This is the third in our series introducing the leadership shaping St John's College as we move into 2026 and beyond. These are the individuals who will steward our values, support our community, and uphold what it means to be a Johannian.
When Vanessa Govender joined St John's College from Kearsney College as Deputy Head: Academics in January 2025, she brought with her an unusual combination: the mind of a software engineer and the heart of a teacher.
"I initially planned to become a software engineer," she says. "But I fell in love with teaching midway through my degree." That unexpected turn shaped how she thinks about education, as a place where innovation and good teaching meet.
Vanessa has an HDE in Mathematics and Computer Science, a B Ed (Hons) in Inclusive Education, and a partially completed BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science, and teaching, it turns out, is in her blood. "I come from a long line of teachers. My grandmother was a formidable force and a much-loved teacher. My mother and her siblings were also teachers. I vowed not to become one, but fate had other plans for me."
St John's appealed to her for its commitment to developing the next generation of good decision-makers, independent thinkers, and young people of integrity. For someone who believes that people matter more than systems, the fit was obvious.
Vanessa joined St John's knowing she had big shoes to fill. "Dr Colleen Henning left a remarkable legacy," she says. "So my initial approach for this first year has been to understand our existing academic systems before looking to implement any significant changes."
She keeps an open-door policy, believing that people matter more than any system in place. Sometimes all someone needs is a trusted person to listen and offer advice. She ran a survey to gather feedback from parents, students, and staff, taking time to listen and integrate what she learned. This has built strong relationships with her colleagues, parents, and students.
The year has had its challenges. "Every day seems to bring new opportunities to learn and grow. I have been challenged to be creative while navigating the complexities of a new school, its nuances and quirks, while simultaneously building relationships and establishing my leadership presence."
But the rewards have been just as significant. Building new relationships with staff and students, engaging with parents, and strengthening existing connections have been highlights. She's particularly proud of working with the Mathematics department. "I am honoured to be part of a team that shares incredible experience and expertise," she says.
Another highlight was presenting at the ISASA Deputy Heads Conference, where her session focused on Jennifer Wallace's book, Never Enough, exploring toxic achievement culture in schools and practical steps teachers and parents can take to counter it. "Sharing this work not only connected me with the broader community of deputy heads but also allowed me to truly scrutinise our current practices at St John's and interrogate how we can improve outcomes for our students," she says.
She's a strong advocate for boys' education, understanding that physiologically, boys develop at a different rate than girls. "Boys just want someone they can trust on their side. Once they trust you, they will go to great lengths for you," she says. Their immature prefrontal cortex means they need nurturing in a different way, and traditional teaching doesn't always support how they learn best.
At Kearsney, she championed the Changemaker and Elective programmes that went beyond the standard curriculum. At St John's, she's focused on giving boys more opportunities to get their hands dirty, take risks, and learn from failure. "Encouraging a growth mindset and resilience will help them develop the confidence and skills needed to excel," she says.
Vanessa has also been working with Heads of Department to develop a new academic website that will house resources and encourage independent learning. She chairs the newly established Education Committee, a sub-committee of Council that includes representation from all our schools, ensuring a holistic approach to academic strategy.
Our ultimate goal is to prepare them to be better decision-makers and contributing members of our society. We are reaching generations who live in a digital world and are failing to navigate reality when they leave the nest.
"While we are always mindful of the IEB examinations for our matric students, our ultimate goal is to prepare them to be better decision-makers and contributing members of our society. We are reaching generations who live in a digital world and are failing to navigate reality when they leave the nest," she says.
She's clear about where education needs to go. "With the advent of artificial intelligence, we must move beyond rote learning and regurgitation. My focus is on creating opportunities for students to innovate, think, and play more, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs of their own learning."
A review of the science and technology curriculum is underway, as is work to reduce decision fatigue by streamlining processes and making resources more accessible.
Outside of work, Vanessa enjoys tinkering on her laser cutter or Cricut, playing Padel, and participating in masters league volleyball. But her real passion is cooking. "There's something special about gathering loved ones around a table and sharing a meal you've prepared with love and care."
We are fortunate to have her shaping our academic future.