Every child is important

 

Northcliff Primary School, the school that has the vision ‘to strive for better things’ starts 2010 with a new Principal, Jeanine Kerr.  Kerr replaces Mrs Rina Botha, who left after 16 years of service as Headmistress of Northcliff Primary to retire.  Kerr, B.Ed (Hons) hails from Bryneven Primary School - where amongst other posts she served as Deputy Principal, is a passionate educator who believes every child is important.  

 

“I am a committed educator and passionate about realising the potential of all children in South Africa.  People, particularly children, are our most precious asset. Building strong and sound relationships with pupils, parents and teachers forms the basis on which everything else stands” says Kerr.

 

This multi-talented educator has vast experience that spans Independent, Government and Adult education.  Kerr has a particular interest in children who experience barriers to learning, evidenced by her vast teaching experience and qualifications dedicated to remedial therapy.  She has established herself as a leader in developing inclusive programmes of education in Independent and GDE schools.

 

Kerr believes that the only way to move forward is through creativity, innovation and strong research skills to find solutions and tools to solving problems.  

 

Kerr says “Modern technology is a valuable tool to be embraced and used to achieve goals, to improve and refine systems and facilitate innovative teaching and curriculum delivery.”

 

Kerr is all too aware of the enormity of the role of a Principal.  She explained that educators have a direct bearing on our future through their influence on children.  It is Kerr’s aim to produce happy and well adjusted children, who are confident in their ability to solve problems, think critically and creatively, with the skill to apply the knowledge they have learnt.  

 

“I will strive to create high values of respect, honesty and integrity in the ethos of the school.  We will endeavour to create a culture of caring and kindness for others and the environment” says Kerr.  It is Kerr’s vision to achieve this through striving for best practice in every classroom, encouraging innovation, critical thinking and high academic standards ensuring that every child reaches their potential in every aspect of their school-life.

 

“Northcliff Primary is an outstanding school, with an excellent track record. I feel privileged to have been chosen as the principal to take this school forward to new heights” said Kerr in closing.