NEW Wellington School headmaster Eugene du Toit, his wife Angela and their two young daughters are settling into their new lives in Somerset.

Mr du Toit joined Wellington after being an Undermaster at St Paul’s School, London, and Deputy Headmaster at Trinity School, Croydon.

He studied Business Economics at the University of Witwatersrand and has recently completed a Masters in Leadership and his MBA, both at UCL.

He played representative rugby in South Africa and enjoys outdoor swimming, having swum the English Channel in a relay and the length of Lake Windermere.

Mr du Toit said: “I feel hugely privileged to have been asked to lead the Wellington community and I look forward to meeting and getting to know parents, pupils and staff better in the months and years ahead.

“It has been a fairly frenetic August in the du Toit household but we couldn’t be happier at having moved to Wellington. Angela and I are hugely grateful for the very warm welcome we have received since our arrival, and everyone’s kindness and generosity of spirit have seen us settling in well.”

Mr du Toit began the term by addressing staff at INSET and leading his first Headmaster’s Assembly at the school. Both presentations gave Mr du Toit the opportunity to share a little of his background, educational philosophy and vision for the school.

In Headmaster’s Assembly, Mr du Toit celebrated students’ achievements and presented an array of certificates and awards, from international sporting representation to musical and dramatic achievements.

Mr du Toit added: “We delight in celebrating our pupils’ many remarkable achievements, but it is the quality of the relationships we enjoy both within the school, and beyond our gates, which we value most highly.

“We believe that children who are secure in themselves will be able to confidently express who they really are and honesty, integrity, kindness, tolerance and inclusivity are some of the values we hold dear.”

The new headmaster visited the Music Fresher’s Fair in the Prep School and supported the home rugby and hockey matches in his first weekend at school, meeting many parents and pupils.

“I am very much looking forward to the months and years ahead, and becoming a true part of this vibrant and exciting community,” Mr du Toit added.