POLOKWANE – “I can’t imagine any other occupation where you get hugged and loved unconditionally every single day.”

These heartfelt words come from Neandri Greyvenstein, fondly known as Mrs G, who heads the Early Childhood Development (ECD) phase at PEPPS.

With nine years of service at the school, Mrs G says teaching has been nothing short of a calling, one that continues to bring her joy and fulfillment every day.

From a young age, she found herself stepping into the nurturing role, often acting as the ‘mom’ in childhood games and school plays.

“Whether I was playing Mary in the nativity or the Mother Duck with her little ducklings, I always connected naturally with children, especially those who needed extra love and care,” she recalls.

That instinctive care and connection led her into early childhood education – a decision she describes as one she never questioned.

“For me, being a teacher is about love and connection. Every day is different, and it’s a privilege to watch children grow, learn, and become their own little people,” she said.

At PEPPS, Mrs G and her team follow a play-based learning approach, giving children the freedom to explore indoor and outdoor spaces while engaging in activities that spark creativity and curiosity.

“This setup allows us to work in small groups, just two or three children at a time, so we can truly focus on each child’s needs and progress,” she explained.

The curriculum is designed to teach holistically, incorporating a wide range of activities that cater to every learning outcome.

“We meet each child at their own level and pace because we recognise that every child is unique. That’s what makes our curriculum so special,” she added.

Outside the classroom, Mrs G expresses her creativity in other ways. She enjoys crocheting, mosaic art, paint-by-numbers and even dabbling in woodwork. A lover of the outdoors, she participates in geocaching, which she describes as “a modern-day treasure hunt and a fun way to explore new places”.

At home, her happy place is by the fire with her family. “I love a good braai and relaxing movie nights,” she said with a smile.