Business Talk – Executive Head of School Odelle Howard on the lasting legacy and exciting future of St Mary’s DSG, Pretoria
In this Business Talk with Michael Avery interview, Odelle Howard discusses St Mary’s DSG’s incredible history as a leading South African high school – as well as how the school is embracing innovation.
Howard is the Executive Head of School at St Mary’s DSG, Pretoria – an independent Anglican girls’ school founded in 1879.
As a seasoned educator and visionary leader, Howard has dedicated over two decades to transforming learning environments into spaces where girls are empowered to flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.
Howard believes that every girl has God-given potential that can be unlocked through stringent academics, creative expression, and character formation.
She is focused on driving St Mary’s DSG, Pretoria into a new era of growth. This includes launching pioneering STEAM initiatives, championing leadership development programmes, improving academic standards, and bringing the school into the 21st century.
The school is currently focused on its bold five-year strategy that will culminate in its 150th anniversary in 2029 – and this is a key priority for Howard.
She is also respected as a thought leader on girls’ education, and is a strong advocate for the role of women in shaping the future.
This aligns with the school’s belief that “When she believes in herself, she will fly.”
The interview
In this Business Talk interview, Howard begins by highlighting how St Mary’s DSG, Pretoria is both proud of its history, and focused on the future.
She explains how the school balances its heritage with the importance of innovation – and how this is culminating in the school’s current five-year strategy.
Howard unpacks this strategy in more depth, including the school’s goals it hopes to have achieved by the time it celebrates its anniversary in 2029.
She then discusses the important role technology and innovation play in modern education, and explains how St Mary’s DSG, Pretoria ensures its learners are future-ready.
Howard also talks about the power of girls’ education in South Africa, as well as the role high quality education plays in building a strong community.
She concludes the discussion by sharing a powerful message to parents, alumni, and partners of St Mary’s DSG, Pretoria.
Watch the full interview with Odelle Howard, below.
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