St. Francis School Faculty & Staff

Judy Volschenk

Fifth Grade

I teach 5^th grade at St. Francis School, and have done so since 1997. Additionally, I am the Elementary School coordinator.

I am a transplanted South African, whose primary language is English. I came here from Durban, South Africa – after a long career as an educator in that country. Although South African educational qualifications are somewhat different, by American standards I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

I achieved twenty-two years of experience in education in South Africa, in various positions, before coming to St. Francis School in Austin. I began in an elementary school in Durban, was promoted several times according to the teaching hierarchy there, becoming, successively, Acting Head of Department, Vice-Principal, Head of Department, Acting Principal and, finally, Principal. I served, as well, on the Subject (Curriculum) Committee for Geography. Before I left the country, I received a “Long Service Certificate” in recognition of over 20 years of continuous and devoted service to the Public Educational System of the Republic of South Africa.

During my time in South Africa, I was always involved with, and supportive of, student athletics. I founded the Durban Primary Schools’ Hockey Association, and I served on the committee for many years. I was a qualified Track and Field Official, for which I received awards. I also officiated at a number of swimming competitions. Additionally, I served as an executive member of the Durban South Sports Council, where I worked to promote the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and groups to participate in sports. Here in America, my main sports interest has become tennis – my son Matthew is an avid tennis player. Many weekends are spent watching him play in various venues across Texas.

Time left over for hobbies is generally spent reading, gardening, and walking.

On a personal note: while still living in South Africa, I visited my sister and her family in Austin in 1996. After visiting a number of schools, I made the decision to move here permanently. I returned home; but due, in part, to my sister’s determination and tenacity (she knew Barbara Porter), Barbara offered me the 5^th Grade teaching position at St. Francis in April of 1997. I will always be greatly indebted to Barbara for “taking a chance” in hiring me – considered that our interview was conducted, not in person, but over an inter-continental telephone call!

Once the position at St. Francis was offered and accepted, I faced a great trial. It was necessary to resign my position as Principal, to sell my house, and to complete the bureaucratic process involved in acquiring a visa. I was supposed to arrive in America by August 1, 1997 but – inexplicably – my work visa was sent to the Congo instead of to South Africa. I eventually made my way to St. Francis by August 14, arriving on a Friday – before Parent/Student Orientation on Monday – and being introduced to an empty classroom – not a stick of furniture, not anything! Naturally, I needed to have my classroom completely set up over the weekend and ready to go by Monday.

Somehow, I did. What an introduction to a new school in a new country – one, I hasten to add, that I have grown to love and care for!

I love the diversity of St. Francis School and all that it represents. I appreciate the fact that I am allowed to be creative, to try new ideas, and that I am encouraged to be the best that I can be. The emphasis at St. Francis is the individual growth and development of each student – and not simply preparing the student to succeed at arbitrary, standardized tests. St. Francis is a “cut above” most other schools precisely because each child’s needs are addressed on an individual basis. A tremendous effort is made to ensure the success of every single student. I have always believed that, in education, the individual child must come first.

Since arriving at St. Francis, I have been treated with great kindness and generosity. People often ask me when or if I am “going back home.” I look at them strangely – because the USA has become my home. Hopefully, my “Green Card” should arrive shortly; then I will be truly blessed to be a permanent resident – not only of a wonderful school, but also of an incredible country.