Academic Head’s message

FROM THE ACADEMIC HEAD

About Me

I’ve spent over 15 years in education — in classrooms, boardrooms, staffrooms — leading, teaching, and learning. From teaching Afrikaans FAL across phases to guiding teams as a Head of Department and now as Academic Head, one thing has remained constant: my deep belief in the power of learning to transform lives.

I’m not the kind of educator who sticks to a script. I bring strategy, systems, and heart to everything I do — whether it’s reimagining a curriculum, mentoring a young teacher, or helping a learner finally “get it” after struggling for weeks. My colleagues often say I’m good at “helping people figure stuff out.” It’s true — I love solving puzzles, streamlining processes, and lighting the way when others feel stuck.

I’m a curriculum designer, a systems thinker, a facilitator, a coach — but most of all, I’m a connector. I connect people to possibilities. I connect ideas to action. And I connect learning to growth — personal, academic, and organizational.

My Vision for Education

We’re living in a world where change is constant, and the only true competitive advantage is our ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. That’s why my vision for education isn’t just about academic success — it’s about building human potential.

I want to see schools that are alive with curiosity. Classrooms where learners feel safe enough to speak up, brave enough to fail, and inspired enough to keep trying. I believe in the power of high expectations — but I also believe in high support. I believe in rigour and joy, data and heart, tradition and innovation.

At SBSM, I’m committed to developing learners who lead with empathy, think critically, and act with purpose. I want our teachers to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. I want our academic systems to reflect excellence, but never lose their humanity.

My work is about unlocking potential — in people, in teams, in schools.

And that’s the kind of education that leaves a legacy.