Term 1, 2026 Principal's Address

Dear Heather Secondary School Community

As the 2026 academic year unfolds, I extend a warm welcome to all our new learners, parents, and families. You are now part of the Heather family — a community grounded in shared purpose, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence under our guiding principle, By Concord and Harmony.

We move through this milestone year on a strong foundation. The Class of 2025 achieved a 97.2% pass rate — our best result since 2009 and 2010. Behind this achievement lies something deeper: the quiet discipline of our learners, the commitment of our educators, and the steady support of parents. We are especially proud of Shivasti Singh, who achieved the highest mark in English in the district, and of our Business Studies results, where Heather led the district. My congratulations to Mrs S. Kunnen and Mr Gobindlall for this outstanding achievement. We also celebrate Mr R.J. Pillay, whose learners attained the best results in the district in Engineering Graphics and Design.

Our educators continue to distinguish themselves beyond the classroom. Miss S. Singh has been elected Chairperson of NAPTOSA KZN, and Mrs Z. Hussain has been selected as Internal Moderator for English Home Language Paper 3 at the provincial level. These achievements speak to the depth of expertise and professionalism within our staff.

his year holds special meaning for us as Heather Secondary School celebrates 45 years. It is a moment not only to look back with pride, but to recognise the people — past and present — who have shaped this school into what it is today. Over the course of the year, we look forward to bringing our community together through a range of commemorative events, including a reunion of past educators and learners. As part of this journey, we acknowledge the meaningful partnership we have built with Mr Nithia Naidoo and ProEdX over the past two years. Their involvement has supported key areas of development within the school, and they will continue to play an integral role in the initiatives and activities planned for our 45th anniversary celebrations.

Like any living community, this term has also brought change. We bid farewell to Mr E. Govender and thank him for his contribution, while acknowledging Miss S. Makhan for stepping in where needed. As the YES Programme concluded, we also said goodbye to Miss H. Sadhai, Miss N. Gungapersad, and Mr N. Orrie, and thank them for the role they played during their time with us. At the same time, it is encouraging to see continuity, with Mr R. Govender, Miss S. Makhan, and Mr B. John taking on ongoing roles within the school. What is deeply encouraging is the sense that something is shifting within the school. There is a growing alignment around standards, a stronger culture of accountability, and a shared belief in what we can achieve together.

There have also been moments that remind us of the richness of school life. The visit from East Coast Radio brought great excitement and energy to our learners, while the opportunity for Serante Pillay and Asande Shizalo, together with Mrs N.R. Mtetwa, to represent Heather at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Budget Address speaks to the broader exposure we want for our learners beyond the classroom.

We have also, sadly, had to come together in grief. We mourn the passing of our Grade 10 learner, Brooklyn Hemmero, and extend our deepest condolences to her family and friends. We also hold Mr Stoffels and Mrs Ramprasad in our thoughts during their time of loss. In these moments, we are reminded that the strength of Heather lies not only in what we achieve, but in how we care for one another.

Our responsibility also extends to ensuring that the conditions for learning are right. In our recent engagement with the MEC for Infrastructure and Development, Mr Martin Meyer, we raised key issues affecting the school, including the burden of utility costs and the future of Heather Hall. These matters remain important, and we will continue to engage constructively in the interest of our learners. I would like to congratulate Ms Faith Nzimande on her election as Chairperson of the School Governing Body, and welcome newly elected members Mrs S. Naidu, Mr L. Govender, and Mr E. Naidoo. We wish Ms Nzimande, the SGB, and the newly elected members every success in the important work ahead, and thank outgoing members for their service.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our partners and supporters, including Hlanganani Engineers and Back2Pack, whose contributions continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our learners and the work of the school.

As we mark 45 years, we do so with a clear understanding: the strength of Heather has always been its people. If we continue to move forward together — with purpose, with care, and in harmony — there is every reason to believe that our best years still lie ahead.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours by concord and harmony,

Mr S Reddy

Principal

Heather Secondary School