End of Term Message
Click the button below to download our end-of-term message by our Principal, Ingrid Kamffer.
About Japari
The school was founded in 1966 by Dr Sonia Machanick, borne of the need to address her own children’s learning difficulties. Japari School continues to support pupils who experience learning barriers in mainstream channels.
Japari is an independent remedial school located in Parkview, Johannesburg. Our school is a non-denominational, multi-cultural school catering for pupils from Grade 1-7.
At Japari School we aim to foster the development of the whole child – academically, physically, emotionally and socially. We achieve this within the structure of a small, happy and nurturing school environment.
We are a member of ISASA, Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa and fully accredited with Umalusi, Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training.
To offer an excellent holistic educational programme incorporating academic, cultural, social, and sporting challenges. Exude a loving and caring environment that makes a difference for all children.
Our values for our children:
- Vision = To visualise themselves as a success
- Faith = To believe in their own abilities
- Courage = To achieve their potential through hard work
- Diversity = To embrace what makes them unique
- Community = To belong
Japari’s Board is represented by a wide profile of individuals who have a particular expertise or association with the school, both present and past. Their services are rendered without financial gain.
The Board does not intervene in the operational matters of the school. Instead the Board focuses on three areas critical to the success of the school.
- It selects, appoints, evaluates and supports the Principal, to whom it delegates authority to manage the school
- It develops broad institutional policies that guide the Principal in running the school
- It is accountable for the financial well-being of the school.
Curriculum
At Japari School we aim to foster the development of the whole child – academically, physically, emotionally and socially. We achieve this within the structure of a small, happy and nurturing school environment.
In the Foundation Phase, our aim is to create an environment where pupils begin to develop a curiosity and love for learning and strong foundations for their schooling careers.
We align our learning programme with the CAPS curriculum and cover English, Mathematics, Life Skills (Personal & Social Well-being, Music, Art and Physical Education), Afrikaans (First Additional Language) and isiZulu (Second Additional Language). We also have specialist teachers for Music, Art, Computers and Physical Education. Therapies and remediation play an essential role in our learning approach.
Our dedicated Multi-disciplinary team consists of Educational Psychologists, Academic Support coordinators, and Occupational, Physiotherapists and Speech-and-Language Therapists. Our team ensures pupils’ Specific Learning Difficulties are addressed according to their individual needs.
Therapies are offered on-site and do not disrupt necessary class time.
In the Intermediate phase, our goal is to continue developing the love for learning built in the Foundation Phase, nurturing and developing young minds to be greater thinkers.
Pupils transition from learning to read, to reading to learn. Thinking skills and the application of knowledge become the focus of attention. During this phase, our pupils become more independent and mature cognitively and socially. Emphasis is placed on respecting the ideas and values of others while relying on their own intellect and values when making choices.
We align our learning programme with the CAPS curriculum and cover:
- English, Mathematics
- Afrikaans (First Additional Language)
- isiZulu (Second Additional Language)
- Life Orientation
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences and Technology
We also have specialist teachers for:
- Music
- Art
- Computers
- Physical Education
Therapies and remediation play an essential role in our learning approach. Our dedicated Multi-disciplinary team consists of Educational Psychologists, Academic Support coordinators, and Occupational, Physiotherapists (Physiotherapy). Our Multi-disciplinary team ensures our pupils’ Specific Learning Difficulties are addressed according to their individual needs.
We strive to develop well-rounded pupils who can flourish in any suitable learning environment. The Grade 7-year bridges the gap between the consolidation of skills learnt in the Intermediate Phase and acquiring more advanced knowledge, understanding, and skills in preparation for their transition to high school.
We align our learning programme with the CAPS curriculum and cover:
- English
- Mathematics
- Life Orientation (Personal & Social Well-being)
- Afrikaans (First Additional Language)
- isiZulu (Second Additional Language)
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Technology
- Economic and Management Sciences.
We also have specialist teachers for:
- Music
- Art
- Computers
- Physical Education.
