GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Three teachers from schools in George received major awards at the provincial leg of the National Teachers Awards.
Demi Michelle Potts of Kretzenshoop Primary School (PS) is the provincial winner for excellence in teaching natural sciences, and Alicia Strydom, also from Kretzenshoop PS, was named first runner-up for excellence in teaching life skills.
Parkdene Secondary School also celebrates a runner-up achievement, with their talented teacher, Ian le Roux, honoured as the first runner-up for the prestigious National Best Teacher Award.
The teachers were celebrated on social media by, among others, VGK Pacaltsdorp, who shared their pride: “Ons harte loop oor van trots!”
In her profile to the WCED, Potts is described as a teacher who makes learning relevant by connecting it to local community issues. She links her classroom projects to sustainable goals to show learners that their choices matter, and in the process, she inspires them to take responsibility for their environment.
“Aside from her competency in teaching natural sciences, her passion and care are displayed in the way she engages with learners and parents,” reads the profile. “She ensures that no learner is left behind, by curating videos that align with lesson outcomes to send to parents when learners are absent.”
Alicia Strydom, also from Kretzenshoop PS, was named first runner-up for excellence in teaching life skills. Photo: Screenshot from WCED video
Parkdene Secondary School also celebrates a runner-up achievement, with their talented teacher, Ian le Roux.
Six provincial winners from Eden & Central Karoo
The Eden and Central Karoo Education District homes six provincial winners, three first runners-up and one second runner-up. With 14 provincial winners, our district secured almost half of the winning categories!
The other provincial winners from our district include Charles Mokoena (Dirk Boshoff Primary School - excellence in Grade R teaching), Kirsten Tomé (Fraaisig Primary School - excellence in technology-enhanced teaching and learning), Alsje Schoeman (Oudtshoorn School of Skills - excellence in special needs leadership), Roché Witbooi (Concordia Primary School - leadership excellence in primary school) and Hendrik Smith (Hoërskool Langenhoven - excellence in secondary school leadership).
Roché Witbooi (Concordia Primary School - leadership excellence in primary school).
Kirsten Tomé (Fraaisig Primary School - excellence in technology-enhanced teaching and learning).
Charles Mokoena (Dirk Boshoff Primary School - excellence in Grade R teaching).
Hendrik Smith (Hoërskool Langenhoven - excellence in secondary school leadership).
Alsje Schoeman (Oudtshoorn School of Skills - excellence in special needs leadership).
The three first runners-up from our district are Alicia Strydom (Kretzenshoop Primary School - excellence in teaching life skills Grade 1 – 6), Chanté Manuel (Knysna High School - excellence in secondary school teaching) and Ian le Roux (Parkdene Secondary School - National Best Teacher Award).
Chanté Manuel (Knysna High School - first runner-up for excellence in secondary school teaching)
Roslyn Fortuin, a teacher at the Eden School for Special Educational Needs, was named as second runner-up for excellence in special needs teaching.
Roslyn Fortuin, a teacher at the Eden School for Special Educational Needs, was named as second runner-up for excellence in special needs teaching.
Western Cape Minister of Education David Maynier said they are going to do everything they can to develop and to support the province’s teachers.
“You are our greatest asset, and without you, our children would have no hope of a brighter future.”
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