New GHS principal humble and passionate

PIETERMARITZBURG Girls High School has appointed Valerie Fowler as its new principal.

She took over from Mary-Ann Akerman, who retired at the end of the first term this year.

Fowler, who has been with the school for over 30 years, said she was taking on the position with humility and a positive spirit, even though she was a bit nervous.

Speaking to The Witness, this passionate teacher praised the schools trail of excellent leaders who came before her and has vowed to follow in their footsteps.

Fowler is the 11th principal at GHS and said it had always been her dream to become a teacher.

“It’s rewarding to interact with young people and if one can influence them positively, then you feel like you’re doing something for the future of the country,” she said.

 Fowler finds her fulfillment in seeing young girls develop in the five-year period they are in school.

She hopes to continue the good work that has already been started by her predecessors.

“I’m ready to take on the new challenges,” she said.

Fowler’s first teaching post was at Epworth School, then at St Annes for a short while, before taking a permanent post at GHS in 1982. She has been the department and subject head for physical education.

According to the schools deputy principal Cathy Trodd, Fowler is a highly organised and meticulous person, who takes on tasks and challenges with great energy and commitment.

“She has coached numerous sports at school, university and provincial level, and has also achieved recognition as coach of the South African womens basketball team,” said Trodd. She added that Fowler held leadership positions on many regional sporting committees at adult and school level.

Fowler graduated from Rhodes University, in Grahamstown, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by a National Higher Education Diploma with History, English and Physical Education as her teaching subjects.

Her interests include sports, photography, English literature and her dogs.

She is a passionate South African and a great supporter of our national teams.

“The whole GHS community can be assured of her commitment to education, and the welfare of the staff and pupils,” said Trodd.

By Gabisile Ngcobo

Caption: Pietermaritzburg Girls High Schools new principal, Valerie Fowler. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Source: Witness