 to second and third positions in 2025. The Impala U13A team also won the Ekurhuleni League and participated in the Gauteng playoffs.

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In 2025, Le Roux graded more than 100 umpires and mentored 25 umpires from different schools. She is also set to represent South Africa School Netball as an umpire in Singapore later this year.

“Being a teacher and coach, I am particularly proud of seeing learners and players develop and realise their potential,” she said.

“As a deputy principal, however, my greatest achievement is seeing people grow. When a teacher gains confidence, when a learner begins to believe in their abilities, or when a team works together and succeeds, those are the moments that mean the most to me.”

Le Roux said one of the challenges she has faced as a woman in leadership has been proving herself while remaining true to who she is.

“There are times when you need to be strong and decisive without losing your compassion and humanity. Leadership sometimes requires difficult decisions and difficult conversations,” she said.

She believes decisions should be made with integrity, fairness and the best interests of learners and the school in mind.

Her faith also plays an important role in her approach to leadership.

“I believe true leadership is not about power; it is about service. God has given me so much grace and love that it is a privilege to serve the community of our school and Kempton Park,” she said.

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Le Roux describes her leadership style as approachable, fair, people-centred and team-oriented, while remaining focused on achieving results.

“I don’t believe that a leader always has to be the person with all the answers. Sometimes the most important thing a leader can do is listen, recognise people’s strengths and give them the opportunity and confidence to grow,” she said.

She also believes strongly in women supporting rather than competing with one another.

Throughout her career, Le Roux said she has been inspired by many women, including colleagues who have encouraged her, challenged her and led by example.

“The women throughout my career taught me to be strong while remaining compassionate, to stand up for what I believe is right, to use my voice and never stop learning,” she said.

For young women aspiring to leadership, Le Roux’s advice is to believe in themselves, remain willing to learn and never compromise their values.

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“Work hard, be prepared and always be willing to learn. But never compromise your values to achieve success. And, importantly, don’t be afraid to take other women with you on your journey,” she said.

“True success is not simply reaching the top yourself; it is helping others reach their potential too.”

She said Women’s Month should not only celebrate women who have achieved prominent positions, but every woman who continues to make a difference in her own way.

“It is about celebrating every woman who keeps going when life is difficult, the mother, teacher, nurse, businesswoman, coach, learner and every woman who makes a difference in her own way,” she said.

Her message to young women is one of resilience and self-belief.

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“Do not make yourself smaller so that others can feel comfortable. You cannot grow when you are comfortable. You grow when life challenges you to be stronger than you think you can be,” Le Roux said.

“There will be people who doubt you. There will be challenges. There will be days when you question whether you are good enough. But don’t allow a difficult season to convince you that your dream is wrong.”

For Le Roux, Proverbs 31:25 provides a fitting message for women: “She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she can laugh at the days to come.”

“My wish for every young girl is that one day she will be able to look back and say: ‘I did not allow fear to stop me. I embraced my opportunities. I believed. I grew. And I helped others rise with me,’” she said.