Sunnyridge Primary School celebrates best teacher during Teacher’s Month

Celebrating the role and contribution of teachers in October has brought Sunnyridge Primary School teacher Bronwyn Hennessy at the fore as the best teacher at the school.

“She is a sought-after educator who has worked at the school since 2009,” said principal Marianna Odendaal, who spoke more about Hennessy.

She described the teacher as admirable.

“Miss Hennessy teaches Grade Four and manages all seven subjects competently. She most certainly possesses the qualities of a good teacher,” said the principal.

Odendaal added Hennessy is often able to detect changes in a child’s temperament, diagnose the cause thereof and provide solutions thereto.

“She most certainly wants the best from her learners. She also teaches them to think out of the box. She celebrates the accomplishments of every single learner in her class.”

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Hennessy explained she became a teacher because she wanted to help learners who struggle at school.

“I did not have it easy in school. I had to work hard and I knew there would be children who would need help like I did.”

Odendaal added the Grade Four teacher is a good role model for her learners.

“No matter what situation she has to deal with, she perseveres and does not allow them to set her back. She is passionate about her subjects and her learners.”

Hennessy shared her challenges of teaching.

“It is not a job for sissies because you have to be prepared for the unexpected. You have to adapt and think on your feet. Like when the electricity is off, you have to go on with a planned lesson differently.”

Hennessey also mentioned the highlights of teaching.

“When a child gets full marks or when they bring beautiful projects to school or when I am going through a bad day and they surprise me with something small, that brightens up your day,” she said.

Odendaal said: “Hennessy creates leaders by caring for her learners who appreciate her. She makes them feel at ease in her classroom and they see the need to learn.

“She goes out of her way to ensure struggling learners get special attention and those who require assistance outside of school also get her help and support.

“Her approach suits the visual learner of today and even with the lack of modern resources she captures and stimulates their interest.”

Hennessy added she loves nature.

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“I am involved in conservation and I am also a creative who loves music. I try to bring these aspects into my teaching.”

Covid-19 challenged many teachers and Odendaal explained how Hennessy handled the advent of technology.

“She was confident and prepared. She understands all her subjects and keeps the learners focused.

“As an educator who earned this recognition and worked very hard throughout the lockdown period, she still works hard now during the new normal,” said the principal.

Hennessey said she did not expect to be recognised as the best teacher at the school.

“There are teachers at the school who are just as passionate and hardworking.”

She thanked her colleagues and family for supporting her in her teaching career.

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