OVERVIEW
We believe that a key role of education is to nurture and develop good citizens. Particularly, people who are respectful, are able to think independently and be creative and make good decisions, even under difficult circumstances, thereby making a difference by impacting positively on others.
The development of a set of values, morals, and characteristics such as trustworthiness, responsibility, respect and the ability to care for others is vitally important.
Character development provides the ground rules for life and instils values at a deeper level, ensuring that positive behaviour is automatic, and children become conscious of what is right and wrong.
PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral Care is at its most effective when it is fully integrated into the school’s daily curriculum, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. As such, it not only involves the Pastoral Care team, but all staff members in various ways. Our Pastoral Care aims have clearly considered the importance of it for all students. These aims have been set with the school’s Mission Statement in mind, which emphasises moral values like dignity, integrity, honesty, empathy, tenacity and appreciation for the environment. The aims are as follows:
- To respond in an empathetic and understanding way to the concerns, fears and worries of all students;
- To encourage the students to value one another and to respect the views of other members of their community (dignity and mutual respect);
- To develop the student’s self-confidence, self-esteem and self-discipline;
- To give students the skill and abilities to overcome challenges they may face as part of growing up (tenacity);
- To provide opportunities for reflection and discussion, enabling students to develop a framework for responsible decision-making; and
- To prepare the students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
In order to achieve the aims above, every staff member plays an active role in the development of each pupil. Through its unique character and opportunities offered to the pupils on campus, these aims are built into the academic, sports, cultural and outdoor education programmes of the school. In order to further improve the care provided by the staff, Woodridge also has a full-time Chaplain and makes use of a tutor system where each teacher takes charge of a small number of pupils.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Woodridge offers a range of medical support services, catering for various needs and conveniently located on campus for staff and pupils. Referrals to other specialists and health professionals outside of the school can also be arranged on behalf of a pupil when necessary.
medical care
The Woodridge Sanatorium is a well-equipped clinic manned by two experienced and qualified nursing sisters, offering expert medical care, advice and support to all our pupils. The facility is open 5 days a week and accessible over weekends during set times, and always on call for emergencies.
Medical doctors, Konrad and Ansa von Hagen are fondly referred to as the school doctors and are not only husband and wife, but current Woodridge parents. They are available on campus for consultations twice a week on Tuesdays (07:45) and Thursdays (14:30).
Konrad is currently one of the team doctors for the Proteas (South African national cricket team) and Eastern Province rugby and a well-respected Sports Medicine Practitioner. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (1997) and a MSc Sport Medicine (2003) from the University of Pretoria. He has also been heavily involved in the medical care for the Springboks, Southern Kings Rugby (2009-2017), South African Sevens (2012-2022), Warrior Cricket (2002 – present), Chippa United Football Club (2014 – 2021), and has been the Ironman South Africa Medical Director since 2008.
Konrad also administers any suspected concussions tests for pupils who participate in school sports, particularly contact sport such as Rugby, as per the Boksmart regulations, and he is an accredited IRB level 3 educator.
Ansa obtained a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (University of Pretoria, 1997) and a Diploma in Occupational Medicine (2005) from the University of Stellenbosch. She currently consults as an Occupational Medical Practitioner.
Physiotherapy
For the benefit of our staff, parents, students, and the surrounding community, we have an onsite physiotherapist available for appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school term. Sophie and her team have served the Port Elizabeth community since 1988 and they have a wealth of experience and expertise in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and sports injury management.
Click the button below to make an appointment:
psychology
pre-primary & prep
Tamarin Jakins, Registered Counselling Psychologist (HPCSA: PS 0109053)
With 17 years of dedicated experience in child mental health, I specialize in supporting pre-primary and preparatory children through comprehensive psychological services. My approach focuses on nurturing the emotional and behavioural well-being of young pupils during critical developmental stages.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in compassionate, child-centred care, aiming to support each child's unique psychological needs and promote their emotional resilience and overall well-being.
Tamarin specialises in play therapy, child psychotherapy and has extensive experience in addressing childhood emotional and behavioural challenges, including, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, behavioural difficulties, adjustment issues, grief and bereavement, and AD/HD related challenges.
She has a number of qualifications and holds her Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology (Cum Laude) from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in 2009.
Appointments can be made directly with me as follows:
Email: tamarin.jakins@woodridge.co.za
Whatsapp/Phone: 072 3411094 (during working hours only)
Tamarin's working hours are Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 to 15:00.
Standard private and medical aid rates apply.
college
The emotional and mental well-being of our pupils is integral to their personal and academic development. Our dedicated psychological services provide a safe, confidential space to address challenges, fostering resilience and growth.
These services not only bring about meaningful improvements in areas of difficulty, such as anxiety, stress, or learning hurdles, but also enhance existing areas of high functioning, like building emotional intelligence, boosting self-confidence, and unlocking greater potential. By prioritizing mental health, we empower pupils to thrive academically, socially, and personally, equipping them with lifelong skills for a balanced, successful future.
Counselling Psychologist - Julie du Toit
julie.dutoit@woodridge.co.za
Educational Psychologist - Leah ter Bruggen
leah.terbruggen@woodridge.co.za
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
There are several professionals onsite to provide our pupils with additional when necessary. Referrals to other specialists and health professionals outside of the school can also be arranged by the nursing staff on behalf of a pupil.
General & Sports Medicine Practice - Dr Konrad von Hagen
135 Cape Road, Mount Croix, Tel: 041 492 3388
Speech Therapy - Kate Wittstock
Mobile: 071 250 9351, Email: kate@hcspeech.co.za
Occupational Therapy - Sher Christmas
Mobile: 072 535 9275, Email: sherchristmas@gmail.com
Therapeutic Play Therapist (Play Therapy) - Cherin van Heerden
Email: cherin.vanheerden@woodrige.co.za
Neuro-Therapy - Yolanda van der Westhuizen
082 727 7112
https://neuro-therapy.co.za
PREPARATORY
Download and print this useful and easy-to-read resource, aimed at children between Grades 1 and 7.
COLLEGE
If your children are between Grades 8 and 12, this is a useful resource to download and print for them.
CLINIC TIMES
Because young people sometimes try to avoid classes by visiting the Sanatorium, we have a strict policy regarding consulting hours.
Pupils may consult the sister on duty as follows:
Monday – Friday
- 07:00 – 19:00, from Monday – Friday with a sister on call for emergencies at night and on weekends.
- 07:00 – 08:00: With a permission slip signed by the daily duty staff member/receptionist.
- 08:00 – 14:00: With a permission slip signed by the Prep or College receptionist.
- Break time: With a permission slip signed by the Period 4 subject teacher/receptionist.
- 14:00 – 15:00: With a permission slip signed by the daily duty staff member/receptionist.
- 15:00 – 16:30: With a permission slip signed by your sports coach and receptionist.
- 16:30 – 07:00: With the permission of the House Parent.
Saturday
- 08:00 – 09:00 & 17:00 – 18:00
Sunday
- 10:00 – 11:00 & 15:30 – 16:30
VISITING
Pupils admitted to the Sanatorium are not allowed visitors (this includes chatting to friends at the windows). When pupils are in the Sanatorium for a long time, visiting is at the sister’s discretion and is limited to non-infectious patients only.
PERSONAL MEDICATION
When visiting the Sanatorium, the nurses must be notified of ALL medication the pupil is using, as some drugs interact negatively with each other. All medicines are to be kept by the Sanatorium, or with the House Parent, if the Sanatorium staff approves.
ELECTRONIC POLICY
Pupils admitted to the Sanatorium may not have any access to electronic devices between 08:00 – 16:00.
Phone: 041 492 2407