Houghton School welcomes new principal, Persa Morris

The newly appointed principal at Houghton School Persa Morris has ticked off a lifelong goal of becoming the head of a school.
Morris began her new role earlier this month after being deputy for 10 years.

“My ultimate goal in my career has always been to become a principal and I will learn and grow within this position,” she said.
“Being appointed principal came at the right time, the previous principal was my husband and I learned a lot because he delegated a lot of work to me which eased me into the position.”

Morris added her passion for children made her choose education as a career. “I started my teaching career in 1988 as a Grade 4 teacher and continued teaching different grades and subjects. A few years later, I filled the department head post who was responsible for the extramural programme including being in charge of doing referrals for children who had learning problems, coordinating school tours, and trips.”

She added that although she juggled being in a senior position with being in the classroom, it was not easy. “Teaching and having a senior post was hectic because you have to give the two your all, I always prioritise teaching and motivating children which is the biggest reason I became a teacher.”

Morris said being involved in coaching netball and starting drum majorettes which saw learners compete at Sun City in the Superbowl was one of her highlights as an educator.
The other was witnessing the transformation in classrooms post-1994 because teachers saw the entire realistic picture which was full of diversity.

Houghton’s principal added she had plans to renovate the school.

“I have undertaken projects in the school and the Class of 1969 helped build a pavilion. Moving forward, I intend to build six classrooms, build a boardroom and add more smart boards in classrooms.”

Morris shared elements she thought made a teacher’s career successful:

“Being a teacher is not a career but a calling, you have to take it further afield because you are more than someone who stands behind the board. I became close with some of the learners I taught and view them as my own.”

• Having a great network and determined attitude helps one overcome work challenges
• Having a mentor or guidance for inspiration in your journey helps you stay focused
• As a person in a leadership position, it’s important to be approachable to the people you work with
• Having the same goal and support from the staff, School Governing Body, parents, and learners make it easier for a school to be a conducive environment.

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