The GPS takes you in between flats when you drive to Elnor Primary in Elsies River. Preconceived ideas pop into your head.
One expects to see a dilapidated, graffiti-covered and gangster-controlled school. But on entering the gates of the school one is confronted with a well-kept garden and a functioning food garden. The walls are neatly painted and not even a piece of paper is on the ground.
“We are a very proud school,” said principal Mark Agulhas. “I do not walk past a piece of paper and I want to instil that in all the staff and learners.”
One of his teachers, Dillon Henwood, was recently crowned provincial winner in the annual teacher’s award, and TygerBurger wished to find out what was being done at this school which, for the second year in a row, produced a winner. Last year it was Agulhas himself.
“When I arrived here the school was in a bad state. Academically and the infrastructure was falling apart. My team and I worked hard to bring things up to standard, but it is a continuous job. I taught at a privileged school before I came here; but we do not only want to be like those schools but wish to surpass them. I have a hardworking team and we are focused on achieving our goal.”
When Agulhas proudly walks one through the school he shows the tiles in the walkways where there once was tar, the printing room that was once a storeroom, the new paint, the play area for the juniors, the garden, the staff bathrooms . . .
“The teachers do not wear casual wear to school; we have ‘civvies’ days for that. We dress professionally, and it shows the learners we take pride in who we are. We have a strict uniform policy.”
Henwood could have chosen any other private school, but he chose to come to Elnor. “When I came for the interview the principal took me through the community. When I was offered the position I declined at first, but I called back because I wanted to make a difference.”
Agulhas described Henwood as a “legend” of the school and the community. “He likes to give compliments out,” Henwood, Excellence in Primary School Teaching (Grades 1–7) award winner, smiled.
“I dedicate my whole life to this school and the learners. I just want the best for every learner and give them the opportunities that they deserve. You are aware of the community that these children come from. They need all the assistance they can get.”
When Henwood arrived at the school and in the community it was a huge culture shock for him. “I was shocked at how some things are just accepted as the norm, such as gunshots. But my biggest thing is the non-involvement of parents in their children’s schooling. Most just don’t care. Not even about hygiene.”
Agulhas said Henwood goes looking for his learners if they do not attend school.
He confirmed this. “I want to make sure they complete their schooling. If no-one cares I want to be the one that cares. If a child is not bathed I will go and see the parents to talk about it. If he is absent I will go and look for him, and if it continues I will pick him up in the mornings.”
Henwood said he had some difficult days at the school. “I had learners test positive for drugs. I had to take those results to the parents. I have also been to the houses of gangster parents. That was a bit awkward.”
The motivation for the award he received reads as follows: “Henwood has poured himself into starting a feeding programme and food garden at school that serve approximately 400 meals a day to vulnerable learners and community members. This is aligned with the school’s regular feeding scheme programme. His Dignity Programme also provides toiletries, sanitaryware, stationery and clothing to underprivileged learners and families on an ongoing basis. He arranges school tours aligned to CAPS-curriculum content, which he also aligns to the varied interests of the learners. Excursions to sport stadiums and universities speak of his desire to develop holistic and well-rounded learners. Truancy and absenteeism are addressed by him visiting learner homes before school as early as 06:00 and collecting learners who have absented themselves from school.
“Mr Henwood epitomises teaching learners to dream beyond their circumstances. He sets the example and shows a genuine, sincere love for both the learners and the community he serves.”
For his part this dedicated educator said although it is nice to receive an award for his work, he hoped it shines light on what they want to achieve at the school. “Our work here is not done. We are fighting to give these learners a fighting chance out there in a world beyond Elsies River.”
While TygerBurger was leaving Henwood saw two boys walking past the school. He approached them and spoke to them through the fence about not being at school.
The school is in need of food for the food kitchen and is also in the process of kitting the children out for different sports codes.
If you want to join the staff of Elnor Primary and make a difference in the lives of learners, contact Agulhas on 084 250 1645 or Henwood on 082 588 7990.
