Dedicated to education and ready to face any challenge, Eugene Pretorius was recently appointed as principal of Dinwiddie Primary School.
Pretorius, who was born in Vereeniging in 1966, attended Laerskool Handhawer from 1972 to 1978 and Hoërskool Vereeniging from 1979 to 1983.
After school, Pretorius studied teaching at North-West University in Potchefstroom.
After he completed his conscription in the army, Pretorius started his teaching career in 1988.
“I was placed at Hoërskool Transvalia in 1988, but when I was in the army they put a replacement teacher in my place until I returned,” said Pretorius.
Pretorius decided to go into private education, and in 1993 he occupied the position of head of department (HOD) for official languages at Royal Queens College, and then became principal in 1995.
“When I was part of Royal Queens College, at the age of 29, I was recognised as the youngest principal to be selected at a school,” said Pretorius.
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Pretorius joined the Dinwiddie Primary School family in 2003, and taught mathematics and natural sciences to Grade Six learners.
“I have always had a passion for teaching, especially mathematics,” said Pretorius.
Pretorius was selected as one of the intersen (intermediate and senior) phase heads of department, and in 2011 he occupied the post of deputy principal at Dinwiddie Primary School.
Pretorius excelled as a mathematics teacher, and in 2012 he was chosen as one of the lead teachers in mathematics implementing the new CAPS policy at Dinwiddie Primary School.
He also received the Excellent Teaching Practice Award as a lead teacher at provincial level in 2012, and in 2013 he received the Excellent Classroom Practice Award at provincial level.
“I believe in quality education,” said Pretorius.
“We, as adults, should invest in our future by educating our children to be model citizens in society.”
The passion Pretorius has for teaching goes beyond school hours.
“Even at home I keep myself busy with school work,” said Pretorius.
“I like to keep updated with the developments in education, and I also encourage all my teachers to keep updated with the developments in education as well.
Teaching is not the only passion Pretorius enjoys. He also likes to keep updated with technology.
“I like to see how technology develops over the years,” said Pretorius.
Pretorius was appointed as acting principal in 2019, and on December 2, last year, the Gauteng Department of Education announced Pretorius as the new principal with effect from January.
“My goal as principal is to strive for excellence and continue with the good work,” said Pretorius.
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