An Appeal to the Redhill Community

We need Mrs P to stay! Miller wouldn't be the same without her!

As everyone would agree, Redhill wouldn't be what it is, and our fond memories of our high school careers wouldn't be what they are, if it wasn't for Mrs Pinheiro. Not only has she built such an amazing reputation for our school, but she is wise beyond all our years combined and she has taught all of us invaluable lessons, that have nothing to do with a syllabus but with life. It's none of my business why this amazing person has resigned but if she, deep down, actually wants to stay at Redhill and continue to touch peoples lives the way she has, every single person that is capable of ensuring she stays, must do everything in their power to hold on to her because you will never find anyone that would take time out of their own lives to immerse themselves in each students progress to ensure their success and who goes above and beyond what the IEB requires. She is a very rare kind of teacher that takes time to ensure each student is able to express themselves and who facilitates such profound conversations about life and their lessons and leaves you in awe of her wisdom and the way she views life. I hope you find someone that could fulfill what this woman has created, but it's going to be an extremely treacherous search as you will never find someone remotely close. To not ensure you show Mrs P how much Redhill values her, will leave you with a huge amount of regret. The lessons you have taught me, Mrs P have gone beyond my Matric certificate , in fact they have allowed me to get into university in another continent... And just that small detail is testament to her dedication. I'll pray for Redhill if you let this influential woman go, because Redhill will surely need it.

There is one element that sets Redhill apart from all other schools - the teachers! We love Mrs P, whatever she does and wherever she goes, she wil be cherished! She is a truly fantastic woman. Much love and thanks ma'am.

Very sad to hear of Mrs Pinheiro's dismissal, can't seem to understand the reason for the this.

It has become clear that numerous people within the Redhill Community have heard about the situation involving Mrs Pinheiro and the fact that a petition has been established means that - finally - I am provided an opportunity to share some of my thoughts on this process with my fellow Redhillians. I will try to remain as objective as possible, although this presents itself as a challenging task...Please try to understand, also, that this is not a plea for help or for more signatures - I want merely to express myself in what I view as a safe and protected space. For many months, I have not been proud of the fact that I attended Redhill School for nine years. Instead, I have come to view Redhill as a place from which I wish that I could disassociate myself entirely. The trauma that my family has experienced has altered our lives in a manner that, to this day, I find difficult to accept. Although Mrs Pinheiro cannot and will not comment on the situation, I want to say this as a person who has been close to her throughout this difficult period of time: I have witnessed the overwhelming nature with which she has been given love, care, kindness and support, and I have seen also that it has succeeded in lifting her spirits considerably. I want to thank each and every individual responsible for initiating this process - it takes courage and fierce love and pride to do something like this for somebody else. Finally, please allow me a little space to be 'the daughter' here, and in doing so, forgive me for being slightly more subjective than I intended: Mrs Pinheiro has not existed as my mother only. There were many occasions throughout our time at Redhill on which she served as 'the mommy' to a child in need - always exhibiting love and kindness that I both envied and admired. I am; however, so filled with happiness to know that her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Please keep the phone calls and text messages coming - they are making such a difference. Thank

I don't know the meaning behind Mrs P's resignation, but she is an amazing teacher and has changed the life of many students. She is a mentor leader and advisor and a true asset to the redhill family.

Truly saddened by this news. I have heard rumours about how much the school has changed over the years but I find this change the most drastic, unnecessary and disappointing of it all. Mrs P is an exceptional teacher, mentor, mother and friend. I had the privilege of developing a special friendship with her and it was this friendship that saw me through some of the best and worst times especially in my matric year. Mrs P held my hand, dried my tears and gave me a space to vent when it was needed. Without her guidance, support and influence on my life, I would never have received 4 distinctions in my matric year (including english) especially whilst dealing with the impending death of my father. In addition, I would not have been able to graduate my honours degree with distinction 4 years later nor complete a 30 000 word thesis with distinction without her influence and interest in cultivating my passion for English. Lastly, I think that letting go of a teacher of this calbre would be truly amiss. Not only would Redhill be losing one of their finest education assets, but someone who really cares about their students and their entire learning experience. Best wishes to Gabi, Tino, Fabs and of course the amazing Mrs P. xxxx

It’s not expected that the primary focus of any teacher be the constant drive for popularity – we expect that from Grade 11’s before handover, not from our mentors. The duty of a teacher is to make sacrifices in order most effectively to broaden the minds of her students – during Apartheid, the best teachers were the ones who risked everything in sharing not the government’s propaganda, but the truth, with their students. If the best teacher is the one most adored by her colleagues, if teachers therefore exist not for the benefit of their children, but for other teachers, then adults are no wiser than school kids; a teacher should be measured by her inspiration of students, by the power of their thoughts and beliefs sparked from her – not by how much other teachers like her. The creation of this petition is testament to our adoration of Mrs P, and if anyone needs it further spelt out, that we students adore our teacher, they need only read the surrounding comments – to see that on top of her brilliant professional skill (e.g. it’s thanks to her that Redhill has produced Gauteng’s “Best Speaker” in the provincial competition six times – this year was the third year in a row), Mrs P’s gift to her students isn’t only her raising them up to distinctions, but, more uniquely, her emboldening of their spirit through her love of life, and love of us. The social dynamics of the adults at our school aren’t something relevant here; we worry about the children at school finding a good group of friends and getting along with one-another – not the teachers. With the teachers, the concern is whether they’re instilling the right values in their students, spurring them to be great, galvanising their independent spirits and arousing their awareness of their freedom – it’s from Mrs P that we wrought the tools to make us Free to Build. It’s from Mrs P that we were shown that Every Child Counts. Mrs P is a world-class teacher who has built us into leaders for our time. In ‘Harry Pott

Interesting remarks Mr Poultney. What comes through clearly is the value that Mr Baker and Redhill have put on Mrs Pinheiro as a professional and as a member of the Redhill family. What's also known is Mrs Pinheiro's equal love for and commitment to Redhill and its students. In light of these two facts, the question must be asked - why was it so difficult to reach a compromise? What did Mrs Pinheiro demand that made her departure inevitable?

12 years ago Featured

I most certainly would not be the individual that I am today without the love, care and support of Mrs Pinheiro. I have yet to meet someone who believed in me so wholeheartedly whilst I was in school. She is the epitome of a true Redhillian and it would be unfortunate for future Redhillians not to get the chance to receive the 'Pinheiro Experience'. There are very few people who are as committed to and passionate about their job as she is. She would go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that we received the best out of school. I cannot imagine a Redhill without Mrs P.

12 years ago Featured

Thanks to Mrs Pinheiro's dedication and brilliant teaching, our daughter has obtained firsts at university and has been asked to major in english.

12 years ago Featured

I have been out of the Redhill system for 4 years now, but I will always remember Mrs. P. Whatever the reason behind her resignation, she should be treasured enough to be able to remain a part of the Redhill family.

12 years ago Featured

Mrs P was a huge part of my education. This is an outrage. Personal relationships are no grounds for the dismaissal of such a fine woman and teacher.