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
Sheri-Lee Thelander
Teacher for the Uiltjie Kuiken Class (3-4 years) and Aftercare
I grew up in Brackenfell and I completed my Diploma in Grade R teaching at Lyceum College in 2020. I have several years’ experience in a preschool environment, which prepared me for my current role. I am currently studying towards my B.Ed (Foundation Phase).
I am proud to be an educator at Pomario since January 2022. It has been a blessing to be a part of such an amazing school and community. One thing I always hope for in my classroom, is that each child is loved. I will always be in the corner cheering them on. I want them to feel that they are able to do anything because I believe in them and they need to believe in themselves. Helping a child to grow and to succeed is the most rewarding job. I want to make a difference in each child’s life.
I enjoy running and playing netball.
René de Jongh
Uiltjie Class Grade R, Aftercare Co-ordinator
I am proud to be the Grades R and RR educator at Pomario since 2019.
I completed my B.Ed Foundation Phase at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2018.
I am a hardworking, sincere person, with a passion for education. A steadfast vision for our school and learners is my key to success. I make a point of making a difference in the lives of children, because I want a positive outcome for their future. I'm energetic and that's also reflected in my classroom.
Adèle Jonker
Class Assistant - Grade 2, Aftercare
I was born in Caledon, but we moved to Citrusdal 29 years ago. I am privileged to be part of the Pomario family as a class assistant since 2016. I have a passion for animals and children and I am excited about what the future holds for me. Apart from assisting with various activities in the school, I also look after the school's lovely black cat, Midnight.
Morine Fransman
Class Assistant - Uiltjies, Aftercare
I studied at Boland College, Worcester, and have an Educare Diploma for Grade R Foundation Phase. I joined Pomario in 2020. I enjoy my job, because every day is a challenge for me. I really like teamwork and sharing ideas. I am an enthusiastic person who is passionate about my work and I strive to convey this passion to learners. Good interpersonal relationships are extremely important to me. I believe every child has a song in him or her and it is our job to increase the volume. I enjoy spending time with children. I also like reading a lot. Rugby is my favourite sport and I also enjoy watching it.
Gerrida van Niekerk
Grade One Class Teacher
I was born in Calvinia and completed my school career in 2013 at Huguenot High School in Wellington. In 2017, I earned my B.ED. Foundation Phase degree at CPUT in Wellington. 2021 is my fourth year in education and I enjoy every moment of it! My goal is to have happy children in my class and to help everyone reach his / her full potential. I also coach mini-cricket and mini-netball at Pomario and I am involved in aftercare, as well as fund raising initiatives.
Hanna-Mari Mouton
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.
Nélene 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.
Jo-Né Syster
Cambridge Class
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 am an assistant at the grade 5 and 6 class and I thoroughly enjoy it. After school I work at the school's aftercare and also help to 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
Maths, Natural Sciences & Technology
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
Ilse Oberholzer
English, Tourism, LO & Social Science (History)
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.
Megan Blankendaal
Drama, Art, Cons Studies & Life skills
I am fortunate enough to teach skills and knowledge that I am passionate about: drama, visual arts, consumer studies and life skills. I am originally from Stellenbosch and graduated from Stellenbosch University in 2012 with a Bachelor in English Literature and Psychology. My passions are creativity and food, and I lived out these skills when I opened and managed my coffee shop, cakery and deli, “Cupcake”, in Stellenbosch. I enjoy spending time with my family, being in nature, sketching, creating cyanotype prints, visiting the theatre and reading.
Melanie Visser
Grade six class teacher.
I am originally from Redelinghuys, a small town in the Sandveld. Currently, I'm living in Porterville. In 2020 I completed my studies at the Cape Peninsula of Technology and obtained a Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase. I strive to create a safe, relaxed, and stimulating environment in my classroom, where every child will be encouraged to develop to their full potential. A career in Education is a calling and a great passion of mine. My goal as a teacher is to ensure that all learners receive the quality education they deserve. I will support each learner to reach their full potential.
Rozanne-Marie Keyser
Grade 8 to 12 English, Grade 10 tot 12 Life Sciences
I am a qualified teacher from the northern suburbs in Cape Town. I obtained my B.Ed. degree from the North-West University, Potchefstroom, in 2018. My subjects of expertise are English Home Language, English First Additional Language and Life Sciences.
