The Bay Academy
StaffMeet our dedicated staff with a passion for
learning and people
learning how to learn
We are serious about education
Learning should meet the individual needs of each student. They are entering a rapidly changing world and the knowledge they acquire today is different from the skills they will need when they leave school– therefore learning how to learn and respectfully discuss opinions are some of the competences we seek to develop. The teacher is responsible for understanding the student’s individual learning needs and supporting them. The focus is on their learning process.
the bay academy
Management Team
Pieter Steyn
Principal
read more…
Jacqui Brown
Business Manager, BA(Hons)
read more…
Kym Van Straaten
Head of Montessori Campus
read more…
Sam Kirsten
Head of Pre-Primary
read more…
Our Teachers
Our Pre-Primary School Teachers
Gerti Dikgacwi
Toddler Support Guide
read more…
Jilly Perrins
Toddler Guide
read more…
Nomvuyo Klondile
Toddler Support Guide
read more…
Chelsea Bailie
Preschool Guide
read more…
Tina Schreiner
Preschool Guide
read more…
Ellen-Anne Williams (Anki)
Guide: (3-6 environment). BA Montessori Diploma 3-6 years
read more…
Lundi Mjekula
Preschool Support Guide
read more…
Leanne Seekoei
Preschool Support Guide
read more…
Lungi Mgwaba
Preschool Support Guide
read more…
Our Teachers
Our Primary School Teachers
Rabecca Kuphuka
Junior Primary Guide
read more…
Paige Rutherford
Junior Primary Guide
read more…
Jessica Van Staden
Senior Primary Guide
read more…
Maegan Shipley
Senior Primary Guide
read more…
Our Teachers
Our High School Teachers
Amy Murray
History and Drama. BA, PDEM, PGCE
read more…
Ricardo Vasapolli
Head of Student Affairs Geography. BSc, PGCE.
read more…
Pieter Pienaar
Head of Grade 7
read more…
Jade Ashby
English. BA(Hons)
read more…
Sabine Wedderburn
Afrikaans
read more…
Franzl Page
BEng PGCE
read more…
Sarah Hancock
B.Soc.Sci, PGCSE
read more…
Christian Gräser
Art, BAFA PGCE
read more…
Manfred Sommers
Mathematics, BEd Math
read more…
Geraldine Ramiez
Spanish
read more…
Jessica Pienaar
Chemistry & Biology, Bed
read more…
Chelsey Snijman
Mathematics & Biology. BSc PGCSE
read more…
Our support team
Our Administrative and Estate Staff
Lily Lukic
High School Administration
read more…
Shena Van Derlilly
Primary School Administration
read more…
Derek Lawrence
Estate Manager
read more…
Shana Canterbury
Accounts Assistant
read more…
Nombuelo Nikelo
High School Cleaning Staff
read more…
Alman Madlatule
Groundsman
read more…
Thulile Mtshali
Primary School Cleaning Staff
read more…
Wiseman Macholisa
Groundsman
read more…
Pieter Steyn
Principal
Mr Steyn holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Regenesys (Cum Laude), an Honour’s Degree in History from the University of Johannesburg, as well as a Higher Diploma in Education (UJ).
Mr Steyn is passionate about teaching and learning. He is excited to be part of The Bay Academy and to contribute to its future growth and development. His previous experience as head to a variety of schools, has honed his skills in strategic planning and change management processes. His educational philosophy is based on the belief that the best schools offer an educational experience that shapes confident, curious, and well-rounded individuals.
“The Bay Academy is an excellent innovative, student-focused learning community. My objective is to ensure an ethic of excellence at The Bay Academy, whereby students can flourish and teachers feel supported to nurture a genuine love for learning,” he says.
Jacqui Brown
Business Manager. BA (Hons)
Jacqui Brown is the Business Manager and the Examination Officer for The Bay Academy and holds an Honours degree in Psychology.
The demanding roles that she fulfils require both a good grasp of the Edexcel examination systems and an in-depth knowledge of The Bay Academy’s operational needs. Jacqui is the firm hand that steers The Bay Academy to achieve its daily operations and steering it toward efficiency and productivity. Her role involves strategic planning as well as hands-on management, Human Resource administration, compliance, and generally ensuring that the school’s operations align with its broader goals.
