Head leaders 2024. Like previous years, Schools That Rock interview Head Leaders of High Schools in South Africa. The next 2024 candidate interviewed is Luke Stinton, Deputy Head Prefect of Edgemead High School in Cape Town.
Tell us more about yourself and your leadership. What is your leadership experience?
- I would describe myself as a leader that leads by example. I make sure to always maintain clear communication with my team and be empathetic in caring for them. I help my team focus on our collective goals as well as individual goals. I also inspire my team and encourage a positive mindset within the group. Finally, I try to adapt and grow through all challenges and changes we face.
What are your most important values as a leader?
- My most important values as one of the Head Leaders 2024, are respect, responsibility and integrity. These are all critical to have in a leadership position but also in day-to-day life. They help me look after my team and allow me to effectively act as a leader.
As a member of the Head leaders 2024, what are your personal goals for your leadership year as well as for your school?
- My personal goal for my leadership this year is to look after and guide all prefects as well as other learners under my leadership. I strive to be a positive role model to all other learners and serve the school to the best of my ability.
What is your strongest leadership trait?
- My strongest leadership trait is communication. This benefits my Head Leaders 2024 team as everyone is always aware of what is expected of them and what the plans are going forward. I am also able to effectively receive feedback and make improvements that benefit the team.
How do you get co-operation from your team?
- I get co-operation from my team by truly forming a connection with every team member. I also care about their well-being as a person and not just as a member of my team. With these strong personal connections within my team, every member is keen to cooperate with any team projects or work at hand.
If you could be any dog breed, what breed would you be? Why?
- I would be a chocolate Labrador as they are intelligent, friendly and even-tempered.
How will you lead your team through change?
- As member of the Head Leaders 2024, l will lead my team through change by maintaining transparency with my team and keeping clear communication about the changes taking place. I will lead by example and demonstrate a positive mindset through all changes. Finally, I will help my time focus on the success of the group as a whole and not only individual success.
What stands out most to you at your school?
- The thing that stands out the most to me at Edgemead High School is the supportive culture of all students, learners and staff. Whether it be on the sports field, in the classroom or in the cultural department all members of the EHS family support each other to the fullest always.
Who is the person you look up to? Why?
- The person I look up to the most is my mother. She is the hardest working and most selfless person I have ever met. She has also taught me all the values I live by daily and I aspire to make her proud.
What has been the highlight of your school run track so far? Why?
- The highlight of my school career so far has been my entire grade 11 year. I made many new friendships that have had a huge positive impact on my life, and I was blessed with many achievements in academics, sport and leadership. Grade 11 has been my high school highlight so far and I am extremely grateful.
What are you daydreaming about?
- I am daydreaming about my final school soccer season starting soon. I cannot wait to be on the field with my teammates and give this season my all.
How will you persuade Grade 7 learners to consider your school from Grade 8?
- Edgemead High School has given me the environment, opportunities and mentorship to reach my full potential. EHS has not only allowed me to develop and showcase my sporting and academic ability but has used these pillars of the school to grow me as a person and teach me valuable skills to take into life after school. I believe anyone who attends Edgemead High School can experience the same growth I did with careful guidance from all teachers and coaches and by taking hold of the many opportunities that EHS provides.
In which direction do you want to study after school? At which University?
- I would like to study medicine at Stellenbosch University after school as I hope to be a doctor one day.
How would your friends describe you?
- My friends have described me as hardworking, dedicated, responsible and a gentleman.
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https://www.edgemeadhigh.org.za/
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