Two months ago Merryvale Special School said goodbye to Dr Sharon Townsend, after 26 years of being a teacher and then principal. Gerda Saayman has been a teacher at the school for almost 17 years and her journey started in middle phase, before moving to neutral phase and junior phase. Saayman then later became the Head of Department of the Occupational Phase, then one of the deputy principals, and has now been named principal.
“Andile Nogaga, our EDO, and Paul Hand, our SGB chairperson, informed me and the staff that I was going to be the new principal,” said Saayman.
Just like her predecessor, Saayman is passionate about the school. Some of her favourite things are the unconditional love and gratitude that the learners display towards the staff, and the cooperation between all staff, the parents and the community.
“We are a family! Great school culture is not an accident. It happens when we recognise that we all depend on each other, and then work together to create supportive, caring conditions for everyone – learners, staff, parents and guests,” she expressed.
During her time as principal, Saayman is hoping to create more awareness in the community to see the learners’ abilities, and to ensure job opportunities for Merryvale Special School leavers.
“The community must see the ability in disability. Therefore, I invite everyone to visit the school to see the capabilities of our learners. When most people hear ‘disability’, they think the person is not capable of doing anything. I can assure you that all our learners are talented and capable of doing something,” she said.
“I also want to be part of the improvement of our learners’ entrepreneurial skills so that they can apply these skills they learned at Merryvale after school, to contribute to their basic needs. I am looking forward to the opening of our Autistic wing in January 2024.
Merryvale’s recently-retired principal, Dr Sharon Townsend, started with planning before the Covid-19 pandemic,” Saayman revealed.
Saayman said that she has a sincere love, passion and compassion towards all that is Merryvale, the learners, staff and parents.
“It is a privilege to be part of such a diligent family that wants to develop each learner holistically, on their way to adulthood.
“I will plan, evaluate and act accordingly for constant improvement. I will work effectively with all stakeholders; DOE, SGB, staff, learners and parents. I believe in my ability to build influence, maintain a strong system of communication, inspire employees, and keep them motivated to perform well, and lead compassionately while staying humble,” Saayman vowed. “My aim is to become a great leader who has the courage to fulfil my vision from passion and not position.
“I kindly invite everybody to visit Merryvale to see what amazing work is done here, and the amount of sincere love that is shared to create a safe and loving environment for each learner,” she concluded.
“Mrs Saayman and I started on the same day at Merryvale School, January 1, 2007. She has a very infectious laugh, a work ethic of note and has a love for our learners that goes beyond what is expected of an educator. She is approachable in any problem situation and prides herself with a hands-on approach. Her warm and caring personality, high work ethic and positive attitude towards the learners and staff, make her a perfect fit to the principal’s role at Merryvale. She has accomplished so much and it’s a privilege to work with her,” said Saayman’s colleague, Tania Brown.
Another teacher at the school, Shannon Bekker, also mentioned Saayman’s passion for all special needs and that she has the learners’ best interest at heart. “She is deserving of her role at our school, and we know we are in the best of hands. The fact that she has an open door policy, and shows kindness and respect to each person she comes in to contact with, is a reflection of the type of person and principal she is, and we know she will make a great success of her new role.”
