Ms Barnard joined the Riebeek team  as an English teacher in January 2018. She established herself as a a true lover of having fun with language. Ms Barnard self identifies as "puntastic". 
Ms Barnard has taught English, coached Debating and facilitated the Inter-house Plays. It is clear that her teaching philosophy of "if you can't make a mistake,  you can't make anything" runs through all of her activities, as the girls Ms Barnard has worked with are always encouraged to grow from their mistakes. 
There is no mistaking which classroom in the top corridor is hers. The pinboard outside, which is decorated with logic puzzles, brain teasers, tongue twisters and literary quotes, is a teaser of what lies ahead. Inside Ms Barnard's classroom, it is evident that this is a teacher that loves teaching with pin boards brightly decorated with learners work, and posters relating to English. 
Debating has grown and flourished with Ms Barnard's passionate coaching. An experienced debater and adjudicator in her own right, Ms Barnard has brought energy and drive to the club. The Alexander Road Debating Festival, the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage Debating League, the Ntsika Debate and Inter-House Debating have been highlights for the club. Ms Barnard reflects that debating has only a little to do with arguing, and so much more to do with empowering young people with critical thinking and language skills, as well as building confidence. 
Ms Barnard leaves us for Parklands College in in Cape Town. She will be missed by the staff, her classes and her debating girls.