New journey awaits Umbogintwini Primary principal

VERITY Eustice bids farewell as she begins her new journey in Australia after serving as Umbogintwini Primary School’s principal over the last 14 years. Eustice was born in Pretoria, where she matriculated in 1983. She completed her BA in Education at Wits University, before going on to graduate with a post-graduate diploma through Unisa in 1987.

After teaching in Gauteng for a few years, she moved to Amanzimtoti in 1995. She began teaching at ‘Twini Primary School in 1998, before taking the reigns as principal in 2008 where she had the privilege to lead the school into its 100th year.

“I believe God appointed me to this position, as it’s more than just a calling. It’s far more than just a love of children. Everything in me desires to work with children to improve their future. God brought me to this school to make a difference. It has been challenging but so rewarding to see the achievements of past learners. They come back to the school and tell us where life has taken them. Their success is the motivation behind improving the school,” said Eustice.

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With a passion and love for animals, she introduced various animals to the learners over the years.

“A lot of learners didn’t know how to treat animals, so we introduced dogs and cats to teach children how to love and care for them. Not only did it teach compassion, but it allowed them to get used to animals and to not be afraid of them. I’ve even brought in my parrots, monkey and snake,” said Eustice.

At the end of the month, she will be resigning to immigrate to Queensland, Australia, to be closer to her children. While there, she will be going back into the classroom to teach at a school.

“I’m looking forward to it, although I’m a bit apprehensive to go back into the classroom after 14 years. But, it’s my calling,” she said.

Throughout the years at the school, she was known to crochet baby blankets for each of the staff members’ firstborn children, which she will continue to do overseas. She is also an avid reader and has been actively involved in her church and community.

She expressed her gratitude toward the dedicated management, educators, staff, governing body and parents and learners, both past and present. She thanked the principals of local schools with whom she worked as well as her friends and family for all their love and support over the years.

The acting principal will be Gail Wehrle.

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