It is Ronel’s passion to create an environment where children, being diligent little workers, can acquire all the necessary literacy, numeracy and life skills. At the same time she and her staff nurture their interest in, and respect for their friends and their surroundings, developing a sense of responsibility and caring. It is her ideal to encourage children to participate with confidence and integrity in the school environment as well as the community. Qualifications: Ronel is a qualified Montessori Directress. She holds a Montessori Diploma from St. Nicholas’ Training Centre for the Montessori Method of Education, 1991. In addition she holds a Baccalaureus Degree (University of Pretoria, 1970) and the Transvaal Teachers’ Higher Diploma (Pretoria Teachers’ Training College, 1971). Ronel has 35 years’ experience as a preschool teacher, as well as 6 years experience as a High School teacher. She is the proud mother of 4 adult children and a blessed grandmother of 7 grandchildren.

I am the owner and principal of Baby Zonkies, our toddler class, and a qualified Montessori Teacher (SAQA Registered, National Diploma: Early Childhood Development, ETDP.SETA, NQF Level:5 through Montessori Centre South Africa), and hold a certificate by Spectrum Montessori UK for the Infant Toddler Workshop held by the Montessori Centre South Africa.  I myself am a mother of two lovely children.  I worked in an academic financial environment for 9 years.  During this time, I discovered Montessori and was completely fascinated by the Montessori approach to Early Childhood Education.  I then decided to follow my dream of making a difference in educating little ones in a loving and caring environment and joined the Zonkie team in 2010. I believe that there is enormous potential in every single child, much more than we can EVER imagine. The immense joy of working with little children is to observe how they become independent human beings when being engaged in work and play, socializing and just being part of the everyday school routine, they surprise us every day!

Elizabeth started at Zonkies in 2017. Elizabeth is a friendly and considerate person and always ready to lend a helping hand, whether it be a child or an adult in need of assistance. Her gentle, soft-spoken manner, together with her sense of responsibility, make her ideal for our Montessori environment. She has been working with young children in Montessori environments for several years and has three children of her own. She has completed a Play-Based Learning Course and is always eager to learn new skills.  

Lerato has been part of the Zonkies team since February 2025. She is the daughter of Elizabeth, and just like her mother, she has an unconditional love for little children. We are truly delighted to have her as part of our team. Lerato’s warm and bright smile is inviting to all the children, and her gentle nature helps them feel safe and welcomed. She is dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed. We are grateful for her positive attitude and the care she brings into our environment every day.  

Sonia has been working with and caring for children since 2012. She joined the Zonkie team in June 2023 as an assistant in the toddler class. Sonia has a gentle, caring and loving nature. The toddlers immediately resonate with her, and she is loved by all the children in the school. Her patience and dedication help create a safe, happy, and nurturing environment where every child feels valued and cared for.

I am a dedicated and caring teacher with a genuine passion for children and their development. I believe in creating a safe, supportive learning environment where every learner feels valued and encouraged. Through a patient and nurturing approach, I aim to build strong academic foundations while also fostering confidence, discipline, and a positive attitude toward learning. Qualification: AROS (2025-present) BEd Senior Phase in Further Education and Training Natural Science