Long serving school Principals say goodbye

The Barberton Department of Education circuit principal committee bade farewell to three long serving principals from local schools during a special occasion that was held at Jathira Guest House last Thursday.
The principals were Hajra Baig of Barberton Secondary School, Patricia Msibi of Mhola Primary School and Sibongile Sikhosana of Fairview Primary School.

Both Baig and Msibi took retirement while Sikhosana got a promotional post within the Department of Education.
Baig had a 29-year-long association with Barberton Secondary.

Sikhosana, who is originally from KwaMhlanga in the Nkangala District, moved to Barberton in 2007 to take a post as a deputy principal at Mountain View Combined School. In 2010 she became the principal of Fairview Primary School before it was relocated to its new premises at Sincobile Village in 2012. Sikhosana will now take a post as a deputy chief education specialist: foundation phase and will be based at the head office in Mbombela.

In a prepared speech by the circuit manager, Thoko Khoza, which was read by Christopher Marsh, principal of Mountainview Combined School, Khoza said she does not like good byes, but life has a way of making people to say them.

Khoza congratulated Baig and Msibi for executing their duties successfully under the stress of meeting deadlines and working with difficult staff.
“Now it is time to do all the things that you always wanted to but couldn’t because of the ever-nagging employer. It is time to listen to your hearts and not your boss. Enjoy this journey of you lives and have fun. It is time to live for yourself,” said Khoza.

On Sikhosana, Khoza said she has seen her grow in her profession. “I will miss your poise and cool nature. I appreciate the work you did in building that school. It was surely not for the faint-hearted, but you handled every step of the project with amazing maturity and diligence,” said Khoza.

All three out-going principals were handed a token of appreciation by the Barberton principal committee.
Baig said she was taking early retirement so that she could be reunited with her family in Durban, though she was leaving with a heavy heart.

“I have spent 29 years in Barberton of which 17 was as principal of Barberton Secondary School. I have been in the Barberton principals’ council since 1999. I have served on the executive committee for principals since 1999, firstly as an additional member and then as a secretary. It has been an honour and a privilege to work with such a wonderful team. I would like to thank the circuit manager and colleagues for their support and respect,” said Baig.
She said one of the highlights was when she was selected to attend the mini school imbizo with President Jacob Zuma at Durban’s Inkhosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in 2009.

Sikhosana said she will not be missed by her former colleagues as she will occasionally meet them since she was still with the department of education but in a different capacity.