There must be something in the water supply at Wendywood Primary School in Sandton, north of Johannesburg that makes the school’s educators go above and beyond the call of duty.
This year the school had two educators reach the final stages of the National Teaching Awards, a testament to the high level of commitment and dedication of the school’s staff.
It is believed to be the first time in the eight year history of the National Teaching Awards that two teachers from the same school make it to the finals in two different categories.
Principal Heather Smith is up for the Lifetime Achievement Award, while grade one educator Danneon Krige is in the running for the Excellence in Early Childhood Development Award.
“Our success at the school is all down to two things, Passion and enthusiasm,” says Smith. “We both absolutely love our jobs, as do the rest of the staff here. We’re all just bubbling with enthusiasm.”
Smith believes in showering her staff with encouragement and each staff meeting is closed with inspirational words, while educators receive little gifts on their birthdays, on World Teachers’ Day and other significant days throughout the year.
Her dedication to her school knows no bounds and she is regularly at her desk by seven in the morning, and often planning for the next day will ensure that she does not get to bed before midnight.
For Krige, the inspiration for the good work at the school ‘comes down from the top’.
“Mrs Smith is absolutely amazing, and I think many of us just follow the example she sets,” she explains. “She always has a word of encouragement and goes out of her way to inspire the staff.”
Unfortunately both educators will be lost to the profession next year. After 37 years Smith will finally be retiring to spend more time with her loved ones, ‘who have been extremely patient’.
“The school and my career has been my life, so I feel I should take the time now to rediscover myself,” she says. “My husband has been very patient with me over the years and now we will have more time to do the things we always wanted to do.”
Krige meanwhile is hoping to expand her community outreach work.
“At this point I’m not really sure what the future holds, but I will be taking some time out of the classroom to do more work in Alexandra Township,” she explains.