Mitchell’s Plain Primary School welcomes new principal Shane Johnson

Mitchell’s Plain Primary School has announced the appointment of its new principal, Shane Johnson, who is set to further enhance the school’s longstanding tradition of excellence in education and child development.

Mr Johnson officially stepped into his new role on Wednesday, October 1.

As a dedicated teacher with more than three decades of experience in both classroom teaching and school management, he brings with him a passion for child support, curriculum development, and staff empowerment.

The School Governing Body (SGB) said his appointment marks a significant milestone for the school. 

Mr Johnson, a former teacher at Blomvlei Primary School in Hanover Park, has held various educational roles, including acting principal. He said that the leadership position is nothing new for him, as he has previously occupied the same role.

However, he emphasised that for his tenure to be successful and productive, he needs the support of everyone, staff, parents, children, and members of the SGB, to work together in moving the school forward.

Like any new principal, he plans to transform the school into one of the best in the district. However, he understands that this can only be achieved through intensive teaching and discipline.

“The school has a vision, and the Western Cape Department of Education (WCDE) has a vision. I also have my own vision. What I would like to implement at the school is to align my vision with the WCDE’s vision. This is about providing quality education to every child in every class at the school and across the province. I also want to incorporate all staff members to have input. I am not going to change the school’s vision and impose my vision on everyone. The school is a community, so it includes the parents, staff, ground staff, admin staff, volunteers, and learners,” he said.

He emphasised that everything at the school must be done in the best interest of the child. He called on all stakeholders to act in the best interest of the children so that they can teach holistically.

Mr Johnson stated that children must be exposed to the next level of excellence. Known for his innovative teaching methods and strong rapport with pupils, he has already begun making strides in curriculum planning and team collaboration. His leadership is expected to further strengthen teaching standards and improve pupils' performance across key grades.

SGB member Natalie Appolis said: “We are very excited because we are looking forward to getting our school to grow. The school is the oldest in Mitchell’s Plain, and it is about time we show everybody what we are made of. It's important, but it is all for the children first," she said, adding that they were looking forward to working with Mr Johnson.

"It takes the whole school; it takes a village, and it takes the children and everybody to make it a success.”

Teacher and SGB member Norma De Sani was also positive about the changes. She paid tribute to the former principal, Alan Frenchman, whom she described as a father figure to all.

“He was amazing, a father figure to all, very supportive, always there for us. He was more than a teacher; he was like a dad. You had to be here to see the impact he had. He has been here for 40 years,” she said.

"The community can now rest assured that the school has a principal, and they will continue to engage locals."