Chelsea’s new deputy principal leaps with passion

AT first glance, Sandy Williams, Chelsea Preparatory School’s new deputy principal, seems like your typical educator. She is prim, proper and professional.

But as her fellow staff and young pupils have discovered, a passionate, fearless and daring environmentalist lurks underneath her skin.
In 2012 Williams and Anne Frost, the school’s PR manager, jumped from an air plane to raise funds for the Save the Rhino Fund. “We asked the children to donate 5c coins toward the plight of the rhino. In return the two of us took up skydiving. I would gladly do it again,” said Williams.

Educating and encouraging children to get involved in environmental issues is one of William’s biggest passions. In 2006 she initiated a paper recycling initiative at the school.

“We are now one of the top paper recycling schools in the country. Every year we also host a rhino art campaign where the children submit a piece of art to exhibit and auction. This year we raised R6 000,” exclaimed Williams.

According to Williams, who beamed with pride, the pupils at the school have taken initiative and have often started organising their own social and environmental fundraising campaigns.

“This is what our jobs as educators are all about – helping children to grow into well balanced adults. I love teaching and I especially love teaching children about social responsibility and making a difference in the lives of others. It gives my great joy to see them progress and to learn valuable life skills,” she said.