Joy McGilton will retire in the next few weeks as principal after more than 40 years of teaching at Tamboerskloof Primary School. This kind of commitment to the education profession is rare these days as many young people prefer other career paths.
Under the astute guidance of Missus McGilton the school began many positive relations over the decades. This included opening the school to the local orphanage so that deprived children could have the same schooling as fee paying children.
Tambi as it is fondly referred to – is a safe and secure multi-cultural haven where children of different races and religions learn and play. Under Joy McGilton the school retained focus on the tradition of reading, writing and arithmetic but also forged a modern learning program which includes the use of computer white board technology.
As principal she kept a steady hand on the staffing, many of whom has taught at the school for decades often in the same grade and actual classroom.
Joy McGilton patiently steered me and the other governing members for almost a decade to develop the material and spiritual growth of Tamboerskloof Primary. Whenever issues were prickly it was her maturity, experience and wisdom that guided our collective progress.
Everyday working with her was a learning experience and her humility is rare in today’s cut throat work environment. We often consulted telephonically, via email and in person on most mundane issues as Joy McGilton was a stickler for rules and regulations and rightly so.
The community of Tamboerskloof Primary School including the parents, learners, educators, auxiliary staff and surrounding suburbs of Tamboerskloof, Bokaap, Walmer Estate and Upper Woodstock thanks Joy McGilton for her years of dedication and service.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Ismail reward you for your years of effort.
Cllr Yagyah Adams
Chairperson of Governing Body
Tamboerskloof Primary School