KDVP GRADE 8 INFORMATION BOOKLET 2024

KING DAVID HIGH SCHOOL VICTORY

STAFF 2023

CLASS REGISTER TEACHERS

STAFF CONTACT DETAILS

CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION

CALENDAR 2023

SCHOOL PROCEDURES

COMBINED DAILY TIMES

STANDARDISED TEST DAY

SRC FORUM DAY

JEWISH STUDIES AND HEBREW

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

STANDARDISED TEST ROSTER

SPORTS PLANNER

STAFF PROFILES

OUR

STAFF 2024

MANAGEMENT

Headmaster Andrew Baker

Deputy Head: Teaching & Learning Mandy Gruzd

Director of Foundation & Administration Danie Botes

Director of Operations & Student Affairs Andrew Murewa

Director of Leadership Siobhan Glanvill-Miller

Campus Rabbi Rabbi Rabinowitz

GRADE HEADS

Grade 8 Danie Botes

Grade 9 Ntombi Mota

Grade 10 George Morfis

Grade 11

Siobhan Glanvill-Miller

Grade 12 Andrew Murewa

COUNSELLING & EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT

Social Worker Gita Lipschitz

Educational Support Jolene Macintosh

Language Specialist Elise Levin

Occupational Therapist Carla MacDonald

DEPARTMENTAL STAFF

English

Heidi Seligman (HOD)

Elizabeth Leaver

Gila Katz Ronel Klatzkin

Simone Krawitz

STAFF 2024

DEPARTMENTAL STAFF

Afrikaans

isiZulu

Hebrew

Mathematics

Mathematical Literacy

History

Geography

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences

Accounting

Nadia Steenekamp (HOD)

Henning Blignaut

Magda-Lize Rohde

Ntombi Mota (HOD)

Hanna Ben-Moshe (HOD & Chagim)

Keren Barashi

Lior Fradkin

Gila Katz

Liesel le Roux (HOD)

Ari Levin

Lauren Myers

Caitlin Shippey

Hayley Kobrin

Mandy Gruzd (HOD)

Siobhan Glanvill-Miller

Mairi Nel

Mairi Nel (HOD)

George Morfis

Danie Botes (HOD)

Henning Blignaut

Ishara Govender

Shandhinee Nargaroo

Ishara Govender (HOD)

Shandhinee Nargaroo

Daniel Smuts (Locum)

STAFF 2024

Business Studies

DEPARTMENTAL STAFF

Information Technology

Arts & Culture

Life Orientation

Jewish Studies

Consumer Studies

Sport

Israel Studies

Andrew Murewa (HOD)

George Morfis

Liesel Le Roux

Denise Vythilingam (HOD)

Yael Gordon

Renos Spanoudes (HOD & Arts and Culture)

Fiona Couldridge (HOD Visual Art)

Nikki Richard (HOD Music)

Sharon Brummer (HOD)

Rabbi Rabinowitz Gila Katz

Keren Munnell

Sherran Borland

Thulani Ndlovu (Head of Sport)

Hannah Ben-Moshe (HOD)

Gila Katz

CLASS REGISTER TEACHERS

Grade 12 Head: Andrew Murewa

12V Ari Levin

12I

12C

11V

11I

10V

10I

10C

9V

9I

9C

8V

8I

Nadia Steenekamp

Denise Vythilingam

Grade 11 Head: Siobhan Glanvill-Miller

Magda-Lize Rohde

Liesel le Roux

Grade 10 Head: George Morfis

Keren Munnell

Lior Fradkin

Ronel Klatzkin

Grade 9 Head: Ntombi Mota

Caitlin Shippey

Nikki Richard

Heidi Seligman

Grade 8 Head: Danie Botes

Henning Blignaut

Ishara Govender

STAFF CONTACT DETAILS

FRONT OFFICE: (011) 446 7860

Management

Headmaster Andrew Baker bakera@sabje.co.za

Deputy Head: Teaching & Learning Mandy Gruzd gruzdm@sabje.co.za

Director: Operations & Student Affairs Andrew Murewa murewaa@sabje.co.za

Director: Foundation & Administration Danie Botes botesd@sabje.co.za

Director: Leadership Siobhan Glanvill-Miller glanvills@sabje.co.za

Campus Rabbi Rabbi Rabinowitz rabinowitzm@sabje.co.za

Grade Heads

Grade 8

Danie Botes botesd@sabje.co.za

Grade 9 Ntombi Mota motan@sabje.co.za

Grade 10 George Morfis morfisg@sabje.co.za

Grade 11 Siobhan Glanvill-Miller glanvills@sabje.co.za

Grade 12 Andrew Murewa murewaa@sabje.co.za

STAFF CONTACT DETAILS

Head’s P.A.

