NEW acting principal of Kingsway High School (KHS), Veronika Brits has been sitting in the leader’s chair for only six weeks, but is enjoying every minute of running the school of over 1,000 pupils.
Her foray into the teaching world started 37 years ago.
“I love being in the classroom. I decided on this career path as a young girl and it is the right place for me.”
A physical science teacher, she is currently preparing her matric class for the final exams, in spite of her hectic office schedule.
Veronika grew up in Westville and completed her primary school education in the area, but completed high school at the Hermannsburg School in the Midlands. After acquiring a bachelor of science honours degree at UKZN, she completed her teaching diploma at Stellenbosch University.
After a two year stint at Empangeni High School and a number of posts at various schools including a five-year spell lecturing at the University of Zululand, Veronika entered the doors of KHS 14 years ago and has not looked back. “I love it here, it is fabulous. I have never been so well looked after. All the facilities are here, not only for teaching, but to grow and empower yourself as a teacher.”
Veronika describes KHS as an educational institution which has all-round support from the governing body, teachers, pupils and parents. “Everyone here has a right to be heard, everyone has a voice and our focus is a liberal education.”
Out of the classroom, Veronika enjoys being involved in co-curricular and sports activities at the school.
She said to be a teacher one needs to be like a ‘bouncy ball’ – positive, enthusiastic, an optimist and believe in the inherent good in everyone. “You have to love children, build a relationship with them and take an interest in them. What you put in is what you get out. It is hard work, nothing can prepare you for it and more challenging now because children have a voice and more rights.”
Veronika advised anyone thinking of taking up teaching to have a ‘sense of humour to work with children’.
“You can’t stress the little things. You can be furious with a class, but it’s the opposite experience with another. It’s never boring, it’s exciting and dynamic as long as you are cool, calm and collected.”
Schools are still relatively conservative. “This gives children comfort, as we live in a world where anything goes and some children come from broken homes. A school has boundaries and a code of conduct and children know if they step out of line, there will be consequences.”
She said the sound structure at KHS prepares young men and women to go out boldly into the future. “The children are encouraged to question and try new things. They are told to take initiative and challenge themselves. Once they leave here, they are more than prepared for life out in the world.”
Veronika said she has great confidence in her staff. “We are a stable school, we have young teachers and some staff who have been here for many years.”
In her spare time she enjoys gardening, sings in a choir, enjoys shows, as well as spending time with friends and family.