Kym Van Straaten
Head of Montessori Campus
Kym van Straaten is a respected Montessorian, having extensive experience as a Montessori teacher, Principal, Montessori teacher trainer and in Montessori curriculum development and design. She ran her own school, Randburg Montessori, in Johannesburg for children aged 18 months to 13 years for 18 years, before selling and moving with her family to Hout Bay. She shares her life with her incredibly supportive husband Craig, daughter Amy, and son Travis. Kym holds a Diploma in Human resources, B-Ed in Early Years Education, MACTE 3 – 6 Montessori Diploma, and AMI 6 – 12 Diploma.
Kym has lectured both nationally and internationally and regularly delivers presentations at parent evenings, workshops and the SAMA conferences as well as other ECD conferences in South Africa. She has served the greater Montessori community by leading the South African Montessori Association (SAMA) as President 2016 and 2017 and serving on the Executive Committee for over 6 years.
Sam Kirsten
Head of Pre-Primary
Sam’s enthusiasm for the holistic teachings of the Montessori philosophy is one that she holds very dear, one that is a big influence in her own home with her three young children.
She earned her Montessori qualification in 2011 and has worked in various Montessori environments which ultimately helped her reach her goal of opening her own school. Sam is committed to helping families understand more about the development and well-being of children in general, and is equally eager to connect with parents and the community.
In her spare time you can find Sam singing in her local church or competing in a local netball tournament.
Jilly Perrins
Toddler Guide
Jilly has been guiding children from one years old to grade R, for the over 20 years’. She studied at Auburn House Montessori Collage in Kenilworth and got some international experience while teaching in the USA, UK and Germany while traveling in these parts of the world.
She enjoys meeting children at their own level, and joyously states: “that is what keeps her young.” She has been guiding toddlers now for over 16 years and loves all the little ones that come to her class. She is consistent and loving and believes that young children need predictable boundaries and routines from a young age. This is practiced easily with Montessori principles and philosophy within her beautifully prepared environment.
Gerti Dikgacwi
Toddler Support Guide
Gertie has worked with children since 2002 and has a deep love for them. and has enjoyed watching the children in her care growing throughout the years. Gertie holds certification as a Montessori Assistants course Auburn house. Over the years she has experienced teaching in both the toddler and 3 – 6 Montessori Environments.
Gertie fills an additional role as our aftercare assistant where she continues to appreciate all the small steps of development that each child shows each day.
Chelsea Bailie
Preschool Guide
Chelsea grew up in the Eastern Cape where she developed a deep love for nature and fellow human beings. She was drawn to helping others and pursued a career in nursing before she moved to Cape Town with her partner and daughter in 2015.
Chelsea discovered The Montessori Method & found Montessori’s work to be compelling and beautiful. It resonated so deeply with her that Chelsea completed her Montessori teacher training through AMI (Association Montessori Internationale). She is extremely dedicated to her work with young child, and being at the heart of human development.
Nomvuyo Kondie
Toddler Support Guide
Nomvuyo has been supporting in a Montessori environment since 2016 and has enjoyed watching the children in her care growing throughout the years. Nomvuyo believes that there is something special about seeing the child become independent which assures her that this is what she was called to do.
Numvuyo has four children of her own and uses Montessori principles in their everyday living and has seen the benefits of the Montessori philosophy in her own family.
Tina Schreiner
Preschool Guide
Born and raised in Germany, Tina immigrated to South Africa in 2009 with her family.
Tina always wanted to be a teacher but first worked as a team manager in the corporate world for several years. When her wonderful daughter Lucy was born, Tina stumbled upon Maria Montessori´s philosophy and instantly knew that she had found her calling.
Tina graduated from the Montessori Centre South Africa (MCSA) in 2020 with a deep love for Montessori Philosophy and child development theories. She is continuing her studies through earning her degree in Inclusive Education. Tina believes that children must be given the opportunity to develop naturally, following their inner urges and making their own choices and she is delighted to be able to guide children through this process.
In her free time, Tina likes to do arts and crafts or spend time outside in nature, especially when exploring the world of insects with her daughter.
Ellen-Anne Williams (Anki)
Guide: (3-6 environment). BA Montessori Diploma 3-6 years
After graduating from UCT with a BA in Gender Studies and English Literature, Anki was looking for another challenge as she was not feeling fulfilled in her role as restaurant manager. Her family reminded her of her own Montessori journey, which started at age 3, and suggested she returned to her roots. She enrolled at the Indaba Institute in Stellenbosch and graduated with an Internationally recognised AMI Montessori Diploma for the 3-6 age group. Through this training, her passion for community and love for guiding and learning was ignited.