Remediation plays an essential role in our learning approach. Our dedicated Multi-disciplinary team consisting of an Educational Psychologist, Intern Psychologist, Learning Support Co-ordinator and Speech-and-Language Therapist ensure our pupils’ Specific Learning Difficulties are addressed according to their individual needs.
Learning Support programs play a vital role in ensuring that every pupil has an opportunity to thrive academically and reach their full potential. These programs offer specialised assistance to pupils who may require additional support in specific areas of their learning journey.
Programmes offered:
• Cogmed
• Literacy and numeracy support throughout the school
• Various Reading Programmes
• Rave-O
• Gross motor (Grade 1 – 3)
Cogmed is a renowned cognitive training program to enhance working memory, attention, and cognitive skills. Through engaging and personalized exercises, Cogmed aims to improve pupils’ ability to concentrate, stay organised, and manage complex tasks. By enhancing cognitive abilities, Cogmed empowers students to overcome learning challenges and develop essential skills that are crucial for academic success.
Literacy and numeracy support programs assist pupils across various grade levels. These programs focus on developing foundational reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Through individualised instruction, small-group activities, and targeted interventions, pupils receive tailored support to strengthen their literacy and numeracy skills. These programs promote a solid educational foundation, enabling pupils to navigate academic content and improve their overall learning outcomes confidently.
Reading programs are designed to cultivate a love for reading and enhance reading among pupils. These programs utilise evidence-based strategies and resources to improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. By engaging pupils in interactive reading activities, providing guided practice, and encouraging independent reading, these programs foster a lifelong passion for literacy and nurture well-rounded learners.
Rave-O (Rapid Automatic Naming and Rapid Alternating Stimulus) is a program specifically tailored to support pupils with reading difficulties, such as dyslexia. It focuses on strengthening phonological processing skills, fluency, and word recognition abilities. Using multisensory approaches and structured interventions, Rave-O helps pupils overcome challenges associated with reading challenges and develop essential reading skills.
Gross motor programs focus on enhancing physical development, coordination, and motor skills among pupils in grades 1 to 3. These programs include various activities, such as games, exercises, and sports, to promote physical fitness, body awareness, and spatial coordination. By providing active play and movement opportunities, gross motor programs contribute to overall well-being and support pupils’ holistic development.
Learning Support programs address academic challenges and empower pupils with the necessary tools to become confident and independent learners. Recognising and catering to individual needs, these programs foster an inclusive educational environment where every pupil can thrive.
Cogmed is a software program that enhances working memory. It helps children with ADHD or learning difficulties improve their school results.
It is vital for:
- Concentration
- Reasoning
- Learning
- Resisting distractions.
Cogmed is the single most scientifically validated method that improves working memory and attention.
This 5-week course at Japari school has helped many children bridge the gap into mainstream school.
Gerard Finnemore a Clinical Psychologist is an expert in his field and we are extremely grateful that he is here to help us. To find out more about his practice, click here.
Therapies we offer
At Japari School, we are proud to offer comprehensive occupational therapy services that cater to the unique needs of our pupils. Occupational therapy at Japari School is designed to assist children in overcoming barriers that hinder their ability to engage fully in everyday activities.
Our team of skilled and compassionate occupational therapists work closely with pupils of all ages, tailoring interventions to meet their needs. Whether a child is experiencing difficulties with fine motor skills, sensory processing, social interaction, or self-regulation, our therapy program aims to promote their overall growth and development.
When we refer pupils to OT:
- Poor pencil control and cutting.
- Poor sitting posture/ inability to sit still and focus.
- Reduced visual perceptual skills for age.
- Incorrect letter and number formation.
- Reversals of numbers or letters.
- Poor ability to modulate his or her system or activity.
- Sensitivity to loud noises, certain clothing textures and unstable surfaces, height or movement.
- Overwhelmed in crowds or busy spaces.
- Clumsy or accident prone.
