Principal of Covenant College primary school retiring at the end of July

MARLENE Swanepoel (60), principal of Covenant College primary school, is retiring at the end of July, with wonderful memories of her career at the school.

Marlene is married to Danie and they have two children, Dantin and Ellelene, and they presently live in Mulbarton.

She began at Covenant College in 1992 as an educator.

“I’d previously worked at another school for over 12 years, and when I arrived on my first day I was blown over by the country feel and wondered what I was letting myself in for.

“The whole area was farmland and the school very small. All that was there were a few buildings, grass and trees. There was no tar roads to the school, no netball courts or tennis courts. The school had combined grades because there was only about 60 children in the school.

“Looking back, I remember how I loved teaching the children, receiving little notes and compliments from them and all the hugs. It was priceless.

“Sharing the Word of God and having the freedom to pray with them was wonderful,” Marlene said.

In 1994, Marlene was promoted to HOD and in 1998 she and her family packed up and moved to Adelaide, Australia.

“We enjoyed our stay there, but the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. In 1999, we returned to South Africa and I went back to Covenant College in January 2000 as HOD.

“I was appointed the school principal in April 2000 by senior pastor Tony Cassell of Rhema South.”

As the school grew, so did the need for a high school, and in 2008 Marlene began Covenant College high, handing it over to school principal Gene Riley in 2010.

Marlene’s passion for teaching has never wavered and she is as passionate now as she was when she first began teaching.

“I am very passionate about my career and it’s been such a pleasure working with teachers who are as passionate and committed as myself.

“It makes all the difference being part of a team, and we certainly are at Covenant College primary school. All my teachers are dedicated and go the extra mile.

“Working by their sides has been a wonderful experience and I’ll miss them all, as well as the children.

“Each child has its own character and they are special in their own way. Saying goodbye to everyone will be hard, but it’s time now to begin the next phase of life and I’m excited for our planned move to Pretoria.”

Marlene thanks the board members, the staff and the parents for all their support and prays Covenant College will continue to grow.