CAPE TOWN– A new principal is looking forward to leading Fish Hoek Primary and taking the school to new heights.
Linda Clarke-Farr, a veteran in the teaching profession, will officially take reigns as principal on Wednesday 1 October.
Farr has previously taught at Tygerhof Primary School in Milnerton, teaching in the Intermediate and Senior Phase.
She is a born and bred Capetonian with two sisters.
“I went to school in the Northern Suburbs, enjoying the academic, sporting and social aspects of school life. I think I always knew that teaching was the career for me. I studied at the Cape Town College of Education in Mowbray, and it was while I was studying that I met my now husband. We celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary this year,” she says.
After completing her studies she embarked on her teaching career at Tygerhof Primary.
“Teaching in a small school meant that I gained much experience in all aspects of the academic and extra-mural programme of the school. It was a happy experience and a real time of growth as a teacher. I started teaching at Fish Hoek Primary in 1993 as a Grade 4 (teacher),” she said.
During this time, she taught all the grades from Grade 4 to Grade 7, as well as spending a few years in the sports department heading up girls physical education.
The appointment marks Farr’s first role as the principal.
“I have been in the acting principal role at Fish Hoek Primary since January this year. I am excited to take our school forward and to build on its very deep and firm foundations, continuing to develop our learners holistically within a caring and secure environment. We have a dedicated and passionate staff who go above and beyond to ensure that our learners’ needs are met and that they are able to grow, develop and thrive. We are moving towards our centenary celebrations in 2028, and I am proud to be part of a school with a distinguished history,” she says.
When asked about some of the highlights of her teaching career so far, she said: “Introducing Grade 7 back into our school in 2007 was a definite highlight, especially as I was given the grade head position and, together with my team of Grade 7 teachers, we developed the curriculum and made plans to ensure that our learners received the very best education within a caring and nurturing environment. I also loved my time in the sports department of our school, where I could put my phys ed qualification to good use.”
She also credits the mentorship she received from various Fish Hoek Primary School’s previous principals.
“As for challenges – yes, there are many, but if you have a passion for what you do, you are happy to find ways to overcome them and move forward,” Farr says.
Her goals for the school include embracing technology in a responsible manner, and to provide specific leadership development and extension opportunities for their learners.
“We are a community oriented school and will be exploring ways to embark on various charitable ventures, as well as engaging our community at our school. Staff well-being lies close to my heart and I aim to provide a happy, caring and supportive environment for staff to excel and bring their best to our learners. The theme that I spoke to when I applied for this position was ‘It’s time to soar’ and I believe that, as a team, that is exactly what we can achieve,” she said.
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