Grassy Park principal named one of 2019’s most inspirational principals
17 October 2019
Leah Mohammed, a Grade 6 learner at Kannemeyer Primary School in Grassy Park, nominated the school’s principal, Ridwan Samodien, for being a “magnificent principal’ in the Woolworths Educational Programme and MySchool Teacher’s Day national competition.
The judges agreed and Samodien received special recognition at an award ceremony in Gauteng.
Leah commended Samodien for seeing the talents in each learner and creating a happy atmosphere at school where learners are encouraged to always do their best. “Mr Samodien is passionate about giving the best to the learners and making the school a place where children want to be at every day. We feel we belong here.”
She mentioned the principal’s fund raising initiatives to build a school hall, a library a science lab and a computer lab.
“For me, Mr Samodien’s biggest intention and encouragement is for children to read every day and as much as they can. Mr Samodien believes that reading brings many windows of opportunity. He always says that reading broadens your thinking, improves your vocabulary, makes you write better and increase your knowledge and makes you a well-rounded person.”
It is the tenth anniversary of the competition and nearly 50 000 entries were received this year.
Pieter Twine, General Manager of the Woolworths Education Programme and MySchool MyVillage My Planet fundraising programme said the annual event encourages South African schools and learners to join in the global celebration of World Teachers Day on 5 October.