Administration & Finance

Jackie Conradie conradiej@sabje.co.za

Administrator Andrea Kattan kattana@sabje.co.za

Financial Administrator Lerato Kutoane kutoanel@sabje.co.za

Communication & Design Yael Gordon gordony@sabje.co.za

Marketing Manager Nirvana Rogers rogersn@sabje.co.za

Facilities Manager Fabio Conte contef@sabje.co.za

Security

Methusalem Motloadi

Counselling & Learning Support

Social Worker Gita Lipschitz lipschitzgi@sabje.co.za

Educational Support Jolene Macintosh macintoshj@sabje.co.za

Speech & Language Therapist Elise Levin levinel@sabje.co.za

Occupational Therapist Carla MacDonald macdonaldc@sabje.co.za

Sport

Head of Sport Thulani Ndlovu ndlovut@sabje.co.za

STAFF CONTACT DETAILS

TEACHING STAFF

BARASHI, Mrs Keren barashika@sabje.co.za

BEN MOSHE, Mrs Hanna benmosheh@sabje.co.za

BLIGNAUT, Mr Henning blignauth@sabje.co.za

BORLAND, Miss Sherran borlands@sabje.co.za

BOTES, Mr Daniel botesd@sabje.co.za

BRUMMER, Mrs Sharon brummers@sabje.co.za

COULDRIDGE, Ms Fiona couldridgef@sabje.co.za

FRADKIN ,Mr Lior fradkinl@sabje.co.za

GLANVILL-MILLER, Mrs Siobhan glanvills@sabje.co.za

GORDON, Ms Yael gordony@sabje.co.za

GOVENDER, Mrs Ishara govendori@sabje.co.za

GRUZD, Mrs Mandy gruzdm@sabje.co.za

KRAWITZ, Ms Simone krawitzs@sabje.co.za

STAFF CONTACT DETAILS

LEVIN, Mrs Elise levinel@sabje.co.za

LIPSKAR, Rabbi Levi lipskarl@sabje.co.za

LIPSCHITZ, Mrs Gita lipschitzgi@sabje.co.za

MACDONALD, Mrs Carla macdonaldc@sabje.co.za

MORFIS, Mr George morfisg@sabje.co.za

MOTA, Mrs Ntombi motan@sabje.co.za

MUNNELL, Mrs Keren nochumsohnk@sabje.co.za

MUREWA Mr Andrew murewaa@sabje.co.za

MYERS, Mrs Lauren myersl@sabje,co.za

STAFF CONTACT DETAILS

NARGAROO, Mrs Shaan nargaroos@sabje.co.za

NEL, Mrs Mairi nelm@sabje.co.za

RABINOWITZ, Rabbi Mendel rabinowitzm@sabje.co.za

RICHARD, Ms Nikki richardn@sabje.co.za

ROHDE, Mrs Magda-Lize rohdem@sabje.co.za

SELIGMAN, Mrs Heidi seligmanh@sabje.co.za

SHIPPEY, Ms Caitlin shippeyc@sabje.co.za

SPANOUDES, Mr Renos spanoudesr@sabje.co.za

STEENEKAMP, Miss Nadia steenekampn@sabje.co.za

SCHOOL TIMES

Mondays 07:45 – 15:00

Tuesdays 07:45 – 15:00

SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Wednesdays 07:45 – 13:30

Thursdays 07:45 – 15:00

Fridays 07:45 – 14:00

OFFICE HOURS

Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 07:30 – 15:30

Wednesday 07:30 – 14:30

Friday 07:30 – 14:30

ATTENDANCE, ABSENTEEISM, LATES, EXEATS

All students enrolled at King David High School Victory Park are expected to attend regular classes and normal school activities including assemblies, co-curricular activities and ex- cursions. Parents who have children who are absent on any occasion are required to call the school or send a note or an email to the relevant Grade Head explaining the absence.

GRADE HEADS

Grade 12 Mr Andrew Murewa

Grade 11 Mrs Siobhan Glanvill-Miller

Grade 10 Mr George Morfis

Grade 9 Mrs Ntombi Mota

Grade 8 Mr Danie Botes

Regular or unusual patterns of absenteeism are followed up by the Grade Head. Requests for extended leave must be submitted in writing to the Headmaster.

All students must arrive before the start of the 07:45 lesson and must proceed to their first lesson of the day. It is essential that students arrive on time for the first lesson. If a student arrives at school late and is not registered in the early morning, he/she will be marked absent. If a student arrives later in the day, he/she must go past Mrs Andrea Kattan in reception to be registered

Mrs Kattan will then give the student a Late Slip which must be given to the teacher of the lesson the student goes to first. Should a student wish to leave school early for any reason, he/she must obtain an Exeat form from the Front Office. If an appointment has been made for the school day, an email must be sent to the Grade Head indicating the date and time of the appointment.

PLEASE NOTE: No student will be signed out without this information. Either the Deputy Head or The Director of Operations will sign the student’s Exeat Slip with the attached documentation as proof before leaving.

SCHOOL PROCEDURES

UNIFORM and APPEARANCE

The school uniform is important in conveying the image, both inside and outside of the school. King David has an extremely neat and smart looking uniform which demonstrates the pride we should all have in our school. We know you, as parents, share this pride and we therefore would like to encourage your full co-operation in ensuring that your children arrive at school correctly dressed.

Please take note of the following:

Prayers: As prayers form an integral part of the school’s ethos, it is important for students to have the correct uniform for prayers. Boys and girls are required to have their own Siddur for prayers at all times. In addition, boys are required to have Kip- pot and Tefillin at school every day.

Blazers: In the hot summer months the blazer need not be worn, except for formal occasions and when leaving the school premises on excursions. Assemblies are considered formal occasions and happen once a week on Fridays. It is compulsory that all students wear their blazers to assembly as it is a formal school gathering.

Shirts: King David has a formal school shirt. The white short-sleeve shirt must be worn in summer and the white long sleeve shirt must be worn in winter. In the case of the boys, a tie is to be worn with the long sleeve shirt. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. During winter, a plain white T-shirt may be worn under the shirt, however long-sleeved T-shirts may NOT be worn under short-sleeved shirts. Girls are not per- mitted to wear black or coloured underwear which is visible through the school shirt.

Jerseys and tops: Only the regulation school jersey may be worn. This is the black jersey with the blue and white edging. King David "hoodies” and King David tracksuit jackets are allowed. No other hoodies/jerseys are permitted. Matric students are permitted to wear their matric tops as part of the uniform. During winter months, permission is given to wear a navy or black puffer jacket.

Skirts: Girls are to wear the sky-blue official King David skirt of appropriate length. It is not permitted for the girls to roll up the skirts to make them appear shorter.

Trousers: Boys are to wear the standard grey long flannel trousers when coming to school. They must also wear a black belt with the trousers.

Shoes: Boys have to wear black leather lace-up school shoes, and girls have a choice of black leather lace-up school shoes or school shoes with a bar. No other shoes are acceptable. Students with severe orthopaedic problems who cannot wear traditional school shoes will be given permission to wear alternative footwear provided a letter from a medical practitioner is made available to the school. In this case, the alternative footwear must be as modest as possible.

Socks/Stockings: Boys must wear grey socks, and girls white socks or, in the winter months, black tights may be worn.

Tracksuits: Tracksuits are not part of the day-to-day school uniform and thus not per- mitted to be worn. Permission can be given to wear the tracksuit in certain circumstances when certain sports events require students to leave either slightly early or straight after school. Students may change at 2nd break into their sports kit and covered with a tracksuit. Certain circumstances surrounding Phys Ed taking place during the Life Orientation period also permits the tracksuit to be worn, but only if that period happens to be during period 1. In the case of Grade 12s doing Phys Ed during the Prayer period, then the tracksuit may be worn to school. In both cases, students are required to change into full school uniform after the activity.

SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Hair: Hairstyles must be neat and appropriate for both boys and girls. With respect to boys - hair needs to be cut in an acceptable style where the length is such that it is off the ears as well as the collar at the neck. With respect to girls – if the hair length is beyond the shoulders, then it is expected to be neatly tied up. Hair is also expected to be out of the face.

