St Ursula’s School’s most dedicated servant

St Ursula’s School has been around for more than a century (120 years to be exact) and boasts a rich history of tradition, excellence and respect.

It would thus be fitting and worth mentioning that sister Diane Granger has been around the block and a loyal staff member of the school since 1980, so if there ever was a staff member who can tell you anything about St Ursula’s School, it would be her.

Diane is a devoted Christian who has been part of the school since she was a little girl. Since being a part of the school she has gained so much knowledge, experience, and wisdom that no one can ever comprehend. She celebrated her 70th birthday on May 17 and Krugersdorp News had the privilege of meeting Diane who would share her experiences being an educator and a servant for the school.

Diane’s faith and devotion to God are what has helped her to be an inspiration to all those around her, from when she was a Grade 2 learner in 1960 to then being a teacher in 1980 and then becoming the principal in 1987.

She has gone through multiple transitions with the school, from being a school that was mainly a single-gender school to then becoming a mixed-gender school. From being an institution that mainly had a predominately white learner population to then becoming a multi-racial school. Nevertheless, she has remained loyal and connected with the school despite the changes and challenges that have occurred over the years.

“My biggest loyalty is being an Ursuline sister and my service to God,” she said.

For Diane being an Ursuline sister is what has kept her passion for education and helping young people develop into worthy adults.
Ursuline education is based on the tradition of formation and innovation that dates back to 1535 when St Angela Merici founded the Ursuline Sisters in Brescia, Italy. The core values of Ursuline education are respect for the uniqueness of the individual, development of the whole person, development of community and family spirit, and education for excellence.

“If we can see a young person leave here with a certain confidence, and I don’t mean arrogance, to go into that world and deal with it, then we have done our work. It does not matter whether you are 50% student or 80% student, if you can walk out of this school and be able to deal with challenges out there then we have done our work,” added Diane.

The school’s head of academics Reinet Barnard has described her as someone very supportive, organised and dedicated.

“She allows you to develop and be yourself. She’s a unique person and it’s pretty hard to talk about St Ursula’s without thinking about her.”

School receptionist Melanie Lategang also described Diane as organised and helpful.

“The school has been blessed to have someone like her who provides a wealth of knowledge and ensures that young people become their best versions of themselves.”

Sister Diane does not plan on ever stopping her service to God and hopes to continue to better the school and its learners.

“I love everything about the learners, they keep me young.”