THE excellence, dedication and true passion of a teacher gives her pupils the opportunity to grow as people and allows a child to transform into an adult who will in turn inspire those who meet her or him.
Mowat Park High’s Pat Schultz has been an exemplary teacher, friend and mentor to not only the thousands of pupils who have walked the corridors but to the teachers who have learnet from the first Mowat Park teacher. Even years after her retirement in 2001, Schultz has come back to the school as a volunteer and has coached many girls debating.
She started out at Mowat Park High in 1965 when the school first opened its doors and taught English. Never did she imagine herself being part of the school for more than 50 years. “I stayed for three years then went overseas for a year only to come back to the school. I retired from the department in 2001 but I stayed at the school as a volunteer,” said Schultz.
She was recently honoured by the school on Founder’s Day on Friday, 26 February where a plaque was unveiled and dedicated to her outside the media centre. “It was a humble and proud day for me and I thank my Mowat Park family for this touching honour,” she said.
Her advice to teachers is to be passionate about teaching. “Remember that a school is just four walls without knowledge – you are the foundation. The heart of Mowat was about developing young women not just imparting facts,” she added.
Founder’s Day also played a symbolic role in officially welcoming the new grade 8 pupils. Special guest, former Mowat Park girl and 2011 head girl, Mbali Ngidi, addressed the grade eight and matric pupils with a touching and inspirational speech. She spoke of how the school became her home. The town planner owed her success to the school for embedding the value of community work in her. “I have learned to give, love and empower. I was taught to fight for a better future and become my own. Mowat Park found me and I found myself. Start building your life now and take advantage of the opportunities offered at the school. Matrics, make this the most memorable year of your life,”said Ngidi.