Shaving: Boys are expected to be clean shaven at all times. Special dispensation will be given to boys for religious reasons as well as over periods of mourning.

Make-up and nail polish: Girls are not permitted to wear make-up. Coloured nail polish is not allowed.

Jewellery: Jewellery is limited to one sleeper or plain stud in the lobe of each ear for girls. Boys may not wear earrings. Nose studs/nose rings are strictly forbidden as are studs in eyebrows, tongues or any other facial piercing (except as described for the ears). The covering of a piercing with plaster is also not permitted. Students may wear one small Chai or Magen David inside their shirts. No bracelets, other than medic-alert bracelets may be worn. No rings on fingers are to be worn.

Tattoos: No visible tattoos, permanent or non-permanent, are permitted.

NEWSLETTERS

Regular communication with parents is vital, and as part of this process a newsletter is distributed by e-mail every Friday. The newsletter provides information of a general nature, but also informs parents of the academic, sporting, and cultural events in the week ahead. Kindly ensure that the office has your current e-mail address.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT

The new Academic Support Timetable for Term 1 has been issued. All Grade 8 - 12 students are encouraged to make appointments to meet their teachers online should they need additional support. These sessions will be appointment-based at a time that is convenient for both teacher and student.

REPORTING AND ASSESSMENTS

Assessments are a vital component of the school’s educational philosophy. Regular testing of smaller sections of work has proven beneficial in preparing students for mid-year and final examinations.

Further class tests are scheduled throughout the term, and these dates will be published in the Term Calendar. Any student who is absent for a Standarised Test must please inform the school as soon as possible. The student is expected to liaise with the subject teacher concerned to set an alternative date for the test.

The examination dates for 2023 are:

June Examinations: 23 June – 5 July 2023 including Script Checking 5 July 2023 (Grade 8 - 9)

November Examinations: To be advised

Students are required to be present at school for all examinations. The school will not give students permission to miss examinations for any reason. If students are absent for an examination, the school must be informed as soon as possible. A doctor’s certificate must be handed in to the Deputy Head on their return to school.

Reports are issued at the end of a cycle. An Academic Parents' Evening will follow.

STANDARDISED TEST DAY

STANDARDISED TEST DAY

SRC FORUM DAYS TERM

JEWISH STUDIES & HEBREW

Our school, King David Victory Park High, is defined in the “Boards” constitution as a school that promotes the continuation of Jewish and Zionist Education based on traditional and customary Orthodox lines and the recognition of the centrality of the stateofIsraeltotheJewishPeople.

At King David High School Victory Park we “celebrate” all the Jewish festivals and commemorate days of remembrance in the Jewishcalendar.Someexamplesinclude:

OnTuB’Shvatweplanttreesandhaveguestspeakersaddresstheschoolonenvironmentalissues. Purim,YomHa'atzmautandYomYerushalayimarecelebratedatschool. YomHashoaandYomHazikaronarecommemoratedwithspecialassemblies.

FridayassemblieshaveaspecialShabbatflavourandnewsfromIsraelisreadtotheschoolattheseassemblies.

Jewish Studies lessons (Philosophy and History) instil a love for Judaism, Israel and a connection to our Jewish roots. On Mondays and Thursdays guest speakers address the matric group on a variety of topics of Judaic interest. For the first time this year,Grade8and9studentswillhavedifferentoptionstochoosefromduringtheirJewishStudieslessons.

Shabbatonim are held for various Grades. In Grade 11 the students participate in a week long “Encounter”. These programmes arerunbytheDivisionofInformalEducation(DIJE).

Throughout the year speakers of Jewish interest are invited to the school to enhance our students’ appreciation and increase theirknowledgeofcurrentaffairsinIsrael.

We are proud of our achievements in the Israel Quiz - a national competition on the history and current affairs of Israel. Historically, we have had the largest number of participants each year and we have won this competition many times. We also participateintheBibleQuizandhavedoneexceptionallywellinthisquiz.

The school is involved in the Diller Teen Programme which is specifically for our Grade 11 students. This programme specifically enhancestheleadershipskillsofourstudents.

Learning Hebrew is central to the ethos of our school. During lessons, we emphasise a love and loyalty for Israel and encourage students to learn Hebrew and to take it as a Matric subject, as the Hebrew language is the “knot” that binds the Jewish people andconnectsourstudentstotheirroots.

We have introduced a dynamic Hebrew curriculum in Grades 8-10 called "Bishuil Ha’Ivnet". The programme is the latest in Teaching Hebrew which incorporates the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, by using texts ranging from Biblical texts and historical documents to modernpoetry. This programme has also been edited, and the new books are also available onlinewithvarietyofactivitiesandlinkstodifferentsources.

All students have an option of going to a regular prayer service with Rabbi Rabinowitz or attending discussions and Shiurim on topics of Jewish interest. All students who attend prayerswith the Rabbiare to have Siddurim, and the boys must have Kippot andTeffilin.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT TERM 1

STANDARDISED TESTING ROSTER

SPORTS PLANNER

STAFF PROFILES

HEADMASTER

Andrew Baker

Born in Sea Point, Cape Town, Andrew Baker matriculated at Sea Point Boys’ High School in 1982. He attendedtheUniversityofCapeTownbetween1983and1992andcompletedaB.Sc.(Hons)andM.Scin Botany. During the time that he was working in the Botany Department, Andrew started lecturing on a part-time basis to the undergraduate students. This is where his love for teaching and education began. In 1992 Andrew completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and began teaching at Camps Bay High School in 1993. After six years, Andrew returned to UCT to begin a PhD programme of study. It was at this time that he was approached by the Reddam House Schools Group to become a founder of the very first Reddam House worldwide situated on a beautiful campus in the Constantia valley in Cape Town. After four years, Andrew left Cape Town to take up a position as HOD of Life Sciences (Biology) at St Stithians Boys’ College in Randburg. After three years in the position, Andrew was promoted to the position of Deputy Head: Academics, a position he held for a further three years. During his time at St Stithians,AndrewbecameinvolvedwiththeIEBinanumberofrolesthatincludedLifeSciencesPaperIII Examiner, Life Sciences National moderator for the school Based Assessment (SBA), member of the Life sciences Subject forum, Conference Convenor and finally as a teacher representative on the IEB Committee for School Assessment. In January 2010 Andrew was appointed as Headmaster of Redhill High School, a position he held for six years before accepting the position as Headmaster of KDVP High School in January 2016. He currently serves on the IEB Committee for School Assessment as a Principal Representative and also holds a position on the SAHISA (South African Heads of Independent Schools Association) National Council as representative for all Heads of ISASA High Schools in the country. A lover of the Arts, Andrew has played both the Piano and the Trumpet and has performed in and directedschoolmusicalsanddramaticproductions.

