Southbourne principal bids fond farewell
One of the fondest memories for former Southbourne Primary School principal Marelise Bekker are her story-telling moments with the pupils.
After 10 years of service, Bekker has left as principal of the institution and made way for new leadership. She will take up a new role as a developer at EdU College in Gqeberha.
Speaking to The Rep after her farewell assembly this week, Bekker said it had been a pleasure and a privilege to serve as principal of Southbourne.
“Having to leave the children, parents and teachers is painful but in the emotional turmoil one needs to make a decision of ‘family comes first’.
“It has been two years since I have been away from my family and I am not saying goodbye, I am just making way for new leaders to take Southbourne further as I will always love the school.
“I will miss the story-telling times and the fact that I could help children and parents. I am going to miss everyone. There is a saying that goes; ‘when you empower people, they must be better than you’. So I cannot wait to see what the teachers, parents and pupils are going to do when I am away. I am excited about that,” she said.
“I also think there are windows and doors opening up for me to be creative in a new way. I will definitely carry on with my studies and start with my doctoral research and hopefully bring that knowledge back to the schools close to me in Komani.”
School governing body chair Zuko Mandile said Bekker’s departure was a great loss for the school. “We do understand, though, that in life people come and they go. We highly appreciate her input to the school for the past 10 years and at the same time we are looking forward to the new people”coming legacy, said Mandile. in to carry on with her
Parent Lungiswa Quwe said her daughter Kungawo Quwe currently had a wheelchair through efforts made by Bekker.
“She came to the school when she was still doing grade 0. She could not walk properly at the time. Through Bekker, she underwent physiotherapy and she received a walking frame. With her physical disability, she never felt discriminated against. Instead she feels welcomed at the school.
“The staff and the pupils have played a huge role in my child’s life. It pains me to know that Bekker is leaving the school because she was always patient and understood my child’s situation.”
Arno Swart will take over as acting principal of the school.