Johann Jordaan
Principal
As head of school, my involvement with Pomario is an exciting journey. I have served in several institutions in South Africa and abroad, but Pomario, with its unique character, is one of my favourites!
After my high school career, a love of languages ​​led me to the University of Stellenbosch where I obtained an Honours degree in Afrikaans and Dutch literature, as well as the Higher Education Diploma (HED).
My initial teaching experience spans 16 years - a period in which I was fortunate enough to be exposed to many facets of education and residence management. After that, I entered the business world and for a next period of 16 years I was in charge of a computer training facility and various related industries. During this time I also served as chair of a school governing body and I stayed involved in school activities through sports coaching.
In 2017, I had the opportunity to apply my teaching and management experience abroad as the principal of an international private school in Nigeria. Three years later, I had the privilege of joining Pomario as Head of School.
I am married to Wilma, an occupational therapist, and we have four children. It is a pleasure for me and my family to live and work in this beautiful environment. Children, education and personal growth are my passions and I enjoy serving the Citrusdal community in this way.
Meet The Team
Marial Momsen
Grade One Class Teacher
​
Citrusdal reminds me of home. I grew up on a citrus farm in Buffeljagsrivier (where the delicious ‘roosterkoeke’ are). After school, I studied B.Ed Foundation Phase at the University of Stellenbosch and started my career as a teacher in Somerset West. I exchanged the hustle and bustle of the town for the countryside and moved to Robertson. There I grew a lot for 6 years at Robertson Preparatory School, learned, and realized that the countryside is where I want to stay. In December 2023, I married my wonderful husband, Altus Momsen, from Citrusdal. What a privilege to be able to continue my passion for children, education, and farm life at the beautiful school, Pomario. Animals, walking, any DIY projects, and my family are some of the things I like to spend my time on. I am excited for my future at Pomario and all the new friendships that are being formed.
Nèlene Stander
Grade 3 Class Teacher
​
After I completed my B. Ed degree in the Foundation Phase at the North-West University in Potchefstroom in 2016, I spent four years teaching in Gauteng. I was excited about the possibility of joining the Pomario family since 2020 and in 2022 that dream became a reality. I moved to Citrusdal to join my husband since I wanted to become a part of the community and have a positive impact on children’s lives. I knew that joining Pomario would contribute to this vision. I am passionate about creating a positive self-image in young children and showing them a way to believe that anything they put their minds to, will become their reality. I am excited and blessed to be working with such an amazing team of teachers, parents, and learners at Pomario and I look forward to growing and helping others grow into the best and truest versions of ourselves.
Hanna-Mari Mouton
Co-ordinator: Foundation Phase
Grade Two Class Teacher
​
My name is Hanna-Mari Mouton, married to Anton and mom of two busy boys. We farm in the Eendekuil district. I grew up in Porterville and attended Porterville High School from grade 1 to matric. I fully realize that health is only grace; that is why I live life to the fullest every day and also make my learners aware of the privileges we receive undeservedly. I enjoy the combination of schooling and farm life. We are a close-knit family and we like to do activities together. I am a proud teacher who loves my school children just as much as my own children.
Jo-Né Syster
Online High School
​
My name is Jo-Né Syster and I am a born "Citrusdaller". I have been part of Pomario since 2012 when the school opened. I was a member of the first group of learners of this special school! After I matriculated in 2014, I started working as an assistant at the preschool class in February 2015, while studying part-time for my Certificate in Early Childhood Development. In 2019, I successfully completed my course in Early Childhood Development (Level 5).
Currently, I asssist on the marketing committee and help take photos of school activities. I believe that every child's uniqueness should be celebrated and that they should be allowed to be exactly that: a child! It is our duty as teachers and parents to meet every child at the level where they are.
Donneigh Retief
Department Head: Intermediate Phase
Maths & Natural Sciences
​
I am am proud to be a teacher at Pomario since 2013. I grew up in Oudtshoorn and matriculated at Parel Valley High School in Somerset West. I completed my B.Ed degree at the University of Stellenbosch and my honors degree at Potchefstroom University. I want to make a difference in each child's life and see how each one reaches his/her potential. I am head of department for grades 4-7 and I serve on the school management team and on the governing body as a staff representative. I am involved in swimming and biathlon coaching. Advanced maths is a passion of mine. I really love the outdoors, as well as spending time with my family.
Robin Wilson
English, Visual Arts and LO
​
I am from Pretoria and completed my B.Ed degree in English and Psychology. As an educator, I am dedicated to fostering connections with each student and cultivating a nurturing atmosphere that encourages growth. My hobbies include DIY crafts, reading, and cherishing quality time with loved ones.
