New journey awaits Berea West principal

AFTER years of pouring her heart and soul into a school she describes as her pride and joy, Berea West Preparatory’s principal, Judy Benschop, will retire at the end of the month.

The Westville resident has always had a passion for children and believes teaching is in her family’s genes.

“I come from generations of teachers, my grandmother, mother and now my daughter. I have just thoroughly enjoyed my whole career. I could not see myself do anything else,” said Judy.

She studied to be an educator at Edgewood College, doing a three-year diploma and, when she was pregnant with her first child in 1981, she started working on her higher diploma.

She worked in Atholl Heights, Morningside and Hillary Primary School and made the decision to set aside that part of her life until her child started in Grade 1 at Berea West Preparatory School.

Judy was involved in the parent’s committee and this reignited her need to get back into the teaching profession.

“I was offered a governing body position and soon moved into a KZN Education Department role within the school,” she said.

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In the past 27 years she has taught three grades, taken on the position of HOD, then the role of acting principal in 2009 and, two years later, was officially appointed as the school’s principal.
Her caring nature shines through during her interaction with the children placed under her care.

“It is always about the children for me and what we can do to help those with learning challenges and those that find it difficult with problems at home.”
She said the school’s success has been because of her belief in team work and servant leadership.

“I get in with my staff and work. I am there with them and show that if I’m prepared to do it, others will come on board and do it with me too.”

She described her retirement as the beginning of a new chapter in her life. “This school is part of my heart and I have the most wonderful staff. It has been challenging but just so rewarding. I am looking forward to retirement as the responsibility has been huge and it will be nice to not have that on my shoulders.”

Judy and her husband, Tony, enjoy the outdoors and have planned caravan trips across South Africa.

“I am also keen to give back and get involved with organisations and assist where I can. Most importantly is time with my family.”

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