Felixton headmaster to bid farewell to Zululand

Felixton College Principal Craig Neave
Felixton College Principal Craig Neave

The 61-year-old educator arrived at Felixton College in 2014 and has implemented many positive changes, resulting in a steady increase in enrolment at and overall success of the school

FELIXTON College headmaster Craig Neave has announced his intentions of not renewing his contract at the end of the year as he plans to embark on a new chapter in his life.

The 61-year-old educator arrived at Felixton College in 2014 and has implemented many positive changes, resulting in a steady increase in enrolment at and overall success of the school.

‘After serving at Woodridge College in the Eastern Cape for 24 years, I felt I needed a change and take on new challenges owing to my children finishing school,’ said Neave.

‘I was deputy headmaster for nine years and headmaster for 10 years at Woodridge before making the move to Felixton.

This was initiated by a former colleague and teacher at Felixton College who persuaded him to apply for the post.

Neave told the ZO that on arrival at Felixton College he was immediately impressed with the ethos and holistic philosophy of the school and the friendly family atmosphere of the community.

‘It is always sad to say goodbye and close a chapter in one’s life, but I have exciting plans awaiting me and my famiily that I am ready to pursue.’

Craig and his wife Sheila will move to Qatar to join their daughter and son-in-law, also teachers, in a new educational consultant venture in Doha, and be there for the arrival of their first grandchild in February.

The move will also enable the couple to tick a few more things off their bucket list.

‘We would love to do the Camino walk in Spain and travel as much as we can before we get too old.

‘I will definitely miss my colleagues and the pupils, as well as the other people within this tight-knit Felixton family.’

During his tenure at the college, Neave made various subtle changes which enabled the school to grow and develop.

Neave is an eight times Comrades Marathon runner, was named Sportsman of the Year on three occasions at Rhodes University and played professional soccer for Durban United and Maritzburg City for five years.

‘Craig Neave is an exemplary ambassador of Felixton College, who is very visible at school matches and events and is also involved in the Felixton Country Club and Solid Ground Church’ said Felixton College marketer, Debbie Lane.

‘He has taken Felixton College to new levels with his ability to engage with children at all levels and has established an extremely good rapport with the parent body.’

Neave said his move is not the end of the road in education for him, but rather making the most of the opportunities available at this point in his life.

‘We look forward to returning to South Africa and continuing contributing towards the ever-changing and dynamic field of education.

‘My time at Felixton College has helped me develop in my quest to make a difference in the lives of others and to become a better person.’