Proud to be St Declan’s principal
Roger Looyen has recently been appointed the principal of St Declan’s School for Boys, which is situated next to Grace Trinity School for Girls on Rietvlei Farm.
ALBERTON – Roger was born in Alberton, has taught in local schools and also worked at the provincial head office for the Deputy Director General and was HOD (Head of Department) supporting the district with the implementation of the curriculum. In 2008 he became Director of Teacher and Leadership Development.
Last year he was asked to be the principal of St Declan’s, which opened in January. “It didn’t take long for me to consider this great opportunity and here I am,” he laughed.
Roger says, “I envisage a bright and positive future for every St Declan’s schoolboy, one they have helped to forge on their journey towards full independence. We commit to providing each boy with a holistic education that is founded on strong Christian principles, is academically rigorous, and yet still affords each boy ample opportunities to excel in sporting and cultural activities. We have an opportunity to create something way beyond the curriculum.”
Roger says he could not think of achieving such high standards without his valuable staff, and introduced them as his “right hands”!
“The staff play a critical role, and I want them to remain motivated and excited by education. To embrace the school system is a given.”
Speaking with staff members, it is very clear how much a part they feel of St Declan’s and Ronel Markgraaf, Hayley Letts, Bronwyn Muller, Hilary Lawler, Delene Sellars and last but not least, Michael Pinheiro, say how excited they are to be teaching here. Also on board is Roslyn Beeby, Roger’s PA, who assists in the running of the school.
Roger is passionate about teaching, and says the school not only focuses on the child alone, but also the family, who are invited to share in the school.
He is a family man, married to Dawn and they have two children, David and Matthew and live in Randhart. They are very involved in the Methodist Church and enjoy being involved in community and charity work.
Asked about hobbies, Roger said: “I’m completing a Ph.D in leadership development this year, so I don’t have much spare time.”
Roger and his staff’s passion for St Declan’s rubs off on you and in closing he said: “I believe what St Declan’s offers the boys will give them a purpose in life and a moral compass to become active citizens.”
