Part Two of our interview with Mrs Eichholz

DHPS Editorial
By Saara Amutse and Utani Hikuam
The Deutsche H?here Privatschule , also known as DHPS, is a German Nambian school, being partly funded by the German Government, the principal as well as some teachers are send from Germany, working at DHPS for 3 – 8 years. This year we have the honour of welcoming Mrs. Kristin Eichholz from Hamburg in the North of Germany as our new principal. In the first part of the interview we found out why she came to Namibia, specifically DHPS, and what her first impressions were. In this edition we are discussing leadership skills and qualities.
Ms. Eichholz was interviewed by Saara Amutse and Utani Hikuam
1.How would you describe your leadership skills?
A: I am somebody who really loves people, especially children. I am not afraid of challenges or problems because I know you can do the best you can and there will still be problems to solve. A school is an institution that should naturally also be a learning institution for all.
We have to react to things that happen in society as well as in educational matters. I have a lot of experience and in regards to leadership skills maybe openness is my biggest virtue. I don’t need to be in the center of attention, I am rather a coach than somebody who has to stand in front of a picture or has to be celebrated for success that whoever achieved.


2.What are the traits of an effective principal?


I think you have to be eager at a school like this, to take in all cultural diversity that there is. You have to be clear so everybody gets the message. You have to be independent as it is my impression there are a lot of connections within and around the school and in Windhoek and as a principal I think it is very important that you don’t take sides, remain open.


3.What is your approach to discipline?
We have regulations in regards to dress code and code of conduct at DHPS. My students sometimes complain that they all know I like and love them but I am not smiling enough in my lessons. They always say “We know it’s serious, but you don’t have to look so serious.” I am somebody who is rather strict, because it helps children if they know these are the daily rules and regulations. Discipline and how to enforce it always needs to be worked on because of the various developments in classes, in groups and your own personal development, yet in appropriate behavior will always have consequences. Our teachers come from different cultures and backgrounds and have different opinions in regards to learning and discipline. Even if I try my best, it will constantly be an issue to work on.