A SOMERSET East-born woman rewrote the history books this week by becoming the first woman to be appointed principal of Gill College since the school’s establishment.
Shirley Elizabeth Slater-Billet was introduced to the staff of the school yesterday (8 August). Significantly, this took place only a day prior to the celebration of National Women’s Day.
Gill College in Somerset East provides education for learners from Grade R to Grade 12. It is one of only a few schools in the Midlands region that has been maintaining a 100% pass rate for matriculants over the past years.
An elated Slater-Billet told Mid-Karoo Express that she was over the moon about her appointment at the school that happens to be so close to her heart.
“My two sons Francesco and Marcellino are both true Gillians who attended the school from grade R right up to obtaining their matric certificates. All my nephews and nieces attended Gill where they received beyond quality education,” said Slater-Billet.
“For me it is a real honour and a privilege to be appointed the first female head of the school. It is proof of the gigantic steps our country has taken towards gender equality and the empowering of women.”
She received her tertiary education at Dower Training College in Port Elizabeth after which she studied at NMMU. She completed her B.Ed. Honours degree through the University of Pretoria and she is currently engaged in her Masters degree in Applied Languages.
She started her teaching career at St Theresa’s Catholic School in Somerset East. She taught for some years at Aeroville Secondary School and was later appointed (HOD) at Gill. In 2015 she was appointed Subject Advisor in the Sarah Baartman District.
Slater-Billet is no stranger to the Gill environment. She served the school for many years as foster parent, parent and also served on the Governing Bodies of both schools, thus equiping her with a good understanding of the school’s culture and tradition.
In her 34 years as an educator she has developed strong research and organisational skills, communication skills, interpersonal as well as critical thinking skills.
Her working experience also include that of having been a manager, leader, examiner, moderator, senior marker as well as Umalusi evaluator. She will be assuming duty at her alma mater on the 1st of September. “That is the first day of spring and also my first day for new beginnings,” an elated Slater-Billet said.
The date of her formal induction is still to be announced.
