Dear Teachers, Parents and Students

I am excited to join The Bay Academy and to contribute to its future growth and development as an excellent, innovative, student-focused learning community. As previous head of various schools, my roles and responsibilities have included strategic planning and change management processes. My educational philosophy is based on the belief that the best schools offer an educational experience that shapes confident, curious and well-rounded individuals. My objective is to work closely with teachers, students and parents towards a common vision of excellence at The Bay Academy whereby students can flourish and teachers feel supported to nurture a genuine love for learning.

I am deeply interested in student achievement and success. It is important to recognise that the factors that contribute towards and ultimately determine a child’s achievement and success at school, are complex and varied.

In his book, “An Ethic of Excellence” (2003), Ron Berger highlights the importance of why culture matters when it comes to student success. There is no magic solution to make children succeed at school. The curriculum matters! The physical classroom environment matters! Appropriate technology enhanced equipment and programs matter! But only as part of a strong classroom culture or school culture are those things valuable.

Based on my own observations and experience as principal of various schools over the last 25 years, I agree with Berger that achievement of students is governed to a large degree by their family culture, their neighbourhood culture and their school culture. I would add that powerful social media platforms have possibly surpassed neighbourhood, family, and school as the most important cultural influence for some of our children.

Students may have different potentials, but, as Ron Berger highlights “in general, the attitudes and achievements of students are shaped by the culture around them: students adjust their attitudes and efforts in order to fit into the culture. If it isn’t cool to raise your hand in class, to do your homework, to care openly about school – this is a powerful force. If the peer culture celebrates investment in school – it’s cool to care – this is just as powerful.”

At The Bay Academy, we should commit as teachers, parents and students, to continue to consciously shape our culture as a place where it is safe to care. Let us support each other to strengthen a culture of care and excellence.

Kind regards

Pieter Steyn

Principal