Blairgowrie Primary School goes all out to welcome the newly-appointed principal
Charmaine Vartharajalo says she feels humbled, excited and honoured to accept the role of principal, and pledges to act with integrity and honesty.
Charmaine Vartharajaloo received the warmest of welcomes from Blairgowrie Primary School (BPS) as she officially took over the reins as principal.
A special assembly was held, complete with singing and dancing by the learners, heartfelt messages by colleagues current and former, and cards written by the youngest at the school.
Even the school’s mascot Dougle McBlowrie gave his paw of approval.
“Mrs V, you have been leading the school unofficially for almost a year, and I am honoured to congratulate you officially as principal of BPS,” said former principal Pat Oosthuizen, before handing over a lit candle to signify the passing on of the light that guides the school.
‘Mrs O’ retired last year after contributing 37 years to the school.
Also read:Farewell and good luck, Mrs O
“Be true to yourself, make lots of memories and enjoy all the challenges that come your way as you lead this precious family into the future.”
The new principal accepted this, as well as a bouquet of flowers and words of support from school governing body chairperson Samantha Botes.
“I feel humbled, excited and honoured to take this role,” said Vartharajaloo.
“I pledge, as I have said before, that I will lead with integrity and honesty. I look forward to the years ahead working with you all.”
But she is no stranger to BPS, as the young learner Karabo mentioned as recited the new principal’s teaching career.
Vartharajaloo has 40 years’ experience in teaching, having started in KwaZulu-Natal before moving to Gauteng and becoming head of Blairgowrie’s foundation phase in 2006.
In 2015 she took the role of deputy principal and has been the backbone of the school for many years.
In between the speeches, the foundation phase of the school prepared a unique war cry for the new principal, the school choir performed for her, and each class in grades 1 to 3 presented hand-written cards to her.
Related Article:
Blairgowrie canoeist earns half colours after representing Gauteng
