WHS bids Hawie Engels farewell
During his 12 years as Windhoek High School's (WHS) principal, Hawie Engels left a mark on learners’ lives and at the Blue School.Engels will retire as principal in December, but he will still be involved with schools and learners.
After an extended Christmas break, Engels plans to be a mentor and motivational speaker at schools nationwide.
Engels said that immediately after completing his studies and military service, he worked as a teacher for six years and later as head of department at WHS. He then touched young lives at the outdoor school at Aus before entering the private sector for 16 years.
In 2010 he was appointed as WHS's principal.
“I would very much like to farm next year to clear my head, but have decided to implement a mentoring program with our current school board. I am going to take long leave in the first part of the year. Thereafter I will be involved in WHS’s mentoring programme,” he said.
Engels believes that this mentorship programme will provide the opportunity for staff to devote their full attention to academia.
“I don't think people realise the tremendous pressure on teachers. You have to look at all aspects – fast and slow learners; you also have to look at the emotional aspect, but there is not always time. So you have to push to finish.”
According to him, it is precisely the personal development of learners that cultivates successful adults.
“I believe in a holistic approach to education. I think you should go and look at being human; which is the body, soul and spirit. Social development is also important. A learner can be academically strong and get a spot at university, but then struggle to adapt in a large group. So, these are all facets that must be taken care of in education,” he said.
Engels said he is excited to devote his full attention to mentoring.
“One spends a lot of time on areas such as academics and sports, but I don't think we always look at the mental health of our children and life coaching. This is something I did for many years before I became a principal.
“I think it would be a good opportunity to start it at the school and perhaps expand it later.”
WHS's current vice-principal, Dinette de Beer, will temporarily act as principal until the Ministry of Education makes a permanent appointment.