Dynamic new principal takes the reign at Abbotts College

Marion Kohler loves to inspire and encourage her students to be the best they can be in and out of the classroom.

After engaging her on the details of her background, education and experience, one feels she chose this position as the perfect culmination of her impressive career to date. She has an outstanding record of accomplishment as a teacher and currently as a deputy principal at Crawford College Sandton. 

Marion has been involved in all facets of the school and has a wealth of experience in managing the many portfolios she has run over the past 15 years. She is a passionate teacher of history, entrepreneurship and life orientation and has developed strong bonds with her students, parent body and colleagues over the years.

Marion has been involved in the pastoral care of Crawford students for many years, ensuring that those under her care receive the best possible guidance and has been instrumental in developing her students for tertiary study.
She has successfully guided those interested in applications for tertiary education at international universities.

Her educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people to meet the common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being.

Her educational philosophy is based on the uncompromising belief that all students can learn, given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, a committed and focused educational team, an encouraging community and a supportive family.

“We should support our children in their dreams and they should be enabled to think independently and allowed the opportunity to make mistakes. “Each child should be seen as ingenious, and in leaving their place of schooling, should be able to go out into the world with a strong academic core and an even stronger sense of global citizenry,” Marion expressed.

Therefore, she is the perfect candidate to take on the role of principal at Abbotts College Johannesburg South, effective from November 1.

Her peers describe her as a woman with strong moral fibre and integrity and her leadership style is underpinned by open communication and mentorship. 

By building leadership and collaboration across stakeholder groups, she has fostered a culture that holds parents and community members central to the school’s success.

When she is not motivating her students, she spends quality time with her loving family. She also enjoys many excursions, fun activities outdoors and time with her furry friends, Bingo (Toy Pom), Rosie (Jack Russelish) and Coco-puff (who is the product of the two). 

She also enjoys singing, acting, running and going to the gym.

Off the cuff:

Biggest teaching goal? 

I am about to live my biggest teaching goal by stepping into the honour of a principal role, but I would also like to finish my Masters in Education.

What motivates her?

An internal desire to be the best possible me. Learning to like yourself takes hard work but once you have accepted all of your imperfections, insecurities and come to terms with past challenges, it is then where you can contribute towards the growth and development of others. My husband, my children, my good friends are always an antidote to the stresses and chaos of life. Oh, and anyone with a good sense of humour that is vital to my well-being

Describe yourself in a phrase.

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

What she is reading for enjoyment?

Unfortunately, I never get to read for enjoyment there is never time. My head is either constantly in my studies or working late on my laptop. My downtime reading (I hate to admit) is Twitter, news articles and Facebook and I’m a Netflix junkie for my relaxation.

What is on her playlist?

I got stuck in the 80s.