Umhlali Prep’s new principal revealed

The much anticipated appointment of the new head of Umhlali Preparatory School has been announced by the school governing body.

This decision caps a ten-month search that began when Astra Russell announced her decision to retire as principal after 20 years of dedicated service to the school.

Sandra Wiggill officially took up her new position at the beginning of the third term, having served on the school management team since 2009.

Umhlali governing body chairman, Jonathan De Wet said the recruitment of the new principal followed a rigorous process involving an independent committee comprising external experts, representatives from the KZN Department of Education, trade unions and members of the school governing body.

Commenting on her appointment, Wiggill said she was looking forward to the new chapter in her career and reaffirmed her commitment to continue the successful development of the school which flourished under Astra Russell’s leadership.

From its humble beginnings when it first opened its doors in 1918 with just 14 pupils, Umhali Preparatory has grown to more than 1000 pupils and reflects the changing character of Ballito.

“The school has grown substantially in the past five years and it is important we continue to evolve and embrace the changes with new ideas and build on the strengths of the school, while taking it to greater heights in all areas,” said Wiggill.

A passionate educator, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing the youth in today’s switched-on, digital society, Wiggill admits her leadership style involves embracing different mindsets and creating effective two-way communication.

A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg with a postgraduate diploma in education and a further diploma in education, Wiggill began her teaching career in 1987 and gained experience at both primary and high school levels.

“I used to come to Ballito to visit my sister and watch my nephew play cricket.

“He was head boy of Umhlali and it was during that time I fell in love with this town.

“Mrs Russell had a vacant post and I had an informal interview that same weekend.

“I packed up my life in Johannesburg and moved to Ballito when she offered me a teaching position at Umhlali and I have never looked back.”

Wiggill joined Umhlali Preparatory in 2003 as a grade six teacher and progressed to head of department in 2009.

“I look forward to this exciting challenge and know that with the support of Umhlali’s committed, hard working management team and excellent staff, I will be able to lead this school to an even higher level of excellence.”