Exciting times as Paul Roos names their new rector

There probably cannot be a better time to take charge at Paul Roos. Everything is going well.

Translated from the Paul Roos Website:

After nearly eight years as headmaster of Paul Roos Gymnasium, André van Staden will step down at the end of the second term this year, handing over the reins to Jannie de Villiers. Jannie is currently the Head of the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG) in Makhanda (Grahamstown), where he assumed leadership in January 2020, just in time for the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jannie is a curious, lifelong learner who holds a BA Honours degree from North-West University, a Higher Diploma in Education from Stellenbosch University, and a B.Ed. Honours degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Cape Town. He also completed the Leadership Development Programme at Wits Business School.

Jannie’s teaching career began in 1996 at Hoërskool Swellendam. Two years later, he accepted a position as an Afrikaans and Geography teacher at Bishops Diocesan College in Cape Town, where he worked for 19 years. His passion for pastoral care saw him progress quickly in this area, eventually becoming the Senior Boarding House Director. During the last decade of his tenure at Bishops, Jannie served on various strategic committees and task teams, addressing areas such as leadership development, outdoor education, sustainability, diversity, discipline, and pastoral care.

In 2016, Jannie was appointed head of Oakhill School in Knysna. During his three-year term, he guided the school community through the devastating Knysna fires of 2017 and celebrated the milestone of the school’s 25th anniversary. At Oakhill, Jannie spearheaded initiatives in staff development, diversity, academic innovation, and the school’s complete transformation into a Google-based learning environment.

Jannie describes his calling as an educator as being rooted in his desire to inspire critical thinking, deep care, and authentic leadership in young people, enabling them to navigate and shape a better future with purpose. As a headmaster, he is “passionate about building happy, purpose-driven teams by fostering individual development, creating exceptional working and learning environments, and establishing a healthy school culture.”

He is an authentic, transparent leader who provides colleagues and learners with guidance, support, and agency, trusting them to excel—even if it means allowing room for honest mistakes. His aim is to foster a high-trust school community that operates as a united, inspired team under the mantra: “We strive for excellence, but perfection is not our goal.”

In his personal life, Jannie is an adventurer who enjoys mountain climbing, trail running, and exploring backroads (on his bike or in his bakkie). He also has a deep appreciation for theatre, literature, art, and music. He draws daily strength from his calling as a Christian educator and the unwavering support of his family. Jannie is married to Suzanne, a seasoned educator in her own right. They have two children: Alida (19), who will begin her studies in occupational therapy at the University of Cape Town in 2025, and Jean (17), who will matriculate at St Andrew’s College in 2025.

We believe that Jannie’s extensive skill set and experience, his love for people, positive outlook, and infectious energy make him the ideal person to lead our school into an exciting new chapter. We warmly welcome the De Villiers family and hope this marks the beginning of a long and fulfilling connection with the Paul Roos community.