Headmaster Rep:Headmaster Rep
26/5/08
15:09
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Headmaster’s Report
What a wonderful experience the last two and a half years have been for me since the return to my former High School, King Edward VII, in the position of Headmaster. When I think of our School as it stands today, a complete package of holistic education, sport and cultural activities with the same fine ethos and tradition it has always boasted, I marvel at how much and yet how little things have really changed in all the years that King Edward has been in existence. This fine School remains unique in all it offers, yet remains affordable and accessible. It is truly a cornerstone of our community. Public Schools make up the majority of educational institutions in our country. The most successful of these schools are also those in the minority, mostly those previously called Model ‘C’ schools which are able to hold their own when measured against the performance of the Independent schools. The difference being we are more accessible to the general community. Good, solid values and quality education are on offer but in reality one wonders for how much longer this can be expected to continue. The State removes almost all the decision-making and self-determination from the Headmaster and the School Governing Body. Their policy on non-payment means it is becoming easier and easier to get an education without having to pay any school fees. Without additional funding, schools cannot operate effectively or offer any extra perks such as smaller classes, superior facilities or a range of extra curricular activities. In short, without additional funding as the State subsidies are presently inadequate, schools need to operate using very strict business principles in order to survive. It therefore becomes the parent’s financial obligation to uphold and preserve these schools as they form the backbone of fine education which produces top quality young men able to contribute positively to society. When these schools can no longer function properly and provide the services currently enjoyed at schools such as ours, South Africa faces a real crisis in education. King Edward thus appeals to its parent body to acknowledge and respect that they in effect decide whether we are to continue to be a school of excellence or whether we will slide into the same obscure, hopeless pit of so many other schools denied adequate funding or resources. Another matter of concern we face today is the threat of violence in our schools. The Press would have us believe that schools are hotbeds of crime, drink and drugs. While this may be true of schools in some areas, King Edward VII School strives to be different and tries to preserve a good moral culture and environment for their learners. However, we as educators cannot achieve this on our own. We need good conduct, strong values and appropriate behaviour to be inculcated in the home. Parents need to be good role models for their children.
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