A word (or two) from our Principal - Term 1, 2025
4/4/2025
Dear Heather Secondary School Community
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the first edition of our 2025 school newsletter. As we embark on a new academic year, I extend a special warm welcome to all our new Grade 8 learners and their families! We understand that high school is a significant transition, and we hope that your experience thus far has been enriching, supportive, and filled with promise.
Our Term One focus drew to a close on Friday (4th April) as we wrapped up our Holiday School Enrichment programme for grades 10, 11 and 12. Thank you to the educators, learners and their loved ones for their commitment to and investment in this intervention.
2024 was a year of reflection and transformation for Heather Secondary, and 2025 promises to be one of continued excellence and renewed purpose. Guided by our vision to be “recognised as the hallmark of educational excellence, where every learner is equipped to navigate and shape our dynamic society”, we have made significant strides in academic achievement, digital advancement, and holistic development.
The Matric Class of 2024 achieved a commendable 87.6% pass rate, remaining above the national average. More importantly, we celebrate the 75 distinctions earned, and the significant number of learners qualifying for Bachelor’s Degree programmes. These results reflect not only the efforts of our learners but the dedication of our educators and the enduring support of our parents and guardians.
Heather Secondary was honoured to be identified as a SMART School under the Department of Basic Education’s MST Grant. This pivotal investment included the installation of smart classrooms, teacher laptops, a robust ICT infrastructure, and the replacement of all chalkboards with interactive whiteboards.
Educators were trained extensively in the use of digital tools to deliver engaging, effective lessons. As Mr U. Bagwandeen reflected, the training sessions were “enriching and insightful experience... fostering a more dynamic learning environment. The workshop was a resounding success, equipping educators with skills to integrate technology into their teaching effectively.” For Natural Sciences teacher Ms P.P. Ngcobo, this innovation means deeper engagement: "With the ability to project and show videos of biological processes, learners are gaining a deeper understanding of complex scientific concepts."
This SMART transition is more than a technological upgrade—it represents our commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring that every Heather learner is prepared to thrive in the 21st-century learning landscape.
We celebrate the careers of two esteemed educators who retired recently: Mrs R. Erradu (Department Head of Technology) and Mr M. Gobindlall (Department Head of Commerce). Their contributions to our school community are immeasurable. We are grateful that Mr Gobindlall has graciously agreed to return part-time to assist with continuity in the Commerce Department during this transitional phase.
We also extend a warm welcome to new staff members:
Mr R. Govender (Technology)
Mr T.L. Ngubane (Mathematics & English)
Mrs S. Hammond (Consumer Studies)
Miss N.P. Buthelezi (temporary appointment),
and congratulations to Mrs N. Shaik who has been appointed as the Acting DH for Commerce.
We are pleased to announce the conversion of Mr S.T. Govender (Business Studies) and Miss E. Ramnarain (English Home Language) from SGB-paid to state-paid educators, securing their continued presence and expertise at our school.
As we journey through 2025, we remain committed to our mission: “to develop well-rounded individuals who excel academically, embrace diversity, and embody the values of our motto ‘By Concord and Harmony’, ensuring that each learner is poised for success and service to the community.”
Together, learners, educators, parents and alumni, let us build on the shoulders of giants, and move forward with courage, unity, and purpose.
Yours by concord and harmony,
Mr S Reddy
Principal
Heather Secondary School