By: San-Mari Erasmus
During Hoërskool Elsburg’s annual gala-evening, recently, the new leaders for 2016 were announced.
A total of 32 pupils from Grades 10 and 11 were chosen for this prestigious position.
The chosen girls are: Keisha Felix, Liza-Marie Swart, Leandra Grové, Elsie Marishane, Moleboheng Motsumi, Andiswa Majola, Lavianne Kramer, Marlize Stander, Khethiwe Mathule (headgirl), Nikitha van Staden (deputy headgirl), Lisa-Ann Smith, Noluthando Tshabalala, Tanesha Barclay, Lerice Lyle, Jaydene Moosa, Caitlin Bacon (deputy headgirl), and Elsa du Preez.
The chosen boys are: Ashley Jantjies, Themba Mabhuro, Kyle de Vries, Keenan Landsberg, Enrico Meyer, Thapelo Lekala, Kyle Louw, Sihle Magubane, Donavan Bowes, Eugene Barnard, Jeandré de Lange (deputy headboy), Mishael Matanduza, Tyrelle Barclay, Byron Mabukwa (headboy) and Lindokuhle Mtombeni (deputy headboy).
The school congratulates all the leaders and wishes them well for the big task ahead of them.
The student committee members of 2016 aren’t the only new leaders at the school.
Hoërskool Elsburg recently welcomed a new principal.
Anna-Marie Meyer filled the position as acting principal since 2014 and now Hannes Nieuwoudt has been appointed as the new principal.
He already sees himself as a true “Elsie” and has big dreams for the school.
It was in his matric year that Nieuwoudt realised that teaching was his passion and that he wanted to build a career on education.
During his first year at university he acknowledged all the wonderful opportunities that education provides.
After completing his tertiary education, he started his teaching career at his alma mater, Hoërskool Delmas.
“It was wonderful to be able to go back and teach all the teachers from my schooldays the most important principals of education,” he said.
If you ask Nieuwoudt what makes him jump out of bed each morning, he just smiles and answers: “I have a passion for people, especially for our younger generation.
“It is wonderful to see how they develop and find their place in our beautiful country.
“The creation of God is something that is really dear to my heart and I enjoy special moments in nature.
“The bushveld, Drakensberg and Stormriviersmond are some of my favourite places.
“After a long day’s hard work, there is nothing better than to go home and spend some quality time with my wife, Petro.
“To relax, I like cycling or reading a good book.”
In 1989 Nieuwoudt joined Hoërskool John Vorster, in Nigel, as head of the department of social sciences, and was later was appointed as deputy principal.
“Although I still miss my Grade 12 geography students, I love Hoërskool Elsburg, the staff and friendly pupils who made me feel at home in such a short time,” he said.
Nieuwoudt’s biggest dream for the school is that the students will start believing in themselves, will set goals for themselves and will work hard to achieve these goals.
“My dream for the school and for each pupil can be summed up in one sentence: today is the perfect day to start living your dreams,” he added.
“I want us all to build on faith and take this school to new heights.
“Every student, staff member and parent’s commitment towards the school plays a crucial part in the success of Hoërskool Elsburg.
“Without the community and the parents’ support we, as a school, cannot reach our full potential.
“We call on everyone in and around the school to please get involved and to help us make Hoërskool Elsburg a school of excellence,” he said.
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