Meet our Principal - Mr Ebbinkhuysen
Mr Ebbinkhuysen
Driven by a passion for education, I became a qualified teacher in December 1993 and embarked on my career in January 1994. Committed to lifelong learning, I consistently seek to enhance my knowledge, skills, and understanding of innovations and trends in education, particularly in educational leadership.
As a result, I was proud to earn my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Management
from the University of Bath in England in 2019.
Over the years, I have held numerous leadership roles that have enriched my experience and expertise.
These roles include Subject Head, Head of Year, Extra-Curricular Coordinator, and Head of Department (Pastoral). In 2002, I was
appointed Deputy Principal at a large primary school in Springs. In August 2014, my family relocated to the UAE, where I took on the role of the Deputy Head of Primary at a school in Al Ain and thereafter served as Senior Deputy Principal.
While I am deeply passionate about leadership, my core identity remains that of
an educator.
My leadership philosophy revolves around placing the child at the
forefront of all discussions and decisions, carefully considering both the
individual and collective impacts on pupils. I am committed to embedding an enriching environment where every child can flourish.
I believe in the innate potential of each child to learn and grow and believe it is our responsibility as teachers and leaders to ensure every child realises their maximum potential.
In today’s ever-changing environment, equipping children with the necessary
knowledge, skills, and values to innovate rather than imitate is, in my opinion, one of our highest educational priorities, enabling them to effectively contribute to a better tomorrow.
I believe that a school thrives when it fosters a healthy, collaborative, and inclusive partnership with all its stakeholders. This can be achieved through an open-door policy, which encourages communication and accessibility among teachers, parents, students, and the broader community. By inviting stakeholders to share their thoughts and concerns openly, the school creates an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Stakeholders can reach out easily at principal@birnelcollege.co.za to share feedback or seek guidance, ensuring that everyone feels connected and involved. Regular updates and open lines of communication via email, newsletters, social media and face-to-face meetings promote timely exchanges of ideas, further strengthening the school community. Together, these practices help build a robust support network that contributes to the overall success and well-being of the school.