CURRO HILLCREST WELCOMES NEW EXECUTIVE HEAD, WRITE KATRINE ANKER-NILSSEN
Paul Guthrie is a strong supporter of the principle of “Servant Leadership” and believes in a holistic education producing well-rounded confident pupils who will take their place in the global village – understanding their responsibility to community and family, while at the same time being guided by their Christian values.
An analytical thinker and huge fan of problem solving, Paul always loved maths at school. “Maths doesn’t define you, but it certainly opens doors,” he says with a smile. After studying maths and chemistry at Wits in the mid-80s, Paul spent 19 years at Hilton College in various executive management roles. In 2013 he moved on to Grahamstown’s Kingswood College, and loved his six years there as Headmaster.
Excited to start his new chapter at Curro Hillcrest, Paul wants to continue the legacy the school has in the community. He feels the importance of his role as Executive Head lies in supporting staff carrying out their responsibilities on all levels, as well as challenging them. “Growing and developing teachers for the journey lying ahead of them in turn affects the pupils. Children need to be challenged to maximise their own potential,” he says, adding that he gets his inspiration from others doing well – especially staff and pupils.
Born close to the golfing town of St Andrews, Paul’s family spent a lot of time in both Scotland and South Africa throughout the years – so he naturally loves a good game of golf. He also enjoys reading and running, and is actively involved in cricket – serving on the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Executive Schools’ Committee and as the National Convenor and Tournament Director of CSA U17 Boys.
Curro Hillcrest’s previous Executive Head, Melville Temlett, continues in an executive coaching position. “We are all looking forward to our new seasons and working together,” says Melville. “Paul is an experienced school leader and well placed to take Curro Hillcrest into the next phase of its history.”