It is nice chatting to Helena Viljoen. The principal of Ichthus Christian School, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, exudes serenity. A hectic day seems to calm down to a tranquil sunset as this passionate principal tells of a vision 20 years ago to start such a school.
But do not let that serenity lull you into thinking Helena is a softie. “Kids are kids and they will be naughty. You have to deal with it. But at Ichthus our vision is to equip pupils, as an extension of their parental home – academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually for life by following a Christian-based syllabus”.
It is not a sugar-coated philosophy to make everyone feel good. For Helena, it is as real as breathing.
“Everyday I live by what I say. Of course, everyone makes mistakes. But it is how we respond that others will know that our faith in Christ in steadfast. The fruit on the trees will bear witness to one’s character and faith.”
Born in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape, where she matriculated, Helena studied at the Free State University. She completed a BSc degree in Mathematics as well as a Higher Diploma in Education. “I love Maths,” she admits, adding her wish is to make all her pupils also love the subject.
Estcourt was where she first taught. She married Johan, an agriculturist, and the couple moved to Dundee in 1986. There was a short stint in Newcastle before the Viljoens moved back to Dundee and Helena taught at Dundee High.
“It was over 20 years ago that a friend and a parent, Lientjie Prinsloo, and I were drinking tea and we spoke about a dream of Christian-based schooling. It was not an overnight decision. After much prayer, many visits to several schools and discussions with Christians, the words in Deuteronomy 6:6,7 and Proverbs 22:6 convinced us to start the school.”
The school started in 1997 with 10 Afrikaans-speaking pupils. Stella Haasbroek was the first appointed teacher and acting principal. “Today we are a bilingual school with 110 pupils and 13 staff members. It is also our wish to start with a Grade 8 class and train prospective teachers.”

Ichthus is affiliated to the ACSI – the Association of Christian Schools International – which gives backing and ensures that the curriculum is correct and in accordance with standards. “There are also regular meetings with the Education Department with whom we have a great relationship.”
All about the children
For Helena, it is, of course, all about the children. “We instil practical Christian values that teach our children to love the Lord and love people. We include these principles in all the subjects we teach and in the sport we play. Our vision is for Ichthus to make a difference in the lives of our children, parents, and staff.”
She is proud that many Ichthus pupils have gone on to be Dux awardees at their high schools and then gone to excel in their tertiary studies. Her three children are fine examples of this: Kobie (27) who teaches in Pretoria, Adrien (25) who is a Graphic Artist and Designer and currently teaches English in Shanghai, Jan-Albert (22) who is studying a Masters Degree in Nuclear Engineering at NWU in Potchefstroom.
Helena says the small staff work well together and is content. “Christianity is not something just for one day a week – it is a way of living, thinking and doing.”

A self-confessed hard worker (her staff agree to this), Helena loves what she is doing. However, Sundays are family days and that’s when there is ‘no stress’ she says.
“During the holidays, Johan and I like nothing more than camping to get away.” Both share a love for music too. Last week’s 20th-anniversary celebrations (see elsewhere in this issue) humbled Helena as she realised how far Ichthus has come. Extra classrooms were added five years ago. “It was wonderful that so many former scholars, parents and our former Dominee, Daan Dekker, were all here to celebrate the occasion and thank the Lord.” Helena paid special tribute to Henk and Lientjie Prinsloo and Walter and Rita Pretorius.
With faith, passion and vision, Ichthus Christian School will continue to make a difference in the community.