Info on EcoKids Primary School

According to my family, I was a teacher long before I even reached Primary School age. From my earliest recollections, I know for sure, that I was born to teach. I began my studies in 2001 and I was fortunate enough to start teaching during this time.

I qualified as a Montessori Teacher and taught at a Montessori school for a period of 10 years, during which time I completed my BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching through Unisa. In 2012 my journey at Woodlands International College started, where I spent 12 fruitful and happy years. Joining EcoKids has now come at a perfect time in my life when I realised that I wanted to broaden my horizons. I am so excited at the prospect of working with a team of extremely competent and highly qualified staff members. I am embracing my new challenge and I endeavour to add value to the already incredible environment.

I believe that each child is unique and that us, as Educators, should nurture their dreams and abilities. On a daily basis, I remind myself that, the day which you plant the seed, is never the day that you harvest the fruit. Similarly to a seed being planted, children also have their own time to sprout and then flourish. Being given the opportunity to witness and to be a part of the growth and progression of each and every individual child under my care and supervision, will be my greatest reward!

Qualifications:

Diploma Early Childhood Course (Montessori); Bachelor of education in early childhood development in Foundation Phase

I am Kayla Coetzee. I’ve had the joy and privilege of teaching since 2016, a passion I inherited from my mom who was also, a Grade 1 teacher! I am proud to follow in her footsteps and everyday I spend in the classroom, I feel privileged to guide my young students as they gain all the academic skills needed. I also have a love of learning and enjoy navigating life with confidence, curiosity, and passion! Laughter and smiles are key to happy hearts and minds!

I bring an engaging, hands-on approach to the classroom, focusing on each child individually to help them discover their unique strengths and reach their full potential which is why I am thrilled to be joining a schooling environment where this is not only encouraged but is the norm.

Creating a warm, nurturing, and inspiring environment is essential to me and my students. When every child feels safe, happy, and confident to ask questions, try new things, and be themselves, I am happy too! As a Grade 1 teacher, I am especially passionate about helping learners build strong foundations through exploration, play, and meaningful learning experiences.

Outside the classroom, I adore my fur babies and love staying active, exploring new ideas, and keeping life fun and engaging. I’m very excited to join the EcoKids team and look forward to getting to know all my Eco learners, parents, and colleagues.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education

As a teacher, I believe in helping each child express themselves and embrace their individuality. I aim to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. My primary goal is to support each child in developing their potential and learning styles.

Outside the classroom, I am a proud mom to two wonderful daughters who inspire me. In my spare time, I enjoy building puzzles and baking delicious treats. I have two adorable dogs at home to keep us company. I believe a home is not a home without any furbabies.

I have had the privilege of being a part of the EcoKids Group for the past five years. This journey has been incredibly rewarding as I have had the opportunity to witness the growth and development of numerous young minds. Being a part of this vibrant and inclusive environment has allowed me to enhance my teaching skills further and deepen my understanding of the diverse needs of our students.

My passion for teaching started from a very young age where I would line all my teddy bears up and be their teacher. My passion for teaching has grown so much more over the last few years of studying.

The reason I chose to be a teacher is because I want to make a difference in children’s lives. My goal as a teacher is to support and nurture every child’s dreams, and to help every child reach their fullest potential by passing my passion and excitement for learning onto them.

Outside of the classroom I am a mom to two fur children (my cats), with whom I spend a lot of my time with. I absolutely love baking and cooking, spending time with my friends and family, and will never say no to a good book!

From the moment I stepped onto EcoKids’ grounds, I knew that I was where I was meant to be. I am beyond excited to be a part of the EcoKids family!

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education in Intermediate and Senior Phase.

Hi there! I’m thrilled to be part of the EcoKids family. I’ve been teaching since 2021, and my passion lies in helping learners discover their voices, whether that’s through a paintbrush, a rhythm, or a thought-provoking Life Orientation discussion. I studied musical theatre and truly believe that performing arts, creative expression, and visual arts are essential in shaping confident, imaginative thinkers.

In my classroom, you’ll find plenty of laughter, colour, and creativity, I love creating a space where every learner feels free to express themselves and take pride in what they create. Watching my learners grow not just in skill, but in self-belief, is the most rewarding part of what I do.

Fun fact: I’m a singer at heart and have performed in several musical theatre productions, so don’t be surprised if I hit a high note in class or turn a lesson into a show-stopping number!

