Past and present pupils, parents and members of the community packed the M. G. Richardson at Victoria Girls’ High School last Friday, to bid an emotional farewell to principal, Madeleine Schoeman.
Past and present pupils, parents and members of the community packed the M. G. Richardson at Victoria Girls’ High School last Friday, to bid an emotional farewell to principal, Madeleine Schoeman.
After more than 20 years at VG, Schoeman will begin her new job as principal at Ntsika Secondary School, in Extension 7, at the start of the new term on April 11. Speaker after speaker share shared fond memories of the woman who is credited with turning what had been a good school into what is now widely considered to be an excellent one. Live marimba performances, items by the school choir and an evocative slideshow, that included class photos taken during the years Schoeman was principal, entertained the guests. Parents praised Schoeman, highlighting her ability to lead by example and Mary-Anne Jones, the mother of a former pupil, said she was grateful for Schoeman's continual efforts to improve not only the school, but also the pupils’ lives. "I admire the fact that she leads by example. She has taught my children and many others not just to cope, but to excel in the real world. She has etched her name on to the list of phenomenal women who have shaped VG," Jones said. The school captain, Luvuyo Hlatshaneni, thanked Schoeman for being like a mother to them. "Mrs Schoeman has done more than just run a school, she has been a mother to each and every one of us. She turned fake smiles into real ones. “ We salute you as you continue with your hard work and take on new challenges," she said. Acting principal, Warren Schmidt, said, "She has always encouraged pupils at the school to engage with the community. May she continue to do so as she takes up her post at Ntsika. “With much fondness, we thank her for all she has done for VG and wish her all the best," Schmidt said, as he walked off the stage in tears. When it came to her turn to talk, typically, Schoeman deflected the praise, emphasising that the school would not be where it currently was without the spirit of teamwork. She urged pupils and teachers to make sure the school continued on its path to excellence. "VG is like a magic carpet ride,” Schoeman said. “It gives you the ability to go and grab opportunities, not because you can, or because you are at the right place at the right time – but because you should.” Schoeman described her transition to Ntsika Primary School as a journey. "Renewal at any school is good. I am excited to be going to Ntsika," she said. Last month, Schoeman announced that she would be quitting the comfort of the school she has led to excellence, to work in the relatively poorly resourced township school. Over the years, she has overseen dramatic changes both in the school and its hostel system. Two years ago she was awarded a Golden Key honorary membership for her contribution to education. She was the main mover behind a national girls' schools conference for principals, which VGHS, together with Victoria Primary, hosted. At the beginning of this year, teacher Julie Mitchell was appointed hostel manager. Schmidt will head the school in an acting capacity and Anna Retief will take over as acting deputy.
