NEWLY appointed Atholl Heights Primary School principal, Gavin Sweet, is enthusiastic to lead and work together with the community in shaping future leaders. Sweet was officially announced as the principal after serving in the acting principal role in 2023. Sweet said he has always had a passion for education, having been a teacher since 2008, and is grateful for this opportunity to lead.

Also read: School Corner: The importance of the teacher-parent relationship

He previously taught in other schools, such as Westville Boys’ High School, and he is always happy to serve in the best way he knows how. “I believe it is my responsibility to serve by leading. Working together with the staff members and community of Atholl Heights, I believe we will be able to create an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.

“I promise to lead with passion and serve our community with integrity. Thank you to our incredible staff, parents and learners for the support you have shown me over the past year. I truly value this support and am equally appreciative. Thank you to the AHPS Governing Body for the confidence and ongoing support you have shown, and I look forward to growing this school from strength to strength in the future together. It takes a community to raise a child, and I could not think of a better community to raise our children into being leaders of tomorrow. Together, we will continue to make Atholl Heights Primary School ‘the heartbeat of Westville’,” he said.

Welcoming Sweet on behalf of the School’s Governing Body, Sally Juckes said they were delighted at the announcement. “We trust that under Mr Sweet’s leadership, Atholl Heights will soar to new heights.”

Also read: Curro’s inaugural AquaElite gala hosts 32 schools across the country

Echoing the same sentiments, Atholl Heights head of department Thuli Njapha said the community has great trust in him.

“Mr Sweet has acted as principal for the whole of 2023, and so the daunting role (and its responsibilities) that awaits him, now comes as no surprise. He has big shoulders.” Njapha highly commended him on his performance over this period and urged the staff to continue to offer their trust and support to him going forward.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.