Hoërskool Elsburg’s principal, Dr Denise van der Merwe, recently earned her PhD in Science Education from Wits University.
Van der Merwe, a Tedstoneville native and Dinwiddie High School alumna, has steadily advanced her academic career.
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She completed her BSc in 1995, earned an Honours degree with distinction in 2014, followed by an MSc with distinction in 2018, and her PhD in 2024.
Van der Merwe became deputy principal of Hoërskool Elsburg in 2016 and was appointed principal in 2022.
Despite her achievements, the school faces financial challenges and is actively seeking partnerships with the corporate community to secure support.
“The Elsies team is dedicated to our school, and even though we are facing a financial crisis, we strive to provide the best learning opportunities for our students,” said Van der Merwe.
She also noted that as an NPO, Hoërskool Elsburg can offer tax certificates to organisations willing to contribute financially.