A top Grahamstown principal is quitting the comfort of the school she has led to excellence and built up into a respected institution with state-of-the-art facilities, to work in a poorly resourced township school.
A top Grahamstown principal is quitting the comfort of the school she has led to excellence and built up into a respected institution with state-of-the-art facilities, to work in a poorly resourced township school.
Victoria Girls' High School's principal, Madeleine Schoeman, has been appointed principal of Ntsika Secondary School, in Extension 7, and is due to start at the beginning of next term.
VG teacher, Nicci Hayes, said Schoeman, who was principal for eight years and a teacher at the school since 1990, who would be remembered for "many forward-thinking changes" she had made at the school.
"She has been a visionary leader at VG," Hayes said, citing the broad-based pupil and staff leadership structure, as well as her meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of school life, from the gardens to the newsletters, as part of her progressive vision.
"While steering the school on a steady academic course, Madeleine had always had a vision of excellence, seeing VG as school for excellence for young women of Africa," said Hayes.
In 2009, Schoeman was awarded a Golden Key honorary membership for her contribution to education. Under Schoeman's leadership, the school has undertaken two overseas choir tours, organised a regional leadership conference, and hosted a national girls' schools conference for principals, together with Victoria Primary.
Schoeman has overseen dramatic changes in the school hostel system. "There are now many small, homely hostels," Hayes said. "Last year saw the building of Denise Long House, and this year, Renfrew House was opened as an English-speaking hostel."
"I thank the teachers, parents and pupils for all the wonderful memories that we have shared over the years, for I have learnt so much," Schoeman said. "The school is a very vibrant and supportive community. This made it possible for me to go to a township school, because it made me realise the potential people have when they believe in themselves and work together."
At the beginning of this year, teacher Julie Mitchell was appointed Hostel Manager and will take over the hostel leadership tasks previously administered by Schoeman. The current deputy principal, Warren Schmidt, will head the school in an acting capacity. Anna Retief will take over as acting deputy.
"Mr Schmidt has been at the school for as long as Mrs Schoeman has been principal. His many years of experience as head of academics and discipline, a well as his involvement at School Governing Body level, will stand him in good stead for the upcoming challenges," said Hayes.
In a letter explaining her move to the school community, Schoeman wrote that VG would always "continue to be part of my life and that of my family". "While VG will miss Mrs Schoeman dearly, her continued commitment to the upliftment of education in Grahamstown is an asset that the town will not lose," said Hayes.
