Principal of 15 years at Parkview Senior Primary Kathy Perchtold is sad to say goodbye but joyful as she reflects on a positive time at the diverse school, which she will leave at the end of this year.
Having 43 years experience in education, Perchtold said that Parkview Senior has been the most enriching aspect of her educational career.
“I have become so much richer by embracing the diversity at Parkview Senior. Our school blends a number of cultures and religions and I have learned how to respect and embrace other cultures by working at this school.”
Describing herself as a people’s person, Perchtold said she loved working with the dedicated staff and happy learners at the school.
“It is a beautiful community school with a culture of respect and kindness that I love.”
While 22 per cent of learners at the school do not pay fees, Perchtold said that parents and the community have worked hard to keep the school going by juggling finances carefully. “Parents are passionate about their children’s education and great encouragements to our teachers.”
Finances have often posed a challenge at the 101 year-old-school so she looks forward to seeing a number of maintenance projects being completed by the Gauteng Department of Education to renovate outdated floors, walkways and roofs as well as the building of a new science lab and two classrooms when she moves on.
Added to the culture of diversity and tolerance, she said that the school is one of a few that offers both Zulu and Afrikaans as additional language options.
“I would like to thank the community for their tremendous support over the years. We have worked hard as a team to build this school. No one is indispensable and change has to happen. The school’s greatest values are those of kindness and respect, which I have tried to inculcate and hope will continue even as I leave,” said Perchtold.
A new principal has not yet been found as the position still has to be advertised. Usha Bahadur will be acting principal in the interim.
Perchtold said she looks forward to moving to England next year where she will be able to spend quality time with her two grandchildren. “I am sad to leave South Africa but excited for this new venture in my life and being with those I love.”
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