As we enter 2025, Melkbosstrand Private School (MPS) stands ready to welcome new learners to embark on an inspiring educational journey at our school. This upcoming year is particularly special as we celebrate our 20th anniversary – a milestone that highlights two decades of commitment to excellence, innovation, Christian values and nurturing young minds in “common sense values”-based community. As they say “there’s no time like the present” so, there’s no better time to secure a place at MPS and give your child the best start to a bright future.
The MPS Difference
What makes the difference at MPS? Why do we stand out from the rest?
- At the core of the ‘MPS Difference’ lies our Christian values and Biblical principles which shape the way we do everything. This not only results in a disciplined education environment but our focus is on compassion and love and giving each child the opportunity to grow.
- We provide a world-class, balanced education with a focus on academic, physical, emotional and cultural development of each student.
- The implementation of the IEB internationally accepted curriculum as opposed to the largely downgraded and devalued national CAPS curriculum. MPS received IEB approval and acceptance to start with the implementation of the IEB curriculum from Grade 1 to 12 in 2022 and we haven’t looked back.
- Our small class sizes, which promotes not only individual attention but also emotional well being, amidst our open, pastoral environment – making the ideal setting for learning.
- As an independent private registered and UMALUSI accredited school we are unaffected by the already partially implemented, controversial BELA Act which in future will threaten most other school’s financial independence, loss of control over language and admission policies.
- As a private school we are unaffected by the recent cuts in the national education budget resulting in the decrease of teacher posts. This will inevitably have a huge impact on class sizes in already over full public schools and result in a teacher to pupil ratio of unmanageable proportions.
- A different teaching methodology thanks to our partnerships with the likes of Keller Education, ACSI, Young Engineers. MPS is proud to be a partner of Keller education whose methodology focuses on emotional well being and development, reading skills and a ‘no homework’ policy as the key elements for academic growth and excellence.
- Low teacher staff turnover – all schools are subject to some teacher staff turnover but at MPS we have 13 = 45 % of our teachers staff complement who have 10+ years service at the school. This allows and ensures consistency, a strong and dynamic team of dedicated educators and academic excellence who can provide positive and personal attention to each learner.
- Peace of mind – MPS’s ECD (also known as Noah’s Ark) is officially registered with the WCED as required in terms of the WCED minute: 001/2024 dated 05/11/2024 which requires that all public schools, special schools, independent ECD centres and independent schools providing Grade R education to be registered with the WCED and for education pertaining to Grade 1 to 12 has since 2019 been UMALUSI accredited.
- Last but, definitely, not least – our environment. We are blessed to be able to provide all of the above in a down-to-earth, tranquil setting – on a farm, surrounded by nature.
A Legacy of Excellence – 20 Years Strong
Since our founding in 2006, MPS has grown to become a leading institution dedicated to raising and releasing #Changemakers. We take pride in our unique approach to education, which combines academic rigour with personal attention and an unwavering commitment to our Christian values. Over the past 20 years, our learners have thrived not only academically but also as empathetic, resilient individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact in the world.
“As we enter our 20th year, MPS’s mission remains grounded in its Christian values, respect, and integrity. We will maintain our focus on being a Christian values based school and embrace Biblical principles whilst providing High Touch Education in a High Tech world,” says CEO Mr. Oloff Dreyer. “Our learners benefit from our personalised, values-driven approach that empowers them to think critically, act with compassion, and lead with courage.”
In 2025, as we honour the blessings of our past, we also look forward to the future with determination and hope. Our school community remains steadfast in our mission to cultivate a love of learning, foster creativity, and prepare students to excel in an ever-evolving landscape.
“With the pressing challenges in South African education, MPS stands as a school where each learner’s potential is recognized and nurtured. Our dedicated staff and directorate are passionate about maintaining an environment where every learner feels supported and inspired to reach their full potential,” adds Mr Dreyer.
Under the leadership of a dedicated team, including Mrs. Antoinette Gauchè, Head of ECD and Foundation Phase, and Mr. Allan Norton, Head of Intermediate, Senior, and FET phases, MPS is poised to continue its legacy of whole-person education for the future.
Early Childhood Development: The Foundation of Lifelong Success
Parents with young children have the incredible opportunity to enrol them in our Early Childhood Development (ECD) program and start their education journey off strong. MPS Noah’s Ark Pre-Primary emphasises the importance of nurturing curiosity, creative expression, and social skills in a supportive, engaging environment.
“Our approach integrates play-based learning, technology, and personalised methods to cater to each child’s unique learning style,” shares Mrs. Gauchè.
