After 19 years of service to Parktown High School for Girls, headmistress Dr Anthea Cereseto is retiring.
“I have had many opportunities and a very fulfilling career. I have worked well with our parents, with governing bodies and I have been very fortunate,” said Cereseto.
The 65-year-old mother of two said that when she first walked through the gates of the school, it was only two years after the merger of education departments by the government. “The department was developing itself and its policies and that granted schools the freedom to go into directions [they] desired.
Read Socialising at Parktown Girls’
“Compared to when I first arrived, the demographics of the school have changed dramatically and we now have a very good South African mix. We are one of the most diverse schools in the country and that is what makes our school and prepares our girls well for the future.”
Cereseto is not sad to retire, as she said it was time. She will still be involved in education and will work as a visiting associate at Wits University writing academic articles. “Wits is also hoping to introduce a qualification for principals and I will be lecturing on that. Sharing my experience with other principals is what I would love to do.”
The headmistress who is grateful for all the years at the school and said her wish was for all the schoolgirls is to leave the high school as strong women who can take on the world. “I want the girls to leave Parktown being confident. I want them to be courageous, to be interested in things and to be curious.
Read Parktown Girls come out tops
“I want them to be compassionate because confidence without compassion is a horrible thing. They must also be collaborative; they must be people who want to work because the modern workplace requires people to work together.”
Tracey Megom will take over as headmistress from January next year. According to the school management, Megom is well positioned to take up the appointment as she understands the academic standards expected of the school as well as the emphasis it places on holistic education.
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name and surname to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
