our team
They are undoubtably our greatest asset, and we're really proud to have such a wonderful bunch of educators.
The team comprises 6 full-time class teachers, a full-time developmental specialist and an additional teaching professional together with three teaching associates. All educators are registered with the SA Council of Educators and the school plays an active and important role in the in-service training program for new teachers, both through the Independent Schools Association and the National Union of Educators.
The school also employs expert aftercare professionals and runs an extensive holiday programme. We conduct annual vision and auditory tests for all learners and contract-in an exciting range of extra-mural activities.
Carmen Tietjens – is an educator of stature who is highly regarded by the College of Educationand has experience both in South Africa and overseas. She is a caring and talented educator bringing a wealth of creativity to music, art and academics within the school. Carmen will be working from the NEST (new building), where she will nurture, extend, support and train children to achieve their personal best. Carmen will be working towards providing and ensuring that every child within the school has an individualised education programme (IEP) to assist them to reach their full potential. As this is an extremely daunting task, it may take time to implement. Carmen will be starting with Helen’s class and working down to Dale’s class. Carmen will be working in the classroom during lessons; at times she will be taking different children in groups or individually to enhance their learning. Our children have special gifts and talents and these need to be extended and challenged. This is a new role in schools and is a first for pre-schools. Bluebird is proud of being renowned for its initiatives in education and the school will continue to take the lead.
Grade 000, 2 years turning 3
Dale Johnston- is the mother of two primary school boys. She is an exceptionally creative, caring, nurturing and dedicated person. She teaches the youngest children giving them firm foundations for future learning. She nurtures and cares for them encouraging them to move from being toddlers to being young children. She aims to instil in these young children a sense of confidence and belonging in the Bluebird family. Looking after these little children, Dale’s role is one of nurturing, loving, caring and totally supporting. However, as they move towards the end of the year they separate from Dale and start to move on a new journey towards independence.
Their year begins with a lot of tears and some very sad moms but everyone grows to love Dale and the nurturing she gives. We encourage you to demonstrate to your children that you trust us by saying a quick good bye. You may however, hide around the corner for a cup of coffee with other moms who are also finding parting difficult. We acknowledge that this is a big day for both you and your child. Keep in mind that this is the first day that they start to grow their own set of wings. We will give you all the support and advice we can as we try to make this transition as painless as possible for you both.
What we expect of this Grade 000:
- Attachment and dependence on the teacher.
- Many, many tears.
- Difficulty separating from their mothers.
- Few if any ‘true’ friendships. Solitary / parallel play monopolises this age group.
- Lots of wet, dirty, painted, torn and lost clothes.
- A determination not to remove items of clothing or bags (this is their ‘security blanket’ they will not be forced to part with these).
- Biting, kicking, hitting, temper tantrums are all evident, normal but not encouraged.
- Children are encouraged to explore the formal education sector through drawing, painting, cutting, chewing etc. However, there is little to no pressure for them to ‘achieve’ at this stage.
- This age group does not share.
- If your child stays home- please do not make home more fun than school as this will lead to a natural resistance to return to school.
Grade 00, 3 years turning 4
Leigh Lidgey – Leigh is an experienced educatorwho has taught the older and middle group children. She is a thoughtful, kind and sensitive educator who cares deeply for her students. She has a little girl Emily who spends her day at school cared for by her au pair. Leigh is passionate about her class and works tirelessly in preparation. She is extremely meticulous and manages to achieve a high standard of work and behaviour from her class. She will be working closely with Nicola so we can expect a high standard with innovative ideas. Leigh has the yellow group.
Nicola Merry – is taking up her first teaching post after four years of study and experience. She is well prepared for teaching and we look forward to all the new and up to date ideas she will be bringing, as well as the natural exuberance of youth. The first class that a teacher teaches is always a very special one. Nicola comes with exceptional credentials and I am sure that she will prove to be an outstanding educator. Settling into a new situation is always challenging and I ask that we make her feel welcome and part of the Bluebird family. We are also lucky to once again be bringing in a teacher with the latest knowledge and information on education into our school. Nicola has the green group.
What we expect of this age group:
- Increasing independence of children from parents and teachers.
- Quick response to instructions.
- More control of fine motor and gross motor skills.
- Better listening skills.
- A change in daily friendships.
- Continuing parallel play.
- A preference for fewer friends rather than big groups.
- More responsibility for their work and activities.
- An expectation of achievement and improvement in the quality and quantity of the work they produce.
- An increasing understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses.
- Knowledge of sharing but a lack of skill in carrying through the process.
- A dogmatic determination to do what they want to do with no cognition or care for possible consequences.
Grade 0, 4 years old turning 5
Jenny Moffat- is a dynamic educator with a wealth of knowledge. She is especially experienced with mathematics and science. She has taught a range of ages but shows a deep understanding and love for this age group. She has high, realistic expectations of her children and manages her class with a delightful sense of humour. Jenny has the red group.
Lynn Warren- is an educator who has many, many years of experience in the pre-school environment. Her class is very well structured and provides a consistent environment in which she encourages children to achieve. Her music and story telling constantly enthral the children. Lynn has the purple group.
What we expect of this age group:
- Take complete responsibility for their belongings.
- Walk into school carrying their own things.
- Put their things in their lockers neatly and keep their lockers neat during the day.
- Pack up their own things and walk to the car accompanied by their parents.
- Have a conversation with their parents providing details of their day including structured and unstructured activities.
- Able to chose and make friends with a variety of children and age groups.
- Treat younger children with care.
- Treat animals with respect- no chasing, kicking, throwing or hitting them.
- Listen to and carry out a series of instructions.
- Greet all staff and fellow classmates on arrival.
- Increased gross motor and fine motor control.
- Reaching and achieving set outcomes in academic work.
- Longer concentration span.
- Dealing with confrontation among friends.
- Making and breaking relationships.
- Making age appropriate decisions and problem solving.
Grade R, 5 years old turning 6
Helen Smith- is a dedicated mother of three children and educator of the Grade R class. She is a quiet, deep person who is extremely creative and manages to assist children not only to reach their potential but often to excel beyond their capabilities. Helen ensures that the children leaving the Grade R class and moving into bigger environments are as equipped as they can possibly be- academically, socially and emotionally. Grade R are the navy blue group.
What we expect of this age group:
- This is their first formal year of education.
- To follow the National Curriculum.
- Responsibility for self, work, environment and consideration towards others.
- First development of leadership skills.
- Longer lessons.
- More time indoors.
- More challenging activities.
- Increased pressure to achieve and succeed.
- Greater competition between children.
- Better communication skills.
- Self- discipline.
- More ‘close’ and lasting friendships.
- Teasing
- Increased emotional vulnerability.
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