New principal for primary school Marist Brothers Linmeyer

AT the beginning of this year, Marist Brothers Linmeyer welcomed Tony Williams, who is taking over the reins as principal of the primary school.

Tony was born in England and moved to South Africa in 1981. He attended Boskop Primary in Honeydew, Randburg, followed by Rand Park High School, where he matriculated in 1988.

After matric he went to Wits University for his undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Physical Education. Further studies included an Honours Bachelor of Arts (Geography) at Unisa and the coursework component of a Masters in Educational Management (Unisa). He also studied a financial management course through the University of Cape Town and holds a Postgraduate Further Diploma in Educational Management from RAU (now UJ).

In 1994 he began work and was appointed as a geography and physical education teacher at Jeppe High Preparatory School. In 1996 he moved to the first of the three Marist schools at which he has taught, including Sacred Heart College. He taught Grades Six and Seven integrated studies and mathematics. In 1998 he was appointed to the role of Learning Area Head (mathematics) and thereafter, in January 2000, to the position of deputy principal of the primary school.

In 2007 he joined St David’s Marist Inanda as deputy headmaster. “I was in this role until January 2014, when I was promoted to senior deputy headmaster of the primary school,” says Williams.

When asked what he sees as challenges at Marist Brothers Linmeyer, Williams said: “Initially the settling-in process and finding my feet in a new environment with new staff. Fortunately, the overriding ethos of the Marist school system is similar. A challenge will be the gradual move towards the more digital world of education and the staff development with regards to technical know-how. Most importantly for me is the fostering of effective and lasting relationships with the staff, parents and learners.”

Williams says he still views himself first and foremost as a teacher and it is non-negotiable for him to ensure he’s involved in the classroom.

He is sports orientated, he says. “As can be seen from my choice of first degree, I am an avid sports supporter. I am a low-handicap golfer and enjoy watching sports such as football and cricket. I have been actively involved in the coaching and managing of the Johannesburg Schools’ u.13 football side at provincial level since 1999, having achieved success by winning the Bill Stewart Interprovincial Tournament on eight occasions. I am a firm believer in a principal being present at the side of the sports field on match days, to provide support for the learners, as they represent their school,” he added.

He intends to work towards upholding the good name of Marist Brothers Linmeyer well into the future. “My aim is to ensure that the primary school develops a relevant curriculum which develops the spiritual, intellectual and sporting development of all our learners. Our school should ensure that the learners are well prepared for the demands of high school and the world at large. As a school we should concentrate on developing the necessary 21st-century skills learners will need on leaving school, such as collaboration/teamwork, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. I would hope that our school is a place where learners want to come to, a home away from home where they feel cared for and loved.”

Tony is married to Belinda and they have two girls, Reece (12) and Bryce (9). When not working he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and reading.

Also Read: 

School bids retiring teachers, principal farewell

Marist Brothers Linmeyer celebrates jubilee

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.