PINETOWN Boys’ High School’s new principal, Rakesh Sing has a vision. It’s to bring the school back to its former glory.
He was appointed as the official Pinetown Boys’ principal in December after acting as deputy principal from July last year.
The school was without a principal since 2018.
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He told the Highway Mail he started his teaching career at a school in Newcastle in 1991. “It was purely for the love of children and I am very passionate about rebuilding the school,” he said.
In the past six months, Sing has implemented massive changes, “With the help and support from staff and the school governing body (SGB), we have installed 32 cameras, employed more security guards, bought new desks and chairs for each and every classroom. We also just bought a new bus for sport,” said a proud Sing.
The warm and welcoming Sing also taught at a school in Phoenix for many years before being promoted as the Head of Department for Pinetown Boys’ in 2017.
As an educator, he specialised in Geography and Tourism.
His goal is for his staff to become one. “I want to spread unity, harmony and commitment,” he said.
Although the school has managed to increase the pass rate in the past two years, its biggest challenge is discipline which was the reason for extra security measures.
“My goal is to achieve a 100 per cent pass rate,” said Sing with a smile.
The school has brought back all sport codes and the coaches have returned.
Sing said this was made possible by late circuit manager of the Department of Education, Simphiwe Mngoma.
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“He was at the school almost every day to make sure the changes were implemented smoothly and it is sad that he had to pass away as we were starting to bear the fruits,” said Sing.
The new dedicated principal described himself as an approachable committed individual.
“My door is always open and I am always willing to learn, hence my motto in life is, ‘If you think you are right all the time, in life you learn nothing’,” he said.
With an aim for children to be educated, Sing has introduced technical and academic subject such as technology, tourism, civil technology, technical mathematics and technical science.
“Next year, we will be introducing more subjects such as electrical technology, consumer studies and hospitality.
“They have been so supportive, I would not have achieved what I have in the past few months if it was not for them,” said a grateful Sing.
Sing who doesn’t have children of his own said he regards the learners as his own.
Sing thanked the SGB and his staff for sharing the same vision with him. He also thanked his wife (Indira), his parents, family and friends for the love and support that they have shown him.
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