DEPUTY HEAD – TEACHING & LEARNING | HEAD OF HISTORY

Mandy Gruzd

Mandy Gruzd matriculated at Greenside High School and went on to complete a BA Honours degree in History and an HDE at the University of the Witwatersrand. She began her teaching career at Waverley Girls’ High School, teaching both English and History to Grades 8-12. She then went on to teach at a number of high schools during an extended two-year working holiday in London. On returning to South Africa, she taught at Queensburgh Boys High School in Durban for fifteen months, before a nine-year stint at Parktown High School for Girls in Johannesburg. At Parktown, she was appointed as Head of the Humanities Department and drove a number of History-related activities in the school. She coached the school’s 2001 Model United Nations Debating team that won two national competitions and she was selected to coach the South African National Debating team at the Model United Nations Debates at the UN Headquarters in New York. She joined the staff of KDHSVP in 2008 and is extremely passionate about teaching History, making it more alive and relevant to the issues of today. She loves being part of the King David Victory Park family. She was appointed as Deputy Head: Teaching and Learning at KDHSVP in 2016 and has led this aspect of the school with professionalism and dedication. Mandy has been an IEB Regional Moderator in History, and a Cluster Leader for History departments in Gauteng. Sheismarriedandhastwoveryspecialdaughters.

DIRECTOR OF FOUNDATION & ADMINISTRATION

GRADE 8 HEAD

HEAD OF LIFE SCIENCES

Daniel Botes

Daniel Botes grew up in Johannesburg and matriculated at Linden High School. He completed a BSc(Ed) and BSc(Hons) in Botany at the Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg). His teachingcareerbeganinSecundawherehetaughtSciencetoGrades11and12.Hethenmovedbackto Johannesburg where he taught Science and Life Sciences in Alberton and later at Linden. At the beginning of 2002 he moved into private education and taught at Damelin for eight years where he was the head of Life Sciences and was for several years in control of running the exams. At the beginning of 2011 he moved to KDHSVP. He is passionate about Life Sciences as well as about caring for the environment. He has marked National Senior Certificate Examinations for several years and has been involvedintheDeltaEnvironmentalCentre.Heenjoysthegym,cyclingandoutdooractivities.

STAFF PROFILES

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & STUDENT AFFAIRS

GRADE 12 HEAD

BUSINESS STUDIES & ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES (EMS)

Andrew Murewa

Andrew did his Cambridge Advanced Levels in Zimbabwe. He acquired a Bsc Economics Honours degree and a PGCE from the University of Zimbabwe. Andrew also holds diplomas in Human Resources Training Management(IPMZ) and Marketing Management(SI). He taught and examined Advanced Level commercial subjects (Accounting, Business Studies and Economics) for fifteen years. He worked in several high schools in Zimbabwe before immigrating to South Africa in 2008. Andrew worked in the corporate sector as a Business Ethics and Integrity consultant for three years. He has worked as an HOD at several schools both in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Andrew has done a leadership course with Growth360 South Africa. He has been involved in youth empowerment activities with The President’s AwardofSouthAfricaforseveralyears.

DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP

GRADE 11 HEAD

HISTORY

Siobhan Glanvill-Miller

Siobhan taught History at Hyde Park High for many years and was then persuaded to train History educators at the Wits School of Education. She lectured History as an academic major to potential History and Social Science teachers from 2008-2016. During this time, Siobhan completed her History Honours and her Master’s in Education at Wits. Her particular passions are to develop historical thinking skills and to help young people and their teachers to find ways of talking about traumatic and emotive knowledge about the past. Siobhan was delighted to have the opportunity of coming back intotheHistoryclassroomatKingDavidVictoryParkin2017.

CAMPUS RABBI

HEAD OF JEWISH STUDIES

Mendel Rabinowitz

RabbiRabinowitzwasborninCapeTownandlatermovedtoKrugersdorpwithhisfamily.Heattended Herzlia School and then King David Victory Park where he matriculated. He studied for one year in Israel at Yeshiva Beit Midrash LeTorah, a yeshivah connected to Yeshiva University in America. He continued his yeshivah studies at the Yeshivah Gedolah of Johannesburg and received his semicha from the Johannesburg Beth Din. His association with the King David Schools spans some 40 years, first as a student, then a parent and now Campus Rabbi for the Victory Park Campus. He started teaching at King David Linksfield in 1987 and then in 1989 taught part – time at King David Victory Park. He has been teaching at KDVP full – time since 1995. He is passionate about teaching Judaism to young people and has participated in many symposiums on Jewish Education, amongst them at Yad VashemandtheMeltonCentreoftheHebrewUniversity.HehasbeentheRabbioftheGreensideShul forthelast35years.

HEAD OF HEBREW, CULTURE & HERITAGE

Hanna Ben-Moshe

Hanna Ben-Moshe was born and raised in Haifa, Israel. After serving in the IDF, she obtained her BA degreeinBiblicalStudiesandHebrewLiteratureattheHebrewUniversityofJerusalem.Thereaftershe continued studying and obtained her Education Degree followed by a further Degree at the Melton School of Education, specialising in teaching Hebrew in the Diaspora. In South Africa she completed her Master’s Degree in Hebrew Literature at Unisa. When the SABJE introduced the Neta programme for teaching Hebrew, she completed a 4-year course through the College of Hebrew Education in Boston in order to implement this programme. She is a qualified mentor in this new method of teaching Hebrew as a foreign language. She joined the staff of KDHSVP in 1978 and was appointed as Head of Hebrew in 1994. Her aim in teaching is to instill a knowledge and love of the Hebrew language; to strengthen the ties of our students with Israel and with our Jewish culture and heritage. She has accomplished this with passion and enthusiasm during her 45 year tenure at the school. In 1992 Mrs Ben Moshe was appointed to serve on the marking panel (Hebrew) for the National Senior Certificate Examinations for the GDE and the IEB. She is the National Oral Hebrew Moderator for the IEB since 2005 and the IEB co-examiner since 2021. Mrs Ben Moshe is currently the IEB National ConvenorforHebrewforSouthAfrica.

