Nova Pioneer Boksburg campus is buzzing with excitement as Dr Robyn Thompson takes the helm as the new school leader for the pre-primary and primary divisions, effective from September 1.
With 30 years of teaching experience behind her, Thompson brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep-rooted passion for education to her new role.
Her journey in education began at the Johannesburg College of Education, where she earned her Higher Diploma in Education.
For the next 15 years, she dedicated herself to teaching. Not content to stop there, she pursued her honours and master’s degrees at Witwatersrand University while continuing to teach. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD from the University of Cape Town.
Thompson joined the Nova Pioneer family in 2020 and was the Dean of Instruction and Learning at the campus.
Reflecting on why she chose Nova Pioneer, she explained, “The underpinning visions and missions of Nova Pioneer are its cultural principles.
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“Everyone here, from learners to staff and even the broader community, embodies these principles.
“The joy of learning, embracing mistakes, and building a strong community resonates with me deeply. That’s why I decided to come to Nova – I admire the ethos.”
As the new leader, Thompson is set on continuing this strong cultural foundation. Her leadership strategies centre around fostering teamwork, kindness, and support.
“Teaching is hard, but with a great support system behind you, everything becomes easier. I want to create that sense of community within the children and keep the spirit alive,” she shared.
Thompson also believes in a restorative approach to conflict resolution within the school.
“We invest time in finding solutions, ensuring that the approach is restorative, not punitive. It’s about sitting down, discussing the problem, and working towards a balanced solution.”
Parents are a key part of her leadership vision. “We conduct surveys three times a year to gauge parent satisfaction and ask for feedback.
“This way, we can discuss issues with staff and bring parents on board to make improvements together.”
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