Barbra Robinson has been principal at Orion College’s primary school for five years and she is still loving every minute of it.
The remedial school in Randpark Ridge has a primary and high school, with three different streams to ensure each child with special needs is catered to.
“I actually never thought I would be teaching,” Robinson told Randburg Sun.
“I have lots of teachers in my family and they encouraged me to go into that but I started studying law. However, I quickly saw that was not for me and ended up doing a BSc.”
Nevertheless, her compassionate and supportive nature, coupled with her experience helping a cousin with cerebral palsy, saw her reconsider, and do a teaching diploma.
She worked as a teacher for one year before moving to the UK and teaching at various schools there for 21 years. During this time, a position opened at a school’s special needs department and Robinson transitioned to remedial education.
“The schools are more integrated on that side and they each have a special needs department. When a position opened and no one else wanted it, I grabbed it.”
The working experience gained overseas, as well as travelling Robinson did to just about every continent, taught her much in the way of helping people.
She took a managerial role as special needs coordinator and in 2017 she returned to South Africa to become primary school principal at Orion College.
“People ask me why I came back when I was settled, having my own home, good job and kids there in the UK. But I wanted them to grow up here and South Africa is great. Every place has problems, don’t ever think otherwise.”
Robinson still teaches geography to the whole Intermediate Phase, but it is in her role as principal that she can ensure the college encourages inclusivity and acceptance in learning.
“I love to promote values and each month has a theme, whether it is gratitude or honesty… In teaching, I can spend time with children and get to know them. As principal, I can ensure each child gets the unique provision they need.”
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