Staff and BoardServing with commitment and faith

Let us never lose sight of our aims. Work together, let each one labour to produce a human being at his very best, and what a difference those children will make to the world in the future. It is impossible to put limits to the power and influence of even one good man or woman, so that any one of you, by laying herself aside utterly for a single child, may bless the world in unimaginable ways.

― CHARLOTTE M. MASON ―

Our Management Team

I consider myself blessed and I am truly humbled to lead such an incredible team of staff who have a desire to see the Kingdom of God advanced through education and are committed to, not only their own growth, but even more so, the growth of our pupils.

Mr Ryno von Waltzleben
Principal

I consider it pure joy to support the teachers, parents and children to grow in this life-giving philosophy and teaching method.

Mrs Gina Smith
Director of Instruction

I am honored to serve as Business Manager at The Vine School, a role that allows me to blend financial stewardship with the Christian values that have shaped my life since childhood.

Mr Earl O'Ryan
Business Manager

Our Preschool and Foundation Phase Team

Small classes offer a safe space for a child to express his ideas, explore new things and most importantly, to be himself.

Mrs Berni Williams
Teacher - Preschool and Grade R

I am encouraged by the growth I see in the pupils and in myself as an Ambleside teacher. I love seeing every pupil becoming more confident in themselves as they grow in knowledge, skills and relational maturity.

Mrs Nadia van Huyssteen
Teacher - Grade 1

Teaching is not simply a job; it is a vocation, a calling to which I am wholeheartedly committed. Tending to the educational needs of young learners at The Vine School is something I am passionate about and dedicated towards. Having matriculated at The Ambleside School of Hout Bay, I am delighted to now be teaching a curriculum that places Christ at the centre.

Miss Chloe Whitton
Teacher - Grade 2

The Ambleside method enables children to take ownership of their learning, digesting and retaining what they have read. A focus on training in good habits is also beneficial to their future growth. There is an obvious love of learning.

Mrs Nikki Olivier
Teacher - Grade 3

Our Intermediate Phase Team

At The Vine School the students are encouraged to think for themselves, practice good habits and develop a true love for learning.

Mrs Beth Crake
Teacher - Grade 4

Our curriculum does not only challenge our children, but I too have been challenged through contact with so many wonderful, life- giving ideas. It is not what we know but who we are becoming that matters.

Mrs Tracey Zyster
Teacher - Grade 5

Being part of an approach to education that sees children as persons made in God's image with immeasurable potential has been eye-opening, refreshing and deeply rewarding.

Mr Ian Smith
Teacher - Grade 6

Our Senior Phase Team

Teaching at TVS is deeply meaningful to me, both professionally and personally. As a teacher, I value the school’s commitment to holistic development, character formation, and a rich, living education that nurtures the whole child. As a parent, my connection is even more special — all three of my children attended TVS, which has allowed me to witness firsthand the profound impact of this approach on young lives. It is a privilege to teach in a community that fosters curiosity, resilience, integrity, and a genuine love of learning.

Mr Carlo Oakes
Teacher - Grade 7

As the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education inspires me to be a better person and teacher, it too challenges learners to be their best selves with Christ being at the center of their lives.

Mrs Kelsey Chinnappen
Teacher - Grade 8 & 9

Our Support Teachers

The children love this approach, because they don't feel pressured to out-perform their peers. Instead they get the satisfaction of improving their own performance. I never knew that education can be this loving and joyful.

Mr Allen George
Coach - Physical Education and Sport

The Ambleside method is unique and it is focused on the development of each learner in Christ. The way staff members support each other and the social aspect at the school builds great morale

Mrs Ayanda Ndamage
Teacher - isiXhosa & Handwork

I am continually amazed by our students' deep understanding of composers, artists, and creative skills. Their curiosity across disciplines shines through living texts. It is a privilege to witness their artistic expression and growth as they develop their unique talents

Mrs Tanzi Cruise
Teacher - Art

Charlotte Mason’s teachings have taught me that each child is not a product but a person and they are all unique in their own way.

Mrs Olivia September
Aftercare Supervisor

The staff are warm and welcoming and the children are disciplined and well-mannered. They treat everyone with love and respect.

Mrs Mavis Gili-Picane
Aftercare Assistant

Our Admin Team

Not only have I seen the students grow academically but also in their love of learning and relating to the authors and content they study. I have grown along with them in relating to others and I've seen how this philosophy of education adds richness to everyday life.

Mrs Janice Thorne-Smith
Communications & Front Office

I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this God-fearing family and I love being around the kind- hearted, loving and well mannered children here.

Ms Beulah Stone
Bursar

It is an absolute pleasure and delight to be part of the Vine family. I am deeply grateful to God for the opportunity to serve and to be part of building His kingdom through the lives of the children.

Mrs Lucinda Jones
Debtors' Clerk

Our Maintenance Team

I really value the peaceful atmosphere at the school, which contributes to developing some key relational skills within the whole school community.

Mr Selwyn Smith
Facilities Manager

There is a good balance between the student's personal growth and academic development. I admire the teachers' commitment to do their very best for their students.

Mrs Nwabisa Matiwane
Housekeeper

I admire the pleasant way the teachers speak to the students. The children play in a safe environment and I enjoy watching the teachers help them resolve their differences fairly.

Mr Thembelihle Tshoka
Groundsman

Our Board of Directors

From the start I was inspired by the potential of this school to throw off the shackles of the government system and pursue nurturing, caring, Christ-honouring education. The heart-warming testimonies of school families, staff and even outsiders are an abundant reward for my small efforts. Soli Deo Gloria.

Mrs Margi Bate
Chairman

I have been involved in Christian education as a student, parent, worker and agitator-for-change for most of my life. My children are now grown but I also care about the children of South Africa. The Vine School’s approach has the power to transform lives by affirming values like truth, beauty and integrity without neglecting excellent academics and hard work.

Mrs Susan Keegan
Director

As a Christian husband, father and artist, I am passionate about enriching the intersection between biblical faith, education and art. I served as a Fine Arts lecturer and curriculum developer at the African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia and am currently a theological student at George Whitefield College. My role on the board enables me to serve in areas that reflect my deepest commitments.

Mr Ntobeko Mjijwa
Director

I am deeply passionate about advancing God's kingdom and exploring the transformative role education plays in this endeavor. My involvement with The Vine School has provided me with a unique opportunity to live out this passion, and I am truly grateful for the experience.

Mrs Simphiwe Sigauke
Director