STAFF

I completed my Honours degree in Psychology through UKZN, my postgraduate degree in Education through UNISA, and my Honours degree in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) through the University of Pretoria. I have had nine and a half years of teaching experience at a Special Needs School and am currently in my tenth year of teaching an LSEN class at NEPP. I have always had very fond memories of New England Pre-Primary School, having attended this school between 1988 and 1990. New England has been a prominent feature in my life as my mother worked here for just short of thirty years. Our connection with this special school continued to grow as both my nephews attended NEPP. Having found my passion in life for teaching children with special needs, I jumped at the opportunity to work at NEPP when they opened up a small LSEN class. I have come full circle, and it feels as though I have come home!

I became associated with NEPP whilst completing my teaching practical through Unisa. I completed my BED with cum laude in 2019, and I’ve had the privilege of working at NEPP since then. I have always had a passion for children and love watching them grow and learn. Teaching is such a rewarding job, especially when you see how proud the children get when they accomplish something.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Foundation Phase Education. I am passionate about helping young learners develop their confidence, independence and social skills while encouraging them to explore the world around them through play, creativity and hands-on experiences.

I started working at New England Pre Primary in January 2026, and I have loved becoming part of the New England family. Working with our youngest learners has been such a rewarding experience, and I especially enjoy watching their little personalities develop as they learn, grow and reach new milestones.

I believe that every child is unique and learns in their own special way. My goal is to make each child feel valued, encouraged and proud of themselves while creating a classroom filled with laughter, kindness and memorable experiences.

I joined New England in April 2026. I am proud to be part of the NEPP family as an educator for the Parrot Group, working with our wonderful 3–4-year-olds. I have approximately four years of experience within the Foundation Phase field, having worked as a student teacher, teaching assistant and classroom support. I hold a Higher Certificate in ECD and am currently completing my Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase, while also holding a TEFL certificate. I am intermediate to fluent in five languages, which I value as a strength when communicating and connecting with children and families from diverse backgrounds. I particularly enjoy creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, express themselves and develop confidence. What I find most rewarding about working with young children is witnessing their growth, independence, ability and excitement as they discover something new each day. I strive to make each child feel seen, heard and supported and am committed to growing both personally and professionally. I look forward to continuing my journey in education while contributing positively to the NEPP community, as it does for me.

I recently joined New England Pre-Primary School as the teacher of the Croco Class. I love spending time with the children and seeing the world through their young eyes. With many years of teaching experience, from Grade RR to Grade 7, I am delighted to finally teach the grade I have always wanted to teach—Grade R. I hope to prepare them fully for their years in “Big School”.

I am a past pupil of New England Pre-Primary School myself, not to mention that both of my daughters are currently at New England. There’s no doubt, this is a wonderful place to be!

I have only been the Secretary for a couple of months, but it feels like home. I absolutely love coming to work every day, where no day is the same.

Being involved in the behind-the-scenes organising, planning and administration to assist in the smooth running day-to-day for New England is incredibly rewarding, and getting to know all the precious little people that surround me every day is such a blessing.

I am a warm, approachable and people-focused person, and I believe that being a bursar is about more than just numbers and financial administration. It is also about building positive relationships with parents, supporting staff and helping to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Outside of work, I am a family-oriented person who values my faith, personal growth and serving others. I enjoy being involved in my community and believe that every day brings an opportunity to learn, grow and make a difference. I am grateful to be part of the New England Pre-Primary School family and look forward to continuing to support our learners, parents and staff in any way I can.

I joined the school in 2023 in Aftercare.  I absolutely love being part of such a warm, caring and welcoming school that feels like one big happy family.

One of the most special parts is getting to know each child and being able to watch them grow, gain confidence and become more independent. It is incredibly rewarding to see their personalities develop and to celebrate all the little milestones along the way. Watching the children grow and mature throughout the four years they spend with us is truly something I treasure.

I feel very grateful to be part of a school where children are cared for, encouraged and made to feel happy and supported every day.

I have been a part of the NEPP family since 2025, and I absolutely love the school.

The staff are so warm, caring, and friendly, making NEPP feel like a true home away from home.

I have a deep love for children, and I am enjoying getting to know each child and their families.

The children at school call me “Mama Dephney”. I have 1 child and one brand-new grandchild.

I started working at New England in 2011, and I have learnt so many things.  It has especially taught me how to communicate nicely with the children, and I would like to become a teacher too.

My name is Vuyisile, but the children at school all call me “Mama V.”

I have 3 children of my own: 1 boy and 2 girls.

I have worked at NEPP since February 2013.

What I love about working at NEPP is that I love children so much

My name is Sindisiwe, but the children lovingly call me Mama Sindi.  I have been part of our school since July 2019, working as a school assistant and supporting our Aftercare.

I truly enjoy working with children.  It is a joy to be part of their daily lives and support wherever they need a helping hand.

I have 3 children of my own. The children at school all call me “Mr Derrick”. I love working at New England and have worked here since 2011. I enjoy keeping the school gardens clean and safe so that the children can play nicely.

From one extreme to another. That’s me.
I retired from Marian Villa Old Age Home, where I was employed as Maintenance Manager, dealing with the elderly and doing repairs and maintenance work to whatever needed to be attended to.
Now I am doing the same work at New England Pre Primary with 50-plus children between the ages of 2 and 6, supervising my work and wanting to know exactly what and why I do what I do.
Guess what, I enjoyed working with the elderly but absolutely love working at NEPP with the youngsters milling around me.
Before working at Marian Villa, I retired from the Government with 45 years’ service.
I’ve been married to Lynda for 45 years and have two children, Bradley and Jacqueline, who are both working in London.
Jacqueline has since gotten married and has given me a beautiful granddaughter, Maddison, who has just turned 2. I couldn’t ask for a better son-in-law than Andrew Morgan.

Toni Puttick was the Principal from 1999 to 2025

I have been associated with NEPP for many years. I have two daughters who came to NEPP between 1986 and 1990. I was on the Parent Committee and was the locum for the Principal for a couple of years. I left NEPP to run Little Grange Pre-School for a couple of years, then taught at Settlers Park for the next two years until New England finally had a teaching vacancy when they opened up a fifth group. I started working here in 1997, and became Principal in 1999. I am blessed and privileged to have spent the last 28 years getting to know the many children (including my two grandsons) and families who have passed through the doors of this very special little school.

I have been associated with New England Pre-Primary (NEPP) since about 1977 when I did a practical teaching here whilst studying at the Natal Teachers’ Training College. Both my children attended NEPP and I have taught here since 1994 (22 years). I taught Grade 2 at Scottsville Primary School for four years before having my children. I have run 10 Comrades Marathons and am now convenor of the Green Number (athletes who have completed 10 or more Comrades) portfolio. I am very involved in the organisation and administration of Road Running and Circuit Racing. I have spent many happy hours at NEPP doing what I love most, interacting with the children and sharing my “Magic Books”.

Everyone calls me “Gogo”. I have been working at New England Pre-Primary since 1987. I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. I have enjoyed working at NEPP all these years because “everyone is nice. It makes me happy, happy, happy”!