As an educator, I strive to enable learners to develop a set of skills, values, and acquire knowledge. I respect the dignity, beliefs, and constitutional rights of my learners. Therefore, I exercise authority with compassion. I acknowledge the uniqueness, individuality, and specific needs of each learner, guiding and encouraging each to cultivate his or her potential.
I am eager to grow with Pomario. May the fruits of our combined labour yield a great harvest!
Martelle Mostert
Maths, Math Literacy, Physical Sciences, CAT, Life Sciences
Since 2019, I have been teaching Mathematics, Science and Computer Applications Technology in the FET phase at Pomario. In class, I encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and problem solving as I strive to develop learners into individuals who pursue Truth and are equipped for the next phase of their lives. I graduated from Stellenbosch University with a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, after which I also completed a postgraduate teaching certificate. I like to spend my free time with my husband and two energetic boys outdoors or learning a new skill.
Leana Marais
Afrikaans, SW Geography
I am originally from Great Brak River on the Garden Route. In 2016, I completed my B.Ed ISF degree at CPUT in Wellington, after which I joined my husband in Citrusdal. I have been part of the Pomario family since 2019, as a teacher in Afrikaans and Geography. Since 2021, I have also been part of the school's management team, and I act as head of department for the high school. I believe that respect is deserved, so I will always treat everyone with the same respect that I would like to be treated with.
Santie de Haan
Afrikaans, Geography, Social Sciences
I have been involved with Pomario since January 2021. I matriculated at Otjiwarongo High School, Namibia. Thereafter, I continued my studies at the University of the Free State. I obtained my BA degree in 1977 and obtained my Higher Education Diploma the following year. I specialised in Afrikaans/Dutch, as well as Counseling Psychology. I currently teach Afrikaans, Geography and Social Sciences at Pomario. As a hobby, I practice textile art and regularly participate in exhibitions.
Odette Mostert
Secretary, Accounts
My name is Odette Mostert. I grew up on the West Coast and matriculated at Vredenburg High School in 2004. After school I studied Tourism at Northlink College and then worked for two years abroad. I am married to Heinrich Mostert and we have two beautiful daughters, Lize-Anne and Daniëlle. I joined the Pomario family in 2018 as a secretary and in 2019 started to handle the finances as well. My family is very important to me and that's why we enjoy spending time together.
Sonja Burger
Receptionist/Administrative Support
I am a former Citrusdaller who matriculated at Citrusdal High School before continuing my studies at the College of Cape Town. After living in Cape Town 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.
Charles Jansen
Custodian
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 residing in Citrusdal. Previously, I worked for 20 years in the motor industry as line manager, and thereafter I decided to study full time and completed my higher certificate in PR/Events Management. I am delighted to be part of this school, as well as being part of the development thereof. I enjoy spending quality time with my family, which includes my dogs and the cat, watching TV and hiking in the beautiful Cederberg mountains.
Antoinette Nel
Agricultural Management Practice
I am Antoinette Nel and I am happy to act as part time teacher at Pomario. After I obtained my degree and Professional Teaching Diploma, I taught at various schools before we moved to Citrusdal. Currently I am happy to live and work in the lovely Citrusdal valley, assisting Pomario with teaching in Agricultural Management Practices for Grades 10 to 12.
Bernard van Deventer
Grade 7 to 11 / Sport
I started at Pomario in 2022 after two years at Vredenburg High school. My speciality subjects are EMS, Technology, Maths and Mathematical Literacy. I was born in PE and grew up in Porterville. After completing my school career at Porterville High School in 2015, I completed my studies B.Ed Senior and FET Fase in 2019 at CPUT Wellington.
My responsibilities are the educating of learners and the planning and organizing of sports activities. It feels good to be part of the Pomario team and I will give my best for the school and learners. I’m positive and full of energy and will definitely make a difference at Pomario.
Riki Koch
Grade
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”.
Dalechia Keys
Eendjie class teacher
I was born in Citrusdal, I have lived in Citrusdal all my life. I completed my studies in Early Childhood Development at West Coast College in 2019. After having worked with children in a preschool environment for 5 years, it is a great privilege for me to be part of the Pomario family since January 2022. I have a passion for working with children and am very excited to learn new things at the Eendjie class as well as at the rest of the school.