Welcome to 2023
This year is not only the school’s 25th anniversary but also the year we welcome in a new head; Mrs Reed is taking over from Mr Hunter, promising to challenge students in new and exciting ways and grow the school from the strong foundation that Mr Hunter has laid.
Having taught in Taiwan and Cambodia for a total of 19 years, Mrs Reed joined ISCT almost three years ago. Reasoning that she wanted the job of Principal to belong to someone who cares about the school as much as she does, she applied for the position. She said the best thing about being a teacher is, “as a teacher, you influence humans, and that can be beautiful when you get it right.”
When asked where she sees ISCT in 10 years, she stated, “My vision is to see it as a thriving centre of learning and excellence. And learning beyond academics, so having students achieve in the arts and innovation and entrepreneurship and sports – in everything.”
Going into 2023, Mrs Reed would like to see our facilities get an upgrade, coinciding with Mr Hunter’s wish to improve the wooden drama cabin and the D&T facilities and to look at space. Another thing she’s looking at is ISCT’s partnerships – the tuck shop being one. Additionally, she wants to include more opportunities for students to develop their leadership – potentially involving the MUN (Model United Nations), competitions and additional trips.
“I genuinely believe that everyone is born with a particular purpose and a gift and I’d love to see that develop and thrive here.”
– Mrs Reed
After 42 years of teaching, Mr Hunter stated he never regretted choosing that career.
When Mr Hunter arrived at ISCT in 2003, salaries couldn’t be paid in their entirety; the school was fighting to stay afloat. In a year, however, his management began to see things turning around, and since then, our school has grown significantly.
Despite his notable impact in that arena, he says that his greatest achievement is the staff and the environment they create at ISCT. “The people,” was his response to the question of what kept him at ISCT for so many years.
When asked if he’d miss us, this was his response:
“Probably in ways that you wouldn’t imagine. […] Twice a week I go to Struben House to do car park duty with Mrs Daniels and other staff, and I always wear a crazy tie, and you see the impact it has on kids and their engagement. ‘Hello Mr Hunter, I like your tie’. That type of silly stuff – that’s the lifeblood of teaching, and yes, I’ll miss that. […] I’ll miss you guys in different ways because each of you is very different.”
“Don’t waste a single day, and make sure that you’re going somewhere with that day. We don’t know how many or how few days we have.”
– Mr Hunter
Fun Facts about Mr Hunter
- One thing you’d be surprised to find out about Mr Hunter – he hates assemblies!
- He says that the best gift he ever received from a student was a yellow wood cheese board that he allegedly uses every day, along with his thousands of pens.
- He’s done a great deal of work repairing the school’s infrastructure.
- Once Mr Hunter has retired, he says he’ll be seeing what comes along – whether that’s woodwork, working with an NGO or simply taking stock.
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