WELL-respected principal of Atholl Heights Primary in Westville, Diana Lynn Warwick (known affectionately as ‘Di’) reluctantly left her post of 21 years on 30 September.
Warwick was due to retire officially on 31 December 2014, but unfortunately due to a sudden deterioration in health, was forced into retiring a few months early. Diana Lynn Warwick ‘matriculated from Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School in 1966 and went on to do her teacher’s training at Maritzburg Training College. Serving the Department of Education with unflagging zeal for 44 years from 1970, she started her teaching career at Prestbury Primary, moving on to Scottsville and then Parkside Primary School.
Her journey with Atholl Heights Primary began as an HOD. The then principal, Colin Horne, passed the baton on to her upon his retirement and Warwick became acting principal in 1993. She was appointed principal in January 1994. In her term as principal she has all but defined everything Atholl Heights has become, both academically and culturally, and she was instrumental in initiating and building facilities such as Readers are Leaders and Cami Maths Centre, the Zulu Hut and the AV Room.
Another accomplishment of hers was the formation of the Grade R campus which boasts impressive equipment and facilities. Still, Warwick’s most proud claim to fame was the setting up of a special needs unit at Atholl Heights, something which was close to her heart. Her final and current big project is the enlargement and extension of the main school hall so that the whole school is able to at last attend assembly together. This project will be completed by November. Warwick always had a passion for life, loving every minute of her career and appreciating every opportunity to influence the future of young children and her staff.
It was a privilege for her to be involved in the leadership and management of a school on new premises, in its transition from its ‘Cardboard’ College origin, to its present day location. In her own words – “I had a canvas to stitch and what a joy it has been to weave in so many different aspects” Warwick’s personal efforts contributed considerably to the landscaping of the lovely school gardens, to her avid participation in school life, sports, the cultural activities, pursuing the holistic and cultural development of children, and to her ‘open-door’ relationship with her staff, the pupils and the parents.
She leaves a deep footprint in many people’s lives. The aspects in which Warwick has affected the life of everyone associated with the school are too many to mention, but it must be said that the biggest legacy she leaves behind is an example of co-operation, communication, compassion, and integrity.
Pupils and staff never knew Warwick only as a principal, but as a humble, wise, diplomatic and approachable mentor and leader. Her contribution and presence will be sorely missed in the corridors of Atholl Heights Primary School.
