Newly appointed Sandringham High School principal, Pascal Rekhoto aims to reinstall discipline and former prestige.
“I was told Sandringham was a popular school of choice – I want to bring that to life and for learners to perform better. Come 2025 we would have raised the bar and aim for 90s which will lead to 100% pass rates,” he noted.
Rekhoto began his teaching journey at Bellevue High School by teaching physical science and mathematics.
“My teaching experience was pleasant because my learners produced 85% in mathematics and 79% in the physical sciences. I then moved to Gauteng and taught at Jiyana School and took the position of being a departmental head in 2007.”
He added that this was also where he became head of physical sciences and Computer Applications Technology and helped learners achieve 100% in physical sciences.
Rekhoto said he was warmly welcomed to Sandringham, although some learners were resistant to the rules he established and enforced.
“There are some learners who resisted adhering to new rules but as soon as I began showing them what I will and will not tolerate all went well. I also lead by example so that they have behaviour to mirror at school.”
The newly appointed principal highlighted that he climbed the educational ladder and became a national examiner for Grade 11 in 2016 until 2019, where papers one and two were written in all provinces.
He continued to progress in his career and was promoted to deputy principal at the respected township school due to its ability to get inclusive baskets, which is a measure of critical quality indicators which includes performance in mathematics and physical science as well as bachelor passes and distinctions.
Rekhoto’s top priorities include bringing back sporting activities. “I was introduced to a community member called Paul who volunteered to help with the rugby department. I believe with such people we will be able to involve the community in our sports. We also kickstarted the athletics season and have cleaned up the grounds so there is progress happening.”
He encouraged community members who would like to contribute to bettering the school to step forward and contact the school.
Rekhoto concluded that when he applied for the position he is currently in, he had no idea what the school looked like or the challenges it experienced.
” I was surprised after being appointed about the types of challenges the school faced but I saw those as good challenges. I believe as a leader; you cannot lead a perfect institution from the get-go. After sharing my vision with the parents, they are starting to be hopeful about where the school is headed.”
Related Article: Newly appointed Sandringham High School principal looks forward to prosperous years
