George's teaching trio among district's top 10

GEORGE NEWS - The Eden and Central Karoo regions are rooting for their 10 district winners, including a talented trio from George, who were selected for the provincial round of the National Teaching Awards in August.

The district's winners were announced during a gala event at De Opstal Country Lodge in Schoemanshoek, Oudtshoorn, last Friday, June 20.

The provincial champions will compete for national recognition across 15 categories at the 25th National Teaching Awards Ceremony in October, celebrating the finest educators in the country.

George proudly boasts three standout district winners. They are Demi Michelle Potts of Kretzenhoop Primary, honoured for excellence in teaching natural sciences; Alicia Strydom, also from Kretzenhoop, recognised for excellence in teaching life skills; and Ian Luke le Roux of Parkdene Secondary School, a contender for the prestigious national best teacher award.

"Mr Le Roux is a passionate business studies educator dedicated to his learners' success and serves as a vital pillar of support for the school community," say his colleagues at Parkdene Liezl Stuurman and Bronwin Wilson.

"His leadership role and exemplary work ethic significantly contribute to the school's development and progress."

In 2019, Le Roux earned the excellence in secondary school teaching award at both the Overberg District and provincial level. He went on to represent the province as one of South Africa's top nine educators at the national event.

Ian Luke le Roux of Parkdene Secondary School, a contender for the prestigious national best teacher award.

More accolades

Joining them from the broader region are other remarkable educators: Alsje Schoeman of Oudtshoorn School of Skills (excellence in special needs leadership), Hendrik Smith of Langenhoven High School, Oudtshoorn (excellence in secondary school leadership), Merike Davel of Van Reede Primary School, Oudtshoorn (excellence in primary school teaching), Charles Mokoena of Dirk Boshoff Primary School, Uniondale (excellence in grade R teaching), Roche Witbooi of Concordia Primary School, Knysna (excellence in primary school leadership), Chante Manuel of Knysna High School (excellence in secondary school teaching), and Kirsten Tome of Fraaisig Primary School, Knysna (excellence in technology-enhanced teaching and learning).

This annual celebration, hosted by the Western Cape Education Department, shines a spotlight on teaching excellence and honours the tireless efforts of public school educators.

All teachers, school governing bodies and district officials were invited to submit nominations to their principals or centre managers.

Kretzenshoop PS: Demi Michelle Potts (regional winner: excellence in teaching natural science), Alicia Strydom (regional winner: excellence in teaching life skills, grades 1-6), deputy principal of Kretzenshoop Primary Moira Titus and Deidre Lekas (first runner-up: excellence in primary school teaching).