Qualifications:

BTech in Musical Theatre, Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Senior & FET), Majors in Music and Dramatic Arts

I am excited to be part of the Eco Kids Campus Team and most importantly, I am thrilled to teach isiZulu to the foundation and as well as the intermediate phase getting to know many students in the school and experience the fun and learning together.

About me, I recently completed my second qualification in Education, hoping to enrol for another Postgraduate programme in Education in the year 2023. I have experience working with foundation phase, Intermediate phase as well as the FET.

I chose teaching because I want to make a difference in our learner’s lives just like my Teachers had a positive impact on me. I am a hardworking young teacher, who is open to learning from both her colleagues and her learners.

Qualifications:

Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase of Further Education and Training Teaching, Bachelor of Social Science

I am a passionate educator dedicated to transforming the learning experience for all children. From a childhood dream to a dynamic force in the classroom, I am committed to being the teacher I always wished for.

Specialising in Natural Science and Social Sciences, I infuse my lessons with hands-on activities and innovative teaching strategies, making every class an adventure. My goal is to ignite a love for learning in each student.

Beyond academics, I am a supportive mentor, leveraging my expertise in academic support to help students thrive. I am on a journey where curiosity knows no bounds, and education becomes a joyful exploration.

Qualifications:

Bachelor Of Education Intermediate Phase

A teacher was always something I dreamt of being when I was growing up, but I didn’t ever think  I would be able to achieve it. I always saw teachers as superheroes, with an amazing gift of having eyes on the back of their heads. 

After accomplishing my dream and receiving my degree, I felt fulfilled, and proud (as well as nervous for the eyes on the back of my head to grow.) 

Teaching, to me, is only half the work. I aspire to create a friendly, supportive, and learning friendly environment. I have a passion for encouraging learners to face their challenges head on, and to overcome their fears, while learning resilience, perseverance, and patience. To me, there is no child that is “difficult”, just a child that seeks to be understood. 

As Fred Brooks once said “We learn more from failure, than what we do from success.”

Qualifications:

Bachelor Degree in Education

I am a psychology and teaching graduate with a passion for education and more so a humanist with a passion for helping others to live their life to their full potential. This passion led me to the education field. Working with children was a great way,  not only to exchange valuable and helpful knowledge, but to also offer guidance where needed and to learn more about ourselves and fulfil our youth’s potential.

My teaching philosophy is about encouraging students to be a role player in their own learning journey. This means adapting and changing styles to best meet each student’s capability. I also find this humanist passion taking me outdoors and into the garden, learning to grow food sustainably. Tying the environmental awareness in with quality of life and mental health has been an exciting journey.

I have tutored homework classes, counselled families, taught English as a foreign language and even built organic gardens in people’s homes and I am excited to keep expanding in the education field. I joined the EcoKids team in 2023 and haven’t looked back since!

Qualifications:

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Life Orientation), Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Sociology), Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Psychology

 Ever since I was a little girl, saving up my pocket money to buy whiteboard markers instead of sweets (yes, really), I knew teaching wasn’t just a dream, it was my purpose. I’d set up my teddy bears, take register(strictly enforced!), and deliver lessons with the kind of passion only a 7-year-old could muster. Fast forward some years of growing up, hard work and experience, and while my students no longer have button eyes and fuzzy ears, my love for teaching has only grown.

Now, as an Intermediate Phase teacher, I believe it’s not just about spelling tests and long division, it’s about helping learners discover their strengths, build resilience, think critically, and embrace the amazing, unique people they’re becoming. My classroom is a space where learners are seen, heard, and encouraged to be themselves, quirks, questions, and all.

Outside the classroom, I’m a proud mom to my sweet and energetic son, Blake, and the slightly chaotic pack leader to three lovable fur babies. I survive on coffee, music during my 10-minute “me moments,” and the occasional gym session, all while trying to remember what uninterrupted sleep feels like.

I hold a Diploma in Grade R (EDT Education Training and Development Practices) and a Bachelor Degree in Education. I’m currently working towards my dream of earning a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education, because I believe every child, no matter their background or learning journey — deserves to feel included, empowered, and capable. Teaching is more than what I do — it’s who I am (and always have been, just ask my teddy bears)

Qualifications:

Bachelor Of Education Foundation Phase Teaching

I am fortunate enough to be married to the wonderful Principal of our school, Mrs Marianne Moolman. We have a son, a daughter who sadly passed, a beautiful grandaughter and three amazing grandsons together. My family and my faith are my pillars.

