St Ursula’s recently welcomed Ann Owgan to their team as the new pre- and primary school principal.
Ann brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“Taking up my principalship at St Ursula’s Primary School was a proud moment in my life. I have been in education for over 40 years and although there have been challenging times during those years, I have always been happy in the teaching profession.”
She said teaching and being able to be of service to the children have always been a privilege.
During her career she has been at four schools. She was the head of Florida Primary, Brescia House School and now, St Ursula’s Primary School.
“I am a Catholic and therefore being able to work and serve at both the Ursuline Schools in South Africa – Brescia House School and St Ursula’s – has been very special. The foundress of the Ursuline Order, St Angela was a woman whose writings reflect and resound today although she was born in the 16th century.”
The Ursuline school motto across the world is Serviam, which means ‘I will serve’. Ann said the children learn this motto from an early age and it helps to mould them to think of other, build empathy and a caring spirit.
“Sister Diane Granger, principal of the High School and I will continue to grow our school and ensure that our children leave us with the ability to face their future with confidence and optimism.”
Ann said she has a quote from Claude T Bissell up in her office and this helps her brave the future with hope and enthusiasm.
“Our children are our future, we have an important role to play in their lives as their teachers, one that is filled with responsibility and excitement as to what they are able to achieve if we believe in them.”
She added that over the past 18 months of the pandemic the community, country and world have experienced challenging times. This has especially affected the way the children are able to attend school in a safe way.
“At St Ursula’s School, we have been extremely fortunate to have been able to continue with normal classes and full attendance throughout the school on a daily basis. This has resulted in minimal disruption to the academic year, which we are most grateful for.”
