Mignon Behm
Uiltjie Kuikens
My name is Mignon Behm and I have been a teacher at Pomario Independent School in the 2- to 4-year-old class since 2018. I matriculated at Augsburg Agricultural Gimasuim in 2007 after which I worked as an au pair in the Netherlands. I'm married to Cor Behm and have a beautiful son, Jacques. In 2019, I started studying early childhood development at West Coast College. As a family, we love to go for walks with our dog and spend time with each other. My philosophy is: "Be the teacher that notices the kids that do not get noticed"
René de Jongh
Uiltjie Class Grade R, Aftercare Co-ordinator
My name is René de Jongh, Pomario's Grade RR educator.
I completed my B.Ed Foundation Phase at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2018.
I am a hardworking, sincere person, with good values and 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 - Uiltjies, Aftercare
My name is Adèle Jonker. I am an ex-Citrusdaller and returned to Citrusdal with my family 29 years ago. My twin sister and I were born in Caledon. 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.
Morine Fransman
Class Assistant - Uiltjies, Aftercare
I'm Morine Fransman. 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
I am Gerrida van Niekerk, Pomario's grade 1 teacher, where I also coach mini-cricket and mini-netball.
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.
Hanna-Mari Mouton
Grade Two
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 Grade 2 teacher who loves my school children just as much as my own children.
Lia -Marie Wüst
Grade Three
I'm Lia-Marié Wüst and I love singing, creative activities, puzzle building, reading and hiking in nature. I grew up in Wellington, which was great preparation for Citrusdal's heat! I completed my B.ED degree at the University of Stellenbosch in 2014 and I have been the Gr 3 teacher at Pomario since 2021. Education is so much more than just the transfer of academic knowledge – I enjoy watching children grow and it is a privilege to be able to use my talents and be part of this growth process.
Jo-Né Syster
Class Assistant Grade 1 &2, Aftercare
My name is Jo-Né Syster and I am a Citrusdal native. I have been part of Pomario since 2012 when the school opened. I was a member of the first group of learners who went to school at Pomario. After I matriculated in 2014, I started working as an assistant at the preschool class in February of 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. In my free time I enjoy spending time outdoors in nature, with my camera around my neck, learning and experiencing new things, going on road trips and reading.
Donneigh Retief
Maths, Natural Sciences & Tech
I am Donneigh Retief, 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 & SW History
I am Ilse Oberholzer and 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.
Leana Marais
Afrikaans, SW Geography
My name is Leana Marais and I have been part of the Pomario family since 2019 where I teach 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 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 believe that respect is deserved, so I will always treat everyone with the same respect that I would like to be treated with.
Leri Mileham
Maths, Math Literacy, Technology, EMS, SW History
I'm Leri Mileham, originally from Paarl. After receiving my degree, I taught in the UAE (Bahrain) for a while, where Mathematics was my major subject. I became part of the Pomario family in 2019 and am actively involved in Mathematics and Sports. Christian values are important to me – I am a very honest person and I stand up for what I believe in. My passion outside of school hours is my family and my two dogs. I believe that Pomario is also like a family and that is why I treat each child as one of my own.
Susan Steyl
English, LO
My name is Susan Steyl - born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, and still a Sharks fan! I obtained my BA Languages honors degree with Afrikaans/Dutch, English, French, German and Linguistics as subjects, and a postgraduate HED at the University of the Free State. At Pomario, I am responsible for teaching English (home language and additional language), as well as Life Orientation. Languages are my passion, literature is my inspiration and all language related activities are my hobby.
I also enjoy cultivating a love of language in children.
Martelle Mostert
Maths, Math Literacy, Physical Sciences, CAT, LW
I'm Martelle Mostert. Since 2010 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.
Megan Blankendaal
Drama, Art, Cons Studies & Life skills
My name is Susan Steyl - born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, and still a Sharks fan! I obtained my BA Languages honors degree with Afrikaans/Dutch, English, French, German and Linguistics as subjects, and a postgraduate HED at the University of the Free State. At Pomario, I am responsible for teaching English (home language and additional language), as well as Life Orientation. Languages are my passion, literature is my inspiration and all language related activities are my hobby.
I also enjoy cultivating a love of language in children.
Santie de Haan
Afrikaans, Geography, Social Sciences
I am Santie de Haan and 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 and 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
My name is Odette Mostert. I grew up on the West Coast and matriculated at Vredenburg High School in 2004. After school I went to study Tourism at Northlink College and then went abroad to work for two years. 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
Administrative Support
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.
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
Johann Jordaan
Principal
My name is Johann Jordaan and as a head of school, my involvement with Pomario is an exciting journey! After my high school career, a love of languages led me to the University of Stellenbosch where I obtained an Honors degree in Afrikaans and Dutch literature, as well as the Higher Education Diploma (HED). I am married to Wilma, an occupational therapist, and we have four children.
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 centre 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.
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.