The Rich history of Westside

James Dean Goagoseb
Westside High School,sitauted in Swakopmund, just celebrated their 40th anniversary on 24 June.
Westside High school started off with only a small amount of students being 190 and today have 997 students, that is rise of 807 students within 40 years. Westside High school did not always start off as Westside High school but was originally called the English Medium Primary School then later English High School and then after independence they changed the school to what we all know and love today Westside High School.
The very First principle of the school was Mr. Roland and the most recent principle being Mrs. Louw. The teachers which have been the longest at Westside High for more than 20 years are Mrs. Viviers, Mrs. Kathindi, Mrs. Labuschagne, Mrs. Oosthuisen and Mrs. Hughes and Mrs. Constansia Shimaneni has been a supporting staff member for more than 12 years.
After interviewing some of the teachers that have been at this Westside High School for years we asked them ‘How has it been being at Westside High school for so more than 20 years’ Mrs. .Kathindi said “when I started in 1996, the groups where much smaller. The learners came from an English household which was easier with English.” Mrs. Labuschagne said “After all this time at Westside High School it became my second home, my safe haven and the place I dream about while I am on holiday where I belong!” We also asked if there was anything they have experienced as teachers at this school for those years, Mrs. Kathindi said, “leaners are well hard working, focused and disciplined. Also we as a staff are as a family, there is unity and a good working relationship with one another although some teachers come and go that legacy of the school continues.” Mrs. Labuschagne said, “to answer this question I need to publish a book. There were good times, bad times and sad times. We grew from strength to strength. We always pray that we will not lose our values in God and ourselves. But as a whole it’s good to see all the students grow up to be able to be valuable Namibian citizens.”