One of the themes running through this issue of Independent Education, is the need for schools to become "future-proof". Preparing schools – and their pupils – for the future can, of course, take a number of different forms.
Regulars
There is currently a major challenge for schools in replacing teachers and heads, and in recruiting good quality teachers. What will this challenge look like in 2030 when half of our ageing teachers retire?
As organisations within society, independent schools must continue to heal the divisions of our past and begin to realise the aspirations of our Constitution, so that ours will be a more humane society in which the dignity of all, especially children, is protected.
Times are tough and school leaders are facing unprecedented challenges which I’m not always sure they’ve signed up for. Today I look back and often wonder how on earth I managed to juggle it all.
Empathy is also about triumph. It is about staring down the facts, assessing the challenges and moving forward with courage. This is what all of the ISASA member schools featured in this edition have done.
For me, the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu in December 2021 was deeply personal. One of my early memories was traveling with my parents to the airport in Johannesburg to meet Father Tutu and Mama Leah on their return to South Africa.