Midrand, Johannesburg – Reddford House Blue Hills, an Inspired School, is proud to announce the appointment of Vilandre Lubbe as the new Head of Campus. Vilandre joins the Reddford House Blue Hills community with more than ten years of teaching and educational management experience. She is passionate about education and is committed to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Vilandre is no stranger to the Reddford family, having held management positions as a coordinator and Deputy Head at Reddford House for most of her professional career. She started her teaching career at a government school after obtaining her teaching qualification from the North West University of Potchefstroom. Vilandre completed several courses such as Teaching with Technology, Thinking Skills, Reggio Emilia, and Safeguarding in Education.
Vilandre’s experience in education stretches from the Foundation Phase to Matric and she has taught various subjects over the years. In 2020, she relocated to the UK where she spent just over two years in the field of Education, gaining international experience. Her focus was on attendance, pastoral care, safeguarding, and discipline. On her return to South Africa she re-joined Reddford House as Preparatory Teacher at Reddford House The Hills before being appointed as Head of Campus at Reddford House Blue Hills.
Vilandre is a passionate advocate of the school’s child-centred approach and continuous drive to be better and innovative, which are key components of its curriculum. She is committed to excellence in all spheres of educayion and emphasises the importance of the three pillars of the school, which are the foundation of its success, being the academic programme, cultural and sporting activities, and then adds community in addition, which is inclusive and non-denominational.
“At Reddford House Blue Hills, we take pride in the relationships formed between home, student, and school. This ensures that we provide children with the best education possible. It is thanks to the exceptional Reddford House team that our students can grow and reach their full potential.”
As the new Head of Campus, Vilandre hopes to achieve stability and continuous growth for the school. She aims to build on the school’s established values and ethos while leading the team to provide the students with every opportunity possible to develop optimally, to fuel their passions and to pursue their dreams.
Asked to share her words of wisdom with future generations, Vilandre says, “Never give up and never believe anyone who tells you that you are not capable. We all have greatness inside of us.”
Q&A with Vilandre Lubbe
Q: What are the biggest lessons you learnt while working in the education sector in the UK for two years?
A: The importance of restorative measures. It is important for us as educators to remember that that sometimes bad behaviour has an underlying cause. We are not in the game of punishing. In education it is our duty to educate and equip our students with the necessary tools to be successful, respectable and kind humans one day.
Q: In your opinion, what makes Reddford House Blue Hills stand out from other schools in the area? A: The passion and dedication that our staff have for our students is second to none. Every decision we make we make for the benefit of the students. You can have the best of everything, but if your school has no heart or passion, your children will not be happy or successful.
Q: What leadership qualities do you bring to your new role as Campus Head of Reddford House Blue Hills?
A: Kindness, fairness, respect and passion. Everything I do, I do for the greater good of the school and the students.
Q: What is your leadership philosophy?
A: To lead by example with enthusiasm, passion, kindness and humility. Everyone should be treated with respect and kindness, no matter what their role on the campus happens to be. We are all equally important cogs in the wheel of life.
Q: What do you do in your spare time (interests and hobbies)?
A: I love to travel our own country and the world. I have an adventurous spirit and love to try new things. I also love spending time with friends and family.
Q: What do you believe are the qualities every teacher should have?
A: A willingness to learn. Like the students, we should always show kindness and passion in all that we do. be engaging and seeing what more and better we can do for the lives that have been entrusted to us.
Q: What is your favourite quote?
A: The only constant in life is change.
Q: Who has had the greatest impact on you in your life?
A: My father and Dr Ronel Burger, managing director of Reddford House South Africa.
Q: If you could give your teenage self one sentence of advice, what would you share and why?
A: Be who you are and be true to yourself. Don’t limit yourself. Aways strive to be better. Believe in yourself.
Q: What is a problem in the world you hope to see solved within your lifetime?
A: Basic education for all. Every person on earth deserves the opportunity to be educated and become what they dream.
Q: What are you most grateful for in your life?
A: Family. Without them, I would not be where I am today.
Q: What interests do you hope to pursue this year?
A: I hope to further my career by tackling my MBA.
Q: What subject were you best in during school? Why do you feel you excelled at it?
A: Biology. It was all because of a passionate teacher. From the minute you walked into her class you were hooked.
Q: Do you think the journey or the destination is more important, and why?
A: The journey… if you live for the destination, you will miss all the amazing moments along the way.
For more information, please visit Reddford House Blue Hills.