ST ANNE’S WELCOMES NEW COLLEGE HEAD
St Anne’s Diocesan School for Girls has appointed Debbie Martin as new College Head from 2021. Martin, currently deputy head overseeing Pastoral Care, brings a wealth of experience and a shared passion for the school and its core values, being an old girl herself and deputy head girl in 1981.
Martin studied English and Dramatic Arts at UKZN, and completed her Higher Diploma in Education (HDE) in 1985. She studied toward her Bachelor of Education part-time while teaching. She started her teaching career at Kuswag in Amanzimtoti. In 1987 she moved to Maritzburg College and taught English and drama for a few years before taking a 10-year break to raise her children and join her family’s retail business. She returned to College in 2001 and went on to become the head of English, and later, deputy head of Academics, “an invigorating challenge”.
“It was a time of encouraging the boys to grow a culture of academic rigor, while endeavouring to provide guidance and support to colleagues. It was a time of growth for me as I learnt so much from the wealth of experience in the staff room,” she recalled.
She had always wanted to be a teacher. “While I enjoyed the first few years of teaching before taking a long break, it was really when I returned as a more mature woman that I thrived. I found the challenges and joys all-consuming and I am still passionate about working with young people. It is such a privilege, responsibility, and a lot of fun.”
In 2016 she moved to St Anne’s as an English teacher, where she has remained until present. As old girl of the school, she said it was very special to be back at her alma mater, on the staff.
“The heart of the school is still much the same, and it is an honour to work alongside the staff and girls in trying to hone our school so that it provides everyone with a strong sense of belonging. It is crucial we keep checking that we are providing a holistic education which gives young women a relevant and powerful springboard so they may have a significant impact on the workspaces and communities they influence.”
Her vision for the school under her guidance next year is to “work intentionally at creating more safe spaces and a strong sense of belonging for everyone on our campus”.
“Transformation is deeper than only creating a more racially and culturally diverse school body: it also has to do with influencing the heart and mind – an inner transformation. Being at St Anne’s should be a life defining experience, which promotes the authentic discovery of self, and an appreciation of others by reaching out to them with a willingness to understand.”
Martin sees her role as 2021 College Head as a calling. “Being a head of a school needs courage right now, and I have a strong sense that I need to put up my hand and take on that responsibility. I am passionate about education and young people, and even though there will be tough times, I need to step up and embrace the privilege of leadership by working closely with those who are alongside me on this exciting journey,” she said.