Meet The Team

ANNARITA

Manager / Atelierista

My name is Annarita Gualtieri, I have been working at Petra’s Edu Play group for 15 years this year. I have been a part of this awesome school for the last 21 years as my two children also attended school here in their pre-primary years. 

I have a passion for teaching and I love working with children, seeing them develop and make strides forward. I have had the pleasure of teaching all of the age groups, starting from the babies all the way up to the 6 year Olds. I now am in the fortunate position where I work side by side with Petra, helping develop and further improve Petras Edu- Play, as we are always striving to improve in every single way we possibly can.

NIKOLINA

 Gr R Teacher

I joined Petra’s in 2023. I have learnt so much this year about how children can grow and develop in a beautiful stress free and play based learning environment where all skills are learnt without the children even realising it. I love that we have a set structure and routine and that within that we are free to enjoy each minute of every day in a loving and creative way.

I have two beautiful sons of my own and becoming a mom made me realise that I wanted to be an educator of young children. I have now finally followed my passion and have found my happiness as a preschool teacher. I cherish the simple things in life like good food and spending family time in the garden.

BEATRICE

Teacher 4-5

SONTO

Assistant

I am a mother of two daughters. I have been working at Petra’s Since 2004. I have enjoyed caring for children in all the age groups and have spent the last few years in the 4-5 group. I love coming to work each day and have realised that we learn with the children each day: we learn from the children, and they learn from us. We have a good sense of togetherness in a carefree environment. I like to know that everyone enjoys their day at school with us.  

THANDI

Assistant

My Name is Thandi. The kids at the school call me Gogo Thandi instead of Teacher Thandi as I'm a granny to all of them too, I have 3 kids of my own and 10 grandchildren. I've been working for Petra's as an assistant teacher since 2009 and it has been a pleasant experience. Over the years I have been a part of growing little minds, seeing then grow each year and being part of their growth experience is heart- warming.

JENNA LEE

 Teacher 2-3

CATE

 Teacher 3-4

My name is Teacher Cate, I have been a preschool teacher for 8 years and started working at Petra's in May 2024. I have taught all ages from babies up until 6 years but throughly enjoy working with the 2-3 group as this age still gives lots of cuddles during the day. I have a beautiful 6 year old daughter, Haylee, who has been a student at Petra's since 2020 and watching her grow into a confident, independent little girl while learning, building on her skills and being loved and cared for so well has been incredible to watch and I am so thankful. We love spending our free time outdoors amounst nature and animals, experiences which I also try bring into my class as much as possible. I love how our school learns through play and our kids have the freedom to express themselves in a loving and caring environment.

FIFI

Assistant

My name is Refilwe, but I am known as Teacher Fifi. I am adventurous and artistic- love being creative and I enjoy sharing these strengths with the children. I feel privileged to be part of growing little minds and bodies, while enjoying creative and fun activities. I have two children of my own so I consider myself a 24- hour mom as I nurture my own children, as well as my school pupils. I have developed a strong love for and understanding of preschool aged children while at Petra’s since 2018.

NOMPHIL0

Assistant

My name is Nompilo but I am l known as Happy. I’m a proud mother of three boys. I love music. I have been at Petra’s since 2021. I have discovered that I have a big love for young children. Working at Petra’s feels like a second home to me- it makes me happy.

phumla

Assistant

I am a passionate and caring educator with a heart full of compassion and a genuine love for the little ones. My unique traits are patience and attentiveness. I have been at Petra’s Since 2019 and I enjoy learning and growing with the children each day having fun while learning through play.

PRUDENCE

 Teacher 1-2

I have worked at Petra’s since 2008. I teach the one- year- olds who turn 2 in my year and this is a very rewarding age group. These children grow so much, their independence and expressive language skills explode at this age. My favourite time is watching them converse with each other, starting to socialize as they express their new learnings with each other. Their independence on the other hand can be challenging at times, but as per our philosophy we do let them do as much for themselves as they can do, we assist a little but encourage their independence as this allows them to develop as strong, capable independent little beings. We share the love in the Rhinos class, being kind affectionate and loving to each other every day. These kiddies keep me young and active. I have two teenagers of my own and we love going for walks and watching movies together. 

THANDI T

Assistant

My name is Thandi Tshabalala. I have three children. My job title is an assistant teacher at Petra’s Edu-play preschool. I have been part of this amazing school for 13 years. My personality: I am an open person, outgoing and bubbly. My relevant achievements are to keep the children safe and secure, not hearing bad complaints from the parents. I am happy about parents compliment me on taking care of their children.

My hobbies are helping other people in need and I love spending time with my family.

LISA

Infant Teacher

Lisa Solimeo: I live with my husband and I have two grown up daughters. I have been working at Petra's since 2013, initially running the aftercare. A few years ago I took on the wonderful challenge of running the ' tiny' baby section! I enjoy every minute of taking care of these little ones: Singing, dancing, playing, painting, messing, caring, nurturing and having fun learning together. We realise the immense capability and intelligence of these infants and we encourage them to become the most independent and confident toddlers around!!

NELLY

Infant Caregiver

My name is Nelly Khabo Tshabalala. I have four children and eleven grandchildren. My job at Petra’s Edu-play is a teacher assistant. I take pride in school hygiene and keeping the environment clean. I have worked with Petra since 1996. What I love about my job is treating the children in a good way that brings joy to my heart. I am grateful about how my boss appreciates me.

CAROLINE

Infant Caregiver

I am a single mom of two grown up children. I have been here at Petra’s since 2019. I started out helping families with young infants and fell in love with this age group of children. I spend each day in the Infant class loving and caring for these little ones. My unique qualities are my patience, gentleness and calm demeanour. I am in my ‘happy place’ at Petra’s and feel that the infants love me just as much as I love them.

MZWANDILE

Chef

My name is Mzwandile, aka ‘Cheffie’. I am the masterchef of this amazing school. My passion is to cook and watch the children enjoy eating my delicious food. I started working here in the year 2021. I take pride in my cooking, and I always try my best to accommodate everyone. I am a quite person who prefers to be left alone in the kitchen, so that I can sing and whistle all day

JADOT

Guard

My name is Jadot, I have been keeping Petra’s School safe since 2010. I get to connect and spend time with the children through play at break times, getting to know them and helping them on the monkey bars, on their bicycles and playing soccer. The love, kindness and respect that everyone has at our school is amazing.

BERNARD

 Maintenance

I am Bernard, I keep the school gardens clean and take care of all the equipment, maintaining it to ensure our children are safe every day. I spend time with the children planting seeds, watering our plants and am often assisted by some children in raking leaves and tidying up the school. I have worked here since 2018. I enjoy being outdoors and creating nice play spaces for the children.