The new principal of the St Michael’s School for Girls wants to create a school community where everyone cares for each other – teachers for children and vice versa.
Noéline Stumpfe started off as the 20th principal of St Michael on 1 November.
From January to October, she was the acting principal. She said it is an absolute honour and blessing to be at the head of a school so steeped in history.
“Now is our time to make a positive contribution that will stand out 150 years form now as one of the most successful times in the school’s history,” she said.
She wants to continue with quality education that her predecessors at the school established. The 100% pass rate that the matric learners achieved over the last 43 years is one of the school’s outstanding achievements. She wants to extend the cultural and sport activities at the school and want to further enrich the lives of learners.
Stumpfe says although the school boasts a matric average of 71,9%, one should never think that you have reached the top of success. She says they will also aim for a spot in the top 50 or top ten in the province.
For her, kindness is one of the highest forms of intelligence, but she feels it is something seldom seen in the busy world of today.
After 30 years in education, Stumpfe says the energy and enthusiasm of the learners still make her passionate about her work.
“They are well informed, and they are not scared to speak up. It is the school’s vision to form independent, competent and confident young women that will deliver worthy and constructive contributions to South Africa and the world.”
Her husband, Karl, is a professional hunter in Namibia. Their son, Edrich, has a degree in actuary science and is now completing his master’s degree in mathematical statistics at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Their daughter, Lienke, is a third year nursing student at the UFS.
