POLOKWANE – “Mitchell House has never been a place of work for me. Not once did I feel as if I am coming to work, ever.”

These are the words of Susan Altenroxel, as she will soon bid the school farewell after 17 years.

Altenroxel, who founded Pathways, the non-government organisation which eventually became part of Mitchell House as an enrichment centre for children with disabilities, says she looks back on her journey in thankfulness.

She worked as a special needs educator for nine years before she became the head of department at the enrichment centre. “The move towards inclusion for the centre was an exciting journey.

To work with the disabled has always been a passion of mine. My mother was a social worker and we had contact with people with disabilities. I believe every school should have a centre such as the enrichment centre,” she said.

Altenroxel was also involved in the mainstream section, for children who needed learner support because of learning difficulties.

She eventually became the deputy head at the junior primary school.

Altenroxel shared one fond memory of a learner at the enrichment centre, who had been there since the age of six until 18 years old.

“He had cerebral palsy. To see him go through puberty; his sense of humour and naughtiness – all these things put him right up there socially with mainstream children. I remember getting a call from the headmaster telling me that he had to give the learner detention. I celebrated. Then you know you are included – when our children with disabilities are treated just like everybody else when he was naughty and got detention. It was joyful for me because we do not want people feeling sorry because of the disability. I will never forget that,” she said.

Read more: ‘Your smile will be greatly missed’ – Sue Altenroxel

Despite her departure from Mitchell House, she will remain on the Pathways committee, she said.

“There is now a new head of department and they have a passionate team. Part of the success of the story of the enrichment centre is that it’s part of Mitchell House and part of its ethos. It’s part of the soul of the school.”

Altenroxel said she had not planned on leaving Mitchell House, but that an opportunity arose at PEPPS Polokwane Preparatory School.

“I think they are doing some wonderful things in education and they are brave in doing it,” she said.

Altenroxel said she is excited about the challenge ahead as this will be her first headship in a preparatory school.

One of the things she would always hold dear from her days at Mitchell House, is the Tree of Remembrance.

“It is a beautiful Marula tree in the middle of the garden that bears hearts with the names of people that the school has lost over the years. At some point, we lost a lot of children in the enrichment centre and over the years, we lose people; support staff and teachers. We didn’t want the Tree of Remembrance to be a mournful place, it’s a place of light, always full of energy and laughter. That is one tradition that I’m proud of and which will continue even after I have left.”