“We go beyond academic milestones by cultivating emotional intelligence, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning.Nurturing little hearts and minds with love and dedication.”
At Noah’s Ark, our youngest #Changemakers engage in a range of fun and meaningful activities, from the much-anticipated Teddy Bear picnic to the Two Oceans Aquarium puppet show. Through these events, parents, learners, and teachers build strong relationships and set the stage for a supportive educational journey. As part of our proactive approach at Melkbosstrand Private School, we conduct eye screenings in collaboration with Frederik Jansen, an experienced optometrist in town. During the screening, students undergo a thorough examination to detect any vision issues, with a focus on early identification of conditions. The process is quick, non-invasive, and designed to ensure that children receive the proper support if needed, ensuring their visual health and readiness for learning. Parents are informed of the results and advised on the next steps if further care is required.
Foundation phase (Primary school): Building Strong Foundations and Lasting Friendships
Primary School, made up of both Foundation (grades 1-3) and Intermediate (grades 4-6) phases, at MPS is a vibrant time of growth and discovery. Our Primary school calendar is packed with activities that foster school spirit, teamwork, and resilience.
MPS Foundation phase learners have a wide variety of activities to look forward to such as the spirited Inter-House Sports Day to heart-warming Grandparents and Special Persons Day, each event encourages learners to build friendships, develop character, and embrace new challenges. At Melkbosstrand Private School, we are proud to partner with the Tina Cowley Reading Center to support our Foundation Phase learners. This partnership ensures that learners who face challenges in reading receive targeted assistance to overcome difficulties, while also empowering all students to excel in literacy. By combining expert intervention with our nurturing approach, we aim to build confident readers who are well-equipped for academic success.-Empowering Grade 1-3 Learners to Read, Succeed, and Shine.
This ties in to the Keller methodology by which our learners are encouraged to become Active Readers – to be active (playing, surfing, chilling, being with friends, walking on the beach, skateboarding, riding your bicycle, enjoying sport, etc) and to read (for at least 20 minutes a day)
Intermediate phase (Primary School): Laying the Groundwork for Resilience
MPS Intermediate phase learners have a packed, fun calendar for the year and they eagerly anticipate events such as grade-level camps and Spelling Bees, Sport Derby Days and Culture Derby days, to mention but a few.
The Intermediate phase is often viewed as an “in between” phase – a stage between younger childhood and adolescence; a stage or level to get through on your way to something bigger. At MPS, however, we believe it’s equally important to slow down the clock in this crucial time in a young person’s journey and to take the time to meticulously build into what makes each child tick in an attempt to tap into their unique skill-set and passion. Our approach is centred on providing a well-rounded education that extends beyond academics.
“By emphasising curiosity-driven and phase-specific learning experiences, we help cultivate a robust educational foundation. We aim to prepare our students not only for exams but for their graduation into our high school and eventually, life itself,” says Mr. Norton.
Senior & FET phase (High School): Preparing Future Leaders
As learners transition into the senior grades, MPS continues to offer an engaging and supportive environment where they can grow into confident, capable young adults. Our high school learners eagerly look forward to events like the Empie Challenge, a thrilling obstacle course that tests teamwork and resilience, and Paarl Day, a day of sun and camaraderie that strengthens bonds among students and teachers alike.
“We have found that including Senior phases pupils (grade 7) in high school events and activities makes for a smoother transition for learners as they enter into high school in grade 8 which is something that learners, the world over, find daunting,” says Mr Norton.
Our senior and FET phases are also marked by exciting milestones, such as grade camps, the Grade 8 Concert, and the highly anticipated Inter-Schools Athletics Day. By balancing academic rigour with extracurricular opportunities, MPS creates an integrated learning experience that shapes well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in their future careers and communities.
“Our smaller, far more manageable class sizes hold benefits for our team of qualified, experienced teachers as well as for our learners. The small classes underpin our caring and inclusive approach to education and allows our students to feel secure, relaxed, comfortable and confident. As a result they can achieve and perform at their very best. From the moment a new MPS student joins our school community we want them to feel a sense of happiness and belonging, as this is essential to their future success.” says Mr Norton.
Enrol Now for 2025
If the above sounds like the perfect fit for your child then come and experience MPS for yourself at our upcoming Open Day, planned for 8 February 2025. Keep an eye out for more details. Otherwise, email our enrolment officer at jackiec@melkbosprivate.co.za – to make an appointment for your personal tour of MPS.
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