Dynamic principal for St Declan’s
“Teaching the boys in the classroom is very different to when we are on the sports field, which is less structured and more relaxed and I get to see them in a totally different light. Often seeing their sense of humour coming out, which is really great.”
MICHAEL Pinheiro (33), previously a school teacher at St Declan’s, was promoted to principal of the school at the beginning of this year and hasn’t looked back since.
Young and dynamic, Michael sees his role as principal as an honour and as he says, “My heart and soul are in St Declan’s.”
An Alberton boy, he attended schools locally and also taught at an Alberton school for a while before moving on to teaching positions in Ballito and then Brits. He’s married to Catherine, who is a teacher at St Declan’s sister school Grace Trinity, and they have a daughter (8) and a son (3).
Passionate about sport, Michael coaches swimming, soccer, rugby, touch rugby, cricket and is also involved in athletic coaching and a little mountain biking. On the academic side he teaches Grades Six and Seven EMS technology and life orientation. “Our small classes provide an ideal learning environment and we don’t intend going up in numbers beyond 18 in each class from Grade R to Three and 24 from Grade Four up to matric. The smaller classes enable our teachers to get to know each boy individually. Here they are a person and not a number.
“Teaching the boys in the classroom is very different to when we are on the sports field, which is less structured and more relaxed and I get to see them in a totally different light. Often seeing their sense of humour coming out, which is really great,” Michael says.
Starting at the school from the very beginning, Michael said it’s been great to see the school grow brick by brick. “I’m privileged to have an amazing staff who I work with and they give 110 per cent in all they do here. It also helps having a sole director of the school with decisions being sorted out almost immediately.
“The country environment the school is set in, lends itself to calm learners who can concentrate and focus on their schoolwork, added to this the small classes and the way the boys stand together, makes this a school set apart from the rest in the South.”
He added family participation is seen at the school in a positive light and the boys are always encouraged to involve their families. “Parents have become involved in many aspects of the school, especially after hours and we are blessed to have them on board.”
Asked what he sees for the future of St Declan’s, he said, “In the next five years I’d like to see the school go up to matric year; to grow, not only academically but also in sport. On top of this we can expect to see St Declan’s becoming a prestigious boys’ school. We provide our boys with the tools which will take them through their lives, to be well mannered, learn how to give back with various charity drives and to be a band of brothers who began at the school together and matriculated together.”
The school’s motto, In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path, remains a positive light in the boys’ school career.
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