STAFF PROFILES

HEAD OF DRAMATIC ARTS & ARTS AND CULTURE

Renos Spanoudes

Since he joined KDHSVP, Renos Nicos Spanoudes has taught in various departments including Mathematics, English, Dramatic Arts and Geography. When he read for his BA(Ed), BA(Hons) and MA at the University of the Witwatersrand, he sensibly ensured that he included a range of teaching subjects. He believes that ‘one should practise what one preaches’ and with his first love being drama and theatre, it comes as no surprise that he is an inspiring Dramatic Arts teacher. As well as fulfilling his duties in this role, he also presents a weekly programme on Greek Community Radio (Saturday’s Role – Movie and Theatre Round-Up, 1422MW 8–11am), performs on the professional South African stage (he has portrayed Verwoerd’s assassin, Dimitrios Tsafendas in ‘Living in Strange Lands’ at The Barney Simon Theatre, Market Theate and the roles of Advocate George Bizos and Arthur Goldreich in The State Theatre’s production of ‘The Rivonia Trial’), assists in the healing and therapy processes of theatre (founding member of The Wits Drama For Life PlayBack Theatre Company) and participates in The David Medalie and Lionel Abrahams Writing Groups (penning plays, poems and short stories which are regularly published and critically acclaimed). His Greek Diaspora plays 'Soil' and 'Broken Plates' were huge successes at The Theatre on the Square in Sandton and he is currently in rehearsal for a new solo piece, 'Odyssey' about the life and times of the departed Advocate George Bizos. He is also the Head of the Naledi Theatre Awards Judges’ Panel, a role he particularly cherishes in that it enriches his life and the lessons he delivers. “In my opinion,” he is regularly heard saying, “Drama should be compulsory for every student. I witness dailytheamazinggrowthinindividualsthroughperformance.It’sasubjectthatoffersaclearpathto self-actualizationandassurance;asafespace,ahaven,ahome.”

HEAD OF SPORT

Thulani Ndlovu

Thulani Ndlovu matriculated at Zakariyya Park Combined School south of Johannesburg and completed his Sports Management diploma at Vaal University of technology. In 2003 he started club cricket at Orange Farm with the help of his colleagues. The club now currently plays in the Johannesburg club cricket league. In 2007 he started his school coaching career at various schools in Johannesburg, one of the schools being King David Victory Park. The passion for working with school students encouraged him to study teaching. In 2011 he completed his PGCE at UJ where he majored in Physical Education. He then received an opportunity to teach IsiZulu at a school in Newcastle (KZN) where he was also the Head of soccer and cricket. In September 2016 he came back to King David High School Victory Park where he started his school coaching career. Thulani also known as Thuk’s enjoys seeing students working hard and having fun on the sports field, living a healthy lifestyle is his main focus.

GRADE 9 HEAD

HEAD OF ISIZULU

Ntombi Mota

Ntombikayise Eva Mota holds a BA (Education), BA (Honours in African Languages) and Master of Management degree (P & DM) from The University of the Witwatersrand. She also holds a BCom (Accounting) degree from The University of Johannesburg. She has worked as a teacher at The Hill High School and Roedean School for Girls. Ntombi has also lectured isiZulu First Additional Language and Methodology for 11 years at Wits School of Education. She has over 20 years of experience in the Profession. She has been employed by the Gauteng Department of Education as an Examiner for isiZulu FAL. She has also been a portfolio regional moderator for IEB. She has served as a Deputy Chairperson for Mondeor High School’s Governing Body. She is currently employed by King David Victory Park as Head of Department for isiZulu FAL. Ntombi is also a sessional tutor for Wits School of Education and an Online Teaching Practicals liaising Tutor for University of Venda, University of Fort Hare and Sol Plaatjie University. Ntombi’s passion is to teach isiZulu to non-speakers of the language and to empower aspiring isiZulu FAL teachers in delivering the Subject. In her spare times she assists in theupskillingofIEBisiZuluFALteachers.

STAFF PROFILES

GRADE 10 HEAD

GEOGRAPHY

Georghios Morfis

George Morfis was born in Limassol, Cyprus and emigrated to South Africa, in December 1973. He attended Mondeor High School, where he matriculated in 1984. He studied at the University of the Witwatersrand, graduating in 1989. After completing his National Service, he won a scholarship from the ItalianEmbassy,wherehefurtheredhisstudiesineducationaspartofanexchangeprogramme. Hisfirst year as an educator was spent at Meredale Primary School. Following this experience, was a four-year period at Mondeor High School, teaching Geography and Business Studies. He continued to teach these subjects for eight years at St Martin’s High School, where he also contributed to the rugby and tennis programme. He subsequently took a break from teaching as he moved into the restaurant industry, completing this venture with the opening of the Nicolway Tashas, as General Manager. With the arrival of hisson,ChristianoRaoul,hereturnedtoteachingin2013,withtheHODGeographypostatFerndaleHigh School. He accepted the Senior Geography post at King David Victory Park in May 2016, feeling right at home, where he enthusiastically and passionately continues to do what he loves most, educating children.

SCHOOL COUNSELLOR

Gita Lipschitz

Gita Lipschitz matriculated at Hyde Park High School and completed her Honours degree in Social Work at the University of the Witwatersrand, attaining the award for Best Student in School Social Work as well as a Certificate for Outstanding Performance in her Honours year. She worked as a Medical Social Worker at the Johannesburg Hospital in Adult Neurology, but it was her passion for workingwithyoungpeoplethatledhertoKDHSVPinAugust1994.Hermajorchallengeistoempower children with the facts about our social world and to build self-confidence through reassurance, support and resources. The resilience and courage of her students continues to amaze her, and working with teenagers allows her to be a privileged part of their journey of personal development. Sheismarriedandisthemotheroftwoteenageboyswhoinspireanddelightherlife!

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT TEAM OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Carla Lynne MacDonald

Carla is new to the KDVP High School Educational Support Team, but not new to SABJE. After earning her BSc(OT) degree at the University of the Witwatersrand over 25 years ago, Carla worked as a school based Occupational Therapist at King Edwards Preparatory School, before joining the therapy team at King David LinksfieldJunior School. After becoming a mom, and enjoyingvolunteering at her children’s Pre-primary school, Carla decided to go back to University to gain a Post-Graduate Degree in Foundation Phase Education. This led to several happy years working as a teacher in our King David Pre-Primary Schools. Having a child who was diagnosed with Dyslexia and another with ADHD, Carla began researching and working with older children. Wearing the many hats of mother, Occupational Therapist and Teacher have moulded her to be in an excellent position to provide support to students atKingDavidVictoryParkHighSchool.