Key components of our occupational therapy program include:
- Assessment and Individualised Intervention: We conduct thorough assessments to identify each pupil’s strengths and challenges. Based on these evaluations, our therapists create personalised intervention plans that address areas requiring improvement
- Sensory Integration Therapy: We employ sensory integration techniques for pupils struggling with sensory processing issues to help them better understand and manage sensory input. This approach enables them to participate in activities more comfortably and confidently.
- Fine and Gross Motor Skills Development: Our occupational therapy focuses on enhancing fine and gross motor skills. We help pupils develop better control over their movements through engaging activities and exercises, improving coordination and physical abilities.
- Social Skills Training: We recognise the importance of social interaction and communication in a child’s life. Our therapists employ various strategies to teach and reinforce social skills, allowing children to build meaningful relationships with peers and adults.
- Self-Regulation and Emotional Support: Pupils facing emotional challenges or difficulties in self-regulation are provided with tools and coping strategies to manage their emotions and responses effectively.
- Collaboration with Families and Educators: We strongly believe in the power of collaboration and work closely with families and educators to ensure consistency and continuity of support for each pupil. Our therapists provide guidance and strategies that can be applied in the therapy setting, at home, or in the classroom.
We offer comprehensive and specialised speech therapy services tailored to meet the individual needs of our pupils.
At Japari School, we understand that each child is unique, and our speech therapy approach reflects this belief. Our experienced and licensed speech-language pathologists are committed to creating a nurturing and inclusive environment, enabling pupils to communicate effectively, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
When we refer pupils to Speech Therapy:
- Unclear Speech.
- Limited Vocabulary or Grammar Skills.
- Stuttering.
- Voice Issues.
- Social Communication Difficulties.
- Auditory Processing Difficulties.
What our Speech Therapists cover:
- Articulation: We help pupils develop clear and accurate speech sounds, ensuring they can express themselves clearly and be easily understood by others.
- Language Delays: Our therapists work closely with pupils to enhance their language skills, encompassing vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and expression, both verbally and non-verbally.
- Fluency: For those facing stuttering or other fluency challenges, we employ proven techniques to improve speech flow and reduce disfluencies.
- Voice: Our speech therapists address voice-related issues such as hoarseness, vocal strain, or pitch problems, empowering students to communicate with a healthy and strong voice.
- Social Communication Skills: We provide guidance on social communication, helping pupils grasp nonverbal cues, interpret emotions, and engage in meaningful interactions with their peers.
- Auditory Processing: We offer strategies to strengthen listening and comprehension skills for students with difficulties processing auditory information.
- Pragmatic Language Difficulties: Our therapists assist pupils in understanding social rules, initiating and maintaining conversations, and adapting language appropriately to different contexts.
Our individualised approach
- Assessment: Each pupil undergoes a comprehensive evaluation to identify their strengths and areas needing improvement.
- Individualised Therapy Plans: Based on assessment results, personalised therapy plans are developed to address each pupil’s unique needs and goals.
- Evidence-Based Interventions: Our therapists use evidence-based practices and the latest research in the field of speech therapy to guide their interventions.
- Parent Involvement: We believe that parental involvement is vital for the success of our pupils. Thus, we work closely with parents, providing guidance, support, and home-based activities to reinforce progress.
- Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments and progress evaluations help us track each pupil’s development, enabling us to make necessary adjustments to the therapy plan.
At Japari School, we are dedicated to empowering our pupils with effective communication skills, promoting self-confidence, and fostering academic and social success. Our speech therapy services are designed to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of our pupils, helping them thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
At Japari School, our educational psychology program is designed to support and enhance the overall educational experience of our pupils. We aim to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. We firmly believe that understanding the psychological aspects of learning is essential in tailoring education to meet the unique needs of each pupil.
Our school offers comprehensive educational psychology services from qualified and experienced educational psychologists. These professionals specialise in understanding how students learn, develop, and interact academically.
Helping Pupils:
Our educational psychologists work closely with pupils, teachers, and parents to identify and address learning difficulties and behavioural or emotional concerns that might impact a pupil’s academic performance and well-being.
