"I am Marlese Naude (or Mrs. Naude, Mrs. Dee, Mrs. Oh Dear) and I am the principal and Pre-Grade R/Ladybird teacher. I am married to Andre Naude, an avid sportsman and the oldest surfer on the beach. We have a twelve year old son, called Gareth. He is a proud Grade 7 Rondebosch Preparatory boy and a keen sportsman just like his dad.
I completed a four year Foundation phase diploma specializing in preprimary education and have 21 years teaching experience. My first appointment was at a school in the Northern Suburbs and I stayed there for 9 years. My husband was transferred to Durban in l995 and whilst in Durban I had the privilege to branch out into special needs education. I taught in the preprimary department of Browns School for children with cerebral palsy and language/ developmental delays. From there I moved to the Children´s Assessment and Therapy Centre ( CATC Sherwood, Durban) where I taught the Junior group in the Preprimary School attached to CATC. (Similar to Pro Ed Centre in Rondebosch) We dealt with Behavioral problems, ADHD, Language delays, children on the Autism Spectrum and also screened children regarding appropriate placement into schools. We relocated back to Cape Town in 2001 and I have been involved with the Lea ever since.
I firmly believe that the development of Listening skills in young children is essential for a successful and happy school career. Learning can only take place if we teach our children how to listen and respond to instructions. Emotional and Social maturity contribute greatly to their overall development. We encourage manners and appropriate ways of dealing with challenging situations. We teach our children how to take care of themselves and encourage them to be independent, confident and happy members of our school community. We as staff are confident regarding the future of the Lea and we depend on your invaluable parental support in the efficient running of our school."
"My name is Debbie McLaughlin otherwise known as Mrs Mac. My interests are reading, movies and snorkeling. My husband Mark is a Factory Manager and loves camping and the great outdoors. I have two sons of 10 and 13. My older son thoroughly enjoys surfing and water polo and my younger son is fascinated by trains.
I have been teaching for 14 years. I qualified as a Junior Primary teacher at the Cape Town College of Education and in my final year concentrated on Remedial Education. I taught Grade 1 for four years and Grade 3 for a term. I then left teaching to become a full time mom to my firstborn son. When my son, Connor was two years old I started a little playgroup which catered for children between the ages of two and four. My second son was born during this time. I ran this playgroup from Christchurch in Kenilworth until my younger son went to Barclay House. I then taught the four to five year old group at Sunny Skies in Meadowridge for 4 years. I have had the benefit of teaching children of various ages. I feel I have had the advantage of experiencing younger children and knowing what skills children need to develop in order to cope in Grade 1.
I am passionate about reading and I believe that children who have the opportunity to develop good listening skills and develop phonological awareness will benefit and become confident and passionate readers. My aim as a teacher is to foster independence, build self confidence and encourage children to function in society in a positive manner."