Ilse Oberholzer
Department Head: Senior Phase
English
​
I obtained a BA degree in Languages ​​and Psychology, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education at the University of Stellenbosch. Education in the East, world travel to the West, as well as education at a public school in Bellville, laid a good foundation for me as a teacher in Languages, Life Skills, Tourism and History. My love of adventure and the outdoors led to the emergence of L.O.S.T., Pomario's outdoor hiking group. Pomario gives me the opportunity to live out my calling as a teacher – to provide quality education, along with the opportunity to develop the child in totality.
Michelle Louw
Hybrid School Co-ordinator​
Mathematics
​
I grew up in Pretoria and realized at school already that I have a passion for education. However, I initially completed a BSc in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of the Free State, before also completing my teaching qualification there. After completing my studies, I taught at Stellenbosch High School for an incredible three years, where I learned about mentorship between teachers, but also the difference that good relationships can make in a learner's world. I had the opportunity to row on the Orange River, tour from Graaff-Reinet to the Okavango Delta, and I realized that the school environment can offer so many more opportunities for teachers and learners if we just dream big enough.
​
​
Charles Jansen
Grounds Manager
​
My name is Charles Jansen and I am the caretaker at Pomario. I am originally from Retreat, in Cape Town, and this is my third year living in Citrusdal.
I previously worked in the automotive industry for 20 years as a line manager, after which I decided to study full time and completed my Higher Certificate in PR/Event Management. I am delighted to be a part of the Pomario family, as well as to be a part of its development. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, which includes my dogs and the cat, watching TV and hiking in the beautiful Cedar Mountains.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Ama-Ria Haggard
Mathematics, EMS and Technology
​
I was born and raised in Worcester and matriculated in 2014 from Drostdy in Worcester. In 2021, I earned my BEd. Intermediate and Senior Phase degree at UNISA. I am hardworking and sincere, with a passion for education. I want all learners to feel welcome and loved in my classroom and strive to make a difference in each learner's life. I am very proud to be part of Pomario as of January 2023 and looking forward to the adventures Pomario has for me.
In my spare time, I love to spend quality time with my family and worship the Lord.
.
Sonja Harris
Hop-Hop-Hasies:1-2 Year Teacher
​
I hail from Malelane in Mpumalanga and completed my high school education in Nelspruit, matriculating in 2007. I then moved to Johannesburg before heading to Potchefstroom in North West to pursue my degree, which I obtained in 2013. I spent a decade living, studying, and working in Potchefstroom before taking a two-year break to be a stay-at-home mom, which I thoroughly enjoyed. My husband and I then moved to Citrusdal to pursue our dream of living near Cape Town but away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I am happily married to Trevor and have two children, a six-year-old daughter in Grade 1 and a four-year-old son in Grade RR.
I am in love with the small-town setting and the stunning mountains that fuel my passion for nature. Hiking and beach-sitting are some of my favorite activities, and I also enjoy occasional bike rides with my family. When I'm exhausted, I love sitting on my patio and gazing at the mountains.
Teaching at Pomario has been a delightful experience, and I have already grown fond of the little ones in my class. I am passionate about teaching and center my approach
around love, empathy, and making a difference."
Lana Swanepoel
Afrikaans, Economic Management Sciences and Technology
​
I am Lana Swanepoel, born in Paarl, but raised in Wellington and rooted in Porterville for the last six years. I completed my teaching study career at CPUT Wellington in 2023. Everyone always asks why education, my answer is simple, for many people education is a passion, but for me, it is my reason for existence. My classroom allows learners to feel safe, unique and special. My learners will always come first, no learner will ever be just a number in my class! My hobbies include netball and every now and then a series or three binge watch! It is a privilege for me to be able to start my first year in teaching at Pomario! I look forward to seeing what highs can be achieved.
Anita Kotzé
Afrikaans and LO​
​
I was raised on a stone fruit farm in Wellington. I completed my B.ED degree at CPUT in Wellington in 2022, afterwhich I started the new phase of my life as an educator at Pomario. I have a great love for farm life, and enjoy capturing its beauty through photos and videos. My family and friends are important to me, who I enjoy sharing special moments with around a fire.
I am passionate about education and look forward to living out my passion at Pomario. My goals are to have happy, enthusiatic learners and to create an environment where each learner can reach their full potential.
I am excited to see what the future holds, and I look forward to being a part of the Pomario family.
Nadia Maarman
Baby Eendjies class (3 months till 1 year old)
​
I come from a small town in the Northern Cape called Groblershoop. I studied Educare at Boland College, Worcester and graduated in 2017. I completed my practical in an orphanage in Moorreesburg in the department for babies. In 2017 I au-paired for a family in De Doorns with three children. I also au-paired in two different countries which was a wonderful experience for me. After obtaining my Educare Diploma, I did a discipleship course at FCE (Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education) for three months. I am a very spontaneous, cheerful person and I like dancing. I am a mom of a beautiful little girl, Nadine Maarman. She is my “everything”.
