Chairman of the Board Letter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Headmaster’s Resignation Announcement

It is with a mix of gratitude and sadness that I write to inform you of the resignation of our Headmaster, Mr Alan Redfern. Mr Redfern has accepted the position as the 16th Headmaster at Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg, a role that not only brings him back to his hometown but also presents him with the opportunity to lead a larger institution with new challenges. Mr Redfern will assume his new duties on 1 July 2025.

Since joining our school, Mr Redfern has been a pillar of leadership, integrity, and dedication. His unwavering commitment to our students, staff, and broader school community has left an indelible mark. Under his guidance, the school has experienced significant progress and growth. Some of his key achievements in conjunction with the staff and board during his tenure include:

• Leading the school through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, dramatically changing the way the school taught online, ensuring that students' education continued smoothly and effectively during those uncertain times.

• Overseeing numerous upgrades around the campus, including major improvements to the boys' boarding houses, the kitchen and dining hall area, and the Memorial Fountain.

• The development of a modern, fully functional San with a full-time school nurse on campus, improving the health and wellbeing of our students.

• The significant improvement and upgrade of staff housing further enhancing the living standards for our dedicated staff members.

• Strengthening the pastoral structures within Stanford Lake College, including the introduction of Visible Wellbeing, a full-time school counsellor, and leadership training from Grade 8.

These are just a few examples of Mr Redfern’s outstanding leadership and vision, and his efforts have had a lasting, positive impact on the school. We are deeply grateful for all he has done to improve our school and our community. While we will undoubtedly miss his guidance, we celebrate this new chapter in his career and wish him every success in his new role.

The Board has agreed to release Mr Redfern from his contract at the end of the second term. During the transition period, Mr Shane Friedrichs will be appointed as Acting Headmaster. Mr Friedrichs, our current Deputy Headmaster, comes with much wisdom and personal experience of Stanford Lake College, and we are confident that, under his leadership, the school will continue to thrive.

The search for Mr Redfern's successor has already begun, and we are committed to conducting a thorough and thoughtful process. We will keep you informed throughout this period and ensure that you have ample opportunity to offer feedback or ask questions. Our priority remains the continued success and stability of our school, and we are confident that, with the support of our dedicated staff, parents, and students, we will navigate this transition smoothly.

On behalf of the Board, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Redfern for his service and leadership. We wish him and his family all the best as they embark on this new journey, and we look forward to the continued growth and success of Stanford Lake College in the years ahead.

Yours sincerely

Tienie Prinsloo

Chairman of the Board