New SACS principal to be vetted closely

IN recent weeks there has been public debate, in mainstream and on social media, regarding transformation at the South African College High School (SACS), and most specifically in respect of the planned appointment of a new school principal for 2018.

In recognition of the seriousness and value of this debate, the SACS Governing Body would like to share publicly our approach, values and vision in respect of the appointment of the person who will be integral to charting the future path of this 190-year-old and much-loved school.

A year ago, the SACS Governing Body commenced a process to appoint a new principal for the year beginning 2018. We have followed the process prescribed by the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) regulations, which included the publishing of the post in a Special Vacancy List of the WCED.

The formal process aside, we are acutely aware of the many challenges facing the school and its new principal, which range from preparing young men for a world characterised by lightningspeed change and disruption, as well as for deep wells of unemployment, poverty and inequality, and the need for transformation at every level of South African society.

Importantly, SACS continues to promote excellence within an all-round education, preparing young men to play a constructive role as compassionate, thinking individuals in society.

The school prides itself on the balanced education it provides, the world-class facilities on offer, the fact that SACS graduates strive for excellence in all spheres of school life and that it places a strong emphasis on high moral values.

We therefore began the process by obtaining the services of a leading independent educational consultant to help prepare the brief for a new principal who will be able to lead SACS into the next decade in a transforming society. In meeting the requirements of this brief, candidates will need to clearly address their vision and strategy for tackling these many challenges.

We recognise that SACS does not stand alone and has many stakeholders who deeply care about the future of the school and the role it plays in our transforming society and community.

We would like to assure them that whoever is finally selected for the position of the new principal will be a person equipped with the many qualities necessary to lead us into the future. Andrew Breetzke Chairman of the SACS High School Governing Body

Picture: JASON BOUD HOT STUFF: It was all smoke and roaring engines at the Festival of Speed at the weekend as drivers put their skills behind the wheel and above to the test.