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Jolene MacIntosh

Jolene is an Educational Psychologist with a special interest in assessment and learning support. She obtainedherteachingdegreeandHonoursinEducationalPsychologyatUJ.ShecompletedherMasters degree at TUKS. While studying at UJ, Jolene worked as an academic tutor. She then worked in a remedial school environment while completing her masters gaining valuable practical experience. She ran a private practice focusing on accommodation assessments. Jolene has worked in remedial and mainstream school environments for the last 10 years. In her private time, she enjoys running, cycling andfosteringdogs.

STAFF PROFILES

SPEECH & LANGUAGE THERAPIST

Elise Levin

Elise Levin graduated as a Speech and Hearing Therapist from the University of the Witwatersrand. As her practice grew she realized that auditory process continued from nursery school into adulthood. She saw that high school children needed speech and hearing –remedial support. She didalongitudinalMaster’sDegreethatfollowedchildrenfromnurseryschoolthroughtomatricand finishedhermastersininclusiveeducationattheUniversityofJohannesburgin2017.Sheis passionate about the field of dyslexia, and she herself was diagnosed at the age of 23. This made her understand how important support therapy is for people throughout their academic careers. This is her second year working at King David Victory Park as a valued member of the Educational SupportTeam.

ACCOUNTING, ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES (EMS)

Daniel Smuts (Locum Term 1)

Daniel Smuts, our esteemed locum for Term 1, brings a wealth of experience and diverse expertise to our team. A proud alumnus of Parktown Boys High School, Daniel matriculated in 1993 before embarking on a dynamic career path. Armed with a B Com Honours in Economics from RAU, a PGCE from Wits, and a Diploma in Accounting from UKZN, he transitioned to the education sector in 2019 after a remarkable 15-year tenure in corporate, where he honed his skills at KPMG, Firstrand Bank, and Barclays. Beyond the classroom, Daniel is not only a certified snake-handler, showcasing his adventurous spirit, but also an avid Lego enthusiast, demonstrating his passion for creativity and innovation. His diverse background and unique interests make him an engaging and well-rounded additiontooureducationalcommunity.

HEAD OF AFRIKAANS

Nadia Steenekamp

Nadia matriculated from Hoërskool Florida in 2007 and went on to receive the Fundza Lushaka bursary for Education. She obtained her Bachelors of Education from the University of Johannesburg. Her degree focused on the FET phase and her majors were English and Afrikaans respectively. Nadia started her first year of teaching at Roosevelt High school where she taught Afrikaans, Mathematics and Arts and Culture. In 2012 she started working at Parktown Boys’ High school, while doing her English Literature Honors part-time at the University of Johannesburg. During the following years she focused on her passions which included drama, backstage, hockey and fostering a love for languages and literature. Towards the end of 2016 Nadia joined the staff at King David Victory Park High school and aims to continue her journey in learning and instruction. Nadia is currently the head of ImpromptupublicspeakingforGrade 10to12.SheworksalongsideMissMilaGoldberginPepperand teachesseniorAfrikaans.

HEAD OF CONSUMER STUDIES

Sherran Borland

My love for cooking started at the age of 6 where I spent many happy hours in the kitchen learning to cook from my mom and gran. By the time I reached high school I realised my passion was in the kitchen. I completed a national diploma in food and beverage management and then when on to get my B-Tech degree in hospitality management at University of Johannesburg. I then decided to do my Postgraduate certificate in education. I have been teaching now for 11 years and have loved every minute of being in the classroom. My motto in life is by Mr Nelson Mandela “Everything seems impossible until it is done”. I want to teach my children that anything is possible if you are willing to workhardandgiveityourall.

STAFF PROFILES

HEAD OF ENGLISH

Heidi Seligman

Heidi Seligman has close associations with King David Schools. She is an alumna of King David Linksfield and both her children, Galit and Leor graduated from King David Victory Park. She has a BA in English and Psychology from the University of the Witwatersrand and an Honours in Industrial Psychology from UNISA. Heidi spent time on a kibbutz where she completed a Diploma in the field of early childhood education as well as milking cows! She has a wealth of work experience in education, administration and management. Her work with young people persuaded her to return to Wits University and complete a PGCE so that she could move into the classroom. She taught at Crawford Sandton for 6 years before moving to King David Victory Park. Heidi likes to travel and explore new places especially planning road trips throughSouthAfrica.Sheenjoysreadingandspendingtimewithherfamily.

GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY

HEAD OF GEOGRAPHY

Mairi Nel

Mairi matriculated at the National School of the Arts majoring in Dance. She then lived and worked in London. Mairi studied a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Archaeology and Geography and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of the Witwatersrand. She began her teaching career at Jeppe High School for Girls and was the Head of Subject for Geography. Mairi has taught History and Geography at King David Victory Park since 2015 and is the Geography Head of Department. She is passionate about the humanities and especially enjoys arranging exciting and relevant field trips for her students. Mairi is involved with the coordination of the Academic Awards and Valedictory ceremoniesaswellastheMatricDance.

HEAD OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

Denise Vythilingam

Married and the mother of two adult daughters, Denise matriculated at Nirvana Secondary in Lenasia. HerprofessionaljourneyineducationhastakenherthroughTopazHighSchool,MHJHighSchool,andSt StithiansCollege.Academically,sheholdsaBScwithComputerScienceandMathematicsasMajorsfrom Wits University. The commitment to teaching was further solidified with the completion of her teaching qualification (HDE) at Wits and an Honours degree from the University of Johannesburg. Beyond the classroom, Denise finds joy in hiking, gardening, and woodwork, showcasing a diverse range of interests outsideheracademicpursuits.

HEAD OF LIFE ORIENTATION

Sharon Brummer

AnalumnusofCapricornHighSchoolinPolokwane,Sharoncommencedhereducationaljourneyby completingaHigherDiplomainEducation.HerteachingcareerbeganinaPrimarySchool,spanningan impressivefourdecadeswithexperiencesinbothPrimaryandHighSchools.Notably,sheservedasa deputyheadatRisidalePrimarySchoolbeforecontributingtothedynamiceducationalcommunityat RedhillHighSchoolforthelast15years,holdingvariousmanagementpositionsthatunderscoreher commitmenttoleadershipandacademicexcellence.Beyondprofessionalaccomplishments,Sharon celebrates41yearsofahappymarriage,twomarriedchildren,andthejoyofbeingagrandparenttoa beautifulgranddaughter.

