THE much-anticipated appointment of the new principal of Union Preparatory School has been announced by the school governing body.
This decision caps an extensive search that began when Leona Rich announced her retirement as principal after 12 years of dedicated service to the school.
Belinda Botha (née Swartz) officially stepped into her new position on Monday, October 28.
Commenting on her appointment, Botha said she was looking forward to the new chapter in her career and reaffirmed her commitment to continue the successful development of the school.
“The school has grown substantially since it first opened its doors in 1967 and it is important that we continue to evolve and embrace the changes with new ideas and build on the strengths of the school, while taking it to greater heights in all areas,” said Botha.
A passionate educator, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing the youth in today’s switched-on, digital society, Botha admits her leadership style involves embracing different mindsets and creating effective two-way communication.
“My teaching philosophy has always been ‘Every child matters’, therefore I believe in discipline, quality teaching and learning and, above all, team work. I have based my teaching career on the Batho Pele principles, especially the last one – ‘We serve’, therefore I look forward to serving the Union community.”
A born Graaff-Reinetter, Botha began her teaching career in 1983 at Asherville Secondary School in Graaff-Reinet, shortly after the school opened its doors in June of 1982.
Since then she has gained valuable experience at both primary and high school level.
After having taught at Asherville Secondary for more than 10 years, Botha served as the Department of Education’s deputy director of youth affairs from 1996-2001 and taught English and physical education in the UK from 2001-2008.
In 2008, she returned to South Africa, where she taught at the Narsingstraat and Graaff-Reinet primary schools, before being reinstated at Asherville Secondary School in August 2009.
There, she became part of the senior management team in 2010 and progressed to head of department in English in 2017.
Botha’s most notable highlights in her teaching career include coaching the EP u/16 netball team, serving as vice-chairperson of Netball SA, representing South Africa’s netball fraternity in Australia and New Zealand and being the first woman of colour to receive an SA Netball umpiring and coaching grading.
“The seven years I spent teaching abroad was also a momentous time in my life and one that I’ll be forever grateful for,” said Botha.
“I look forward to this exciting challenge and know that with the support of Union’s committed, hard-working team of educators, I will be able to lead this school to an even higher level of excellence,” concluded Botha.
