New principal brings new vision to Westville Senior Primary School

A sound education is the cornerstone of any great community and is particularly important in developing children to grow into confident, capable adults and leaders. Westville Senior Primary School has dedicated decades to providing a safe and balanced learning environment for its pupils, and appointing Mr Robert Webber as their new principal was yet another step forward in this prestigious school's history. 

Mr Webber reflects on how his spark for a career in teaching was ignited, through enjoying his own schooling experience of being a well-rounded pupil. "I want to create an environment that will offer children everything they could possibly need academically and socially to succeed," says Webber, whose love for teaching developed during his experience working on summer camps in the United States of America. He obtained his Master's in Education and became an educator and coach at Kearsney College, thereafter he went on to spend many years at Glenwood High School and Penzance Primary School. 

When asked about the direction in which South Africa's education system is headed, Webber remains hopeful that schools like Westville Senior Primary School can be a guiding light for the public sector by maintaining a standard of excellence that will filter through to better assist other schools. "It is each community's responsibility to demand a better education from their schools," he adds.

Looking to the future 
Mr Webber's vision for the school is to modernise its approach to teaching by introducing additions to the curriculum that focuses on equipping learners for the technology-rich jobs of the future. A robotics and coding centre is in the works for both Westville Junior Primary School and Westville Senior Primary School. It's expected to be incorporated into the workflow as early as next year and will match the standard of international schools. 

Mr Webber is also passionate about encouraging students to participate in sports at a higher level by attending sporting academies in addition to the training being done at school. Westville Senior Primary School offers one of the most diverse sports packages of any school. He stresses that an academic-sporting balance is essential to achieve greatness in both."Cross-curricular activities build discipline and character and will stay with the learners as they navigate life", he says.

Community cares 
Westville Senior Primary School is a sought-after school, and Mr Webber can see why. "The standard of education, facilities, discipline and support received from parents and teachers is outstanding." He enjoyed a warm welcome from Westville Junior Primary, Westville Girls High School, Westville Boys High School and his new home of Westville Senior Primary School. "Westville is a world-class area with upmarket shopping centres and leisure facilities to enjoy after hours. The community is lucky to be surrounded by the best of the best." 

A stand-out member of the community is Deputy Principal Mrs Patsy Pillay, who stepped into the role of Acting Principal of Westville Senior Primary School during the COVID-19 pandemic. She acknowledged that it was a trying time for the community and school and she had to make challenging decisions that helped her grow as an individual and as an educator. She is proud that daily activities have now returned to normal and she's pleased to hand over the reins to Mr Webber to continue to uphold the school's legacy. Mrs Pillay says, "Good luck during your tenure as principal of this great institution. May your years ahead be fulfilling and rewarding as you take our school into a new era." 

Message from the new principal 
Mr Webber affirms his commitment to the vision, mission and values of Westville Senior Primary School. He thanks the school's parents for trusting him and the staff to help their children reach their full potential. "I will ensure that our school grows from strength to strength. I am always available to discuss concerns, solutions and your child's future at one of the best schools in the country."