For the first time in Monument Primary’s history a woman fills the seat of principal, but not just any woman. Jennifer Diener is a principal with a passion for her learners.
Jennifer told the News that she took office on April 1 and no, it was no April fool’s joke. Jennifer’s teaching career started 26 years ago when she studied at the Durban College of Education.
Her first teaching job was at Empangeni Preparatory School, and after moving to the West Rand 14 years ago, she accepted a position at the Rant and Dal school for learners with disabilities.
Twelve years ago she started teaching at Monument Primary and said that over the years she had taught a bit of everything to Grade 3 to 7 learners.
When asked why she applied for the job as principal she said, “I am a teacher born and bred, but I saw a need to develop the staff and I have a passion for children with learning barriers.” Her wish is to help the teachers develop the school curriculum so that it accommodates all learners.
Over the years she rose through the ranks, becoming deputy principal, which enabled her to focus more on these issues.
She explained that although she applied for the position as principal she did not want to get her hopes up. When she received the news she was excited and anxious especially because the education department encouraged women being appointed in leadership roles. Although she has met with some opposition she remains positive and tries to respond positively.
What are her plans for Monument Primary?
I want to make Monument Primary the top English primary school in academics and sport. In terms of education we aspire to employ the best educators and focus on intervention, helping learners overcome their learning barriers.”
One of the things she will focus on is empowering the staff so that they can be trained and promoted. She wants to encourage more parental involvement and maybe introduce a petting area where the children could interact with animals, as they have seen that they help the learners become more at ease.
When she is not giving her heart and soul to her staff and learners Jennifer enjoys supporting her daughter’s dancing, window shopping and walking. She hopes to someday be able to get back in the class and help teach either maths or languages because those are her passions. But for now she wants to make their school the best there is.
