Teacher Joan
Joan Ferreira is a qualified junior phase (Grades 1 to 3) teacher with an ECD teaching diploma, and is the principal of our school. Having been part of the Roosevelt family since January 1993, Joan is passionate about supporting children’s growth and development by preparing an environment that is conducive to independent exploration, discovery and learning.
“Children need to truly play if they are to learn – play is learning.”
Teacher Colleen
As the teacher of our oldest (Grade 00/R) group, Colleen Wentzel has an education diploma with ECD as a major, and has been with us since January 2016. Proud to work at a nurturing educational centre that is developing young children through mindful play, Colleen is inspired by both her fellow teachers and the incredible children that she works with every day.
“The ethos of learning through play inspires me to find new and exciting ways to teach and encourage others to see how beneficial this is to learning.”
Teacher Jean
A member of the Roosevelt family since being employed in January 1997, Jean Grose’s qualifications include a senior phase (Grades 4 to 7) teaching diploma, as well as an ECD diploma. As the teacher for our 4-year-old group, Jean says she is filled with wonder every day, and that she believes that school is about reciprocal learning – we are all teachers in the classroom.
“I have learnt to value the intrinsic knowledge that each child has, and to take the role of facilitating rather than directing their learning.”
Teacher Rebecca
Rebecca Scott is a qualified teacher with a PGCE post graduate certificate in education (Foundation phase), and has been teaching our 3-year-old group since joining the Roosevelt family in March 2021. Considering her time here as the highlight of her teaching career, Rebecca champions the incredible benefits of play-based teaching, and is inspired by the wonderful community that goes beyond just the school itself.
“We are a school that, through play-based learning, inspires learning, creativity and individuality from our learners.”
Teacher Boni
Bonita Bowen has been part of our family since January 2013, where she teaches our youngest group, the toddlers. With a degree in education and an ECD diploma, Boni is passionate and thankful for the opportunity to make a whole bunch of children feel loved, accepted, at ease in a school environment, and confident in who they are for the first step of their journey.
“We love each child. Each child is noticed and valued as unique and precious in their own right.”
Charity
A much-beloved part of our school family, Charity Mahlanga is a floating teacher’s assistant, helping our teachers out across the school and assisting where needed since starting with us in January 2020. In addition to this, Charity is our warm and loving aftercare childminder, running the afterschool programme with fun and enthusiasm.
Nkele
A core member of our school family since 2004, Nkele Molotsi loves working with young children and is the classroom assistant to Teacher Boni in the toddler’s group, helping to foster a warm, caring environment for all of our littlest school-goers.
Leigh
Since heading up administration for the school in January 2005, Leigh Thomas has become an invaluable part of our family, credited more than once with keeping the whole school together! Inspired by the community, Leigh is driven by her daily interactions with the Roosevelt family that make it an exceptional place to work.
Peter
Employed as our school gardener since January 2018, Peter Zimba is a warm, kind, and hardworking asset to the school, and is appreciated by both the children and staff.
Lucy
Known for her delicious cooking and warm smile, Lucy Moyo has worked as our school housekeeper since January 2005. Always willing to go the extra mile for the school, Lucy is a favourite among the kids for her famous mac & cheese!
Belina
Since joining our school in May 2009 as a cleaner, Belina Motaung quickly became an imperative part of our support team, and a friendly face to all.
