Natasha: Valley Principal
As a child, I often felt misunderstood, as a result of my Dyslexia. I became a teacher/principal to be the support for someone, that I needed as a child. I couldn’t be happier to be part of this wonderful school and to have the opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives.
A Word from the Fairy God Mother:
To all the beautiful children and families of Valley Pre-Primary,
I consider myself extremely lucky to be part of the Valley family. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with all the children and their families here at our very own Pre-Primary by the sea. It is such a privilege to watch each child blossom, grow, learn and shine.
Valley Pre-Primary is such a special place. Throughout the years, our purpose at Valley has remained constant; to encourage and develop lifelong learning in the young boys and girls attending our school. The rich relationships formed, the caring and dedicated teachers and staff, and the uniqueness of Valley Pre-Primary provide children with a memorable experience whilst preparing them for the challenges of life. It gives me great joy to observe the children’s growth due to their own hard work and determination as well as the teacher’s dedication, love and commitment. The partnership between enthusiastic, happy children, dedicated staff and involved parents all contribute to making Valley an extraordinary school, where learning is fun!
They say it takes a village to raise a child and this is epitomized at Valley. We would be hard pressed to find a more caring and dedicated group of teachers and assistants than those we are so lucky to have at Valley. Their endless energy, skill and devotion to the children is apparent both inside and outside of the classrooms where the children’s curiosity and thirst for knowledge is encouraged and guided as they grow in confidence and strive to be the best they can be. At Valley Pre-Primary we celebrate each child’s individuality and uniqueness because we believe that every child is a different kind of flower, and together make this world a beautiful garden. Amongst our diverse cultures, we meet new people and make new friends, and the joy, fun and laughter we share are invaluable memories that we will always treasure. This is why we consider ourself more than just a school, we are a family.
To all our Valley children I would like to say; do not be afraid to dream big. “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’M POSSIBLE!” Andrey Hepburn
Tara: Deputy Principal and Grade R Green Class Teacher
“It is a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together.” (Unkown)
Hi, I am Tara and I have the privilege of being the Deputy Principal and Grade R Green Class teacher at the magical Valley Pre Primary School. I have always wanted to teach and help support, nurture, and inspire children. My goal is to instill a lifelong love for learning in each child in my class. I strive to make each one of them feel valued, safe, and excited about school and I am a big believer in the importance and benefits of learning through play.
Valley is truly a very special place where lifelong memories are made. I feel very proud to be part of this family, not only as an educator for the past 11 years here but also as a past student myself. Our school is full of dedicated and passionate people whose love for teaching and children shines daily through their warm smiles and unwavering spirit. Each and every child is valued and appreciated and given an opportunity to learn and explore at their own pace.
Valley is a place where children’s eyes sparkle with wonder and their imaginations soar. From our adventurous playground to our well-equipped and eye-catching classrooms- Our school is remarkable and unique. Our wish is that each and every child who comes to our school will always treasure their incredible time spent together and remember that they will always be part of the Valley family – The “school that was made for you and me”. I invite you to come and experience our wondrous school for yourself. Our door is always open.
Cath: School Bursar
My name is Cath and I am the school bursar, I have been bursar since 2021 but joined the Valley team in 2018. Both my children attended Valley and I fell in love with the school. I enjoy the love and happiness experienced at school every day and watching the children thrive.
Belinda: Purple Class Teacher
Belinda is our Purple Class Teacher Monday to Thursday.
“No one should teach who is not in love with teaching.” – Margaret Elizabeth Sangster
“And I have had a love affair with teaching little ones for 40 years. What a blessing this has been in my life!”
Cindy: Purple Class Teacher
Cindy our Purple class teacher on Fridays as well as our aftercare supervisor and runs our Holiday Club.
“Your energy is currency, spend it well. Invest it wisely” – unknown author
” I am very passionate about children and that is where I spend my energy.”
Ntombi: Purple Class Assistant Teacher
“The teacher has two tasks: to lead the children to concentration and to help them in their development afterwards. ” -Maria Montessori
Faith: Gymnastics and isiXhosa Teacher
Faith is our Gymnastics, isiXhosa and aftercare teacher.
“A child without education is like a bird without wings” – unknown
I have been at Valley for many many years and it has been a journey. I currently teach Gymnastics and isiXhosa and the best part of my job is watching the children’s progress and confidence grow. It is a daily reminder to keep believing in them, always.
Janice: Red Class Teacher
Hi, my name is Janice and I am the Red Class teacher. I have been at Valley Pre-Primary since 2018 and have a passion for teaching. My favourite part of the day is when we are creating and making works of art which I love to display in our class. Each day I try to live by the quote: “If you have the choice between being right and being kind, choose being kind”. – unknown
Sindi: Red Class Assistant Teacher
Sindi is the Red class Assistant Teacher
“It is never too late to start and achieve your dreams.” – unknown
This is my fifth year at Valley Pre-Primary as a teaching assistant and in this journey I have discovered that I am a motivated person who is always willing to learn and grow in myself. I received my ECD diploma last year and have started a fun Saturday Art Club recently. Working with children is my passion and I enjoy each day. Reading stories and doing art is what I love most about my job.
Taryn: Yellow Class Teacher
It’s such a pleasure to be able to spend my day with children. There’s nothing quite like the magic of discovering the world through a child’s eyes…one of the many reasons why I love teaching. Helping to shape these wise little humans is a privilege, and watching them learn and grow is so incredibly rewarding.
Teagon: Yellow Class Assistant Teacher
I have a very clear vision of what kind of teacher I would like to be for the children.
“Everyone who remembers their own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system.” Sidney Hook
Liesl: Blue Class Teacher
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin
Caroline: Blue Class Assistant Teacher
“Being at Valley is such a blessing to me in so many ways. Seeing these little one’s soar everyday gives me so much joy. Having little arms wrapped around my neck just warms my heart.”
Aurelia: Green Class Assistant Teacher
It is my 5th year working at Valley. I love working with the children and seeing them grow and learn. Coming to Valley everyday is like come home.
“Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching kids what counts is best.” — Bob Talbert
Elsie: Aftercare Cook
Being around children is my happy place. I love interacting with the children and forming connections with each one.
Being the aftercare cook I have realised that a fed child is a happy child. Because all they need is food and love.
Anton: Groundskeeper
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.”
I have worked at Valley Pre Primary for 31 years, l love it when the children come and help me gardening and play. My joy comes in keeping the school clean. This is like a second home to me.
Bathini: Groundskeeper
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou