Hillcrest High School bids farewell to deputy principal

OVER 1 200 learners from Hillcrest High School (HHS) formed a guard of honour along School Road, leading to the bell tower, where deputy principal Pieter Victor rang the school bell to signify his retirement after 27 years of service to the school.
Victor, who joined the staff at HHS in 1997, was honoured at an event hosted by the school-governing body and at a special assembly at the school.

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As deputy principal, a role he was appointed to in 2006, Victor served under three past principals as well as the current principal, Knight. During that time, he put his passion and skills gained as an EGD (engineering, graphics and design) teacher to good use, providing valuable input in the planning and development of many key facilities at the school. These included the CM Girvin Multi-Purpose Centre, the Kingfisher Room, the bell tower, the Learners’ Support Unit and a new classroom block which was completed in 2023. He also oversaw the complete refurbishment of the science labs.

HHS principal Denise Knight hailed Victor for the roles he had undertaken during his 27 years in the school. “One of the many roles that Mr Victor fulfilled at the school was that of overseeing the maintenance of the school facilities, including the buildings and fields. In this role, he liked to refer to himself as ‘The Janitor’.
“However, there were so many other important roles he performed during his time at Hillcrest High School: Engineering, graphics, and design (EGD) teacher; subject head and 1st team rugby coach; project manager; colleague; deputy principal and friend. We wish Mr Victor all the best for his retirement,” she said.

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At his final assembly attended by the entire school body, Victor encouraged learners to grasp, with both hands, the privilege offered to them as students at HHS. “Your parents and guardians have made sacrifices to ensure that you get a good education. Do not take that for granted. Take what you have been given and make sure that you make a difference in the world.”

Telise Tonkin, head of the EGD department, said Victor’s keen eye for detail will be missed.
“Just walking around the school, he could point out things that needed to be done that most of us would have missed. He also has a great sense of humour and a very caring nature. I will miss him dearly.”

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Victor plans to spend time with his family, including his wife, Corne, who also retired recently, his daughter, son-in-law and baby grandson, and to visit his son who works at a well-renowned game lodge. Not one to sit on his laurels, he also intends to get on board with his local neighbourhood watch and work to keep the community beautiful.

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