Name: Bhavisha

Title: Head of Secondary Faculty

Organisation: Rallim

I am Bhavisha Soni-Ukabhai, and my life's journey has been an incredible odyssey rooted in the rich tapestry of small-town upbringing and a passionate commitment to education.

Born and raised in the quaint farming and mining town of Dundee in Kwa Zulu Natal, I learned the values of community, resilience, and diversity from an early age.

My educational journey led me to the prestigious University of Pretoria, where I embarked on a path to become an educator. Although my academic journey took a different route, culminating in a degree in Teaching through UNISA, my commitment to education remained unwavering. I returned to my roots in Dundee, where I began my teaching career at my alma mater, imparting knowledge in English and Social Science.

The next chapter in my career unfolded in Pretoria, where I spent seven fulfilling years in the education sector. Starting as a grade head, I eventually rose to the position of Head of the Humanities Department, showcasing my dedication to the holistic development of students.A pivotal opportunity beckoned me to the dynamic world of a startup school, Amberfield College. Here, I took on the role of Head of Languages and later assumed the responsibilities of Deputy Principal. This experience not only honed my teaching skills but also provided invaluable insights into managerial roles within the education system.

Life took a turn, and my husband's job relocated us to the Cape, opening the doors to another enriching chapter at Rallim. The privilege of contributing to Rallim's vision resonates deeply with me, and I am thrilled to lead this institution alongside an exceptional team.

My commitment to lifelong learning is reflected in the diverse range of courses I have undertaken, including GIS, Health and Safety, Mapwork Techniques, Economic Geography, TEFL, Discipline and Classroom Management, Management in a School, and First Aid. My extensive experience in marking NSC exam papers for both DBE and SACAI, setting matric exams, and moderating geography portfolios (Grade 10 all the way to matric) for GDE over nearly two decades has enriched my understanding of education's multifaceted landscape. Beyond my professional life, I am a proud mother to a four-year-old boy, the light of my life. A mischievous Boston Terrier rounds out our family, bringing joy and chaos in equal measure.

In essence, my journey is a testament to my belief in the transformative power of education and the continuous pursuit of knowledge.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Bhavisha's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

As an educational leader, I’ve found that the most significant challenges often stem from balancing the needs of various stakeholders—learners, parents, staff, and the broader educational system—while staying true to the vision and goals of the school. Meeting the diverse needs of learners can be incredibly demanding. Every student is unique, bringing their own strengths, weaknesses, and circumstances into the classroom. Guiding them to reach their potential while fostering their emotional and social well-being requires consistent effort. It’s particularly challenging when students face external pressures, mental health struggles, or a lack of support at home, academic challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia e.t.c Parents are crucial partners in education, but navigating their expectations can sometimes be a challenge. Some have high demands that may conflict with the school’s policies or resources, while others might not engage enough in their child’s learning. Striking the right balance between addressing concerns and maintaining professional boundaries is a delicate but necessary task. The rigidity of the education system often presents a unique set of obstacles. Compliance with policies and regulations, like standardized testing and curriculum mandates, can sometimes limit creativity and flexibility in teaching. There’s also the pressure of managing resource constraints, staffing, and the need to constantly adapt to changes, such as technology or shifts in educational priorities. Perhaps the greatest challenge is juggling these competing demands while staying focused on the ultimate goal: creating an environment where students thrive. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to making a difference, even when faced with obstacles. While these challenges can be overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. By embracing collaboration, empathy, and a problem-solving mindset, I strive to turn these challenges into stepping stones for progress, both for myself as a leader and for the school community I serve.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to becoming an educational leader began in a small farming town in KZN, where I was raised with humble beginnings. My parents instilled in me the value of a good education, which became the foundation for my love of learning and my passion for sharing knowledge. Without a university in my town, I pursued distance learning while working at my old high school. One pivotal moment was substituting for my English teacher, who had immense faith in my abilities. Her trust inspired me to run her class with confidence, and it sparked my desire to become a teacher like her—always encouraging, always striving for excellence. This passion led me to a school in Pretoria, where I grew from being an educator to a grade head and eventually a head of department for a subject I loved. My focus was always on putting my learners first, working hard, and leading by example. After seven years as an HOD in a government school, I took a leap of faith by joining a new school in Centurion. It was a risk, but it paid off. I spent a year as an educator there before being promoted to Deputy Principal, a role that further shaped my leadership skills. Three years later, my husband's job brought us to Cape Town, where Colleen Millar offered me an opportunity to teach English at her newly established school, Rallim House. After a year of working alongside her, I was promoted to Principal of the High School. Nearly three years later, I’m proud to be leading this school as we prepare to celebrate our first set of matriculants. My journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the belief that education can transform lives. From humble beginnings to where I stand today, I remain committed to making a difference in the lives of learners, just as my own teachers once did for me.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

