Natalie Thwaits, the principal of Charterhouse Preparatory School in Radiokop, has come a long way.
Thwaits, is one of the founding teachers of the school which was opened in 1998.
She has been the principal for the last seven years and she believes in creating an environment where children feel safe and happy.
“I ensure that children look forward to going to school,” said Thwaits.
She said it is important to ensure children are not just taught academically but also get the opportunity to learn life skills.
The principal added that children have to learn to be proud of themselves and stand tall and it is important to give children continuous recognition and acknowledgement to keep them encouraged.
She further said she has created a ‘principal’s picnic’ for Grade 1 to Grade 3 and a ‘principal’s tea’ from Grade 4 to Grade 7 during which she praises children who have ‘filled up their buckets’.
Thwaits explained good deeds such as tolerance, respect toward each other and kind hardheartedness are seen as ‘bucket fillers’.
“Once the juniors have received 15 bucket fillers and the seniors 10, I reward them with either a picnic or a tea,” said Thwaits.
According to her, this is a good way of teaching children life skills and keeps them encouraged.
Thwaits described herself as passionate, hardworking and an encouraging person who loves her job as principal.
“I love my job and will never change careers. Having the opportunity to be able to have such a positive influence on so many lives is priceless,” said Thwaits.
She said her future goals is to ensure every child who leaves Charterhouse will be equipped to step into the world and face what is out there.
Thwaits concluded by expressing her pride about the numbers for next year.
“We have grown from 53 children to 917. I am so exited for the future of this school and to help build young leaders,” she concluded.
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