TuksSport High School reached a milestone of its 20thanniversary this year. PDBY interviewed the Principal of the High School, Hettie De Villiers, about their journey throughout the two decades and the transformation the school has experienced.
1.What is your vision for the year 2022 as TuksSport High School?
The fact that the regulations have been relaxed enough to allow our learner athletes to compete again casts a bright light on the new year – we intend to embrace every opportunity that comes our way to participate, to compete, and to excel on the sports field. We will make every second count in the classroom and on the track.
2. What changes/initiatives have been spearheaded throughout the 20 years?
We are still in the process of changing – we evolve with every new year, trying to find the perfect balance between the demands of sport and school. Finding the balance is key to our success, because excellence in one area can never be to the detriment of the other. Different sports codes have been introduced, we’ve moved to a beautiful new school and hostel, SAFA (national federation), AFT – sponsorship
3. What have been your greatest challenges in the past 20 years? How have you overcome that?
Challenges – changing the mindset of the world out there – so that a sports school does not have to stand back academically from any of the top schools in Pretoria. And the proof is in the pudding. Perception – not a “real” school, where all the kids do is train.
Our excellent academic results negate that perception – you don’t have to choose between excellence on the sports field and outstanding academic performances.
4. What methods do you put in place to ensure that your students are equipped for varsity level sports or even the Olympics?
Once again, – these measures have evolved over the years. The burden of most of this – falls on the shoulders of the coaches, – with whom we have a very good relationship – give and take. The holistic and supportive environment contributes a lot to getting the athletes ready for higher platforms. Discipline in all aspects, from diet to training, school work to sleeping habits - . Also supportive measures – sports psychology, access to the best S&C coaches to supplement the sports coach’s hard work, an understanding and flexible school environment where they are never told “if only you spent as much time on your school work as on your sport”.
5. Please leave any comment of your choice regarding the school's 20th anniversary.
I am extremely proud to have been associated with TuksSport High School and the University of Pretoria for the last 20 years. When you go about your daily tasks without always taking note of the small changes and improvements, when I pause to look back, it fills me with great pride to see where we started and where we are now. I am so grateful that I could have been on this journey, that I could have been part of such a wonderful initiative – one that has given so many talented young athletes of all codes an opportunity to live their dream, to reach the top. I am proud of all the learner athletes that have gone on to play professional football, compete and medal at the Olympics and also those that have just done their best every single day. But our success is not only measured by our success in sports – our learners have gone on to take their place in society as lawyers, doctors, and teachers. As responsible and good citizens of the country and the world.
De Villiers said that the response to a 20-year reunion has been overwhelming and that she cannot wait to see the learners again and hear their success stories. “Our school has always had a sense of family, and that was made clear by the responses I received regarding the reunion. I hope that will never change – that this school will be one where learners feel valued, cared for and where they are given the opportunity to be the best they can be.”