Getting to know Cobus van Eeden
"I have learnt that children are inherently good, and some just need a catalyst to ignite that good."
Dr WK du Plessis School principal Cobus van Eeden has committed his life to fulfil his duties at the school. The school caters for learners with special education needs and specialises in the education of learners with epilepsy and various learning disabilities.
How long have you been in education and when did you start working at WK du Plessis?
I have been working in education for 34 years and started at Dr WK du Plessis School in January of 1991.
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What are your duties as the principal?
I have many duties. I am responsible for the professional management of the school, which includes the management of the use of learning support material and other equipment. It also includes the performance of functions delegated to me, the safekeeping of all school records and the implementation of policy and legislation. I have duties toward management of the school’s personnel, I oversee the academic performance of the school and ensure it is of a high standard. If it is required, I will step in as a class teacher, as well as assess and record the attainment of learners taught. Other duties include some extra and co-curricular duties and interaction with stakeholders and communication with school governing bodies, members of the school staff and so forth.
What has your experience at the school taught you?
I have learnt that children are inherently good, and some just need a catalyst to ignite that good.
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What extra challenges are you presented with at the school?
We need to support learners with various needs such as epilepsy, specific learning disabilities, mild learning disabilities and social challenges that impact emotional and psychological behaviour. The School Based Support System (SBST) meets weekly to ensure individual support plans are implemented and adapted for every learner.
What are some of your fondest memories thus far?
There are many, however, meeting past and previous learners who are happy, content adults remain the eureka moment.
Are there any former learners who have surprised or impressed you?
There are several who have left a mark. The one who stands out is the first head boy, Danie Labuschagne. He was 21 years old, yet remained humble and treated everyone with the greatest respect. He died in a house robbery.
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