Anki started her Montessori journey teaching in Pretoria and is very excited to be back amongst the mountains of Hout Bay. Outside of the classroom, Anki can be found playing the piano, behind a sewing machine or swimming up a river.
Anki believes music is a wonderful tool that can be used towards fostering connections and can often be found singing or playing her ukulele with the children she guides. She is passionate about holding space for each child in her environment grounded in love, respect and curiosity.
Chelsey Snijman
Mathematics & Biology. BSc PGCSE
Chelsey grew up in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town and began her academic journey at the University of Cape Town, where she earned a Bachelor of Science, specialising in Genetics, Human Anatomy, and Physiology. She continued her studies at the same institution, completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with a focus on Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Life Sciences.
Chelsey is deeply passionate about education, viewing it as a powerful tool for empowerment. She is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment, where her students feel encouraged to thrive. Her educational philosophy centres on nurturing well-rounded individuals and promoting a love of lifelong learning.
Lundi Mjekula
Preschool Support Guide
Lundi qualified as an assistant teacher through the Montessori Centre South Africa (MCSA). She is a calm and kind hearted person, who loves each and every child in her charge deeply. Lundi has been in a Montessori environment for over seven years and is still passionate and finds it a joy to work with children.
Lundi introduces Xhosa to the children in the preschool community through song, poetry and baking. She also offers additional Xhosa lessons in the afternoons after school
Leanne Seekoei
Preschool Support Guide
Leanne is a committed teacher and mother who has wanted to work with children from a young age. She qualified with a Montessori 3-6 Diploma at the Montessori Early Learning Foundation and is currently completing an AMI 0 -3 diploma. It brings her joy to see the children grasping new concepts and their love of learning.
Lungi Mgwaba
Preschool Support Guide
Lungi has wanted to be a teacher since a she was a teenager. She has been working in a Montessori environment for many years and has been able to put her knowledge into practice and continue to refine her skills. Lungi is a lifelong learner and joins all staff development opportunities to further her understanding of children.
Watching children grow into happy, self-reliant little people has been the most rewarding, if not the best part of her job. Lungi has been spending time with the primary children building their confidence with hearing them read and teaching them to crochet and knit.
Rabecca Kaphuka
Junior Primary Guide
Having 6 year’s experience as a social worker in many different settings she appreciates the need for a prepared environment to aid children’s development. Rabecca comes from a family of teachers and believes that children have diverse ways of expressing themselves and finds satisfaction and enjoyment in facilitating their learning and development.
She holds an Advanced Diploma in Community Development and Early Childhood Education (NQF 5) as well as AMI 3-6, and 6 – 12 Orientation certification. In her spare time you will find Rabecca spending time outdoors, exploring nature.
Paige Rutherford
Junior Primary Guide
Paige is a gentle and kind educator dedicated to nurturing young minds. She holds a BA, where she majored in English and Psychology as well as a PGCE in Foundation Phase Teaching. She has further enhanced her teaching skills by completing a Montessori Elementary course through the Montessori Centre South Africa.
Paige’s teaching journey began as a 6-9 assistant, where she quickly discovered her affinity for the Montessori Method. She instantly recognized its unique approach to education and has since deepened her love for teaching within this framework.
A lifelong lover of art, Paige pursued this passion throughout her schooling and now enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with the children, integrating creative expression into her lessons. Guided by the words of Dr. Seuss, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax. All you need is a book,” Paige inspires the children to explore the wonders of learning and imagination. With her blend of academic knowledge and heartfelt dedication, she creates a wonderful learning environment for every child in her care.
Jessica Van Staden
Senior Primary Guide
Jessica is a mature, vibrant, empathetic, and creative teacher. She is in the final year of her BEd degree and regularly attends workshops and webinars to enhance her Montessori practice.
Jessica loves spending time with children and watching them thrive in their learning environment. She is passionate about animals and loves helping at animal welfares. A quote she lives by is ”If you can dream it, you can do it” – Walt Disney.
Maegan Shipley
Senior Primary Guide
Mae discovered Montessori while searching for a more effective way to assist her students. What she stumbled upon was a philosophy that resonated deeply with her core belief – The Enlightened Generalist.
Mae embodies the Montessori philosophy by striving to explore as much of what the world has to offer as possible. Her pursuits range from hockey to gardening, scouting to volunteering efforts, and from immersing herself in fiction to pursuing her next qualification.
