Hilton College head’s rebuke of opulent parent behaviour wins support

Despite mixed reactions on social media, parents at KwaZulu-Natal's Hilton College have reacted positively to headmaster George Harris calling out 'opulent' behaviour at sporting events.

Harris, headmaster at the country's most expensive private school, made headlines when he admonished parents for their flashy behaviour on the sports field sidelines.

Referring to a specific event, a derby-day between Hilton College and fellow posh all-boys high school, Michealhouse, the headmaster called on parents to scale down on trying to one-up each other as it sent a wrong message to learners.

"When hospitality and generosity became self-serving displays of opulence, and began to pull away from what we aspire to be as a community," he wrote in the letter.

Harris added, "For next year, can we ditch the opulence in favour of more wholesome hospitality devoid of showmanship and loud extravagance. When the extravagance stretches into overconsumption, the messaging we send to our children is awkwardly wrong. The community can do better."

Hilton College Director of Advancement, Pete Storrar, told IOL that Harris's message could apply to many schools.

"His letter was not an open letter. It was addressed to our community. The response from Hilton College parents and alumni has been overwhelmingly positive. His message seems to have resonated with parents far and wide who want to instill in their children the values we espouse," Storrar said.

Social media reaction

"Was anything the parents did against the school code of conduct, or perhaps illegal? There, enough said," commented Sewraj Girdhurparsadh.

"Me thinks the principal might just be jealous he is not as rich as them," added Uchechi Nwaka.

"He is so correct, two years ago we were playing their 1st team cricket. Having come from Jhb. The Hilton parents announced that they had prepared us lunch, but there was cost to it R150 per person. These are the wealthiest showing how self-focused they are. The headmaster is 100% correct," said Facebook user, Kurt N Kirsten Transport

"Good values, humility and kindness begin at home. How are children supposed to grow up and practice these qualities if parents cannot even watch a sports match and remain 'firmly on the ground'.

"Wars are going on in the world! People are too caught up in themselves and materialism! Our children need to practice more kindness and giving and much less competition comparison and one-upping," said Jodi Tarrant-Phillips.

According to its website, Hilton College fees for 2025 are R430 054.00 per annum.

This fee covers tuition, food and board, games, minor medical attention, the use of the sanatorium, library and laundry. Furthermore, upon acceptance, parents/guardians will need to pay a R105 182.50 non-refundable entrance fee. 

IOL