Referral to Educational Psychologists:
Pupils are referred to our educational psychologists through various channels, such as:
a. Teacher Observation: Teachers may refer pupils who show signs of learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, or emotional issues in the classroom.
b. Parent Concerns: Parents can contact the school for concerns about their child’s learning, behaviour, or social interactions.
c. Self-Referral: Pupils can seek help from educational psychologists if they feel overwhelmed or require support.
d. Assessment Results: Following assessments, pupils with specific needs may be referred to educational psychologists for further evaluation and intervention planning.
Coverage of Educational Psychology:
The scope of our educational psychology program covers a wide range of areas, including:
a. Learning Difficulties: Identifying and addressing learning difficulties, developmental delays, or cognitive challenges that may hinder academic progress.
b. Behavioral difficulties: Understanding and intervening in challenging behaviours, attention difficulties, or emotional regulation problems.
c. Emotional Well-being: Providing emotional and social development support to foster positive mental health and well-being.
d. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Collaborating with teachers and parents to create personalised learning plans for pupils with unique needs.
e. Study Skills and Strategies: Offering guidance on effective study habits, time management, and organisational skills.
Individualised Approach:
At Japari School, we believe in an individualised approach for each pupil. Our educational psychologists take the time to understand every pupil’s strengths, weaknesses, interests, and learning styles. Doing so, we can develop tailored intervention plans and strategies catering to each pupil’s needs and goals.
Confidentiality and Protection:
Every session with our educational psychologists is strictly confidential. We respect the privacy and trust of our pupils and their families. All information shared during sessions is treated with the utmost confidentiality, and only relevant personnel involved in the pupil’s well-being and educational support are informed, with the proper consent.
Japari School aims to create a supportive learning environment that nurtures each pupil’s academic, emotional, and social growth by offering comprehensive educational psychology services, fostering an individualised approach, and ensuring confidentiality. Our educational psychology program is crucial in empowering pupils to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Japari School offers comprehensive and specialised physiotherapy services to support our pupils’ physical well-being and development. Our physiotherapy program is designed to help pupils with enhancing their motor skills and overall physical abilities. Our primary goal is to promote each pupil’s independence, mobility, and overall quality of life.
When we refer pupils to Physiotherapy:
- Difficulties in motor skill development.
- Difficulties with balance and coordination.
- Children experience discomfort at their desks.
- Injury or post-surgery rehabilitation
Our physiotherapy program at Japari School covers a wide range of interventions:
- Therapeutic exercises: Customised exercise programs to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue mobilisation to alleviate pain and improve joint function.
At Japari School, we understand that each pupil is unique, and their needs and challenges differ. Therefore, we provide an individualised approach to physiotherapy, tailoring treatment plans to meet each pupil’s specific needs and goals. Our physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to fully understand the pupil’s condition and abilities.
Our individualised approach
- Goal setting: Collaborating with the pupil and their parents/guardians to establish realistic and meaningful goals for therapy.
- Personalised treatment plans: Develop tailored therapy programs that address the pupil’s specific challenges and promote their strengths.
- Progress monitoring: Regularly evaluate the pupil’s progress and adjust the treatment plan to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Collaborative care: Working closely with other professionals, such as occupational therapists and educators, to ensure a holistic approach to the pupil’s overall development and well-being.
At Japari School, we are committed to providing exceptional physiotherapy services to our pupils, helping them achieve their maximum physical potential and empowering them to lead fulfilling and active lives.
Sport
Through sport, one learns life lessons and skills, and we encourage this by giving committed children a chance to play in the teams. We participate in established cricket, soccer, swimming, netball and athletics leagues. We participate in netball matches when possible against schools in our area.
Our Grade 7 pupils are awarded team scrolls if the appropriate criteria are reached and this is a strong motivation to participate in sport. Sports awards are held at the end of the school year where the sportsmen and sportswomen are recognised for their dedication and commitment throughout the sporting season
Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
---|---|---|
Cricket | Soccer | Athletics |
Swimming | Netball | Cricket |
Netball | Athletics | Swimming |
Netball |
Art & Culture
All our pupils are encouraged to participate in the groups on offer. Music and art are set in the curriculum, but chess is an optional and new class for our pupils.
