Acting principal aims to uplift Mowat Park

DETERMINED to take her school to greater heights is recently appointed acting principal of Mowat Park High School, Amanda Ngidi.

After being appointed in October last year by the education department’s circuit manager following the resignation of the former principal, Nkosinathi Tsaulwayo, Ngidi stepped up to the challenge to change the image and outlook of the school to a more positive one.

She said taking over the reins has been a journey and a challenge. This is in light of the negative publicity the school received amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The principal and a teacher were subsequently suspended.

“As staff, we have to try and change the perception of the school. Although it won’t be easy, I will strive for that by all means even if it’s the last thing I do in my time. This will require support from parents as well as the community,” said Ngidi. She shared that the school engaged the community in a public meeting last year to discuss and gauge comments and concerns.

“I would love for Mowat Park to be the community’s first choice when a parent is looking for a good high school for their child. It is a concern to us that parents will look at other schools and even those outside the community to take their child when we are right here.”

She shared that her transition from deputy to acting principal wasn’t too big of a challenge, and one she chose to accept with a positive outlook. “The transition wasn’t too difficult because I have been at the school. I told myself that maybe the challenge that I am facing is preparing me for something bigger. I came to realise the hard work that needed to be done in this particular office as well as the responsibility that comes with the position. It’s a learning phase,” she said.

She also makes it a point to be part of the admissions process and engages with parents on a regular basis. “I am passionate about education in its totality – in and outside the school. This being both mainstream education in the classroom as well as the other side of education such as ethics, values and life skills that shape a human being. Especially a young woman in a time where there are many challenges that affect our youth. We have a responsibility to go above and beyond to make the next generation relevant to what the world out there demands.

“It’s also very rewarding to see a positive change in a child’s life. To walk the journey with them from Grade 8 to matric and see them become a new and better person is very fulfilling.”

Ngidi said that the plan for 2021 is to normalise school life in abnormal circumstances and create a positive environment for girls to learn holistically. “We want to achieve our absolute best in terms of academics. Our core focus is to achieve a quality 100 per cent pass rate. Our matric learners will have a longer school day and knock off at 4pm to try to cover as much content as possible. This is also to give them enough time for revision, while addressing questions or concerns they might have,” said Ngidi, who also dreams of having a technical wing established at the school in the near future.

Ngidi is from Umlazi and grew up and schooled in KwaMakhutha. She attended Umlazi Comprehensive Technical High School (Comtech) where she attained her matric. She then attended Adams College and obtained her qualification in education from University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her teaching career as a volunteer in began in 1996. She was appointed as an educator at Sishosonke High School in Umlazi in 2002 until 2012 before being appointed as deputy principal at Mowat Park High School.

“I’ve grown to be very close to Mowat Park and the girls as well. Coming here was a blessing for me as I’m very passionate about issues that affect girls. Being here allows me to practise what I’m passionate about. To ensure that the girl child is protected while trying to change the stereotype of how a woman is viewed in society. I always encourage young girls to believe and love themselves. To never allow their current situations to define who they are, because once they believe in themselves, anything is possible.”