2025 CORONATION BOOK WEEK – Where stories spark imagination and learning
Click here to view the 2025 Coronation Book Week report.
Remembering Keith Richardson
We are heartbroken.
Our beloved Keith Richardson, Head of Coaches at Principals Academy Trust passed away suddenly on Thursday, 17th September.
Keith brought wisdom, generosity and a deep commitment to education and enhancing school leadership in the Western Cape. He was a treasured colleague and friend who gave himself fully until the very end. He led, guided and coached with passion. He was the much-loved principal at Wynberg Boys High for 17 years and was involved on numerous school boards. He never said no to a opportunity to share his knowledge. At what was unknowingly, his final presentation, he received a standing ovation.
Keith gave so much to Principals Academy Trust for more than a decade, initially as CEO and more recently as Head of Coaches. He was greatly respected in the wider education community. We will sorely miss his warmth, his insight and his extraordinary life of service. We feel immense gratitude and affection for a remarkable man.
Our thoughts are with Keith’s wife, Pippa and his son, Toto and those who were close to him.
His legacy will live on forever.
2024 CORONATION BOOK WEEK – Celebrate the Joy of Reading
Click here to view the 2024 Coronation Book Week report
William Lloyd Primary School Classroom Library Launch: A Milestone in Literacy Development
On October 7, 2024, William Lloyd Primary School in Paarl launched its new Classroom Libraries, a project that has been in the works since 2023. The project, funded by the Retief family, long-time supporters of educational initiatives in Paarl and surrounding areas, aims to foster a love for reading and enhance literacy among learners. While the funding made the project possible, the Principals Academy Trust’s (PAT) Teacher Support Programme (TSP) librarians took the lead in training and implementation.
The project was spearheaded by Janet Venter, with Melinda van der Molen bringing it to the point of completion. Both are members of PAT’s TSP team, and they have been instrumental in working on the Classroom Libraries initiative in six schools across the Western Cape. Their efforts focus on ensuring that teachers are equipped to manage these libraries and that learners have access to age-appropriate, engaging books.
The PAT Classroom Libraries project spans three years and is designed to transform classrooms into spaces where books are readily accessible. In the first year, libraries are set up with books tailored to the learners’ needs, and teachers are trained in effective library management. The second year involves ongoing support to ensure the libraries are being used to their full potential, while the third year aims for teachers to take full ownership of the project, ensuring its long-term sustainability. This model empowers schools to independently manage and expand their resources after the project concludes.
The launch event opened with a welcome from MC Gregg King, followed by a message from Keith Richardson and an introduction to the Classroom Libraries by Bruce Probyn. A poetry performance by learners beautifully highlighted the joy of reading that the initiative seeks to inspire. Carol Retief, representing the Retief family, then spoke about their dedication to education and the transformative impact of providing access to books.
A highlight of the event was a tour of several classrooms now equipped with libraries, led by William Lloyd Primary’s principal, Ms. Amanda Adams. Each of the 31 Grade R–7 classrooms now has its library in a vibrant and inviting Reading Corner where the learners can experience the joy of reading, and the impact is already evident. Teachers report a noticeable increase in students’ enthusiasm for reading, noting that the presence of books has fostered a calm, engaged atmosphere, with students eagerly picking up books during breaks and showing responsibility in caring for them.
Teachers have also observed increased focus during lessons and excitement around weekly read-aloud sessions, which have become a favourite activity among learners. Those who previously struggled with reading are now motivated by having books at their level, and non-fiction books have sparked curiosity, enriching students’ general knowledge. The project has further supported improvements in language skills and inspired creativity in writing.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the principal and the PAT team, followed by a joyful musical performance by the William Lloyd Primary School Choir.
The success of the Classroom Libraries initiative at William Lloyd Primary School is a testament to the collaborative efforts of dedicated educators, the support of PAT’s TSP team, and the generous funding from the Retief family. Their contribution has opened doors to brighter futures for countless children, not only by bringing books into classrooms but by building a sustainable foundation for literacy development across the Western Cape.
