Principal a real Riebeek icon

[caption id="attachment_35100" align="alignright" width="300"] SEA THERAPY: Marilyn Woods lunched at Blue Waters Cafe, enjoying a steak and chips. PICTURE: BRIAN WITBOOI[/caption]

RIEBEEK College Girls' High School principal Marilyn Woods, 63, is an institution at the school – she was a pupil at the Uitenhage girls' school, taught there and now leads the school.

The passionate educator met me for lunch at Blue Waters Cafe in Humewood where we had a perfect view of the sea. She enjoyed the steak Diane, a 300g sirloin smothered with mushrooms, bacon and cheese and served with chips and vegetables while drinking a dry lemon.

I picked Blue Waters Cafe because...  I love being near the sea as I find the smell, movement and sound quite therapeutic... and being in education, one regularly needs therapy.

I know I have made it... because I feel content with my life, delighted and grateful to see my sons happily married and thrilled that I was granted many fulfilling years with my soul mate, Russel.

I love my career because... there is never a dull moment. No matter how long you teach, every class is filled with special individuals. It is a privilege to be entrusted with someone else's child and children have such an inherent sense of justice and openness that it keeps one grounded.

I just love being able to be of help to the pupils and the staff at the school, to be able to celebrate all the wonderful little achievements that happen every day in a school.

The secret is to always look for the positive, no matter what the situation. That always gives you a good starting point to solve a challenge. The person who has taught me the most is... My mother had a huge influence on my life as she always taught me that values are vital and that we should honour the fruits of the spirit which crosses the boundaries of all religions and beliefs – joy, love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I share my life with... 800-plus people every week day and my sons – Gareth and Darren and their wives Elana and Theresa – my sisters and their families, all my brothers-in-law and their families and my two precious, loyal, canine companions, Tyler and Minky.

I have a soft spot for ...  young talent. Whether it be in singing, sport, acting, oratory, debating or dancing. I have great admiration for young people who have the courage to perform in front of an audience. I admire their courage and confidence.

I am listening to... I have a passion for a wide variety of music, from the classic musicals to some of the hip hop and rock numbers. I grew up in the Beatlemania era, so will always have a soft spot for their timeless music.

When I was 16... Russel and I were already "going out" for two years. We were childhood sweethearts and I was a regular spectator at the Muir sports events when I was not myself playing hockey or tennis matches.

My weakness is... Probably that I worry far too much.

Nothing makes me happier than... being with my family and knowing that they are safe and happy.

I absolutely hate... ill-mannered, rude and judgmental adults.

I am saving for... holidays and holidays and holidays with all my children whenever possible.

I can't go a day without... a hearty laugh! I particularly enjoy making other people laugh.

My favourite place is... my little beach house at Jeffreys Bay. It is full of the most poignant memories of happy times with my late parents and husband and my children growing up.

- Catherine Richards