LEADERS
Academic Staff
Fourth row, from left: Ms Anita Marshall, Ms Sarah Keevy, Mr William Haggard, Ms Christine Steenekamp, Mr Leslie Elderkin, Ms Stella Rossouw, Mr Gian Marneweck, Ms Gail Wallace Third row, from left: Ms Jackie Chambers, Ms Ingrid Weideman, Ms Jane Behne, Ms Lorraine Gardiner, Mr Cedric van Dyk, Ms Helene Swanson, Ms Lindy Waller, Ms Linda Mallon, Ms Irene Adley, Ms Laura Barrett Second row, from left: Ms Dianne Leonard, Ms Perdita Norval, Mr Martin Altern, Ms Monelwa Mboma, Ms Monika Brandt, Ms Karen Cronje, Ms Marieta Langenhoven, Ms Zaandré Theron, Ms Leanne van Rensburg, Ms Judith Dernier, Ms Zuleigah Galer First row, from left: Ms Maileen Jamey, Ms Zargielay Rabeh, Ms Leonie Oram, Ms Norma Caesar, Ms Zélia Simpson, Ms Janine Myers, Ms Anita Pretorius, Ms Olivia Gordon, Mme Dominique Williams, Ms Liz Rynhoud Seated, from left: Ms Helen Kleynhans, Ms Maureen Burchell, Ms Renée Fourie, Mr Adrian Skelly, Ms Susan Schnetler (Deputy Principal: Academic), Ms Laura Bekker (Principal), Ms Gillian Blackshaw (Deputy Principal: Pastoral), Ms Brigid Ryan, Ms Bridget Cameron, Ms Elizabeth Sole, Ms Louise Lawrence
10 Years of Service
Six years ago, Ms Bekker initiated a new tradition at Founders’ Day. Those teachers who have offered 10 years of service to Rustenburg are publicly thanked for their loyalty and dedication. In 2014 the service and dedication of three Rustenburg stalwarts were recognised: Ms Helen Kleynhans (Head of Mathematics, Head of Grade 12), Mr Cedric van Dyk (Head of History) and Ms Lorraine Gardiner (Life Sciences, Head of Grade 11). Ms Kleynhans remembers initially being struck by the diligence and engaging nature of the Rustenburg girls when she arrived in Cape Town after having worked for 16 years in a convent school in Johannesburg. Last year’s construction of the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Centre was the most dramatic change to the school, she regards. Her birthday message was, “Well done, Rustenburg, on a remarkable achievement. Continue to go from strength to strength.” Mr van Dyk came to Rustenburg after four years as principal of Cape Town High School, and was impressed with the warm welcome he received from the Rustenburg girls. Having never worked in an all-girls environment, it took a while to get used to not having boys in the classroom. Mr van Dyk remains proud of the commitment, motivation, self-discipline and creativity shown by his students. His birthday message was, “The responses from the learners have made teaching at Rustenburg one of the most rewarding periods of my teaching career. Thank you.” Ms Gardiner joined the school after having worked in a variety of short-term placements. She remembers feeling overwhelmed when starting at Rustenburg, wondering what she had let herself in for. Her time at the school has been marked by numerous alterations to the buildings, and she has managed to make deep connections with fellow staff members whom she describes as “like-minded, fun-loving members of staff who are able to work responsibly and behave professionally, while still managing to retain their sense of humour.” Ms Gardiner’s birthday message was, “Congratulations on what the school has already achieved and what it has yet to achieve. Allow the girls to have fun, while they work hard, and appreciate the dedicated staff.”
RGHS MAGAZINE 2014
11