Please follow this link you want to download this report with photos taken at the event: WL CL Launch_compressed
GSB Graduation: Class of 2023
Since the inception of Principals Academy Trust in 2013, the UCT’s Graduate School of Business (GSB), has played a vital role in empowering education managers within the school system. On January 27, 2024, the GSB Class of 2023, consisting of principals who completed the short course Principals Management Development Programme, celebrated a significant milestone as they graduated. The 23 graduates were:
| Etienne de Villiers | Agulhas School of Skills |
| Isaac (Ike) Morkel | Alicedale Primary School |
| Tristan Brikkels | Athlone North Primary School |
| Florina Julies | Bergendal Primary School |
| Liesl Apolles | Blossom Street Primary School |
| Gert van Tonder | Bosmansdam High School |
| Rodger Cupido | Cloetesville Laerskool |
| Cibella Van Geems | De Heide Primary School |
| William Shand | Delft Primary School |
| Ivor (Rudolph) Rudolph | Delft Technical High School |
| Bongiwe Kuze | Fairdale Primary School |
| Leon Kapp | Maitland High School |
| Ebrahim (Abe) Abrahams | Muhammadeyah Moslem Primary School |
| Gareth Duraan | Paarlzicht Primary School |
| Genene Mason | Parow Inclusive Primary School |
| Oxford Jack | Skurweberg Secondary School |
| Nazilee Martinus | Spes Bona High School |
| Martina Steyn | St Augustines RC Primary School |
| Granville Crowster | St Mary’s RC Primary School |
| Carol Abrahams | Stellenzicht Secondary School |
| Mogamat (Luddy) Luddy | Thornton Road Primary School |
| Ferrentia September | Wes-Eind Primary School |
| Leigh-Ann Lenders | Zonnebloem Girls’ Primary School |
The event welcomed guests, including the graduates, their families, representatives from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), PAT funders, and team members. Attendees had the privilege of hearing Professor Catherine Duggan, the esteemed Director of the GSB, deliver an inspiring address filled with words of encouragement and motivation, setting the tone for the celebratory occasion. Additionally, Ms. Leela Naidoo, representing Capitec Bank, shared insights into the comprehensive math intervention initiatives they are implementing in schools, emphasising the importance of such interventions in shaping the future of education.
Gert van Tonder, the group’s elected president, delivered a heartfelt speech. He reflected on the cohort’s collective journey, acknowledging the challenges faced and the triumphs achieved along the way. He aptly noted, “It is a tale of learning, laughter, and leadership that has transformed us not just as professionals but as individuals.”
Among the Class of 2023, Cibella van Geems (photo) emerged as the top student, demonstrating exceptional dedication and academic excellence throughout the programme. Her achievement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to continuous growth and development.
Furthermore, the prestigious Shirley Williamson Shields were bestowed upon Mr. Mxolisi Mbobo from Intshayelelo Primary School and Mr. Michael Mavovana from Hector Peterson Secondary School. Each year this floating trophee is awarded to the high school and primary school that had shown the greatest improvement using the Systemic and NSC result from the year immediately prior to the year they joined the programme.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of the GSB Class of 2023, we extend our commendations to each graduate for their resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Their journey stands as an inspiration to all, reaffirming the transformative power of education and its profound impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
PAT hosts conference for alumni
On 4 March 2023, Principals Academy Trust (PAT) hosted its first-ever conference attended by 128 principals currently or previously in its coaching and mentoring programme. The theme of the conference was Principals: Levers for change. It was sponsored by Bluestar Financial Advisory Services, authorised by Sanlam, and took place at the CR Louw Auditorium, Sanlam Head Office, in Bellville.
PAT was founded in October 2012 in collaboration with the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. The founders, Rick Haw, Alan Clarke and Bruce Probyn, were keen to contribute to developing effective educational leadership and management in the public education system. Accordingly, they collaborated with UCT’s Graduate School of Business to develop an executive management development programme targeting education managers in the school system. Since the first intake of principals in 2013, 275 principals have completed the mentor and coaching programme.
The speakers included:
- Mr Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN and Principals Academy Trust Patron.
- Dr Esethu Stofile, Google Workspace Transformation Specialist;
- Dr Adyan King, Medical Officer: Psychiatry;
- Ms Wendy Horn, Director Metro North Education District;
- Ms Judith Sacks, Project manager at UCT for its Newly Qualified Teacher Project; and
- Dr Kate Angier, Senior Lecturer University of Cape Town.
Full press release available here.
Recording of the sessions available here.