STAFF PROFILES

HEAD OF MATHEMATICS/ FURTHER STUDIES MATHEMATICS

Liesel le Roux

Liesel le Roux matriculated at Voortrekker Hoërskool in Pietermaritzburg. She went on to study for a BSc degree and a diploma in education at Rand Afrikaans University (now the University of Johannesburg). She has worked as both a Science and Mathematics teacher and is well-known in the profession. She regularly appears on educational television programmes such as the Mindset Channel, Maths 911 and Science Catalyst. She is also a published author having contributed to 3 GDE - endorsed textbooks. After starting her career at Bryanston High School as a Science teacher, she moved to Assumption Convent where she taught senior Mathematics and Science. She has been the HOD of Mathematics at KDHSVP since 2008 and is very involved in the development of Mathematics at the school, particularly Advanced Programme Mathematics.

HEAD OF MATHEMATICAL LITERACY

Hayley Kobrin

HayleyKobringrewupinJohannesburgandmatriculatedatSandownHighSchool.Shecompleteda BSc degree and BSc (Hons) in genetics at the University of the Witwatersrand. In 2004, with twin girls and a job, she fulfilled her burning desire to go back to university to complete her PGCE and become a teacher. Starting off at Holy Family College she soon realised that Mathematical Literacy wasthenewsubjectontheblockofferinggreatopportunities.Shedecidedtofocusonitsothatshe could become a leader in that subject. In 2009 she moved to KDHSVP. In 2011 she assisted in developing Mathematical Literacy material for the GDE through Mindset and participated in teaching on live TV on Learn X-tra. Her strengths are her method of instilling self-belief and a devotiontoherstudentsthatencouragesthemtostrivefortheverybestforthemselves.

HEAD OF MUSIC

Nikki Richard

Nikki’s musical journey began at the age of seven with lessons in piano and music theory. Many years later, Nikki recognized that music would always assume an integral role in her life and she received her Bachelor of Music and thereafter her Masters in Music, both from Wits. Nikki has a passion for music: for performing on the saxophone, for sharing her love of music with others, and for enabling others to experience the creative potential that music can unleash. Nikki’s approach to music pedagogy assumes an integrated and multi-disciplinary approach that incorporates elements of art, drama, history, African music and the lush heritage of the Jewish narrative. She believes that this approach deepens and enriches the beauty and value of music in all its permutations and can expose and inspire young minds tobroadentheirappreciationofmusicortoformallyembraceitasacareer.

HEAD OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Ishara Govender

Ishara Govender comes from the beautiful Zulu Kingdom- KZN. She completed her Higher Diploma In Education (M+4) with distinctions in her Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics and other educational subjects. She later completed her Bsc Hons in Science Education at Wits University and received the JW Brommert Medal for the best Hons Science student in that year. She has received her Masters 1-as a Life Coach, and has undertaken Counselling Courses to better understand her students. She has kept herself abreast with the new innovations and trends in Education. Ishara has 24 years of teaching experience in Science. She started of at Avoca Secondary but then moved to a widely challenging school in northern rural areas of KZN where basic facilities such as running water and Science Equipment was non-existent. Despite not being isZulu first language, she achieved a pass rate of 100% in Physical Science for the first time in that school. She was awarded and acknowledge by the DBE. She movedtoGautengprovincein2005.SheservedatWendywoodHighschoolbeforemovingintotheIEB system in 2007. She has taught at Kings School Linbro Park, Redhill High School and Trinityhouse RandparkHighbeforejoiningushereatKDVP.

STAFF PROFILES

HEAD OF VISUAL ART

Fiona Couldridge

Fiona Couldridge is an educator and practicing artist who has been involved in the teaching of Visual Art for 20 years. She studied at the University of the Witwatersrand where she obtained her BA in Fine Art, majoring in Painting, History of Art and English. She then studied her Honours in History of Art, followed by her Masters in Fine Art. Upon graduating Ms Couldridge won a scholarship from the Royal Overseas League which afforded her a residency in Scotland and an opportunity to exhibit in London. ShewasplacedintheTopTenoftheprestigiousABSAAtelierArtCompetitionin2009andherpainting of a Holocaust survivor placed in the Top 100 in the 2017 BP Portrait Award. Ms Couldridge has had a number of solo exhibitions in Johannesburg and regularly participates in group exhibitions. Ms Couldridge is part of the IEB examining panel for Visual Arts. When not making and teaching Art, Ms Couldridgeenjoystheatre,film,musicandreading.Sheisalsoanavidcatlover.

AFRIKAANS

Magda-Lize Rohde

Magda-Lize matriculated from Hoërskool Brits and completed a Teaching Diploma at Goudstad Onderwys Kollege. She also studied Marketing Management at UNISA SBL, and more recently, completed an Honours and a Master’s Degree in Educational Linguistics at the University of Johannesburg. After several years of teaching at Malvern Laerskool, she left teaching to pursue a career in the corporate world. Magda-Lize returned to teaching when her youngest son went to high school. She taught at Sir EdmundHillaryPrimarySchoolandatKingDavidLinksfieldPrimarySchool.

COMPUTER APPLICATION TECHNOLOGY (CAT)

Yael Gordon

Yael Gordon is an alumna of King David Victory Park. After matriculating, she pursued her interests in travel and media by completing diplomas in Travel Management and Publishing. Yael was employed in the private sector for a company that produced magazines for the property industry. While working, she furthered her studies, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology through Unisa as well as completing her PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education). She also obtained a diploma in Graphic Design and an ICDL (International Computer Driving Licence). She returned to KDHSVP in 2004 as a member of staff. Apart from her teaching computer skills and Computer Applications Technology (CAT) her current responsibilities range from being responsible for the visual communication, design as well as coordinating the annual Campus Magazine. She is also responsible for taking many of the photographs and documenting school life. Her computer skills also extend to training adults to become more proficient in using computers. She is passionate about Graphology (the art and science of handwriting analysis) and findsitalmostimpossibletoresistanyopportunitytopracticeherunconventionalskill.

ENGLISH

Ronel Klatzkin

Ronel grew up in Johannesburg and matriculated from King David High School Linksfield. She began her career path in marketing communication, but realised, after several years, that she preferred to combine her love of languages and children, and thus became an educator. Ronel completed her teaching qualifications at Wits and UJ, and was awarded top student in her PGCE class. Initially, she taughtatHighlandsNorthBoys’HighandhasbeenteachingEnglishatKDVPforseveralyears.Sheruns two successful extra murals, Writing Club and Slam Poetry. In her spare time, Ronel likes to spend time withherfamily;read;writecreativefictionandpoetry;practiseherFrenchlanguageskills,anddance.

