- Leon Kapp, the principal of Maitland High School, is retiring after 31 years of dedicated service at the school.
- Kapp began his career at the school as a new teacher and eventually became principal.
- He reflects on the changes in education, the challenges, and the rewards.
“Make your parents proud.” These are the departing words Leon Kapp, principal at Maitland High School, wants to impart to his learners as he vacates the school after more than three decades.
When the school bell rings at 15:00 tomorrow (31 July) to mark the end of the school day, it will also mark Kapp’s last day at the school as he retires after 31 years.
Kapp explains that he first walked through the gates of the school fresh out of university on 1 January 1993, and never left.
“I walked into this school as a brand-new teacher. I remember I arrived early that morning, no one else was at the school. I walked through the premises and I thought to myself ‘I wonder what it would be like to be the principal’?”
ALSO READ | Young man shows zest for life
Kapp explains that he often uses himself as an example when he encourages learners to pursue their dreams.
“When I finished matric, I wasn’t planning on studying. I got a job to try and help at home. Times were tough and I wanted to earn some money. I didn’t plan to study education.”
He explains that after a few years, he decided to pursue a degree in education.
A career choice he never looked back on. In fact, he now believes he always had a passion for young people.
“I think I was born with a gift to work with young people. I have this ability to connect with people since I was a child.”
Changes
According to Kapp, teaching and learning have changed significantly over the past three decades.
“Things were different back then. Technology was not as well advanced as it is today. I actually feel sorry for teachers today because there are so many variables that they deal with not only teaching and learning. Discipline is also a major factor; classes are much larger. There are also many social ills in the community, which then spill over into the school.”
He explains that despite the challenges there are also many rewards.
“It always warms my heart when I meet an ex-learner, and that learner who is now an adult, thank you for assisting them. I once met a learner who told me that I was her lifeline at one time because I accepted her at the school. She eventually completed matric and did so well. I also had many ex-learners’ children now attending school here.”
Kapp says when he started there were only 300 learners at the school, today there are over 1 000 learners.
He adds that he was appointed principal in 2020, during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. A task he describes as daunting at the time.
ALSO READ | Principal retires after 40 years
The principal says his motto has always been to be good to others.
“We are blessed at this school; about 95% of the learners are well-behaved. There are those naughty ones, but they are the minority. I am strict in my own way and the learners know that.”
Kapp explains that the school will always hold a special place in his heart.
“I will miss the children. When I walked around some would give hugs, others would shake my hand. I will miss the art of teaching and sharing knowledge with the learners.”
But as much as he will miss the education sector, Kapp is also counting down the hours to his retirement.
“I will spend the first few months doing nothing. I want to sleep late, drink coffee and read the newspaper. I will take my dog for a walk and spend much-needed time with my family. I have a new grandchild, so that is exciting. I also hope to do some travelling.”
Be your best
The current deputy principal Gail Fourie will take over in an acting capacity until a new principal is appointed.
Kapp wished his successor well on her journey.
“Try to always be your best, for yourself, the staff, and the learners. Every day is not the same, but give it your best shot.”
ALSO READ | Retiring principal Lee-Ann Kannemeyer reflects on 17 years of dedication to deaf education
He thanked learners, staff and the community for supporting him over the last few years.
“I have worked with many people at the school and within the community. I am thankful to each person for the role they have played. I will empty my desk, but I hope they will not stop supporting the school.”
To the learners, the principal says: “Give your best, work hard and honour your parents. Be different from your cousin or the person in the street and make your parents proud.”
