PRINCIPAL Odette Abrahams-Field has ended her tenure at Assegai Primary School after 10 years of tireless leadership, marking the end of an era for the school.

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Born in Wentworth, Abrahams-Field’s journey had come full circle. A former learner at Assegai Primary, she returned years later to lead the very school that had shaped her. Her December 2015 appointment as principal was a historic milestone, and her unflinching tenure was embraced by vision, understanding and unshakeable dedication.

Background:

Her teaching began in January 1981 as a Grade Seven mathematics and English teacher at Austerville Primary School. She enjoyed teaching, and her analytical mind gained her immediate respect. Her gift was soon recognised by school management, who began assigning senior responsibilities to her in the early days in her teaching life.

She was appointed at Assegai Primary in 1991 as head of department in English and mathematics. She was promoted to deputy principal in 1994 and eventually to principal in 2015. Throughout her tenure, she remained a tireless advocate for holistic education, enhancing not just academics but the cultural and emotional growth of learners.

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The dream team:

Reflecting on her time at Assegai Primary, Abrahams-Field had many memories to look back on.

“I will certainly miss everything about the dream team called Assegai Primary School. We are not colleagues; we are family in flesh and blood. The children are our children. We pride ourselves on our religious ethos and our commitment to holistic education for all. I have no doubt Assegai Primary will continue to soar to great heights, ensuring excellence for generations to come.”

Long-time colleague and teacher Clint Leverton said words fail to express the impact Abrahams-Field has made on the school. “Her faith, despite life’s challenges, never wavered. A woman of immense intelligence and substance, Odette was born to lead. She remained principled and steadfast, driven by a deep love for education and Assegai Primary,” said Leverton.

He added that it is rare to find someone who starts their schooling in one institution and retires as its principal.

The future:

As she embarks on retirement, Abrahams-Field is looking forward to reconnecting with family.

“I am certainly looking forward to spending more time with my immediate and extended family in South Africa and abroad. I am excited to just venture out to discover new horizons previously not explored. In addition, my desire remains to assist and become involved in the community wherever the need presents,” said Abrahams-Field.

Assegai Primary School may be saying goodbye to its principal, but the legacy of Odette Abrahams-Field, teacher, mentor, trailblazer and community stalwart, will live on in every corridor.

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