Westside celebrates 40 years

Precious Nghituanapo
The school was established in 1977 with only 190 learners as the English High School, now known as Westside High School, founded by Mr Thompson and managed by him for 10 prosperous years. Today Westside is managed by Ms Tanya Louw.
Recently, Westside High School along with learners in grade 11 and 12 presented their official opening, with a great attendance of former principles, former learners and former teachers, parents and the community in all. Along with invited guests such as Mr John Awaseb, Director of Education for the Erongo Region and Mr Olivier, Swakopmund Circuit Inspector.
Mr Niel van Wyk, strongly expressed the importance of remembrance. “We remember because it is a continuity of our lives, the things we build and invest in”. He concluded the welcoming remarks with a prayer, giving all thanks to the Lord for 40 years of growth and development, and for the successful people who are products of this school.
During her remarks, Ms Tanya Louw, Principle of Westside stated that for the past 40 years have been happy and successful years, defined by happy memories, a number of outstanding achievements and enduring relationships. “Education ensures that we leave the world a better place then how we found it. This is why for the past 40 years, we as the teachers of Westside High School not only concentrate on teaching our learners to excel academically but also to acquire values to face challenges of the 21st century”.
Our beloved principal out of her own generosity, kindness and love for the school and learners renovated, painted and decorated the school play grounds.
“We work hard to create a culture that takes care of our learner’s academically, emotionally and socially and welcomes support to the school in this regard.”
Few of the achievements Westside has under the belt include Best Primary School in the Swakopmund circuit for 2013 and The Best Namibia Senior Secondary School Certificate Higher Level Government School in the Erongo region for 2016.
“All the successes we have enjoyed are possible because of the partnership with co-operative and caring parents, a committed staff and a supportive community. We pray that our school reaches even greater heights so that our learners can make meaningful contributions not only as Namibians but as world citizens.”
The Director of Education, Mr John Awaseb, was delighted and honoured to be at the official opening. “There is a rich history at this school. Westside High School graduates can be seen all over the country making significant contributions to the economy. For 40 years the school has changed dramatically with regard to the curriculum, structurally, administration and admission of learners. ”
He applauded students of Westside High School on being the most disciplined learners in Swakopmund. He also applauded all former principals and teachers stating that they were the pillars of the school. He also pledge his support to make sure the school receives everything they need, as ‘it has been the one school that has a very good working relation with the regional office’.
Showcasing the talent Westside High has, Erika Tjongarero, a grade 9 learner sang a lovely song by Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball, leaving the audience in awe. Another performance was also given by Verdal Malander.
Mrs Meyer, former principal of Westside High said, “the heart of every school is the staff. I never worked with a staff as loving and devoted as those of Westside High. The learners have a reputation of accepting and welcoming anyone in the Westside family. The legacy built by the past students is still building on.”
Mr Thompson, founding principal of Westside said, “in the first three years of its existence the school occupied three different buildings, very much like the Israelites wandering in the desert. By then the school was ready to face the radical change to open the school to all well before Independence, and was further prepared to become a high school overnight. This school has always been ready to accept all challenges that have crossed its path.”
He further explained that it was no random choice to have the Oryx as the symbol of the school. “Not only is it a beautiful animal, but above all the Oryx can easily adapt its environment.”
Ms Kadhila, Principal of Hanganeni Primary School came in her capacity as the parent of a former learner to show appreciation towards the school for what they have done for her son. Her son now holds a Certificate, Bachelors and Honours Degree in Logistics and is now studying law. She donated blankets to the schools sickbay as a token of appreciation.