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LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

The Disa Primary School staff is made up of 94 wonderfully diverse people dedicated to the daily running of the school. They include 43 academic staff, 3 admin staff, a 9 strong therapy team, 15 support staff and 17 intern teachers. This makes the Disa Primary School learner to teacher ratio ideal. Leigh Melville, who joined in April 2023, leads the school with the support of the Board of Governors.

Holistic education goes beyond traditional academics to nurture all aspects of a child’s development, including emotional, social, physical, and ethical dimensions. Dr. Maria Montessori, a pioneer in holistic education, emphasised its transformative potential, stating, “Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” In impoverished communities, where children often face multiple challenges, such as lack of resources, exposure to

violence, and limited opportunities, holistic education can be particularly impactful. By providing a supportive environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional resilience, holistic education equips children with the skills and mindset necessary to overcome adversity and pursue their goals. It instils a sense of self-worth and agency, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and become agents of positive change in their communities. As Sir Ken Robinson, an advocate for creativity in education, observed, “The role of education is to create an environment in which people develop their own powers.” Through holistic education, children from poor economic backgrounds can unlock their full potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and those around them.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

The Disa Primary School staff is made up of 94 wonderfully diverse people dedicated to the daily running of the school. They include 43 academic staff, 3 admin staff, an 9 strong therapy team, 15 support staff and 17 intern teachers. This makes the Disa Primary School learner to teacher ratio ideal. Leigh Melville, who joined in April 2023, leads the school with the support of the Board of Governors.

Holistic education goes beyond traditional academics to nurture all aspects of a child’s development, including emotional, social, physical, and ethical dimensions. Dr. Maria Montessori, a pioneer in holistic education, emphasised its transformative potential, stating, “Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.” In impoverished communities, where children often face multiple challenges, such as lack of resources, exposure to violence, and limited opportunities, holistic education can be particularly impactful. By providing a supportive environment that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional resilience, holistic education equips children with the skills and mindset necessary to overcome adversity and pursue their goals. It instils a sense of self-worth and agency, empowering them to break the cycle of poverty and become agents of positive change in their communities. As Sir Ken Robinson, an advocate for creativity in education, observed, “The role of education is to create an environment in which people develop their own powers.” Through holistic education, children from poor economic backgrounds can unlock their full potential and shape a brighter future for themselves and those around them.

LEIGH MELVILLE

Leigh began her educational journey at one of the first independent multi-racial schools opened in Polokwane, Limpopo, during apartheid times. She spent 25 years at this school and her time here founded her strong belief in the importance of all kinds of diversity in schools and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of a holistic education. She gained experience in teaching all grades from Grade 1 to Matric and when she left the school, she had been principal of the College for seven years. Leigh moved with her family to the Cape in 2016 and took up the principalship of an inclusive independent school. Here Leigh gained valuable experience working with a multi-disciplined team in not only supporting children with barriers to learning, but also offering enrichment to extend learners with exceptional ability. Leigh joined Disa Primary School in 2023 and is passionately committed to achieving the vision of the school.

LEIGH MELVILLE

Leigh began her educational journey at one of the first independent multi-racial schools opened in Polokwane, Limpopo, during apartheid times. She spent 25 years at this school and her time here founded her strong belief in the importance of all kinds of diversity in schools and a deep appreciation for the transformative power of a holistic education. She gained experience in teaching all grades from Grade 1 to Matric and when she left the school, she had been principal of the College for seven years. Leigh moved with her family to the Cape in 2016 and took up the principalship of an inclusive independent school. Here Leigh gained valuable experience working with a multi-disciplined team in not only supporting children with barriers to learning, but also offering enrichment to extend learners with exceptional ability. Leigh joined Disa Primary School in 2023 and is passionately committed to achieving the vision of the school.

EDUCATION IN ACTION

INNOVATION

At Disa we reflect on innovative practices constantly.
The team considers use of the senses, technology, skills, experiential learning and varied pedagogy to apply to

our planning. The implementation of innovative teaching methods not only enhances learner engagement but also addresses diverse learning styles, ensuring a more inclusive and effective educational experience.We strive to gear our learners up for the future and understand our role in preparing learners for the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st-century workforce, fostering creativity and adaptability. Integrating technology into the classroom environment is a key aspect of educational innovation, providing learners with interactive learning tools and enhancing their digital literacy.

We aim to use project-based learning, a form of innovation, that allows learners to actively engage with real-world problems, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration skills. By cultivating a culture of innovation at Disa, educators empower children to become lifelong learners, capable of navigating a dynamic world and contributing to future advancements in various fields.

THERAPY AND SUPPORT

The Therapy Team at Disa Primary School is a multi-disciplinary team which consists of counsellors, a social worker, an occupational therapist, speech therapists, remedial teachers, facilitators and a school nurse. They provide individualised support, counselling, and therapy to help learners overcome obstacles, build resilience, and succeed academically.

Additionally, they collaborate with teachers, parents, and community organisations to create comprehensive intervention plans and access resources to support learners’ holistic well-being. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure that all learners, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential in school and beyond.

EDUCATION IN ACTION

INNOVATION

At Disa we reflect on innovative practices constantly. The team considers use of the senses, technology, skills, experiential learning and varied pedagogy to apply to our planning. The implementation of innovative teaching methods not only enhances learner engagement but also addresses diverse learning styles, ensuring a more inclusive and effective educational experience.We strive to gear our learners up for the future and understand our role in preparing learners for the rapidly evolving demands of the 21st-century workforce, fostering creativity and adaptability. Integrating technology into the classroom environment is a key aspect of educational innovation, providing learners with interactive learning tools and enhancing their digital literacy.

We aim to use project-based learning, a form of innovation, that allows learners to actively engage with real-world problems, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration skills. By cultivating a culture of innovation at Disa, educators empower children to become lifelong learners, capable of navigating a dynamic world and contributing to future advancements in various fields.

THERAPY AND SUPPORT

The Therapy Team at Disa Primary School is a multi-disciplinary team which consists of counsellors, a social worker, an occupational therapist, speech therapists, remedial teachers, facilitators and a school nurse. They provide individualised support, counselling, and therapy to help learners overcome obstacles, build resilience, and succeed academically. Additionally, they collaborate with teachers, parents, and community organisations to create comprehensive intervention plans and access resources to support learners’ holistic well-being. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure that all learners, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential in school and beyond.