My career has spanned forty six incredible years, learning alongside my students. Twenty five of these were spent as Principal at both Public and Private schooling institutions.

EcoKids Primary is the perfect space for me to impart my knowledge and life experience in a setting that is so conducive for learning I could not resist being drawn back into the classroom. Social Sciences and Technology combine all the wonders of the world that intrigue me and I thoroughly enjoy making these subjects come to life for my students.

When I am not working I am an avid fly-fisherman and camper, I enjoy a good book and maintain a strict fitness regime. I am also an elder at the Benoni Bible Church.

Qualifications:

Higher Education Diploma, Bachelor of Arts

I have always viewed education as a gateway – by providing students with a set of keys, teachers are able to help future generations unlock their true potential and have a positive impact on the world around them.

I have worked in the high school education space for the past seven years teaching mainly Social Sciences in the form of Geography and History. I always tell my students that Social Science is the subject which combines all the other learning areas into one, which in my view, makes it the best!

I am extremely proud to be able to bring my expertise (both inside and outside) of the classroom to EcoKids Primary and I look forward to the continued growth and development as we build toward a brighter future for the young men and women in our care.

Qualifications:

Higher diploma in Education

I am a dedicated teacher, with a passion for education. I believe in teaching “outside of the box” ensuring my students leave my lessons not only with knowledge but also with a genuine love for learning. With an infectious enthusiasm and a heart for every student, I am a teacher who transforms learning into a journey the students will never forget. I pride myself on creating a safe, inclusive, positive learning environment for all students.

Fun Facts & Interests

When not in the classroom, I enjoy volunteering for mental health organisations, teaching as well as learning languages, and keeping fit through exercise. These passions often aid in creating a holistic classroom environment where students feel safe and accepted.

Qualifications:

Higher certificate in Events Planning and Management- 2017, Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology – 2022, Honors Degree in Psychology – 2023, Post Graduate Certificate in Education- 2024

I am the proud Head Coach at EcoKids Primary School.

I am a Qualified CAF C Licensed Coach and founder and Head Coach of TX TITANS FOOTBALL ACADEMY. I started my coaching career with Benoni Northerns FC (2016) before starting my own Football Academy (2020).

One of the highlights of my career was going to China for a Football Tournament with Easterns High Schools U/15 team (2019).

I believe all kids deserve equal opportunities. I also believe sports has one language “Fun”. Yes, we all thrive to win but without having fun, we don’t enjoy sports. “Teamwork is Dream work” is my Philosophy. I’m passionate about football development and sports in general.

I also love working with kids and realizing the sporting potential in them.

Qualifications:

SAFA D Licence and CAF C Licence

I bring a wealth of experience and a passion for creating efficient, organized systems to my role at EcoKids Primary. My qualifications in Project Management and Organizational Development have equipped me to excel in managing admissions, administration, and day-to-day operations with precision and care.

What truly sets my role apart is the joy of working in a dynamic, uplifting environment like EcoKids Primary. Seeing the impact of our collective efforts on the lives of students and staff is both fulfilling and motivating.

With a mix of professionalism, creativity, and fun, I aim to make a meaningful difference every day!

Qualifications 

Digital Marketing, Website Development and Project Management

My little boy, Leo, and I joined the EcoFamily in the beginning of 2020. I have been a part of the team for four years and have loved every second of it!

Although I am not in the classrooms, I love interacting with all the children and getting to know their little personalities as well as their families.

Favourite colour: Turquoise
Favourite food: Pizza
Favourite holiday destination: The beach
Hobbies: Picnics, Markets, Hiking

Qualifications:

Teaching Diploma and Honours in Psychology.

I am a passionate, bubbly, dedicated and loving person.

My strength lies in my organisational skills and my passion is children’s wellbeing and happiness! Combining these I am dedicated to the efficient management of the schools’ financial and communications processes. I am honoured to be part of the EcoKids family. My years have been filled with a lot of fun, laughter, learning and adventures whilst keeping the business side of the EcoKids Group running smoothly.

Qualifications:

NQF4 ECD, Credit control introduction and development, Administrative workshop

I believe that teaching goes beyond academics—it’s about nurturing and inspiring every young mind. As an aftercare teacher at EcoKids Primary, I turn after-school time into a vibrant mix of learning, creative play, and laughter. Inspired by my grandmother’s legacy as a compassionate educator, I proudly follow in her footsteps and carry forward her passion for teaching. My goal is to spark curiosity and critical thinking while making learning fun and laying the foundation for lifelong growth and future challenges.