With a new principal and a significant vision, Eltivillas Primary School in Louis Trichardt is set for great things.

Mr Johan Fick has been appointed principal of the school as from August 1. Mr Fick is the former principal of Mopani Intermediate School, a school that he left with vast improvements to the infrastructure and sound finances. Other schools that had the benefit of his teaching are Bergvlam in Sibasa and Eugene Marais in Mookgopong. After 23 years of teaching experience, 18 years in primary schools and 5 years in the secondary phase, Mr Fick still regards education not just as an employment but as his passion.

“I have a passion for education and to make a success thereof. Children are the crown of God’s creation and we carry a huge responsibility towards the parents and community when we educate children,” Mr Fick said this week.

“We need a leader and the new principal has a strong vision,” members of the management team said.

Mr Fick said that his vision is to create a school of excellence. “The mission that we will undertake will be by means of setting a high academic standard, and by fully developing the children through sport as well as culture.”

Plenary meetings are already underway and some of the big plans will include the renovation of the school, the improvement of the infrastructure and the upgrading of the sport facilities.

Currently, Eltivillas Primary School’s 21 staff members give education to 758 learners from Grade 1 to Grade 7.

“The expected enrolment for 2009 is between 950 and 1000 learners and the number of the teachers will also increase,” Mr Fick said.