Local school principal, Fiona Tooray, has brought honour to her school and town after she took home the prestigious national excellence in primary school leadership award.
Mrs Tooray of Battlefields Primary School (previously known as Dundee Junior Primary School) said she was overwhelmed with emotion when she was called to the stage to accept her accolade at the 23rd National Teachers Awards (NTA) held at Heartfelt Arena, Pretoria, earlier this month.
“I did not expect to win as the standard in this year’s awards were very high and when my name was called on stage initially I did not hear them as I was still overwhelmed with emotions”, she explained.
She added that being on that stage representing the Umzinyathi district and her school ‘was really amazing’.
On her way to winning the award, Mrs Tooray competed in the District Competition of the Endumeni education circuit. After winning at that level, she moved on to the provincial competition, which was judged the regional winner.
From there, she went on to the national finals in her category.
Mrs Tooray was nominated by Mrs Sithombo from the Teachers Development Centre who always believed that she could actually win.
“This was my first nomination and I actually won – I thank the Department of Education, provincial and national, for this great opportunity. I now aim to become an ambassador for teachers and such platforms help recognise all the work we do beyond classroom hours”, Mrs Tooray told the Courier.
The award will put the spotlight on Battlefield Primary which Mrs Tooray and her staff members will take advantage of it as it will help enhance the school.
Her advice to teachers in the Umzinyathi district is to always do what is expected of them and continue doing good for their learners and staff members.
“Remember, teaching is a calling therefore we must always go the extra mile. Let us teach beyond the teaching hours and do our teaching mandate.”
She concluded by thanking Mrs Sithombo, staff members at the school, the School Governing Body as well at the department.
Miss Ebrahim, a colleague of Mrs Tooray’s, remarked that “the entire Umzinyathi (education) district is very proud of her achievement and we congratulate her on her excellence”.
“She is progressive, creative and a caring person.
“Our entire school community is so proud.
“We are grateful to have such a forward thinking leader.”
