Above: Jeanette and the management team – Mrs Van hands over leadership of the school to her Deputy, Bryony Green (second from the left), and her management team of Vivienne Lamplough, Greg Kyle and Jayne Cansfield (not in the photo).
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This December Jeanette van der Merwe hands over the reins as Principal of Waterfall College – a role that she has fulfilled with faith and professionalism.
Since its establishment in 2004, Waterfall College has changed dramatically. But one thing that has not changed is Principal Jeanette van der Merwe’s passion for quality education and for getting the best out of everyone – teacher and student. During that time, Jeanette has carried the role of Principal with courage, compassion and a commitment to working with students and their families.
As Principal and one of only two full-time teachers in the early days, Mrs Van (as she is affectionately known) led the school from 46 students in three prefab classrooms to a well-recognised IEB high school with a staff of 26 and over 200 students. Her contribution did not stop there, as she was instrumental in forming Waterfall Schools, which now has over 700 students on the iThemba Campus, from 12 months of age to Matric. This development has included spacious classrooms, sports fields and, most recently, state-of-the-art science labs.
The old Waterfall College motto, Per ardua ad perfectum (Through hard work excellence is achieved), best describes Mrs Van – a true lady who leads by example, putting in the hours and doing what needs to be done. “Jeanette will perhaps be recognised most as leader of an influential team of experts in their field,” says Danie van den Heever, Chairman of the Board, Waterfall College NPC. “Jeanette’s God-fearing personality and her intentional prayer is key to all that has transformed before us and has been of great comfort to many. Her professional approach and her resourceful can-do attitude, coupled with her constant energy, have enabled us to achieve astounding results on the iThemba Campus.”
Ever-humble, Jeanette emphasises the team effort in every achievement, from the retired teachers who answered her call to continue teaching in the early days to the parents who pray for the school every day.
At the end of 2021, Mrs Van will hand over the role of principal to Bryony Green, who has been part of the College management team for over 10 years. Jeanette will remain as a Director on the Board of Waterfall College NPC and will oversee Waterfall Online and the programme of extra lessons that it provides.
The Dalai Lama famously said: “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” Mrs Van has definitely educated minds and has never forgotten to educate her students’ hearts.
FOR MORE INFO:
Contact Waterfall Schools Marketing and Communications Manager Hayley Dennyson on hayley@waterfallschools.co.za or 072 785 3564
