I am Venessa Moodley, and I am the principal of Actonville Primary School.
- What is the most inspiring experience that you had as a Principal?
An educator with passion does not have just one experience. A lifespan of 38 years in Education would give one a myriad of experience, however a highlight was when our learners won a Solar Power Project Presentation and the school was awarded a visit by Prince Albert of Monaco in 2017 to launch the Solar powered lights through the Phillips Foundation. Staff, learners and community were in awe of this experience. It turned out to be the highlight of every educator and learners’ career. The school was given a magnanimous augmenting of its status and reputation.
- What’s your secret power?
SERVICE BEFORE SELF is my signature and branding. I have a warrior spirit, and a passion for knowledge and education. I believe that determination, conscious living, a values-driven approach to existence and spiritual sense, mental stability and emotional balance are key factors to living life. Your only limit is yourself.
- What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened in the classroom?
Seeing our Grade 1 learners attend school with shoes on opposite feet, later even discovering educators wearing mismatched shoe colours to school. Having learners mimic educators and the principal. Trying to keep 1360 learners crouched with heads down whilst we took drone pictures on Mandela Day.
- What do you love most about being a Principal?
My learners are my pride and joy and my staff are my National Treasures. Everyday being a new day and finding a new way. Making dreams becoming a reality. Contending with learners who are hungry literally and figuratively, and meeting Maslow’s Hierarchy of the basic needs of our school population. Securing partnerships to supplement what government offers to schools and placing the lower end of the community on a level beyond psychosocial and physical standing, has been our means of uplifting the needy so we ensure EVERY HUMAN BEING MATTERS.
- What did you want to be when you were little?
My first intention was always to be a Teacher/Principal. A relative of mine was extremely studious so I used to sit in her room and watch her study. I used to be in awe looking at her books. I thought this cousin Pat was super intelligent and wanted to always follow in her footsteps. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. I waivered once at 8 years of age looking at a career in law but that was because of my personal experience of divorced parents. I am ecstatic about being where I am in the educational arena. I worked at department offices as well and was requested to go to a prioritised school as principal. This was the greatest challenge of my career and we have really escalated our school in all focus areas to become an officially recognised ASHOKA CHANGEMAKER SCHOOL.
- Who was your favourite female teacher when you were at school, and why?
Without a doubt my Principal, Mr NC Naidoo from Resmount Primary – an icon in his own right. Mrs Pat Poovalingum, at Girls High School. The most dignified, stern, upright professional in my whole schooling career followed by Mrs Dhana Naidoo my teaching lecturer, who extended her services into my life by becoming our school Inspector, awarding me my merit awards and my first promotion. I am extremely proud to say that she is still my mentor and daily inspiration in my career now. The guidance and support continued to flow through my 38 years of teaching to present.
- During this pandemic, what advice would you give to your learners and other educators?
I was one of the early COVID-19 patients as early as March when I closed school for term one. I was also hospitalised twice. I was in total isolation for 38 days.
The pandemic has placed us on little islands in lockdown but we all still have a deep connection through our hearts. Your breath is your greatest asset. Life is defined by no other means but the breath. You are a non-entity without it. Eliminate all FEAR. It is not a solution.
Observe the COVID-19 protocols and adhere to best hygiene practice. Do not compromise the health of other individuals. Be responsible. Medicate, screen and isolate for your own safety.
Breathe in positivity. Breathe out negativity. You are worthy of good health. Tend to your body with a healthy diet and exercise programme, most importantly be a blessing unto the world and start to appreciate our Earth as a planet that needs nurturing.
