St Benedict’s acting principal enters new chapter
St Benedict acting principal, Pam Morrissey retires after 42 years in the teaching field.
LEADING by example, looking the part and being professional is what St Benedict School acting principal, Pam Morrissey believes makes a good leader.
Morrissey will be leaving her passion for teaching after 42 years in the industry as she prepares to retire at the end of the term.
Being around people and children greeting her along the school passages in the morning is what she will miss the most.
“I have been passionate about my work. My main goal was to try to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone I met at school, children and colleagues. It is important to see every individual as unique and meet ones’ needs,” said Morrissey.
Morrissey completed her tertiary education at Durban Teachers Training College in 1970 and did a further diploma in Education at Edgewood in 1991. She started teaching at Montclair Senior Primary School in 1971.
After three years, she took a short break from teaching to start a family and take care of her children and during that time she did locum work at local schools.
In 1979 she went back to teaching at Holy Family College which was then known as Convent High School where she spent 19 years of her life as a teacher, HOD and deputy principal.
She moved to St Benedict School in 1987 as a Grade 7 teacher. In her 20 years at the school, she has served as a Grade 7 teacher, HOD, deputy principal, head of primary school and is retiring after 18 months of serving in the position as acting principal.
Mentoring new teachers
Morrissey said it has always been her aim to motivate and encourage learners and staff with positive re-enforcement.
“With my colleagues, I have tried to make it my aim to take the time to accept, understand and get to know each person and value them for who they are and what they have to offer.”
She said one of her passions was to mentor young teachers. “I hope I have left my mark on those I have worked with.”
In her retirement, she said she looks forward to travelling, meeting and spending time with her family and friends overseas.
Morrissey has two daughters who are both teachers and is also a granny.
“In the weeks and months ahead, I will take time to decide where and how I will keep myself active and busy, ensuring I continue to interact with people daily and keep my mind active,” she said.
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