Curro teachers shine on district stage
Curro Wilgeheuwel teachers claim five awards from the Johannesburg West District Awards.
Curro Wilgeheuwel (Wilgies) teachers achieved top honours at the Johannesburg West District Subject Awards, hosted at Hoërskool Roodepoort on February 13.
Wilgies teachers were nominated alongside others from schools in the district and delivered strong results, winning five awards across different subjects:
• First place – Mathematics Literacy
• First place – Computer Applications Technology
• Second place – English Home Language
• Third place – Afrikaans First Additional Language
• Third place – IsiZulu First Additional Language
According to Wilgies’ head of department for languages and one of the winners, Zunaidra Baatjies, the award is a meaningful validation of the dedication she gives to her learners and school every day. She said it shows that investing in people and motivating them creates a ripple effect of positivity.
“This isn’t just my trophy; it belongs to my learners who show up and try, and to a school that fosters growth. It’s a reminder that we aren’t just teaching a curriculum, but we are building futures,” she said.
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Zunaidra believes one of the factors behind her success is the strong relationships and communication she has built with learners and stakeholders. She also learnt foreign languages to better understand learners’ challenges and address them clearly.
“My challenge has been navigating the language barrier and the diverse needs of my learners. Getting to know each learner on a personal level has been my greatest lesson. By understanding their individual struggles, I’ve learned how to help them reach their full potential. These challenges didn’t break me; they taught me how to be a more empathetic and effective leader,” she said.
She encourages new teachers not to be afraid to ask for help or admit when they are struggling.
“We are all learners in this profession, and, most importantly, never tell yourself you can’t. There is nothing you cannot master with time and a bit of grit,” she concluded.
