Howarth has been the headmaster of the school for 12 years, but will soon be moving on to take up the post of headmaster at Dominican Convent
School in Jeppestown.
Howarth began his working career by studying for an undergraduate qualification in law. However, his passion for the education of young people overrode his romantic notion of being a lawyer.
He started his career in education as a history and comparative religions teacher at St Davids Marist in Inanda. “My passion is South African history,” he said. “I’ve always felt that you are somewhat socially illiterate if you have no understanding of the past.”
In 1993, Howarth decided to enter the state education system and accepted the position of deputy headmaster at Benoni High. “South Africa was changing at that time and I wanted to be a change agent in a new South Africa within the state system,” he said.
He was then offered the position of founding principal of Damelin Randburg which he accepted gratefully since he had matriculated from the institution years before. After six years of heading up both Damelin Randburg and Braamfontein he decided to go back to traditional education and became headmaster of St Peter’s College.
Howarth said his highlights at the school were too many to name, but they all revolved around the achievements of pupils. “I’ve always been driven by the conviction that by educating children I can make a difference,” he said.
Howarth added that the education system had seen significant changes during his time as a teacher. “Historically schools were not accessible to parents, but its different today. Successful schools are such because they partner with parents,” he said.
