Hayley Van Nieuwkerk
Principal and Grade R Bumblebee Class
Ever since I can remember, it was my lifelong passion to be a teacher. I am a mom to three beautiful teenagers and my obsession for teaching just grew after having children of my own. I have been a part of the Buckets and Books team for 9 years and I couldn’t be happier. It is my passion to ensure that our children at Buckets and Books are given a loving and safe environment where they are able to learn and grow through play, as they interact with the world around them. I like to believe that we are setting our children up to be kind, compassionate and social little people. These skills will carry them into their formal schooling years, setting them up for life. The early years of a child’s development are the most critical stages in a child’s life and what a privilege it is to wake up in the morning and know that each day brings something new. I get to tap into my inner child, I am afforded the opportunity to witness many of their “firsts”, and they teach me so much about myself! I have a Diploma from HFPA in Kids Development and I have a Batchelor Degree in Early Childhood Development.
“I’ve learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou.
Bronwyn Boogaard
Office Manager
I am a mom of two boys aged 7 and 11. My youngest attended Buckets and Books for two years before going to Grade 1 and from the moment he joined, I absolutely loved how it was more than just a school, it was a family. I previously worked for a medical practice for 6 years but when the opportunity arose to join the Buckets and Books team, I grabbed it with both hands. I love being a part of such a wonderful and loving environment and seeing how happy all the kiddies and staff are here, brings me so much joy.
Being part of the Buckets and Books family has been the best decision I have ever made.
Stella Murray
Grade 00 - Dragonfly Class
As a little girl, it was my dream to become a teacher. Teaching is my passion, and I am so blessed to do something I love every day! I obtained a Bachelor of Education Degree from Wits University in 2014 and went on to teach at a Primary School for seven years, where I was fortunate enough to act as the Grade Head, as well as Head of Foundation Phase Mathematics. However, my true calling lies in the classroom.
There is nothing more rewarding for a teacher than to watch children learn and flourish under their nurturing guidance. I am so happy to be part of the Buckets & Books Family!
Melissa Terbanche
Playgroup – Caterpillar Class
I have a great passion for teaching as I come from a family of teachers and I have always dreamt of becoming one myself, from a very young age. I have gained valuable teaching experience throughout the years from teaching and au-pairing along with my studies. I studied my B. ED part-time through UNISA where I was able to work and teach simultaneously. I have previously taught children from the age of 16 months up to Grade 2 in schools all the way from Durban (where I'm from) to Johannesburg and I have loved every second. However, my passion is to teach in the ECD environment.
I joined the team at Buckets and Books in 2022 and it is such a wonderful environment to teach in.
Samantha Luies
Grade 000 - Spider Class
While completing my Honours degree in Psychology, I volunteered as a student trauma counsellor at Steve Biko Academic Hospital. As heart-breaking as it was, I enjoyed spending time in the children’s wards and decided to pursue teaching. I obtained my Honours in Inclusive Education and taught Grade R at Heronbridge College for 3 years before becoming a stay-at-home mom.
I am now currently teaching 000 at Buckets and Books and loving every second! Before I became a teacher, I had no idea that you could fit so many kids in 1 heart.
Loago Nkumane
Grade 0000 - Beetle Class
I come from a family of teachers on my father’s side and nurses on my mother’s side, caring and teaching is in my DNA. After travelling to the Republic of Ireland to study a diploma in Business Management, I realised that my true passion is teaching and working with children. I started my teaching career in 2015 as a teacher’s assistant in the 4 – 5 year age group class and quickly moved on to the head teacher. To date, I have taught primary school IsiZulu and Mathematics. I have tutored and au-paired, but nothing has felt more meaningful or has filled my heart with as much joy as working within the Early Childhood Development (ECD) environment. I am currently enrolled at UNISA doing my third year of my Bachelor of Education foundation phase majoring in ECD.
Every day I wake up and look forward to my day ahead at Buckets and Books.
Jeanine King
Playgroup - Caterpillar Class
I have always been fascinated by the human body and movement. I’ve been working with Bio scientists, CrossFit trainers and Physiotherapists for almost 15 years. I was given an opportunity to facilitate a neuro-diverse little girl and this amazing little person changed my life! Since then, I knew that teaching, is what I need to do. I would not change my job for anything.
It is so rewarding, and special to watch our children achieve all that they can. I am very blessed and privileged to be a part of the Buckets and Books family.
Jamie Tonkin
Grade 0000 - Ants Class
I have always had a passion for children since I can remember. To watch them grow into the beautiful little people that they are, is truly a blessing. I am very family-orientated and Buckets and Books has given me an opportunity to be part of this beautiful little family and I could not be grateful! I matriculated in 2019 and have completed my NQF 4 in teaching and I am currently completing my NQF 5. In the afternoons, I au-pair and this fulfills my soul.
It truly brings me the most joy to be able to watch these little humans excel from one strength to the next, enjoying their best life during their school day.
Wendy Hanlon
Grade 00 - Firefly Class
I feel so blessed to have joined this amazing school that feels like an extension of my family. I have been teaching for since 1999 and I have loved every single minute. I started working with a beautiful little girl called Sabrina that had a very rare congenital disease that caused her disabilities. She taught me great patience. I moved overseas where I taught in Austria, Ireland, and Italy. I came back to South Africa and continued to teach. I have two gorgeous boys. I have a passion for learning new languages and cooking. Every day I get taught a lesson by a child and I love that about my day at school. I hope I am blessed enough to be able to teach for another 25 years as this is a true passion of mine.
I believe that a positive and loving environment for a child builds for a strong future.