Behind every thriving school is a dedicated leader committed to shaping young minds and fostering a culture of excellence.

Across the North Coast, school principals are not just administrators but mentors, visionaries, and role models who inspire students and educators alike. From early childhood education to senior levels, these passionate individuals bring diverse backgrounds and philosophies to their institutions, ensuring that learning environments remain nurturing, innovative and aligned with modern educational needs.

Whether it’s instilling academic rigour, championing holistic development, or fostering a love for learning through play, these principals stand at the forefront of education in the region. As we celebrate their contributions, we take a closer look at the leaders making a difference in our schools and communities.

Crawford International North Coast

Crawford International North Coast principal Elainee Kistan has almost three decades of experience and qualifications in education and human and financial management.

She has held various positions at Crawford International North Coast, from life sciences teacher, to academic head and now as the principal.

Kistan believes in creating global leaders through student-centred learning, inclusive education, accountability and academic integrity and rigour.

She heads the College, which includes termly boarding facilities, where she strives to create a home away from home for students of various nationalities.

When not at school, Kistan can be found scouring through her extensive collection of cookbooks and content from online foodies, honing her culinary skills.

An avid reader outside of the kitchen too, she is currently enjoying Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins.

Alexandra High School

Alexandra High School principal Anusha Pillay’s pleasantly precise communication is often seasoned with a good sense of humour and a dose of fun.

“She makes us laugh. She makes us think. She inspires us,” are common remarks about her leadership style.

Pillay epitomises leadership through example. She encourages a good work ethic from those in her care by setting standards for herself even higher.

She is a dependable and strong woman, who has earned her position through consistency, hard work and dedication.

Her good values, drive and vision for Alex prove Anusha Pillay’s blood runs maroon!

Crawford International North Coast Pre-Primary

Crawford International North Coast Pre-Primary principal Michaela Curtis holds a BEd degree in Foundation Phase from the University of South Africa and comes from a proud lineage of educators.

With a deep-rooted passion for teaching, she is dedicated to shaping young minds through play and exploration.

A devoted mother, Curtis cherishes free time with her little boy, enjoying beach outings, walks with their animals and building puzzles. She believes in Albert Einstein’s message that “play is the highest form of research.”

Her philosophy centres on fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in the early years, ensuring each child thrives in a nurturing environment.

When not in school she loves to read a good book (currently From Good to Great by Jim Collins), while kicking back and watching the This is Us series.

Crawford International North Coast Preparatory

Crawford International North Coast Preparatory principal Justin Paynter, is passionate about education and ensuring that students have the very best environment in which to thrive.

Paynter is also deeply passionate about ocean-related activities, recently achieving Protea colours for deep sea angling, and has dedicated over a decade to serving on the Durban Ski Boat Club committee.

He was recently given honorary life membership for his outstanding contributions to the sport, becoming the youngest member in the club’s history to receive this accolade.

Additionally, Paynter serves as a director on the board at Point Water Sports Club, overseeing the operations and strategic planning of the Durban Ski Boat Club and Durban Under Water Club, which together boast a membership base of around 6 500.

When not on the water, Paynter likes to relax with his family and enjoys watching the Bad Boys movie series.

Darnall Primary School

For Darnall Primary principal, Eugene Nel, teaching is leadership in action.

“No two days are ever the same and there is never a typical day in the school and in the office,” he says.

Nel obtained a four-year teaching diploma at Durban Teachers Training College 36 years ago.

He says it has been a blessing to help shape young people who are still finding their way and to build students with sound character and quality, who can meet modern day challenges.

Nel believes that education can change the future by investing in the youth of today and that teaching is the profession that creates all other professions.

When not in the office he likes to travel locally, camp, birdwatch, hike and fly his drone over interesting landscapes.

It is fitting then, that his favourite TV show is Ben Fogle’s Where the Wild Men are, which he enjoys with his wife.

Destiny Life Academy

Colleen Moodley has been working in the education sector for 30 years and has spent the last 14 years at Destiny Life Academy.

While she has a special attachment to mathematics and the sciences, Moodley is passionate about creating a loving, safe and inspiring learning environment where young people are courageous enough to believe that they are destined for greatness.

Grooming the next generation to know who they are in Christ and helping them discover their God-given purpose is a responsibility she places high priority on.

Her hobbies are reading, baking and hiking – when she has the time. She loves spending time with her family and she considers “being a mother” as the greatest honour that she has been blessed with.

Dolphin Coast Pre-Primary

Dolphin Coast Pre-Primary principal, Tracey Prepok, is celebrating 15 years at the school in 2025 and has loved every minute.

She is a firm believer that pre-school aged children learn through play and that is what she advocates at Dolphin Coast.

When not on school grounds, Prepok is a dedicated fundraiser for Sables Creatures, a pro-life animal rescue based in Ballito, where she also helps with sterilization clinics and outreach.

A lover of BBC quiz shows, Prepok says she also wants to learn to crochet soon.

“I have an amazing husband and two married adult daughters and I am soon to be a granny which is very exciting,” she said.

Poppy Seeds Montessori

Ballito’s Poppy Seeds Montessori principal Poppy Poretti’s journey into education has been anything but conventional.

With a background spanning life coaching, business and technology, she ultimately found her calling in Montessori education – where curiosity, independence, and emotional intelligence take centre stage.

She believes in fostering a love for learning through meaningful experiences and deep connections with nature.

Passionate about child development, Poretti sees each day as an opportunity to learn from the children just as much as they do from her.

She often says, “A prepared environment shapes a prepared mind, but a child’s spirit is shaped by love and understanding.”

Outside of the classroom, Poretti loves to read (currently The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry) while she wants to one day take up surfing.

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