Head Leader 2024. Like previous years, Schools That Rock interviewed Head Leaders of High Schools in South Africa. Today’s candidate interviewed is Ghita Thomas, Head Leader of Edgemead High School in Cape Town.
Ghita, tell us more about yourself and your leadership? What is your leadership experience?
- My name is Ghita Thomas. I am a grade 12 learner at Edgemead High School in Cape Town. My first experiences in leadership would be through the Representative council of learners. In grade 8 I applied to be in my schools RCL, but unfortunately I did not make it. However, I didn’t give up and decided to re-apply the following year in grade 9. I successfully made it that year and was selected as secretary. In grade 10 I became the vice chairman for my schools RCL and I was selected as secretary for the Metro North Education District RCL. In grade 11 I was once again selected as secretary for my schools RCL and now as a Matric learner I can proudly say I am the Head Prefect of Edgemead High school.
Tell us hat are your most important values as a leader?
- My most important value for myself as a Head Leader 2024,would be accountability. I think a true leader is not someone who is perfect but is someone who makes mistakes and can own up to them and take accountability for when they’re in the wrong.
What are your personal goals for your leadership year? And for Edgemead High School?
- My goals for my leadership year is to foster a positive team environment. Also to promote open communication when working with the prefect body. My personal goal for Edgemead High School is to be a reliable and approachable resource for fellow students as well as to set an example of responsibility, respect and integrity.
Ghita, what is your strongest leadership trait?
- My strongest leadership trait would be my empathy. I have genuine understanding of other perspectives and emotions which allows me to connect with others on a deeper level. Some others would also be my confidence and good communication skills.
How do you get cooperation from your team?
- I try to lead by example, be approachable, listen attentively to other ideas and provide support. I think this creates a positive team culture which then motivates the prefects to work together effectively.
If you could be any dog breed, what breed would you be? Why?
- I think I’d be a cocker spaniel. They’ve got this gorgeous golden hair and they’re just the cutest and sweetest dogs in in my opinion.
How will you lead your team through change?
- By having open communication about the reasons behind the change and addressing concerns as well as putting emphasis on the benefits of the change. Setting clear expectations and guiding them through the transition with a positive and adaptable mindset.
What stands out the most to you at Edgemead?
- What stands out to me the most is the school’s unique atmosphere and the strong sense of community there is throughout the school.
Who is the person you look up to? Why?
- The person I look up to is my mother. She’s been a guiding presence in my life, providing support and wisdom during times when I’ve truly needed it.
What has been the highlight of your school run track so far? Why?
- My highlight of my school run track would be my grade 10 year. I landed a role in one of my school’s mini productions and I truly had so much fun singing, dancing, and acting on stage. I also made so many new friendships and connections that year.
Ghita, what are you daydreaming about?
- I’m daydreaming about life after matric and how scary it is that I’ll be entering the adult world in only just a few months.
How will you persuade Grade 7 learners to consider your school from Grade 8?
- I would highlight the unique aspects of my school, such as the exciting extracurricular activities, supportive teachers and positive learning environment.
In which direction do you want to study after school? At which University?
- After school I would like to study political science and hopefully acquire a career in law. I’d like to study at either UCT or Stellenbosch University.
How would your friends describe you?
- I think my friends would describe me as a very bubbly and energetic person but serious when need be.
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https://www.edgemeadhigh.org.za/
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