Principal of Saxonwold Primary School since the dawn of democracy Marion Wheater will this year close her chapter at the school.
Wheater has served as principal of the school since April 1994 and has spent the past 29 years teaching at the school.
With 40 years in education and an Innovation Hub named after her, Wheater has left a lasting impression on the educational space.
Reflecting on her 25 years as principal, Wheater said many things have changed at the school for the better.
“The diversity at our school reflects the diversity of our country both in the staff and learners. The curriculum has changed five times since I have been principal becoming more relevant for children from various backgrounds and language groups,” she said.
“I hope that I’ve left a legacy of relevance and an ability to adapt and change at this school. A school is a dynamic environment that should reflect our society. We cannot be insular, but want our learners to remain relevant.”
Looking back on her time at Saxonwold, Wheater said her own understanding of South Africa had also changed.
“Coming from a place of privilege, I had little understanding for the way in which others had suffered. The Saxonwold Primary community has taught me so much.”
Wheater has also led the school in various technological changes.
“I think it was in 1998 that I received my first brick cell phone and this year I opened the Innovation Hub, leading our learners to better tackle the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
She has also built up the school’s aftercare, allowing parents who work in the area to drop their children at school and pick them up after a day at work.
According to Wheater, Saxonwold Primary remains one of the top schools in the district, receiving excellent results in Olympiads, maths competitions and book competitions.
During her retirement next year, Wheater hopes to continue ploughing back into education by coaching principals and helping to develop schools.
“I will really miss the children here. The children make the school. To watch them grow without the fears that the rest of the country has is wonderful. I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity to grow children.”
The school is still in the process of appointing a new principal for next year.
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