Deirdré Chandler appointed as principal of Sans Souci Girls' High School

New Sans Souci Girls’ High School principal,  Deirdré Chandler, would like to continue with holistic education to strengthen the all-girls school in the new academic year.

Ms Chandler, who was appointed in October last year, took over from curator principal Kathy Davids, who was leading the school before a permanent principal was appointed.

Ms Chandler has more than 25 years of teaching experience. She first started at Fairmont High School in Durbanville, where she taught for seven years, and then for the next 18 years, she was part of the Pinelands High School faculty.

Apart from teaching, she had various roles, which included being the head of department for music at the school, as well as deputy principal and then acting principal.

Ms Chandler said that it is an exciting time for the school.

“The school has a proud history, and I would like to strengthen that. It has been a wonderful journey for the last term, just getting to know the school, and I am excited about being at a girls' school,” she said.

In the new academic year, Ms Chandler said she wants to assist the school in evolving in ways that will prepare the pupils for the changing world.

“We want to ensure that every pupil is seen, supported and challenged,” she said.

Sans Souci achieved a 95.7% pass in the 2025 National Senior Certificate results, and Ms Chandler would like the school to achieve a 100% passrate.

“We are not unhappy with what was achieved, though we are looking to improve and rebuild on what we have achieved previously,” she said.

Ms Chandler’s message for her pupils for this year is: “You are capable of more than you sometimes believe, be curious, be courageous, and never be afraid to try. The school exists to support your growth, not only academically, but as young women who will shape the future.”

Sans Souci’s Grade 12 teacher, Mushfiqah Dixon, said the school is going through exciting times with the appointment of Ms Chandler.

“During the past few years, we had a few ad hoc principals, so having her here will bring the stability that the school needs. She is vibrant and energetic, she loves collaboration, and the school numbers are growing, so there are exciting times ahead,” she said.