Our Principal's Message:

We aim to improve education by providing effective teaching methods based on skills and expertise of our educators. Our methodologies change the way people behave and react. Discover the level of education we provide and see for yourself the results based on the work that we do. We love educating the youth and paving the way forward in their career paths.

Announcements

Dear Parents / Guardians,

I hope you’re having a great week so far. Here are a few important updates from school:

SCHOOL WHATSAPP CHAT GROUPS (2026): 

You can join the school’s various WhatsApp chat groups by clicking on each relevant Grade’s below:

SICK LEARNERS AT SCHOOL:
We have noticed a significant increase in the number of learners arriving at school unwell. We kindly request that you keep your child at home if they are unwell. This helps us maintain a healthy learning environment for all.
 
ACADEMIC CONCERNS:
We are still experiencing a concerning lack of commitment to schoolwork from many learners. This attitude was clearly reflected in the Term 1 report cards. Please encourage your children to take responsibility for their learning and approach their education with the seriousness it deserves.
 
LEARNER BEHAVIOUR:
We are increasingly concerned about the rise in disrespectful and defiant behaviour among some learners. Teachers are reaching their limits, as learners challenge authority, make rude comments to staff and peers, use inappropriate language, and arrive late to class after breaks. When disciplined, some learners openly mock and defy staff. This behaviour is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. We ask all parents to have conversations with their children about respectful and responsible behaviour. We also want to express our gratitude to the many learners who consistently demonstrate excellent manners and respect.
 
FINANCES:
A heartfelt thank you to all our parents who regularly pay school fees. Your contributions are vital in helping us meet the school’s monthly expenses. We truly appreciate your dedication and view your investment in your child’s education as one of the most valuable gifts you can give.
 
LATE PICK-UP AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES:
We are concerned about the number of learners being picked up very late after school activities such as netball, soccer, chess, RACA, or extra lessons. While we are happy to offer these opportunities, it has become unfair to staff who are left waiting for up to two hours after scheduled end times. Going forward, learners who are not picked up on time will be removed from teams or activities without further notice. Please ensure your child is collected promptly. Their safety and well-being remain your responsibility as well.
 
UPDATING CONTACT INFORMATION:
It is essential that the school has your current contact information on record. We have recently been unable to reach several parents during emergencies and when learners fall ill, due to incorrect or outdated phone numbers. Please update your contact details with the school office and in your child’s homework diary immediately if there are any changes.
 
SCHOOL UNIFORM:
It is very important that all our learners come to school dressed in the correct school uniform. Unfortunately, many learners arrive in clothing that does not form part of the official uniform, which is not acceptable.
 
PRACTISES FOR NEXT WEEK:
  • Netball, Mini Netball and Mini Soccer Practise – Please note that there will be NO Netball, Mini-Netball or Min-Soccer practices on Wednesday, 29 April 2026 and Thursday, 30 April 2026 due to the shortened school week. Practices will resume as normal from Wednesday, 6 May 2026.
  • Soccer Practise – Soccer practise will take place as follows: 
    • Tuesday 28 April – Under 11 boys – 13:40 until 15:00
    • Wednesday 29 April – SOCCER LEAGUE MATCH
      • Paardekraal vs Krugersdorp Town School
        Venue: Laerskool Paardekraal
        Time: 14:00 – 16:00.

      • Please arrange your child’s transport accordingly. Should it rain, practices/matches will automatically be cancelled. Boy’s must bring appropriate sporting clothes for practicing/matches. No player will be allowed on the field in their uniform with school shoes

RACA AND CHESS:
Please note that there will be NO RACA or Chess practices on Tuesday 28 April 2026 and Wednesday, 29 April 2026 due to the shortened school week. Practices will resume as normal from Tuesday, 5 May 2026.
 
WORLD BOOK DAY – 23 APRIL:
Thank you to our learners for their enthusiastic support on in celebration of World Book Day on 24 April 2026! We were truly impressed by the creativity and effort shown by our learners. It was a fun and inspiring day for both learners and staff.
 
SHORT SCHOOL WEEK:
Please note that we will have a 3-day school week due to public holidays.
 –  Monday, 28 April 2026: Freedom Day observed – School closed
 –  Friday, 1 May 2026: Workers’ Day – School closed.
 
EARLY CLOSURE:
School will close at 12:00 on Thursday, 30 April 2026 due to the public holiday on Friday.
Important: Please make the necessary transport arrangements for your child. No supervision will be available after 12:15, and all learners must be collected promptly. Thank you for your cooperation and we wish you a safe and restful long weekend and enjoy this time with your family and friends.
 
OFFICE HOURS:
  • Monday – Thursday: 07:30 – 14:00
  • Friday: 07:30 – 13:00
  • No money can be accepted after these specified times, for safety and security reasons
  • Please remember that there are card facilities available at school. It is a more convenient and a safer way of making payments at school. Please make use of this facility or make payments via the internet or direct bank deposits. The school’s banking details are as follows
  • Laerskool Paardekraal
  • ABSA
  • Current Account no – 01005000153
  • Please use your child’s name, surname and grade as a reference and send Proof of Payment by email to joey@paardies.co.za. 
 
GENERAL:
Thank you to all parents for your ongoing support of our school. We hope you have a restful and enjoyable week off. Please stay warm, take care, and be safe.

Feel free to send any comments or suggestions to info@paardies.co.za.

Principal

Hennie Bester

Picture of Lizette van der Merwe the Vice Principal of Laerskool Paardekraal

Deputy Principal

Lizette vd Merwe

Departmental Head:
Foundation phase

Derise Le Grange

Departmental Head:
Foundation phase

Amanda Martignone

Picture of Dawie Breedt - Department head of Intersen Phase

Departmental Head:
Intersen phase

Dawie Breedt

Picture of Ander Shannon - Department head of Intersen Phase

Departmental Head:
Intersen phase

André Shannon