Riki Koch
Social Sciences​
​
I was born in Malmesbury and studied BAgric at Elsenburg after school. I always had a passion to teach and decided in 2016 that my passion was to teach children rather than teaching people about vineyards and wine. I completed my postgraduate certificate in education in 2020 through UNISA.
I am blessed to be part of Pomario's team since April 2022. It has been a blessing to be part of such an amazing and passionate team. I feel together with this team, my passion for teaching will grow and that I can make a positive difference in each child's life and help shaping them for their future.
Anneline Human
Beertjie class teacher
​
I was born and grew up in the North West province. After I qualified for my ECD training in Early Childhood Development, I taught in Calvinia at Kleinebende and Kabouterland kindergartens for children ages 2-4.
For the last ten years, I have lived on a beautiful farm in Citrusdal and enjoyed managing my daycare centre in town.
I love the outdoors, books, music, and cooking for family and friends.
I am passionate about children and grateful I have the opportunity to make a difference in their lives and help them grow to their full potential.
I am excited about my future at Pomario and to be part of the Pomario team.
Desiré Smit
Music and Choir Teacher​
​
​I started teaching music in my second year at the University of Stellenbosch where I studied classical music (BMus and HonsBMus Cum Laudé). I took part in many international music festivals locally and abroad. I have played in ensembles and orchestras, starting my orchestra journey at the age of nine.
As a child I sang in singing groups and choirs and it is lovely to share this passion with Pomario’s students. We currently have a Junior choir (grade 1-3) and a singing group (grade 4-12) called Con Spirito (With Spirit). At Pomario all foundation phase students receive class music weekly, as part of their well-rounded education. These classes include practical lessons as well as musical theory and development of listening skills.
Students have the opportunity to take individual violin-, piano- or recorder lessons during school hours. Pomario’s music students have fared well at local and regional Eisteddfods, and we look forward to reaching new highs this year.
I love cooking and baking and enjoy gardening or reading a good book. I enjoy being outside in nature and spending time with family and friends on our farm.
Brigitte Bornman
Natural Science, Art and LO
​
​I was born and raised in Kemptonpark, Gauteng, but my family and I recently made the exciting move to Citrusdal in July 2023. As a proud mother of two wonderful boys and happily married, my family is the center of my world.
In 2002, I obtained my BA degree in Education, followed by my BA (HONS/PSYCH) in 2003. My journey in the field of education began as a Psychometrist for the University of Johannesburg after passing my independent practice Psychometric exam in 2004. To further enhance my skills, I completed my PGCE through UNISA.
Throughout my career, I have primarily focused on teaching the Foundation Phase for the past nine years. However, I am qualified to teach the Intermediate/Senior phase as well. My teaching philosophy is deeply influenced by Rita Pierson's inspiring TED talk: 'Every kid needs a champion. Someone who believes in them.' With this in mind, I strive to create a nurturing and supportive environment for my students, understanding that they are only young once and that they should feel valued and encouraged.
To make learning engaging and memorable, I place great importance on making lessons fun and interactive. I believe that children never forget how you make them feel, and I aim to teach with compassion and enthusiasm.
When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy indulging in a glass of good wine, tending to my garden, and losing myself in the pages of a captivating book.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me. I look forward to connecting and sharing my passion for education with you.
Sonja Peo
Administrator
​
​My name is Sonja Burger. I am a former Citrusdaller who matriculated at Citrusdal High School before continuing my studies at the College of Cape Town. After living in the Cape for seventeen years, I returned to my hometown where my heart lies, so that I can offer my children the fantastic rural life in which I grew up. I have been working at Pomario as an administrative assistant since 2020 and I thoroughly enjoy it.
Roeline de Klerk
Class Assistant Gr RR
​
​I am Roeline de Klerk, 29 years old and I was born in Citrusdal. I have lived here my whole life and still reside here. I am married to Anthony de Klerk and we have two children together, A-Jay who is 11 and Ru-nique who is 9 months old. My son attends Olifantsvallei Primary School and my daughter attends Pomario Private School.
I have 6 years of experience in pre-school education and obtained my Level 4&5 Early Childhood Development and NCF certificates at Weskus College Citrusdal. Currently, I am a second-year Bed Foundation Phase student at UNISA, where I study online. I hope to complete my degree within the next 2 years so that I can practice my profession in education full-time.
It is a privilege for me to be part of the Pomario family and I look forward to growing together with this Private School.