Compassionate, energetic, encouraging, and selfless are just a few of the adjectives used by colleagues and past pupils to describe College Hill’s Deputy Principal, Ann Norman. After recently celebrating her silver anniversary (25 years) of service at the preparatory school, she is set to retire at the end of April.
Appointed in 1990, Mrs Norman taught in what was then Sub A, Sub B and Standard One before she was named Deputy Principal in 2016. In between, she also took a sabbatical to raise her two young children. However, during this time she remained firmly involved, acting as both a ‘relief teacher’ and a committed ‘PTA mommy’.
During her tenure as Deputy Principal, she has been instrumental in establishing an incredibly successful remedial curriculum, which proved crucial in the wake of the Coronavirus, and has ardently championed greater parental involvement in learners’ academic careers and progress.
Past pupils fondly remember exciting, interactive lessons spent with the enthusiastic Mrs Norman in her ever bright and cheerful classroom. Indeed, two of College Hill’s current educators passed through the dedicated teacher’s hands and cite her to be an inspiration behind their career choice.
“I am forever grateful and privileged to have both been taught by and worked with Mrs Norman. I have experienced her compassion from a learner’s and teacher’s perspective. Her kindness and understanding shine brightly like a beacon of hope in challenging situations. That beautiful light will be sorely missed once she retires,” said Grade 2 Educator and past learner Lynzy de Lange.
Principal Birgitta Marais added that Mrs Norman’s departure will truly be a bittersweet moment. “No words can describe Mrs Norman’s extraordinary contribution to our beloved school. Perhaps the greatest testament to her quarter of a century of dedicated service and unwavering commitment is College Hill itself, as reflected in the outstanding character of our staff and learners.”
In her Diamond Jubilee Report, Mrs Norman gave insight into why she chose a profession in education. “They (teachers) are a priceless influence (a diamond) in every child’s life, just as each child is a sparkling diamond in theirs, making all their hard work so worthwhile. It is my greatest hope that they (teachers) may look back at the end of fruitful careers and see the tremendously positive impact they had on each little life they encountered.”
An avid birder and keen photographer, Mrs Norman is looking forward to her well-earned leisure time and spending it with her family.
Principal Marais added that though staff and learners alike will deeply miss Mrs Norman, the school wished her only a wealth of blessings and happiness in the next chapter of her life.
