MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Hillcrest Secondary School’s principal, Viverick Slater’s (36) teaching journey may have officially begun in 2013, but looking back, it has always been part of who he is, he says.
With a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of the Western Cape and an Honours in Language Education from Unisa, Slater says he has always believed learning is a lifelong journey.
As a young boy growing up in George, he says he constantly found himself surrounded by books, his curiosity and explorer’s heart urging him to constantly learn more about the world around him.
“At school, I actively participated in debates, plays and speech competitions, which helped develop my love of language and communication.”
Amid Slater’s youthful learning and exploring, however, a moment that would define the rest of his life struck in high school. “I lost my father at the age of 15.”
As the only son, he felt a deep sense of responsibility to step up and support his mother and three sisters.
“That experience shaped my character and instilled in me a strong sense of purpose. From that point forward, I was determined to work hard, set a good example for my sisters, and make my mother proud.”
Slater says he was always the one helping his siblings, friends and even children in the community with their homework and school projects. He would even remark his sisters’ work and add his own comments and signature - good practice for a career he hadn’t necessarily planned on at that stage.
Teachers and belief
“During my gap year [after high school], I worked in a retail store. Interestingly, my Grade Three and Four teachers regularly came into the store and firmly told me I should not be working there - they insisted I apply to a university and pursue my potential. I remain deeply grateful to them.
“Their belief in me and their determination to push me in the right direction played a significant role in shaping my future. They inspired me to become the kind of educator who encourages learners never to let their potential go to waste.”
And so, in 2013, Slater entered his first teaching position at Bellvue Primary School in Belhar, Cape Town, after which he joined Soneike High School in Kuilsriver in 2014, where he served as the English subject head.
“This role allowed me to grow as both an educator and a leader within the school environment.”
In July 2017, he transferred to Hillcrest where his leadership journey continued to evolve. The following year he was appointed the acting head of the English Department, becoming permanent in 2019. In 2022, he acted as deputy principal and was once again appointed permanently later in 2023. It was also in that year he acted as principal for the first time while his predecessor, Ivan Kroneberg, had been recovering from an injury.
And after Kroneberg’s retirement at the end of 2024, Slater was next in line to lead Hillcrest. He was permanently appointed as principal on 1 October 2025 after having acted in the role since January.
“It has been a privilege to grow alongside the school and to now lead the Hillcrest community.”
Challenges and rewards
One of Slater’s most rewarding aspects of teaching is the direct interaction with learners in the classroom.
“That moment when a learner suddenly understands a concept or begins to believe in their own abilities. As principal I now find great fulfilment in supporting educators, building a positive school culture, and creating an environment in which both staff and learners can thrive.”
For him, the most essential ingredient in his leadership is trust. “A school functions best when there is trust between leadership, educators, learners and parents.”
This also ties in with one of the challenges Slater says remains in many schools: parental involvement. “It is something I am actively working to strengthen at our school, as strong partnerships between schools and families are essential for the learners’ success.”
Another challenge is balancing the many responsibilities that come with being principal while ensuring that teaching and learning remain at the centre of everything they do. But with a committed team, clear communication and a shared vision, he believes challenges can become opportunities for growth.
Luckily, challenges often produce moments of meaning. Over his now 13-year career, he says there have been many of these. “But the ones that stay with me the most are the stories of learners who succeed despite difficult circumstances.
“Even more powerful are the moments when former learners reach out years later to share their achievements - whether graduating from university or securing employment with leading companies - and thank you, their teacher, for the encouragement or words that inspired them to keep going. Those moments are truly indescribable.”
Outside of school, the principal values time that allows him to reflect, recharge and connect with the people who matter most in his life. “I enjoy reading and exploring topics related to language, education and personal growth. Spending time with family and friends is equally important to me, as it provides balance and perspective.”
His explorer’s heart has also never left him. “Travelling and exploring new places is something I greatly value, as it broadens my perspective and reminds me of the many different stories and experiences that shape people’s lives.”
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