The principal of Primrose Hill Primary School, Sylvia Tlou, has made the school proud after being awarded second place in the Gauteng National Teaching Awards for excellence in leadership.

This is a remarkable recognition of her dedication to education and transformative leadership.

Speaking about the achievement, Tlou said: “I feel deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition. It is not only a personal achievement but a reflection of the collective effort of the dedicated team at Primrose Hill. Leadership in education is truly about service, serving learners, staff, and the community with commitment and integrity,” she said.

With over two decades of experience in education, her journey has been one of passion, purpose, and perseverance.

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From her early years as a classroom teacher to her current role as principal, she has remained steadfast in her mission to inspire and nurture young minds.

“Teaching, for me, has always been a calling rather than a career. Education transforms lives, not only academically, but emotionally and socially,“ said Tlou.

She said at Primrose Hill, learning is anything but ordinary. The school embraces innovative teaching methods such as experiential learning, technology integration, storytelling, and play-based education, which make lessons both fun and meaningful.

“We want learning to be joyful and inclusive. Through music, movement, and real-world simulations, we connect what learners are taught to the world around them,” said Tlou.

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She said for her, the foundation phase is not just about academics, but about shaping character and building resilience.

“The most important values to instil in learners are respect, empathy, curiosity, and resilience. When we nurture both the heart and the mind, we prepare children not just for school, but for life,” said Tlou.

Her recognition at the awards, she believes, stems from a strong culture of teamwork, innovation, and consistency within the school.

“I lead with empathy and focus on empowering others. The recognition reflects the collective spirit of excellence we are building at Primrose Hill Primary,” said the principal.

Despite challenges such as limited resources and socio-economic disparities, she remains positive and proactive.

Through community partnerships and parental engagement, the school continues to find creative ways to overcome obstacles.

“Education is a shared responsibility. We work closely with parents, local organisations, and NGOs to support literacy, nutrition, and safety programmes,” said Tlou.

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When the Germiston City News asked the principal what is excellence in teaching means to her, she responded, “It’s about purpose, vision, passion, and consistency. Excellence is not perfection, it’s about continuously striving to improve and to make learning relevant. It’s seeing the potential in every learner and doing everything possible to unlock it,” said Tlou.

She said to young or aspiring teachers, her message is one of encouragement and hope: “Never lose your sense of purpose. Be patient, keep learning, and remember that every child is unique. The small victories in the classroom often become the biggest triumphs in life.”

Looking to the future, the principal hopes to strengthen her school’s culture of excellence and inclusivity.

Her vision includes expanding teacher development opportunities, deepening community partnerships, and ensuring that every learner feels valued and empowered.

“My dream is for Primrose Hill to be a place where innovation, compassion, and excellence meet. A place where every child can reach their full potential,” said Tlou.

This recognition not only honours her exceptional leadership but also shines a light on the incredible work being done at Primrose Hill Primary a school truly shaping tomorrow’s leaders, one learner at a time.