Brent Hill is the principal of Bergvliet Primary School. Picture: Janice Matthews
A new principal has taken the helm at Bergvliet Primary School.
Brent Hill, who has been the acting principal since the beginning of last year, says he plans to build on the school’s traditions and forge an environment where every child has a sense of belonging.
He says he draws inspiration from one of his school teachers and mentor, Keith Richardson, who is coach of principals at the Principals Academy.
“Mr Richardson literally knew every child. He knew something about each child personally and used that to create a connection. So, for me, it is so important as a teacher, and we have so many teachers here, to get a connection with the kids. You can have a massive impact with the younger learners if the teacher in the class is able to create connection with the kid as an individual.”
Mr Hill has a BA in African languages, majoring in Xhosa and Sotho; a postgraduate degree in library and information science; and two postgraduate certificates in education in both intermediate-phase and senior-phase and further-education-and training teaching.
He started at Bergvliet Primary in 2006 as a Grade 6 and Xhosa teacher.
“I tell the kids you don’t know what opportunity or exposure is going to mean for you. It can open so many doors. So have an open mind, and participate at school. If you have an open mindset, there are so many gaps that you can make your own niche. As a kid, you don't see that. I didn’t think one day riding horses would make me a Xhosa teacher.”
Mr Hill says he was “absolutely horse mad” from a young age.
“I dreamt of being a jockey, as crazy as that sounds. I was a small kid so I started riding with the jockeys every morning out in Milnerton and rode in amateur races, dreaming of going to a jockey school in Durban.
“Every holiday, every Saturday, every Sunday, I was at the racing stables in Milnerton. I’d stay there all day, spending my time with the workers who looked after the horses. They taught me how to speak Xhosa and gave me a Xhosa name. And it just became my life. When I went on to varsity, I said I’ll major in Xhosa, so I did my degree in African languages. I suppose everyone has their story of how it unveils. That was mine.”
The announcement of Mr Hill’s appointment as principal was made by the school’s governing body in April.
Shakeera Brey, chairperson of the school’s governing body, wished him success in the new role.
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