“…Where the needs of the world and your talents cross, there lies your vocation…” – Aristotle
Today, Wednesday, 12 May we celebrate International Nurses Day for 2021. Internationally, the theme for the day this year is ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead – A vision for future healthcare’, and its focus is on changes to and innovations in nursing and how these will ultimately shape the future of healthcare.
For us, today was a chance to celebrate our San Staff: Sr Eva Junkin & Sr Talita Nieman.
The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the invaluable contribution which healthcare workers, and indeed nurses, play in helping to keep people healthy Today, we pay tribute to them – our amazing nursing staff at Kingswood College.
A special mention must also be made of Sr Ellen Starke who retired from the San at the end of 2017, but who has, since the pandemic started, returned to Kingswood in a part-time capacity to assist her colleagues when called on to do so.
Our pupils and staff are incredibly lucky to have these women, along with our school doctor, Dr Fred Oosthuizen, to look after them. The role they play is vital. Their influence, care and willingness to help are always at the forefront of all they do.
No matter the ailment, they are there. No matter how big or small the problem, they are there. No matter what – they are ALWAYS there.
It is no wonder then, that the San has for many a staff member and pupil become a safe haven. Sr Junkin, Sr Nieman and their colleagues have created a space where people feel they are heard, where they can go for a cup of tea or coffee and where they can just “be”.
The small physical stature of Sr Junkin and Sr Nieman is deceptive. These two formidable ladies are actually giants in disguise and forces to be reckoned with. When pupils and staff find themselves in need of help, of whatever kind, they always step into the breach and the best interests of their patients always come above any other consideration
Sr Eva, Sr Talita, Sr Ellen, today we wish to recognise the care, concern and love that you show to all of us.
Spread a little sunshine…
Our littlest Kingswoodians brought some sunshine to our San Sisters this morning to spoil them and to tell them how important their roles are to them.
The Pre-Primary did not stop at the San, but also made special gifts for the nurses of our local Hospital, Settlers Hospital to show them how much they appreciate everything they do for us. We salute not only our own San Sisters, Sr Eva and Sr Talita, but also all healthcare professionals who have worked tirelessly over the last year to help combat the covid-19 pandemic.