Ricardo Vasapolli
Geography. BSc, PGCE.
Ricardo is passionate about education, and has completed an Honors degree in Environmental and Geographical Sciences (UCT) and worked in curating content for an online educational non-profit company for the last few years.
“I take my faith seriously and this challenges me to look after our world and environment which I consider to be in dire need of protection, but more importantly, to love and encourage the students I teach and to help them see who they are and what they are capable of.”
He is also a serious runner and excited to get the students up and running and exploring the beauty in the mountains around The Bay Academy.
Pieter Pienaar
Grade 7 Tutor.
Pieter has taught for many years in schools including Camps Bay High School , SACS High school and Llandudno Primary school. His aim is to develop the grade seven group at The Bay Academy as a transitional year, and prepare them well for High School. He enjoys working with young people, and hopes to inspire them to achieve well academically and in life in general. Therefore, his approach is holistic – the whole person. He loves the outdoors and with his wife, often goes for extended walks around the Peninsula, and enjoys staying fit and healthy.
Sabine Wedderburn
Afrikaans
Sabine heads up the Afrikaans department at The Bay Academy, teaching Afrikaans to all students, from Grade 7 to Grade 12. One of The High School’s longest serving staff members, she has, for 5 years and with the effort of her students, achieved a 100% AS Level pass for Afrikaans for 4 of those 5 years. Prior to the The Bay Academy, Sabine was the Afrikaans teacher at Ambleside and the Hout Bay International school for 8 years teaching Afrikaans to grade 3 – 7. She is passionate about her subject and invested in every student as an individual.
Jade Ashby
English(BA Hons)
Jade started her career while completing her PGCE, as a TEFL teacher. While working with students from around the world, she found her passion in teaching others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Language Studies and Psychology, a Bachelor of Honours in Applied Language Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
Jade is originally from the Eastern Cape and has settled roots in Cape Town with her family and friends. Jade is incredibly passionate about helping students achieve a holistic education, ensuring her students not only succeed academically, but emotionally and socially as well. Jade encourages her students to participate and supports their individual learning needs. In her spare time, Jade enjoys reading, painting, and studying classical literature and art.
Amy Murray
History and Drama. BA, PDEM, PGCE
Amy describes herself as a creative educator with a keen eye for detail and is always up for a challenge. She has an adaptive pedagogical style and she is a reflective practitioner who is passionate about social justice in education.
Having taught English in Vietnam for over two years, Amy moved to London where she worked in events and marketing. After spending a couple of years in the UK, she finally decided to return to the Mother City and pursue her passion in education and teaching by completing her PGCE at UCT.
In her spare time, you can find Amy exploring hidden gems in and around Cape Town, or creating music with her friends.
Jessica Pienaar
Chemistry & Biology, BEd
Jessica is an enthusiastic and dedicated Biology and Chemistry teacher with a BEd degree specializing in high school sciences. With experience teaching in a Johannesburg high school, she became passionate in helping students succeed by instilling the value of hard work and persistence. Her teaching approach emphasizes the importance of balance, encouraging her students to excel academically while also nurturing strong friendships and pursuing extracurricular activities.
Outside the classroom, Jessica loves the outdoors, particularly hiking. She also values time with family and believes that the best success comes when life and learning are in harmony.
Sarah Hancock
Business Studies Teacher, B.Soc.Sci, PGCSE
Sarah started off her career in Human Resources as a Recruitment Consultant for a Personnel firm in Pietermaritzburg. After a 6 year tenure, she decided to leave the corporate world and pursue her passion in Education. Sarah holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Marketing, a Diploma in Business Management and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
Sarah has a genuine passion for teaching and encourages her students to be hands on, active participants in their learning journey. Not only does she aim to enrich the minds of her students, she also aims to enrich their souls and create a space for the students to feel safe, genuinely cared for and respected. Sarah believes that every student is different and she is passionate about structuring their learning environment in a manner that calls on each student’s individual strengths, in order for them to become the best possible versions of themselves so that they can flourish as successful members of society.
Sarah has a hunger for knowledge and is also an avid nature lover – in her free time, you can find Sarah, reading, writing or being outdoors.
Christian Gräser
Art, BAFA PGCE
Christian heads up the Art Department. Having taught at both government and private schools around South Africa, as well as at LIS in Germany, he shares his skills, knowledge and passion for the Visual Arts with the students.
