Alberton High teacher takes pride in his new appointment
Congratulations are in order for Oscar von Platen on his appointment as the new head of department for mathematics and mathematical literacy at Alberton High School.
Von Platen took over from former head of department Luanda Jardine who retired earlier during the year with her position soon becoming vacant. This follows his pursuit of seeking growth within the field of education after having been in the mathematics department for the past seven years.
“Soon after our former HOD retired, a post was gazetted and ready to be filled by a suitable candidate. With experience teaching mathematics up to matric level, I applied to the Department of Education and thereafter it really was anyone’s game, with potentially hundreds of applications received for the position,” he said.
Delay
Von Platen told the RECORD that this all took place before the Covid-19 pandemic negatively hit the country.
He said everything had been lined up for interviews to take place, but the entire process was halted.
“This was putting anticipation on the potential applicants, not really knowing what the future would hold. Instead of worrying, together with my colleagues in the maths department, we worked hard to keep our subject moving forward,” said von Platen.
Anticipation
At the end of August he finally had good news, he was made aware that the process was ready to continue.
He said: “I got news that I had an interview scheduled for September 2. I was quite stressed because the interview was for a promotion post, so the stakes were high. Being the person that I am, I began to prepare myself for what would be asked, spoke to colleagues and did some research.”
This for von Platen allowed him the chance to reflect on what his input to the maths department had been. It again made him question himself on what role could he continue to play in the future.
“The interview went extremely well but the waiting period was the most difficult part. And then when I least expected it, over the week holiday in October my principal phoned me to share the news that I had been appointed,” he said.
He also said he was looking forward to working with his colleagues and building on the strengths and successes of the previous HOD from whom they learnt.
