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Our teachers (called Directresses or Directors) are all qualified  to teach in the environments in which they have been placed and are all registered with SACE (South African Council for Educators). Our staff are aware that learning never ends and are always refreshing and updating their knowledge through on-going courses. In-house Montessori training does take place, but traditionally qualified teachers are encouraged to complete training and practical experience in Montessori Methodology through accredited training institutions.

The head directress (principal) of Preschool and Junior School is Sonia Heaton, the head director (principal) of Middle and High School is Gerhard Claassen and the Management Team consists of Sonia Heaton,  Gerhard Claassen, Leighann Campbell (Business Manager), and Taddy Beyleveld, Educational Consultant and Founder.

MANAGEMENT

Sonia Heaton

Principal Preschool and Junior School

Gerhard Claassen

Principal Middle and High School

Leighann Campbell

Business Manager

Taddy Beyleveld

– Founder
– Curriculum and Training Directress

ADMIN STAFF

Patricia Qakamfana

Reception
Uniform Shop

Liezel Brazier

Office Administrator
Admissions
Principals Secretary

Ilse Claassen

Financial Administrator

Leighann Campbell

Business Manager

PRESCHOOL STAFF

Joey Keyser

Directress
18mths-2.5 Year

Tania Wentzell

Directress
2.5-4.5 Year

Tatu Smurfit

Directress
4.5-6 Year

Marlene Jantjies

Assistant – Joey

Modie Mbonde

Assistant – Tania

Hilda Jantjies

Assistant – Tatu

Bukiwe Balakisi

Preschool helper

JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF

Sonia Heaton

Principal Preschool and Junior School

Directress (Reading)
6-9 Year Phase

Nakkie Lategan

Directress
6-9 Year Phase

Berny Scherag

Directress
6-9 Year Phase

Lindi Leve

Assistant – Andre
6-9 Year Phase

Hannah Phillips

Assistant – Nakkie
6-9 Year Phase

Bradley Clack

Intern
6-9 Year Phase

Andre Visser

Director
9-12 Year Phase

Lusanda Mhlakaza

Director
9-12 Year Phase

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STAFF

Gerhard Claassen

Middle & High School Principal

Middle School
-Mathematics

High School
-Physical Science

Del Dearmer

Middle School
– Life Orientation
– Natural Sciences
-Technology

High School
-Math Lit

Claire McCarthy

Middle School
– English HL

High School
-English HL

Hennie Nigrini

Middle School
– Afrikaans FAL

High School
– Geography

James Stead

Middle School (Part time)
– Creative Arts

Taddy Beyleveld

Middle School
– Founder
– EMS & Entrepreneurship guide

Kathleen Mells

Middle School
– EMS
– Social Science

High School
-Business Studies
-Accounting

Peter Vieyra

High School
– Mathematics
– CAT

Alison Knox

High School
– Visual Art
– Design
– History

Dana Miles

High School
– Life Science
– CAT
– Life Orientation

Marne Nigrini

Middle School
-Natural Science
-Technology
– Mathematics

High School
– Afrikaans FAL

SPORTS STAFF

Marlett Watson (Fiela)

Head of Sports

Lusanda Mhlakaza

Junior School
– Cricket
– Soccer
Senior School
– Cricket

Marne Nigrini

Junior & Senior School
-Biathlon

Hennie Nigrini

Junior School & Senior School
-Biathlon

Bradley Clack

Junior School
– Mountain Biking
Senior School
– Out and About
– Surfing

Andre Visser

Junior School
– Mountain Biking
Senior School
– Surfing

CATERING AND HOUSEKEEPING

Taddy Beyleveld

Catering Manager

Monica Mqolombeni

Caterer

Leonie Phillips

Catering

Portia Booi

Housekeeping

Tosh Tame

Housekeeping

Gladys Matthews

Housekeeping

Thobeka Teke

Housekeeping

GROUNDS AND MAINTENANCE

September Baliso

Grounds and Maintenance

Raphael Nyirenda

Grounds & Maintenance

TURACO BOARDING HOUSE

Monique Visser

Hostel Parent

Andre Visser

Hostel Parent

Bradley Clack

Support Staff

Portia Booi

Housekeeping

Monica Mqolombeni

Caterer

REGISTRATION:

The Knysna Montessori School is registered as an Independent School with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

The school is registered as a non-profit organization (NPO005-940).

Grade 12’s are externally assessed by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB).

OWNERSHIP:

Broadly speaking, through the Debenture System, all parents share the ownership of the school. The Debentures form “roll-over” capital which is used to improve and develop school facilities.

The school is managed by the BMS Trust (BMS Trust No IT5321/97).

TEACHERS:

As a leader in the South African Montessori Community, the teachers are encouraged to register with the South African Montessori Association (SAMA). Teachers are also required to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).

TRUSTEES:

The Trustees serve on a voluntary basis, and are elected from the Parent and Staff bodies at the Annual General Meeting, or at a special meeting called for such an election.

There are always more parents than staff on the Board of Trustees.