Covenant College learners and staff have welcomed a new team of managers in executive positions.
This comes after the school board decided to restructure the management of the school, which will continue to instill Christian values in its learners.
Thanks to the restructuring, the primary and high schools will operate according to a shared vision.
The principal of the high school, Brian du Preez, said, “Some parents always saw the high school as a different school and it was a challenge for us as a board. When our previous primary school principal retired, we saw the opportunity to restructure our management and create one vision.”
Du Preez was appointed as acting executive principal in September 2019. He has also served as a member of the school board since 2015. He has more than 29 years’ experience in education, learning and development in a corporate environment. He holds numerous qualifications, including a higher diploma and a diploma in further education.
“I also hold a BTech in human resources development with a strong focus on curriculum design and human performance improvement methodology, as well as an advanced certificate in education. I recently completed a postgraduate diploma in education management and leadership,” said du Preez.
Du Preez is also a sportsman and keen golfer.
Maria Jordaan was appointed as the high school deputy principal. With just over 12 years’ experience, her main focus areas are growth and development of lifelong learning.
“I joined the school as an English home language and life orientation educator in January 2011. I was appointed as head of department of the FET phase in June 2013 and deputy principal of the high school in September 2018,” she said.
Jordaan holds a BA Law degree as well as an honours degree in psychology and a postgraduate certificate in education. Before joining Covenant College she taught at Hoërskool Voortrekker, where she worked for three years. She said teaching is not just a profession but a calling.
The deputy principle for Grades RR to Seven, Natasha van Duyn, has 15 years’ teaching experience. She was appointed to this position in January 2019. She joined the school in May 2014 and in May 2018 she accepted the post of inter-senior phase dead of department post.
“I have strong faith that supports and respects the Christian values of the school. I also have a strong personal presence and natural capacity to inspire and lead learners together with the school staff. I wish to continue adding value to education and leading with positivity,” said van Duyn.
Van Duyn completed her credits in South African sign language, linguistics and psychology at Wits University. In 2008 she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education at Unisa, with a focus on all learning areas in the intermediate and senior phases.
