Grantham Park Primary principal to retire
‘Being open to innovative change requires a balancing act of note’
AFTER a career spanning more than 38 years in the KZN Department of Education, George van Wyk is set to retire at the end of the month.
Van Wyk, who has been principal of Grantham Park Primary School (GPPS) for the past 18 years, previously held numerous positions at various schools, including acting principal at Piet Retief Primary (1991) and senior deputy principal at Dirkie Uys Primary School (1992-1998).
Van Wyk said it’s been an emotional roller coaster ride.
‘It’s a scary thought to think that I’ve finished this phase of my life.
‘I have more empathy for what it takes to run a great school such as Grantham Park.
‘The strategic and financial planning required is a huge challenge while at the same time keeping all the stakeholders happy and maintaining the honour and integrity of our school’s vision and mission.
‘Being open to innovative change requires a balancing act of note.’
Although Van Wyk is looking forward to retirement so he can spend quality time with his family and ‘improve on his golf handicap’, he admitted that there are too many things to mention that he will miss about GPPS.
‘I will definitely miss the amazing voices of our school choir and lovely singing of our children at assembly, the various rugby tours of which I was part of, our staff scripture reading and prayer every morning and that sense of belonging, especially to the GPPS Sharkies.’
Long journey
Having been part of a long journey in the KZN education system, Van Wyk said that the highlight of his career was when he was given the task of principal at Piet Retief in 1991.
‘Every school has its own challenges, but at that stage I was challenged with the task of transformation at the school.
‘We had new teachers coming into the school and it was an achievement which brought me great satisfaction.’
He said he is proud to see the current achievements of former teachers and pupils, making specific mention of former GPPS pupil and now Springbok prop Vincent Koch.
He said his time at GPPS has been a significant and a life-changing experience from which he learned a great deal.
‘I would like to give all the honour and glory to God for blessing me with the position of principal at this fantastic school, Grantham Park Primary, a school with a proud history, great staff, wonderful children and parents.
‘It is with utmost gratitude and much appreciation that I would like to thank all the individuals who played a significant part in my career over the years.’
Van Wyk will hand over the reins to current deputy principal Lawrence Simamane, who will take on the role as acting principal until a full-time appointment is confirmed.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
