POLOKWANE – Laerskool Pietersburg-Noord (Noordskool) has appointed Gr 7 teacher and leader guardian, Magdel Lee as its new senior and intermediate phase head.

A family of teachers

Lee, who has taught at Noordskool for 10 years, said teaching runs in her family.

“My grandfather and my father were both teachers for many years. I grew up seeing how loved they were and the difference they made, and I wanted to do the same for learners,” Lee said.

She has acted in the phase head role for more than a year while also fulfilling other responsibilities at the school.

Taking the leap

“With much support, I took a chance and applied for the position. I knew that I loved Noordskool and its learners, and I want to keep adding value here.”

The acting period gave Lee the opportunity to learn on the job.

“I also have so much support and mentorship that, even though it is an important position, it is not as scary because I am not alone,” she said.

Before her appointment, Lee served for many years as head of grade, head of English and leader guardian.

Believing in every learner

Her teaching philosophy for learners in the senior and intermediate phase is simple.

“If you don’t try, you will never know. I want learners to know that their best will always be good enough. I want them to go all the way to high school with confidence and all the right tools to succeed.”

Lee believes technology is one of the biggest challenges facing Gr 4-7 learners today.

“Learners don’t read, write or socialise as much anymore because of technology. It’s really difficult when having to communicate and teach not only school subjects but also morals and values.”

Making learners feel heard

Her approach is to ensure learners feel heard.

“It is important to make learners feel that their opinions matter, to give them a safe space to participate in learning, and to be approachable as both a teacher and a person,” she said.

She said she hopes to instil respect, kindness and perseverance.

“I want learners to respect themselves and others, to be kind to themselves and others, and to always do their best. I want them to become good people overall.”

She said she also wants to help prepare learners for high school so they can enter the next phase of their education with confidence and the skills to succeed.

A school on the grow

Noordskool continues to expand its extramural programme, recently introducing activities such as squash and the school choir.

“I just want to thank Noordskool for this opportunity and let them know I will always give my best,” Lee said.