In his spare time, he draws, paints, and writes, as well as playing tabletop games. He is an avid climber who enjoys spending time in the mountains, and hiking around Cape Town with his wife and their three dogs.
Franzl Page
BEng PGCE
Franzl recently moved to Cape Town after completing his Post Graduate Certificate of Education at The Two Oceans Graduate Institute. After working as a mechanical engineer in the petrochemical industry for 3 years, Franzl decided to transition into teaching in search of a more rewarding career and has been a teacher for 3 years and a tutor for 7 years now.
In his leisure time, Franzl enjoys long walks in nature, exploring the picturesque Cape, and ‘tinkering’ with technology.
Geraldine Ramiez
Spanish
Geraldine was born in Lima- Peru. She graduated from Instituto Pedagógico Nacional Monterrico and has a Bachelor of Education degree in teaching Foreign Languages and a Second Specialty in Primary Education.
She holds a minor degree in International Business Administration. Geraldine moved to Cape Town in 2013 and after a break from teaching she started teaching Spanish privately to children and then to people of different ages. Geraldine has worked as a Spanish interpreter for the Tourism Industry and has a passion for human connection.
She loves teaching and enjoys imparting the Spanish Language to all the ones who want to learn.
Manfred Sommers
Mathematics, Bed
Manfred started his teaching career by teaching English to children of all ages in Taiwan and South Korea. His interest in Mathematics began when studying a Bachelors degree in Education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he majored in Mathematics and Economics.
He spent many years teaching Mathematics at a public High school in Claremont prior to working in Education technology, where he helped to develop online Mathematics courses for a couple of online schools.
In his free time Manfred enjoys swimming, yoga, working in the garden and hiking in the mountains. It is important to maintain a good work-life balance in order to provide a stable learning environment.
Manfred enjoys working with sharp-minded youth, as this helps to generate positive energy and contribute to the greater good of society. It is also his belief that the youth needs to be equipped with critical thinking and analytical skills in order to pave the best possible path for the future.
Lily Lukic
Admissions Officer
Lily Lukic came to South Africa for a visit in 1998 and fell in love with Cape Town and decided to stay. Besides dealing with people in general, her greatest love has always been being surrounded by children. After more than 30 years, Lily left the travel industry and started a new career at The Bay Academy, that brings so much joy into her life!
Shena Van Derlilly
Primary School Administration
Shena’s journey reflects a deep commitment to education and a love for working with children. She not only assists the administration team but also brings valuable organizational skills to her Aftercare role. Her experience as an assistant teacher and her qualifications in Early Childhood Development (ECD) highlight her dedication to fostering young minds. Additionally, her experience teaching TEFL online demonstrates her adaptability and ability to connect with a diverse range of ages. Shena is well-equipped to create engaging and supportive learning environments for children.
Shana Canterbury
Accounts Assistant
Shana has always been in a leadership role for the past 15 years in a more administrative environment. Her drive for knowledge and broadening her skills landed her the opportunity in Finance.
She has a passion for the wellbeing of children especially being a single mother of 4 kids. She loves long walks in the outdoors and the quiet and peacefulness of her home in Hout bay.
Derek Lawrence
Estate Manager
Nombuelo Nikelo
Cleaner: High School Campus
Buli joined The Bay Academy in January 2021 after working at Hout Bay Montessori school for 3 years. Being surrounded by children every day makes her very happy. Buli lives in Hout Bay with her three children.
Thulile Mtshali
Cleaner: Montessori Campus
Thuli is quiet lady who thoroughly enjoys working at the school. She believes the young voices make her happy. Thuli joined The Bay Academy in January 2021 after working alongside Buli at Hout Bay Montessori for 2 years.
Wiseman Macholisa.
Groundsman
Without a doubt, Wiseman has the biggest heart at our school. He helps to maintain our grounds and gardens and also assists with classroom or teacher projects whenever he is needed. From making wooden dice to installing gears in the senior primary yard for technology project purposes, Wiseman always has a plan to support any of the teachers’ or children’s’ endeavours. He also never hesitates to include curious children in his work. Patiently showing them what he does and explaining why and how.
Alman Madlatule
Groundsman
A quiet and modest man, Alman has the greenest fingers of any person on the team. He leads our efforts to create and maintain vegetable gardens to feed our community. Originally from the Eastern Cape, Alman moved to Cape Town with his family in 1999, joined the Montessori campus in 2010; and lives in Hout Bay with his two daughters.