Our cultural programme focuses on having fun and stimulating imagination in safe and inclusive ways. We aim to bring out the natural talent in each pupil.
Our Grade 7 pupils are awarded scrolls if the appropriate criteria are reached, creating a strong motivation to participate in art throughout their schooling careers. Awards are usually held at the end of the school year or after the term has finished. Artists are recognised for their dedication and commitment throughout the term or year.
The magic of music happens when everyone plays together. Young people grow in confidence when they perform alongside their peers while being inspired to be better. It offers the unique opportunity to play or sing alongside their peers, being mentored and guided along the way by our qualified teachers.
Our dedicated staff, known as the Drum Tribe, comes through and teaches our pupils every Wednesday. Classes from Grade 1-7 are done throughout the day. The pupils love the interactive lessons as they are taught to sing, dance and play musical instruments simultaneously.
Our teachers help the pupils work as a team. A specific song is learnt throughout the term, and the final piece is completed at the end. Pupils learn about music theory in our classes. We learn about musical qualities such as timbre, tone, pitch, and texture and compositional elements such as rhythm, dynamics, tempo, and more. It is a much more interactive approach
Art is a perfect way for our pupils to express themselves. Whether it be on paper, using clay or painting. Japari provides a safe place to create art necessary for their development.
Art provides the perfect platform to learn through creatvity, often filtering down into Mathematics and English. Participating in cultural activities is scheduled and encouraged throughout each pupil’s school journey.
Our specialised art teacher, Brenda, helps our pupils learn to create different pieces. She incorporates art theory into her teachings and provides valuable history on the art pieces the pupils work on. Recently we have incorporated pottery and clay into our teachings, and the pupils love it.
Chess is a mind game that involves a lot of thinking and time. It requires prediction and problem-solving skills. Nonetheless, it helps develop our pupils’ thought processes and enables them to think logically.
Every year, a chess tournament is held at Japari to improve young minds’ concentration, problem-solving skills, and creativity. We have recently implemented this as one of our extra curriculums at the school. Our teachers will monitor and assist our pupils if they get stuck during the game, but it is an excellent way for pupils to learn on their own against their opponent.
Chess is a great way to help build concentration skills in pupils who may have learning challenges with ADHD. Our pupils love these tournaments and look forward to them every year. We announce the winners at the end of the tournament.
Aftercare
Aftercare is a service that we offer at Japari for parents who are unable to pick their children up straight after school. Japari understands that we live in a busy world and we are here to support and care for your child during this time.
Homework will be arranged each afternoon according to grades and every child will be given lunch as well as a snack in the afternoon. Once your child is done with their homework they will be free to relax and play while supervised.
Dress code:
Pupils must wear either their PE kits, tracksuits or school uniform.
The fees for Aftercare will be R2000 per month. This will be invoiced to the school fee account at the beginning of each month. If you decide to select the daily rate, the fee will be R170 per day and this will be invoiced weekly.
Please note that the full account needs to be settled before the 2nd of the following month to allow your child to continue attending Aftercare.
In the months of January, April and August you will be invoiced at a pro-rata rate. There will be no Aftercare in December.
Venue:
Aftercare will take place in the Argyle House building as it is very spacious and the playground has ample space for the various outside games and activities.
Times:
Monday – Thursday 13:15 – 17:30
Friday 13:10 – 17:00
Early days (Mid-term) 11:15 – 17:00
Please download the form below.
Once you have completed the form please scan and email it to bursar@japari.co.za with your proof of payment
Staff
Ingrid Kamffer
Principal
Lorraine Maratheftis
Bursar
Hayley Cockcroft
Deputy Principal
Mandy Wheeler
Head of Sport
Hilary Gray
Head of Foundation Phase
Val Scott
Secretary
Margie Hoffman
Administration
Priscilla Moemedi
Receptionist
Lorraine Maratheftis
Bursar
Marion Daniels
Grade 1 Educator
Phumeza Moagi
Grade 2 Teaching Assistant
Naomi Groenewald
Grade 2 Educator
Linda Hamilton
Grade 3 Educator
Hilary Gray
Head of Foundation Phase & Academic Learning Support. Grade 1-3.
