News
Voormalige hoofmeisies kom van heinde en verre om skoolhoof te groet
After 17 remarkable years as the principal of Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria, a unique farewell was bid to the popular and beloved Marna Jordaan on September 19.
Jordaan was flown early in the morning by helicopter over the hockey field, where the learners displayed the school’s distinctive blue color on the field.
She was then dropped off by the helicopter at the neighboring rugby field of Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool where she was welcomed by school leaders with flowers and then transported to the balcony of the clubhouse by a golf cart.
Here, the learners, staff, as well as the head girls from the year 2008 to last year, awaited her. The head girls came from far and wide to make the day special for Jordaan.
Her 65th birthday on September 23 was also celebrated with flowers, balloons, cupcakes, and a picnic for the learners.
During a commemorative ceremony, each of the former head girls handed Jordaan a pink rose. She was also serenaded by a learner, Kate Dean.
Tributes were paid to Jordaan’s achievements during her 17 years as principal. Particularly noted were how she placed and led the school on a path of reform in various areas, instilled hope and dedication among the school’s staff, and valued service to others and leadership as core values.
A painting by a former student of the school, Erin-Mae Wallace, depicting the close bond between Jordaan and the students, was presented to her.
Anecdotes and stories about Jordaan’s 17 years were recounted and shared.
Former students especially remembered how Jordaan once jumped fully clothed with them into the swimming pool at once, as well as how on one of her birthdays she was transported “like a queen in a red truck and had to sit on a flower throne”.
However, it was particularly Jordaan’s motto, that through hard work and dedication one can achieve anything, that was repeatedly emphasized.
Jordaan, in her expressions of gratitude, mentioned that she is seldom speechless, but on this magnificent day, she couldn’t say much.
She reflected on the highlights but particularly focused on the pandemic that in 2020 required adjustments from everyone and the way she had to lead her students and staff to almost overnight transition to providing schooling in an online environment.
“When I woke up this morning, it struck me how incredibly grateful I feel towards my Creator for the past 17 years, as well as towards the staff, parents, and students for the time I have been able to serve here. At the beginning of the year, I decided to celebrate this year in every possible way and that is what I have done and am doing again today. The privilege of life is worth celebrating.”
Click here to see more of Marna Jordaan’s birthday helicopter ride.
Do you have more information regarding this story?
Feel free to send us an email at [email protected] or call us at 083-625-4114.
For your daily free community news, visit Rekord’s website: Rekord
Also, visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