STAFF PROFILES

HEBREW

Lior Fradkin

Lior Fradkin Harlev, born in Tel Aviv, Israel. His qualifications include BA Social Science - University of Haifa, MEd in Managing Education System - Beit Berl College where he also obtained his teaching certificate. LiortaughtinIsrael, asclassteacher, withspecialisationinteachinggrades11and12,and preparing students for their matric final exam. Subjects included political science and civil rights. He wassentbytheWorldZionistOrganizationtoserveasaHebrewteachatKingDavidSchool.

JEWISH STUDIES / HEBREW / ENGLISH / DIJE

Gila Katz

Gila was born in Johannesburg and matriculated from KDHSVP. She studied BA Law and English, English Honours focusing on Holocaust literature and a PGCE specialising in English and languages at the University of the Witwatersrand. She is currently pursuing her English Masters degree. Gila teaches Jewish Studies, English and Hebrew at KDHSVP. This year she is also a DIJE IntegratedTeacherinourHighSchool.

LIFE SCIENCES

Henning Blignaut

Henning grew up in Johannesburg and matriculated at Hoërskool Florida in 2010. He completed BScandBSc(Hons)degreesinEnvironmentalSciencesandGeographyattheUniversityofPretoria, after which he also completed a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) at UNISA. He is also currently busy with a Master in Science Education (Med) at WITS. His teaching career began in Johannesburg, at Roosevelt High School, where he taught Life Sciences to Grades 10, 11 and 12. There he also taught Natural Sciences, Afrikaans and Life Orientation. Before his teaching career startedin2019,hewasinvolvedintheminingchemicalindustryandalsoworkedinenvironmental consulting.Hemovedintoprivateeducationin2023whenhestartedteachingatKDVPHS.Heloves teaching Life Sciences, and has a big love for nature and the environment. He enjoys all outdoor activities including hiking, camping and exploring the natural environmental. He also enjoys makingmusicinhissparetime.

MATHEMATICS/ FURTHER STUDIES MATHEMATICS

Ari Levin

Ari Levin grew up in Israel and matriculated in Johannesburg at Eden College. He completed a BSc Eng (Electrical) degree at the University of the Witwatersrand during which he started tutoring Mathematics privately and discovered his love of teaching. He then completed a Higher Diploma in Education (Mathematics and Physical Science) at Wits and subsequently taught at Sandown High School for 9 years where he served as HOD and Grade Head for several years. He went on to complete an Honours degree in Mathematics Education at Wits with a focus on problem solving. He has been at KDHSVP for the last 14 years. He is married and has two daughters and a son and enjoyscamping,hikingandpuzzles.

STAFF PROFILES

MATHEMATICS

Lauren Myers

Lauren Myers matriculated at Greenside High School and went on to complete her BSc degree and Higher Diploma of Education at the University of the Witwatersrand. She taught initially at Hyde Park High School for 3 years. After a brief rest from teaching, while she became a “mom”, she joined KDVP High and has been happily teaching here since 1994 in a parttime capacity. She has put 5 children through the King David system. She also has a passion for dance and has been involved in many of the annualschoolmusicals.

MATHEMATICS

Caitlin Shippey

Caitlin was born and raised in Johannesburg. She matriculated at Parktown High School for Girls in 2015. She studied at the University of the Witswatersrand. Caitlin's BA undergraduate studies focused on subject areas including Psychology, Geography and Mathematics; after which she completed her PGCE in High School Mathematics education. Teaching has been a passion of hers since she was a little girl going to playschool. Caitlin is aware of the anxiety that is present in the Maths classroom; and she aims to create an environment where learners can believe in themselves whileconqueringonemathsproblematatime.

LAB ASSISTANT

Cynthia Monyeke

Cynthia grew up in Limpopo (Mokopane) and matriculated in 2014 at Sedibeng Private School. She went to Boston Business College where she completed a Diploma in Information Technology and graduated in 2011. She also completed the Certificate in Introduction to Laboratory Process in 2013. Cynthia has worked at Kingsmead College as a Lab Technician for 5 years before joining KDVP High SchoolinFebruary2018.

PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Shandhinee Nargaroo

Shaan grew up in Durban where she completed her schooling and her various degrees in Science and Education and diplomas in Human Resource Management and Technology Education. She worked briefly as a microbiologist but her passion for the teaching and learning of the Sciences resulted in an early change of career. She has taught at 4 different schools in Durban and has held various positions attheseschools.ShemovedtoJohannesburg7yearsagoandheldthepositionofHeadofDepartment of Science for 7 years at St Stithians Girls’ College before accepting a position at King David Victory Park in July 2017. In addition, over the years she has also been involved in the teaching of Science, running intervention programmes, conducting revision seminars and also managing Incubator Schools on a part-time basis. She is an avid reader, likes to gym and she and her husband are passionate about travelling.SheislookingforwardtobeingpartoftheKingDavidteamthatmakesadifference!

STAFF PROFILES

ENGLISH

SIMONE KRAWITZ

Having matriculated from King David Linksfield, Simone transitioned from a career in law to pursue her lifelong passion for teaching English. Her academic journey led her through Wits, earning a degree in English literature, an LLB, an Honours in Clinical Psychology, and a PGCE. Beyond academia, her love for fiction and memoirs, coupled with an affinity for foreign films enjoyed alongside a strong coffee, reflects a rich appreciation for the arts. In addition to her devotion to the English language and its creative expressions, Simone is actively involved in animal rescue, highlighting her compassionate nature.

OUR PURPOSE AND VALUES

Torah & Israel

Pride in our Jewish identity and values. Knowledge of Jewish heritage and tradition. Gratitude and love for our Jewish State and all it has achieved.

Community

Proudly South African with a deep connection to our Jewish community, our fellow South Africans and commitment to making the world a better place.

Koach

Energy & passion to achieve the extraordinary while remaining humble. The will to face setbacks with faith, resilience and strength.

Neshama

Care & respect for each individual. Striving to always be a mensch and live a life of kindness and empathy.

Creativity

A focus on problem solving, innovation and collaboration, incorporating cutting edge technology and creative arts.

Excellence

Being the best version of oneself. Working with integrity and professionalism.