‘Born and peanut-buttered’ in the West Rand – new RHS principal
Randfontein High School's new principal, Valentine Dlamini, outlines his vision and ambitions for the school’s future.
Valentine Dlamini has been appointed as the new principal of Randfontein High School (RHS), and has high hopes for his new role.
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Having grown up in Kagiso, Valentine always says he was ‘born and peanut-buttered in the West Rand’.
He explained that he started teaching in 2007 at FJL Wells Primary Mine School. In 2015, he began teaching business studies and EMS at RHS. Now, he hopes to continue the proud history of academic excellence at the school in his new role as principal.
I am honoured to be chosen to fulfil this role. I would like to continue the legacy of academic excellence of the school as well as the community involvement the school takes part in,” says Valentine.
He noted that they recently hosted a fundraiser for one of their stakeholders, which repaired many things at the school, and this is the kind of community involvement he would like to pursue as principal. He also hopes for the learners at the school to achieve and for the staff to remain dedicated.
“We have to work as a team. I would like to encourage the learners to be passionate about the school environment and for parents to be committed,” he states.
He added that his vision is to create a ‘safe, inclusive and innovative environment’ in which every learner can thrive. He noted, however, that he cannot do it alone; he needs the support of the staff, learners, parents, and the community to steer the ship.
Valentine also shared a piece of advice that resonated with him when he was appointed. When he was in Grade Eight at Princess High School, their Grade Eight head advised them that ‘nothing beats trying’, which has stayed with him all these years. To him, it is important to remember that a person would never know if they pass or fail unless they try.
Having been a teacher for so long, he knows the respect that the institution of education deserves and plans to carry on the legacy. Valentine added that he would also like to continue teaching at least a class or two, as this engagement with the learners would help him get to know them better, which he hopes will break the stereotype of learners being afraid of the principal.