With a four-year-old in the house, my mornings are often a whirlwind of activity—preparing lunches, organizing school projects, and making sure everyone is ready to start the day. Chaos is part of the charm, and I embrace it, knowing that my husband working from home one day a week offers a much-needed breather. To keep everything running smoothly, I rely heavily on "To-Do Lists." They’ve become my go-to strategy for managing the demands of both my personal and professional life. They help me stay focused and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. When I’m at home with my husband and son, I prioritize being fully present. Family time is sacred, and I want to be as engaged with them as I am with my team at work. Similarly, when I’m at school, I give my undivided attention to my team, my learners, and the challenges of leading a high school. This balance—though not always perfect—has taught me the importance of mindfulness, organization, and being adaptable. While life can feel like a juggling act, it’s the moments of presence and connection, whether with family or colleagues, that truly make it worthwhile.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

A recent lesson I’ve been reminded of is that what happens in the boardroom is only a small fraction of what impacts the outcomes in the classroom. While the decisions I make at a strategic level are vital to the overall direction and resources of the school, the decisions teachers make every moment in their classrooms are even more significant. Their ability to adapt, inspire, and connect with learners shapes the true educational experience. This realization has deepened my respect for the everyday challenges and triumphs teachers face, reinforcing the importance of supporting them in every way possible so they can continue making those critical, impactful choices.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

One book that has profoundly impacted my journey as an educational leader is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. The book’s central theme—putting the needs of your people first to foster trust and collaboration—resonated deeply with me. When I first read it, I was transitioning into a leadership role and facing the challenge of balancing authority with approachability. Sinek’s emphasis on creating a “Circle of Safety” for your team encouraged me to focus on building trust, ensuring my staff felt valued and supported, and fostering a culture where people felt safe to share their ideas and challenges. One story in the book that stood out was about the U.S. Marines and their tradition of leaders eating after their troops. It reminded me that leadership is about service, not status. That perspective shifted how I approach every decision and interaction, ensuring I prioritize the well-being and growth of my team and learners. This book not only reinforced the importance of empathetic leadership but also gave me actionable insights to navigate the complexities of educational leadership with authenticity and care. The book stays on my table to remind me of this every day.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

If I could give one piece of advice to a young educator aspiring to be an educational leader, it would be this: Never lose sight of why you started. Leadership can be challenging—it requires resilience, adaptability, and tough decision-making. But at its core, it’s about serving learners, supporting teachers, and making a meaningful impact on education. Always keep your passion for teaching and learning at the heart of your journey. Remember, leadership isn’t about titles or power; it’s about influence, relationships, and creating an environment where others can thrive. Stay curious, be humble, and lead with integrity. If you remain true to your purpose, the rest will follow.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

There are countless meaningful stories from my time as an educational leader—every day feels like a new chapter. Leading a growing school with a dynamic, ever-evolving student and parent body means there’s never a dull moment. While there are challenges that feel like horror stories, it’s the happy ones that truly stand out and keep me motivated. The relationship between my Deputy, Academic coordinator and myself has us keeping a “win jar” in my office. Everytime we have a win (Big or small) we write it on a piece of paper and stick it in the jar. We read these notes at the end of the year. Seeing our school grow and develop is definitely a meaningful story for me. Once my matrics receive the outstanding results that I know they are capable of - I will have achieved all that I wish for. That will be my legacy.