Beloved Sarnia Primary principal bids farewell

SARNIA Primary School’s beloved principal, Peter O’Neill, retires at the end of this term.

O’Neill, who has been the principal of the school for the past 21 years, said he is excited and sad at the same time.

“It is one of those bittersweet moments. I am not calling it a retirement but a personal renaissance where I am hopefully going to revive ideas and talents.”

Also read: Retired Durban businessman turns 100

At this stage, O’Neill said he will be involved in taking the school’s portrait pictures. “I love photography and enjoy being outdoors and capturing pictures of wildlife. I have recently bought a 1974 Land Rover which I want to restore,” he said.

His future plans also involve giving back.

“I want to give back to education. I would like to do that by being a mentor to educators and new leaders. I would love to even mentor the children. What I know for sure is that I won’t sit at home and put my feet up – I will still be very involved in a lot of things and revive myself,” he said.

Asked what he will miss most about the school, he smiles and says, “The children – there is definitely no doubt about that.

“I will also miss interacting with my colleagues and the entire staff,” he said, adding that the school has a special place in his heart.

Getting into the teaching industry

O’Neill started his teaching career in 1986 at Bellair Primary School after serving two years in the military.

In 1990, he got a post at Underberg Primary School before joining the corporate world.

“I did not enjoy it at all. In April 1992, I started working here at Sarnia after getting a temporary post. After a few months, I was hired permanently. In 1993, I was made head of department. I was at the school up until 1999.

In 2000, he was hired as the principal at Kloof Senior Primary School.

“In July 2003, I returned to Sarnia as the principal and have been the principal up until now.”

Also read: Ros leaves ‘big flippers’ to fill

He mentioned that the school has a special place in his heart and that he has loved working with the community.

Speaking passionately and proudly about his teaching journey, he said being involved in nurturing the future generation and watching children grow, develop and being the best version of themselves has been a highlight and the best reward of his career.

“Giving children that solid foundation, not only in education but letting them know that they are special, is something I have absolutely loved. As I said earlier, I am filled with joy and heartache, but knowing that I have made a difference and played a part in many children’s lives, fulfils me,” he said with a smile.

O’Neill added that he wishes the school all the best for the future.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.