GQEBERHA – After more than four decades in the classroom, Astra Primary School principal, Helma Boggenpoel, is retiring, bringing to a close a 44-year teaching career.
Boggenpoel began her journey at the school in 1982 and has remained there ever since.
“I have been in teaching for 44 years, and I started my journey here at Astra Primary School,” she said. “I always wanted to be a teacher – it is something that is in my blood.”
Teaching runs deep in her family. Her late father served as principal of Van Der Kemp Primary School, while six of her siblings also became educators.
“Teaching is in our family. It was a calling for all of us. If I had to choose any job, I would still go into teaching,” she shared.
Despite her long career, Boggenpoel said leadership was never her driving ambition.
“My ambition was never to be a principal. My life revolved around making learners’ lives better. It was never about position or status – it was about making a difference.”
Her approach to teaching extended far beyond the classroom.
“As a young teacher, I said to myself I wouldn’t just have cake and cooldrink in my ,class. I would cook for the children, and we played Secret Santa at Christmas because you never know who had eaten that day,” she said.
“When children see me, they remember those moments. Those are the things that stay with them.”
Over the years, she has witnessed the school’s growth and transformation, particularly in its facilities and community initiatives.
“We recently had the opening of our astro turf, with material shipped all the way from Holland. I’ve seen the school grow from hockey astro turfs to soccer astro turfs, and we now also have a vegetable garden where we harvest produce,” she said.
She said these developments reflect a broader mission to uplift the community, despite the challenges faced by a no-fee school.
“That is the difference we want to make. The previous principal said the school must stand out in the community. We must make a difference,” she said.
Having taught up to four generations of learners, Boggenpoel has developed a deep understanding of the community she serves.
She believes that while times have changed, core values in education should remain.
“It is not the same type of child you are teaching now, but to keep to values, old school is still the best. To me, it is about getting the best out of the child,” she said.
Astra Primary currently has 1,121 learners, from Grade R to Grade 7. Despite financial and social challenges, the school continues to offer a wide range of activities.
“Many children cannot play sport because of finances or distance, but we still offer chess, rugby, soccer, tennis, hockey and choir. We do things beyond our circumstances,” she said.
Reflecting on her retirement, Boggenpoel said she is not stepping away entirely.
“I will probably still be involved in marketing at the school. The alumni are very strong – many have become doctors and lawyers, and they still give back to the school,” she said.
She is also looking forward to spending time with family, including visiting her eldest daughter in the United Kingdom.
“I live in Aspen Heights, I am married with three daughters and four grandchildren,” she shared.
While she is ready for the next chapter, leaving the school will not be easy.
“I will miss this school. It was part of my life – it was my everything. But there is a time to come and a time to go,” she said.
“I never realised that 44 years would go so quickly though.”
Even in retirement, Boggenpoel plans to remain active in school life, particularly through sport.
“I am still involved in school sport – I am a hockey coach,” she said.
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