– lover of picture books, outdoor adventures, and all things early learning! With a degree in Foundation Phase Teaching, Dané has been inspiring little minds since 2021. At Tate International School, she brings creativity, care, and calm to the Grade 1 and 2 classrooms, creating a space where curiosity grows and every milestone is celebrated.

Dané is also part of the Curriculum Development Team, helping craft meaningful learning experiences across the school. She’s all about meeting each child where they are and guiding their growth with patience and heart.

When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find her curled up with a good book or recharging in the great outdoors. Dané loves being part of the Tate family, where every child and every teacher matters.

– fun, grounded, full of heart, and probably already knows your child’s favourite joke, snack and exactly when they need a little extra support.

Jessica Grobler brings warmth, strong values and plenty of personality to the Tate team. She works hard, knows what she wants, and brings that same determination into the way she supports our students.

Currently studying Foundation Phase Education through STADIO, Jessica works across a variety of primary school grades as a teacher’s assistant. Her real strength is connection, she steps into each child’s world, gets to know their humour, interests and quirks, and builds the kind of trust that helps them feel comfortable enough to learn.

Hardworking, loving and always up for a laugh, Jessica brings heart, energy and a genuine understanding of our students to Tate and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

– artist, language lover, and storyteller with a heart full of passion and a paintbrush never far from reach.

Mariëtte began her journey in Journalism at the University of the Free State, but quickly found her true calling in the classroom. Since 1979, she’s been sharing her love of Afrikaans, art, and learning with students across South Africa.

She’s held roles in education, media, and even co-ran an architectural studio, all while following her creative instincts — from studying Monet in Paris to exploring Tintoretto’s works in Venice.

Mariëtte joined Tate International in 2020, where she now teaches Afrikaans and Art with a signature blend of warmth, colour, and care.

She’s a proud horse lover, a forever student, and deeply believes that every child deserves an inspired education — and a teacher who never stops learning herself.

– our dedicated Grade 6 teacher and Grades 7–8 Mathematics teacher.

Sadé holds a Financial Degree, a BEd in Intermediate and Senior Phase, and a TEFL
diploma. With twelve years of teaching experience across a variety of schools, she brings depth, passion, and professionalism to her classroom.

A devoted animal lover, Sade volunteers at local shelters and shares her home with four energetic dogs who keep her days bright and lively.

Sport, fitness, and the outdoors are also big parts of her life. She has earned both Western Province and South African colours and enjoys dancing, training, hiking, and exploring nature whenever she can.

Known for her positivity and zest for life, Sadé brings warmth, energy, and a sense of
adventure to the Tate community — and to every learner she teaches.

– passionate educator, child advocate, and proud Grade 5 teacher at Tate International School.

With a BA in Social Work from UCT and an Honours in Theology from the University of Pretoria (with a focus on vulnerable children), Tamarin brings a deep understanding of emotional wellness and child development to her teaching. She’s also SACE-registered, bringing both care and compliance to the classroom.

Before joining Tate in 2021, she worked as a guidance counsellor at Edgemead Primary and other schools, shaping her warm, empathetic teaching style. At Tate, she’s taught Grade 4, contributed to curriculum design, and now leads Grade 5 with heart and purpose.

Tamarin is all about creating a space where kids feel safe, seen, and inspired to grow. Outside of school, she’s into crime series, yoga, and keeping life balanced — just like she does in the classroom.

– patient, creative, encouraging, and the person you want around when a child says, “I just don’t get it.”

Keagan van Staden brings a warm, thoughtful approach to Tate, with a genuine desire to understand how each child learns best. Having already worked with some of our students before joining the teaching team, we have seen first-hand the positive impact of her patient and individualised support.

As the founder of The Literacy Grove, Keagan has supported children through personalised learning programmes in literacy, numeracy and homework support. She also brings valuable Foundation Phase experience, including individual student support and small-group instruction.

With specialised training in the Colour Reading Programme and the Orton-Gillingham approach, Keagan is especially passionate about helping children build strong literacy foundations through structured, multisensory learning, turning “I can’t do this” into “I’m starting to get it.”

Friendly, creative and deeply invested in her students, Keagan brings both skill and heart to the Tate team, and we are excited to have her guiding our Grade 3 learners.

– the teacher who somehow always has a bag full of solutions, ideas, and probably something useful for whatever problem you’ve just brought her.

Leeze is no stranger to Tate, and we’re thrilled to have her back. She brings energy, initiative and a genuine willingness to get stuck in wherever she is needed; whether that’s in the classroom, on the Academic Development Team; or helping bring a school production to life.

With a background in Psychology, Early Childhood Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Leeze has taught learners from Grades 6 to 9, specialising in Mathematics and Science. She now teaches Secondary Phase Sciences and Grade 8 Mathematics at Tate.

Outside of school, Leeze is happiest surrounded by animals and nature. She lives on a farm, where her animal family includes bunnies, cats and even an amphibian baby, so it’s safe to say her classroom isn’t the only place where she gets to work with a diverse group!

Leeze brings warmth, creativity and plenty of ideas to everything she does, and we’re very happy to have her back in the Tate family.

– class assistant, admin multitasker, LMS whiz, and all-around nature-loving, child-championing wonder woman.

Marike has been part of both Tate World and Tate International since 2022, officially wearing multiple hats (and rocking every single one). She’s a Class Assistant, Tate World Administrator, and Learning Management System Operator — and yes, she built online lessons all the way back in 2020 like a total behind-the-scenes hero.
But Marike’s magic goes far beyond the screen. Her day-to-day includes gardening, Arts & Culture, PE, and after-care, bringing calm, creativity, and connection to every corner of the school.

She’s got a heart full of empathy, a deep love for children and animals, and an energy that’s equal parts nurturing and down-to-earth. Whether she’s planting seeds (literal or metaphorical), leading an art session, or simply lending a listening ear, Marike’s presence is always one of warmth and patience.

Being part of the Tate family is a true joy for her — a place where she gets to watch young minds grow, express themselves, and bloom in the most creative ways.

– the heart and soul behind the calm and care in our school!

More than just a custodian, she’s like a mother to everyone in the halls, always watching out for the little things that make a big difference. Whether it’s tidying up, offering a comforting word, or making sure every corner feels safe and welcoming, Christina’s gentle presence is a steadying force for all of us.

No mess is too messy, no problem too small — she’s always there with a warm smile and an open heart. We’re truly lucky to have her nurturing spirit keeping our school feeling like a home.