Brenda Viljoen the principal of Dundee Pre-Primary (DPP) School reacts passionately when asked about her staff and little learners.
The veteran and much-loved educator was born in Dundee where she also schooled. Mrs Viljoen started teaching at the so-called Rooi Rok Junior School where she taught Grade 1 to 3 in 1972. Later in 1984, after the two schools combined, she was elected principal under the School Governing Body.
“Children here at Dundee Pre Primary learn through play, we have no free period, no break and no assembly, our way of teaching is very different from mainstream teaching methods”, explained Mrs Viljoen.
She continued ‘that most parents don’t understand this way of learning and we are very privileged to have assistance teachers who help out at the school’
With three children of her own, Mrs Viljoen is one of five siblings. Her father was one of the founders of Acutt and Worthington, and her late mother was also a teacher. “I guess teaching has always been in the family and marrying the love of her life who was also a teacher who taught at DHS back in 1983.
Mrs Viljoen also explained that having been an educator for decades, she has taught some of her current learners’ parents and grandparents. “This always warms my heart to know that we have been part of their families for years”, she explained.
Mrs Viljoen explained that she lives every day to the fullest, and also enjoys gardening with her husband. She says her most traumatic experience is losing family members over the years. “Dealing with death is definitely not easy, having lost my dad at a young age was very tough that is why I learned to take each opportunity as it comes and to deal with hardships the best way I know how”, explained Mrs. Viljoen.
She also added that her passion comes from her daughter Elsie who is differently abled. “Having a differently abled child has taught me to give respect to those living with disability, I have also written to the Disability Advisory Committee to change the title from disability to differently-abled”, said Mrs Viljoen. She continued by explaining that she supports Casual Day because of her daughter who was born without a left arm but has enabled herself in the world and reach her dreams and full potential.
In closing Mrs Viljoen advised everyone to take better care of those they love, and to live life to the fullest because tomorrow is never promised.
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