I’ve been mentally journalling these thoughts for months since I started at Nova Pioneer on the 5th of September 2019. Coming here with a vast IT background, I have to admit that having worked as an IT Technician at a prestigious school in Parktown, I strongly believed I had an advantage in the IT/school environment.

 

I Was Wrong

 

I was wrong in thinking Nova Pioneer was like any other school. Yes, they have classes, teachers, sporting facilities – all that the Department of Education would require for a schooling environment – but what I’ve never experienced is the heart Nova Pioneer possesses.

My personal experience of schooling is a conflation of good and bad. Straight A student succumbing to mental issues, the principal office visits, ranging from worrying because of dropping my academic standard due to the aforementioned issues and pride in sporting victories. My schooling was a mixture of memorable lessons and ‘wish to be forgotten’ corridor incidents.

Nova Pioneer taught me, that all involved, have a passion beyond their job description. They are not looking to conveyor belt a thousand Einsteins but holistically wholesome innovators. They are not looking to funnel future Bill Gates but persons that connect with and for the world.

I’ve had the pleasure of being IT Coordinator for two campuses, North Riding and Ruimsig, and in both, there’s a noticeable difference but mammoth similarities.

 

Joy of Learning is two-ways

 

The kids are orderly, not military wise, but instruction is rather imparted than enforced. The gentleness is abundant but not spoilt or coddled. The teachings are adequate as they are challenging. The respect is palpable as it fills corridors and bounces off the visuals carefully and neatly plastered on the glass doors. The joy of learning is two-ways, teachers love to impart knowledge on eager minds and the students are attentive and visibly engaged. The trust is seamless, although earned over time, it is a marvel to watch.

Interacting with the students is proof of what the teachers and the whole Nova Pioneer institution are instilling in these young minds. Respect first, listen always, learn of self and others, freedom to be self, responsibility and accountability are imperative and have fun.

I am forever shell-shocked at how these children’s faces light up when they walk in through the entry gate, how, when they are sad they won’t shy away, but effectively communicate their feelings with no fear of possible repercussions for being honest, how they manage to get me smiling when they tell me about a new dog they have; it’s the humanity Nova Pioneer sprinkles on each child as they wear the blue and stride proudly into the premises.

I am always in awe of the teachers and staff of Nova Pioneer from the perspective of someone who adores children (and they adore me back, even calling me Uncle Siphiwe). Being someone who wishes for a child someday, it’s invigorating knowing that Nova Pioneer has the capabilities, the structure and enough kindness to be a core foundation for any child to not only dream big but also understand and learn to be a compassionate, empathic human because that’s what the world needs.

I was wrong about Nova Pioneer being just another school. Nova Pioneer is an institution, whose emphasis on learning is to be different, respectful, courteous, smart, innovative and most importantly, being human.

 

 

If you had asked any of our teammates in the beginning of the year how we saw 2020 turning out, the answer definitely wouldn’t have been “surviving a Pandemic”.  I mean, if our One Team Day “Uptown Funk” dance off was anything to go by, no one could’ve predicted that the president would shut down schools weeks later.

 

Nothing keeps us down too long

Despite the issues of our world, our team has been amazing in pulling together while we’ve stayed and worked safely apart. We saw our academic teams pivot quickly to teaching virtually and even getting back on campus to teach in what we now refer to as our “new normal”. As an organisation we were also very intentional about keeping the team feeling connected through virtual team meets and events. We recently hosted the first Virtual One Team Day – with more than 200 teammates on a Zoom line. It doesn’t stop there. Our team also recently took part in the from the Jerusalema Challenge. Can we say that we haven’t let the year keep us down?

 

Pulse Check

Every year our Culture and Talent Teams send out a team survey to check in on our teammates. This year, this survey was especially important. One of the questions we ask in the Culture Survey, or pulse check is, ‘Even on a hard day do you feel this is the place for you?’ I think it is safe to say that 2020  has felt like a hard day for everyone both physically and mentally. don’t you agree?

To see what keeps our Novaneers ticking and understand the deeper commitment to exceeding expectations even on a hard ‘day’, we asked some of our teammates a simple question: Why Nova Pioneer? Here is what a few of our teammates had to say. 

 

Sameerah, Associate Dean (Ormonde) 

Whenever I question myself or my¨why¨, seeing our students´ growth and potential motivates me to strengthen my practice and not only lead by example, but allow myself to be led by them. 

 

Sona – Teacher (Ruimsig)

My name is Sona Moodley and I am a Novaneer. I was born to shine! My name actually means “gold, precious”. At Nova Pioneer, I found an environment that enables and empowers the star in me to shine brighter and live in lustre. Being a Novaneer makes me want to do better; be bigger; and go higher. 

 

Kobus – Learning Design Team 

What makes me proud to be a Novaneer is that we are challenging harmful stereotypes of the African continent by developing young innovators and leaders who will shape the continent into a place of abundance and prosperity. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to develop signature learning experiences, which will equip Novaneers with the skills and competencies to be changemakers for the continent. I am proud of being part of the Africa Rising movement by working for Nova Pioneer. 

 

Wes – People, Systems and Analytics Team 

Nova Pioneer is filled with the most diverse and talented bunch of people I have ever had the privilege of working with. A group of people who are sincerely committed to improving the lived experience of as many others as possible. In many organizations there will be talk of culture, of how an employee conducts themselves and how they interact with others- mostly all talk in my experience. The difference here is that I see the tangible outcomes of teammates who actually do live out our culture principles, not some cliched hollowed out version of it. I see people who want to go the extra mile. I am proud to work alongside such a calibre of person and I am proud of how the work we do will impact the African century. 

 

Samson – Teacher (Ormonde)

Working at any school can be a challenge but there are so many reasons why I love working at  Nova Pioneer: Nova Pioneer is incredibly unique – The methodology and style of teaching are so engaging. Our inquiry-based learning brings enthusiasm and meaningful meaning to learning. Our culture principles enable us to trust and build a team that focuses on growth mindset, solutions to every problem. We believe that learning is a journey to both our students and teachers. 

 

Karely – Teacher (Paulshof) 

I love being a Novaneer because of the tremendous support and opportunities for growth. Through observations, feedback and professional development sessions, I’ve grown as a teacher and have achieved more than I ever thought I could. I am part of such a caring, compassionate team, and I truly feel appreciated and seen as an individual. 

 

Inge – Admissions and Marketing Team 

Disneyland has it wrong, to me Nova Pioneer is the happiest place in the world. The organisation is really thoughtful about the kind of people they hire and as a result every day you’ll work with remarkable, smart, kind and engaged teammates. The leadership team is diverse, approachable and deeply connected to our mission so every choice we make adds to the bigger goal of enhancing education across the African continent. Joy is palpable here and so even on the toughest days (and we know that 2020 has had plenty of those) I know it’s the place for me. 

 

Basil – Associate Dean (Ormonde)

If you are looking for a stimulating place to teach, to flex your creative and intellectual muscles, to spread your wings; then Nova Pioneer is the place to teach. Day by day we seek to change the world and create a launch pad for the life success of our students. Come and be a part of the team at Nova Pioneer senior school. 

 

Lebo M – Receptionist (Ormonde)

I have never had to adjust my personality to feel at home, we work hard for our children and parentś needs and play just as hard to feed our inner child souls.  Thereś freedom to express your opinion with no fear of discrimination and you are always challenged to do more for yourself in order to do more for others. 

 

If being in an organisation where your toughest days are still worth it or being in a place where you can embed your personal why to a mission you believe in, Nova Pioneer may be for You. Visit our Careers page now, applications for 2021 are officially open!