Principal honoured with prestigious award
Princess Primary School principal wins Primary School Leadership Excellence Award at the National Teaching Awards.
In a heartwarming celebration of educational excellence, John Sithi, principal of Princess Primary School, has been awarded the prestigious Excellence in Primary School Leadership award.
Sithi received this award in the presence of Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture, and Recreation in Gauteng, Matome Chiloane, at the National Teaching Awards 2024.
This esteemed honour comes as no surprise, given his 30 years of dedication to the Department of Education and his commitment to creating a supportive learning environment.
Speaking to the Roodepoort Record, Sithi mentioned that he received first position in the West Rand Cluster and also claimed first position in Gauteng, topping over 15 districts.
”My colleagues, staff, school governing body (SGB) and even the district encouraged me to enter this competition.
“This award is of significance to the school because it will serve as motivation to other individuals to excel in their respective leadership positions. It will be a motivation for the staff, SGB, parents and the learners. It has also put us on the map,” he shared.
His award was met with jubilation from the school community and it reminded him of the hard work and dedication he has put into achieving this dream.
“I was inspired by my then teacher to pursue this career path; therefore, I have also made it my mission to inspire others to study and work hard.”
Under his guidance, Princess Primary School has flourished, with notable improvements in academic performance, teacher development and community engagement. His commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment has earned him the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues alike.
“I have always been a leader, and these years of experience have taught me to prioritise my staff’s mental health. In the school, we live by the following slogans: Teamwork, motivation, inspiration, love what you do, and employee wellness is equal to great performance.”
He says this award is not just a recognition of his efforts, but it is also a testament to the hard work and resilience of the entire school community.