Brenda Manley
Grade 1-3 Art Teacher
Amolemo Molefe
Grade 1 Intern Teacher. Grade 1-3 Zulu Teacher.
Mandy Wheeler
Head of Sport
Genevieve Hardy
Computers and I.T.
Janine Levenstein
Grade 4 Educator
Debbie Morrissey
Grade 4 Educator
Tracy Morris
Grade 6 S.S. and NS/Tech Teacher
Ingrid Kamffer
Principal & Grade 6 English Teacher
Brenda Manley
Grade 5 English & NS/Tech. Grade 4-6 Art Teacher.
Anneli Rouncivell
Grade 6 Maths, Grade 4-6 Afrikaans Teacher
Sophia Johennesse
Academic Learning Support Grade 4-6
Hayley Cockcroft
Deputy Principal, Grade 4 Afrikaans, Grade 6 English Teacher
Amolemo Molefe
Grade 4 Intern Zulu Teacher
Genevieve Hardy
Grade 5 Maths, Computers and I.T. Teacher
Mandy Wheeler
Head of Sports
Karen Fuller
Grade 5 Maths, Academic Learning Support Grade 4-6
Phumeza Moagi
Grade 5-6 Zulu Teacher
Celia Labuschagne
Grade 6 Maths Teacher
Celia Labuschagne
Grade 7 Maths & EMS Teacher
Tracy Morris
Grade 7 S.S. and NS/Tech Teacher
Genevieve Hardy
Computers and I.T.
Karen Fuller
Grade 7 English Teacher, Academic Learning Support.
Brenda Manley
Grade 7 Art Teacher
Phumeza Moagi
Grade 7 Zulu Teacher
Mandy Wheeler
Head of Sport & Grade 7 Mentor
Anneli Rouncivell
Grade 7 Afrikaans Teacher
Sophia Johennesse
Academic Learning Support
Megan Robinson
School Psychologist; Head of Multidisciplinary Team
Hilary Gray
Foundation Phase Academic Learning Support
Noori Pandor
Speech Therapist
Donna Dudley
Physiotherapist
Sophia Johennesse
Academic Learning Support
Dina Morar
Occupational therapist
Narescha Pandaram
School Psychologist
Mandy Wheeler
Head of Sport
JB Nzayadio
Sports Coach
Shadrack Kalombo
Sports Coach
Tony Woods
Caretaker
Innocent Skosana
Maintenance
Eric Ramagadza
Cleaner
Molly Pitso
Cleaner
Peris Ncube
Gardener
Monica Mokgatle
Cleaner
Ana Senoge
Cleaner
School Times & Dates
Time | Description |
---|---|
7:30 | Start of school day |
10:00 | Break |
11:55 | Break |
School finishing times | |
13:10 | Friday Grade 1 – 7 |
13:10 | Wednesday Grade 1 – 7 |
13:10 | Monday, Tuesday Thursday Grade 1 – 3 |
13:40 | Monday, Tuesday Thursday Grade 4 – 7 |
Term | Dates |
---|---|
Term 1 | Wednesday 11 January – Thursday 06 April |
Mid-Term Break | Close Thursday 23 February – return Tuesday 28 February |
School Holiday | Monday 20 March |
Public Holidays | Tuesday 21 March – Human Rights Day |
Term 2 | Wednesday 03 May – Friday 08 August |
Mid-Term Break | close Friday 23 June – return Monday 03 July |
Public Holiday | Friday 16 June – Youth Day |
Term 3 | Wednesday 06 September – Friday 01 December (subject to change) |
Mid-Term Break | Close Thursday 26 October – return Tuesday 31 October |
Public Holiday | Monday 25 September – Heritage Day holiday for Sunday 24 September |