“Schools teach us far more than reading, writing and arithmetic. They socialise us to cultural norms and values,” these were the words of Glen Austin High School principal, Hennie Du Toit.
Speaking at the school’s open day and expo in Glen Austin on September 16. The school hall was packed to the rafter with parents and prospective learners who are eager to go study there next year.
There were art and fashion exhibitions by the learners while others danced sang, and recited poems for the day.
Du Toit said this is what they strive for at the school and they intend to send out well-balanced and all-rounded individuals into the world to be dynamic, active members of society.
He said as the school they want to ensure that they produce learners who will excel academically. “Of course, we would like them to leave school with the best possible grades, but our focus is much broader than only academic success. To achieve this, parents must realise that they are partners in education and that they need to be actively involved in their children’s school career,” Du Toit told the parents.
He said the school have high expectations of learners: academically and socially because they give them opportunities to participate in different activities which include sports, clubs, trips and even tours.
Du Toit added that the responsibility to ensure that the process of teaching and learning lies with the learners only but the teachers need to play their role.
“We have high expectations of our educators. First and foremost, to be on time for school, be in the classroom and teach. Our educators are kept accountable for all the subjects they teach and the duties assigned to them. We believe in positive reinforcement and corrective discipline – learners need to understand the concept of rights and responsibilities.”
He concluded that the school does not spare any resources that their educators need when it comes to curriculum delivery.
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