La Lucia Junior Primary School welcomes new principal
Jacqui Pienaar has served as an educator since 1989 and has worked in various roles at different schools, including Warner Beach Preparatory School, Lyndhurst Primary School, Ashley Primary School and Gordon Road Girls' School.
A STRONG philosophy of the newly appointed principal of La Lucia Junior Primary School, Jacqui Pienaar, is that we are all lifelong learners.
Part of the belief recognises the importance and joy of growth and personal development. It is something she hopes to instill, not only in the learners of the school but also her staff.
Pienaar, who has served as an educator since 1989, has worked in various roles at different schools, including Warner Beach Preparatory School, Lyndhurst Primary School, Ashley Primary School and Gordon Road Girls’ School.
At Gordon Road Girls’ School, Pienaar was the departmental head and then served as deputy principal.
Also read:Â Greenwood Park Primary School welcomes new principal who makes history
“I’ve taught everything from special needs to foundation phase and up as far as Grade Seven. I’ve always wanted to be an educator and for it to be one of my life paths. My biggest sphere of influence would have been my Grade Six teacher, Mrs Benadé. She had a St Bernard dog, and my friend and I would go visit her on the weekends to help wash her dog. I just loved her approach to us, and she was always welcoming.
“We weren’t just children in her class; we mattered. That, in turn, has informed my philosophy and why I love being a teacher. I understand that we are moulding the future of our country, and an important facet of education is compassion and care. One of the biggest benefits for me is that I majored in remedial education in my studies,” she explained.
Pienaar said the support from the staff, parents and learners has been phenomenal since her appointment.
“Of course, there is a period of adjustment, but I’ve got an open-door policy for the staff. They have been so welcoming, as have the learners and the principals from the other schools in the area, including our alliance schools, Virginia Preparatory School and Christopher Robin Pre-Primary School,” she said.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
