“Our children are living in a world of the 4th Industrial Revolution with technology and artificial intelligence being the main drivers… It is going to be their humanity that sets them apart. My aim is to nurture caring, confident, and courageous young minds,” says the newly appointed principal of Pecanwood Preparatory Lynne van Dellen.
Lynne recently joined the Pecanwood College team after heading prestigious schools like Durban Girls’ College and King David Sandton. She has 35 years of teaching and management experience at a range of prominent South African schools.
“I am very excited to be part of Pecanwood College. This is an amazing school, and I am privileged to be part of this team. People don’t realise what a special school this is and the wonderful things that the teachers are doing here. We have children who are curious and want to learn. They come to school with a smile on their faces,” she laughs.
Why Pecanwood? “I was head of two niche schools before and I was looking for an environment that more broadly represented South Africa. The focus here is on giving of oneself and engendering a value-system that is not egocentric in nature. The children also know how to engage and speak to others – and they have opinions!”
One of her aims at Pecanwood College is to grow and expand the cultural aspects of the school. “I have an Honours Degree in Music Education and I look forward to expanding cultural activities at Pecanwood College. I also want happy children. That is my greatest joy. It is an incredible privilege but also a responsibility to be in an environment like this.”
She believes in an open-door policy for all stakeholders. “I want to partner with children, parents and teachers in the child’s education process. I also believe it is of no use being a principal in an office. I need to be out there on the school grounds to know the children’s needs and to understand how they feel. This also goes for teachers. I am looking forward to ‘growing’ human beings who are prepared to risk – our theme this year being the ‘possibility of yet’ and having a growth mindset.
Mrs van Dellen and her family will be relocating from Sandton to Hartbeespoort in the coming months. “This is such a beautiful place and a far cry from the city. We are looking forward to settling here and becoming part of the community.”