Our Values
Play
We believe children learn best through play and investigation in a relaxed environment.
Tolerance
We instil in our children compassion and tolerance towards others.
Self Esteem
We produce well-balanced, happy pupils with a positive self-image and ability to reason.
Our Mission
To provide excellent education while developing
the whole child, in a caring and safe environment.
Our Story
Chibby (Margaret) Slyper had a vision:
“to provide excellent education while developing the whole child, in a caring and safe environment.”
And so, Rustenburg Early Learning Centre was born.
Our doors opened in August 1997 and very soon we established an excellent reputation.
The school grew rapidly from one group, to accommodating four groups.
In 2010, Alison Groom took over the school.
Alison shared Chibby’s vision and the school grew further to five groups running.
In April 2016, Colleen Purdon took over as principal. Alison Groom immigrated to Australia in 2017, leaving the school in the competent hands of the dedicated staff and new owners, Joanne Walsh and Zakkiyah Sujee.
Staff and parents are proud of the service the school offers the community.
In 2018 we achieved a Silver Eco-School award from WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa).
Our Dedicated Teachers
Zakkiyah Sujee
Grade R Teacher, co-owner
Born and bred on a farm in Vanderbylpark, I moved to Rustenburg in December 2005. I obtained my degree in education from Unisa and have taught Gr 1 and 2 previously. I also co-ran a successful UCMAS franchise for four years before starting at RELC in 2011. I started with the 2 turning 3 year olds for two years and then moved to 4 turning 5 year old for five years. I taught one of the Grade R classes in 2017 then took over the Grade R class in 2020 after Teacher Colleen retired at the end of 2019. I am blessed to be able to earn a living doing something that brings me great joy. I love being with these little people every single day. I take delight in hearing them squeal in wonder at the sight of a new experiment, watching the curiosity pique in their eyes when they discover something or when they dance in glee as they overcome their little hurdles. They are my happy place, they are my children.
Joanne Walsh
Grade RR Teacher, co-owner
Originally from Johannesburg, I moved to Rustenburg at the end of 2013. I have a degree in Hospitality Management and I bake cakes and cupcakes as a hobby. I have my PGCE in early childhood development and foundation phase education and have been teaching for the past 9 years. I chose early childhood education because I believe in building a strong foundation for life-long learning. Developing young curious minds is my passion. I strive to motivate, inspire, encourage and support children by providing a safe, secure, loving and nurturing environment in which children can discover themselves, take risks and test their limits. Preschool education happens during the most formative age in which children gather information about themselves and the world around them. The way they do this is through PLAY! I have a strong belief in sensory play. You will often find my children engaging in all sorts of messy play, barefoot and having fun.
Storm Hay
Grade RRR Teacher
My name is Teacher Storm. I was born and raised in Rustenburg. I recently got married to my high school sweetheart and I am the proud dog mom to two little pups. I have completed my degree in Psychology and have been working with young children since 2015. I have been the Duckling teacher since 2022. I enjoy working with the 3 to 4 year old age group because it is a very critical age where they learn many new skills on a daily basis. There is nothing more exciting than seeing my children grow and develop into strong little human beings. I feel very blessed that I have this opportunity to work with your little ones at such a wonderful school.
Tennille Haig
Grade RRRR Teacher
My name is Tennille Haig. I enjoy reading, baking and being creative and artistic. I am currently busy writing my own novel.
I have taught children between the ages of 2- 4, for four years now.
I enjoy teaching art and helping children grow and develop.
I look forward to my time at Early Learning Centre.
Our Support Staff
Sarah
Assistant Teacher
Ivy
Assistant Teacher
Nabeelah
Assistant Teacher
John
Grounds Keeper
Bongani
Security
Regina
Cleaning Staff
Daily Programme
The programme includes language enrichment, general knowledge, creative activities, gross motor development, ball skills, dramatisation, movement and interpretation of music, percussion instruments, singing, cognitive games, free play and stories. Our learning program now includes CATROBATKIDZ as well as KINDER KINETICS. An extra curricular program that focuses on movement and gross motor skills.
Safety & Security
The school has a substantial wall surrounding it, with an electric fence and security gate system. It is directly linked to a security company and we have a security guard on the premises at all times. Teachers are qualified in first aid and fire safety.
Calendar & Times
Children may be dropped between 6:45am and 8:30am and collected between 12:45pm and 2pm. Grade R’s must be at school by 7:30am. The school follows the same terms as the North West Education Department.
Admission
We accept children from age 2 (turning 3) to six years (Grade R). The language of instruction is English. Children whose home language is not English may also attend the school; these children will be well prepared for an English language primary school.
Qualified Staff
The staff are experienced and qualified with degrees, diplomas and /or recognised pre-primary certificates. They are registered with SACE (South African Council of Educators). We are an IQAA (Independent Quality Assurance Association) certified school. The staff are experienced, caring and dedicated. Ongoing training is carried out on a regular basis.
Additional Activities
Classes are held at school by qualified teachers and instructors, charging private rates. Activities are; Pottery, Playball, Soccer Strikers, Computers, Ballet and Drama.
Documents
24 Alamein st
Rustenburg
Joanne 072 595 7989
Zakkiyah 082 443 2014