Janine Tessendorf has been appointed as the new principal of the college at Reddam House Somerset.
Tessendorf joins the school after a decade as Somerset College’s deputy head of academics and pastoral care. She holds a B Sc in Biological and Life Science, Honours and H Dip Ed (PG) from the University of the Witwatersrand.
She was awarded the SAB Gold Medal for Top Honours Student in B Sc Biological and Life Sciences in 1991, receiving 100% for her Honours dissertation. Shortly thereafter, Tessendorf began her career as head of department at Edenglen High School (1992 to 1999), after which she was appointed as director at St Stithians Boys’ College from 2000 to 2007.
She regards teaching as her calling and her passion for education is evident in her tenacity to strive relentlessly beyond expectations.
Building relationships with staff, students and parents is vitally important – and it is her desire to encourage students to embrace academia, not fear it.
“Tessendorf’s extensive teaching experience has established her as a leader in learning and education. The exceptional results of all our schools are made possible by this nurturing of a love for learning and the hard work, dedication and professionalism of our outstanding heads and teachers,” relayed Sheena Crawford-Kempster, MD of Reddam House schools for the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
“We genuinely look forward to seeing the college at Reddam House Somerset flourish under Janine’s inspired leadership.”
Tessendorf took the helm in May.
