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When it comes to running a school, a principal has their work cut for them. Steering both the learners and school to new heights and success, while dealing with an array of challenges.
However, Charmaine Myburgh finds herself in her element at the helm of Ferrum High School. A position she proudly took up on June 1, 2018.
“When reflecting on the past six months as the new principal at Ferrum High School, one thing comes to mind: I am really enjoying this very fast rollercoaster ride. At last, after so many years of studies in Educational Leadership, I am finally able to put the theory into practice,” she says.
While Ferrum High School is a vibrant school with huge potential, Myburh says the school also has many challenges to face every day.
“I’ve learned very quickly that Rome definitely cannot be built in six months, or even a year for that matter. However, with a stunning, dynamic management team and dedicated staff members we are more than able to deal with the challenges. We have already accomplished so much in just six months. I believe that taking care of the school environment where learners learn and teachers teach, will lead to the improvement of the quality of learning and teaching in the classroom.”
What do these changes involve?
Myburgh says the school is receiving a much-needed face lift. “The administration building has already been painted and looks stunning. A few plants have been added to the entrance which makes a visit to the school much more welcoming. Our foyer’s decor has also been refreshed.”
Furthermore, Ferrum High is a value-driven school. To emphasis this fact, a new board has pride of place at the school’s entrance to reflect the values the school wishes to instill in the learners.
“Being the first female principal of Ferrum High School, I had a lot of fun turning the very formal principal’s office into a much more feminine environment. A place where both learners and parents feel welcome.”
The school can now also boast its own conference room. “Our school hall was revamped and enlarged a while ago. In the process, a fountain that was initially outside became part of the foyer. This has now been removed and in its place, we have a beautiful conference room.”
Ferrum also now sports a new tradition since 2018. “We have a countdown board to make our matrics aware their final Gr 12 exam is fast approaching, and that time is precious.”
Matric memory boards have been mounted on the wall of the matric staircase landing. “The names of our 2017 and 2018 matriculants are proudly displayed here,” Myburgh says.
Much has been achieved in six months and many plans are still in the pipeline. “We are in the process of installing more than 150 cameras on the school premises. New classrooms are being built and sport facilities are being upgraded. Thank you so much to the newly elected governing body of the school for their support.
However, Myburgh says it’s not all about appearances. “Once again our matric students made us proud. Our Class of 2018 managed to take the first place as the Top School in the Amajuba District. Our school is ranked seventh in the Top 10 secondary schools in KZN. An excellent achievement which is based on the quality of our matric pass rate. An astounding 93.8% of our learners qualify to further their studies at a tertiary institution.”
“Through Ferrum into the future” is the school’s vision. We aim to give even more learners the opportunity to have a bright future with excellent academic results obtained at our school. Good luck to our Class of 2019. We have high expectations,” Myburgh concludes.
Well done to Charmaine Myburgh for
