Get to know Steyn City Preparatory and College’s new principal

Steyn City Preparatory and College is proud to announce the appointment of Brian Mitchell as principal.

Marcus Oshry and Miles Wilson, commercial managers of Steyn City Schools explained that Mitchell was a natural choice for this critical position.

“Brian has outstanding leadership skills. We believe he is the type of leader who will empower his teachers to offer solutions, creating a culture of people who want to contribute,” Oshry said.

“He also shares our vision, being committed to the development of children and having a real passion for learning and teaching.”

He added that they also believe that the school will gain from his time as chairperson of the Independent Schools Association of South Africa in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as his past experience as chairperson of the Central Region of the SA Heads of Independent Schools Association, positions which ensure Mitchell is well placed to stay in touch with, and implement, current trends in education.

Mitchell is seen as one of South Africa’s foremost educators, having spent 14 years teaching at Johannesburg schools, including stints as deputy’s head at St Martin’s Prep and principal at Redhill Prep. He later moved to Durban to take a post as headmaster of Clifton School.

Wilson stated that the experience gleaned there will be useful as he guides Steyn City Preparatory and College forward. “I am no stranger to working in new and developing schools. Clifton College was founded in 2002 and is now recognised as one of South Africa’s leading independent schools, so I understand the exciting journey that awaits the Steyn City Schools,” Mitchell expressed.

He explained that his focus is on building a facility that encourages the development of rounded individuals. “At the heart of all that we shall do at Steyn City Preparatory and College, is a total commitment to providing the best education possible for every young person in our care. Each girl and boy will have something special to offer to the school community and we are committed to ensuring that each is given the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Mitchell said.

He added that this is going to be a school that is rooted in energy, where the very best of modern education practice that embraces passion, rigour, commitment, enquiry and self-discovery will combine with the time-honoured values of courtesy, restraint, tolerance and respect.

“This will be a place of significant learning, but also a place where lifelong friendships will be forged, where children will thrive on competition and exercise compassion in equal measure, and where happy children will learn with excitement, awe and delight,” Mitchell said.

He concluded that they will prepare their young adults to move with ease from school to tertiary education and, thereafter, into the evolving global society in which they can thrive. “They will see Steyn City Preparatory and College as part of a much wider community and will understand that they have a commitment to contributing to and learning from all who live alongside them.”

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