Hornsey leaves lasting legacy at Thomas More
Deni Hornsey, the foundation phase headmistress, has taught at Thomas More College since 1994.
THOMAS More College will bid farewell to its retiring foundation phase headmistress, Deni Hornsey, a dedicated educator who has poured her heart and soul into empowering each of her charges since 1994.
Hornsey grew up in Pietermaritzburg and, fresh out of matric, she was excited to begin her teaching journey but was unable to secure a spot at the local training college. Determined to teach, she spent the next year working and improving on her matric results. Now a fountain of information, she has completed a three-year junior primary diploma, a one-year pre-primary diploma, a Bachelor of Education honours degree and a remedial diploma.
Her teaching journey began as a locom teacher at the Upper Highway school back in April 1994 and, 26 years later, will head into a well-deserved retirement.
She started as a Grade 1 teacher, then she took on Grade 4, 6 and 7 and, during that time, she set up the accelerated education unit in 2002. When the Head of Department left the school in 2002, she moved into the role with gusto.
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The school grounds have changed considerably during her time at Thomas More as her current office used to be a classroom and she quickly recalled that the car park was entirely gravel and that there was a workshop with tractors in it. There was no hall and the entire school was housed in what is now the library.
“There is a jacaranda tree that we used to climb up to make announcements at the annual Country Fair,” she laughed at the memory. “The school has grown in terms of classrooms, grades, staff and extra facilities and, with that, I have grown as well. I think what is most important is what hasn’t changed. We are really passionate about the ethos of the school and we believe it is of utmost importance.”
For Hornsey, it was seeing the children she taught from their junior years grow, develop and finally pass through the school after their final days in matric.
“One thing we really do celebrate is that every child is unique and then to see that remain throughout their time at the school is so important,” she said. “I think I will definitely miss the relationships and the people, but also the closeness of working with children and seeing them reach their full potential.”
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The first item she hopes to tick off of her list as she heads into retirement is a holiday down the south coast, where there are no cellphones, television sets or computers and she can absorb everything nature has to offer. “I will then take some time out for myself and then find ways to give back in terms of community service by working with schools in the valley,” she said.
“I have worked with the most amazing people throughout my time here, who are all committed and dedicated. Working with like-minded people, with the same life philosophy and who think the same as you do has made my job all the more easier. A big thank you goes out to each and every person I have worked with during my time here,” said Hornsey.
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