Dear SAALED Members and Friends,
Welcome
As I write this welcome for our July/August newsletter, I do so with a mix of gratitude, pride and excitement. This marks my final newsletter as Chairperson of SAALED. While I will be stepping down from the role of Chairperson, I am delighted to remain on the SAALED Board, continuing to support an association that has become such an important part of my professional journey, as both a teacher and Deputy Principal. I am often asked what sparked my passion for education. For me, the answer lies in my childhood. I am inspired by my father who served as Head of Department at New Horizon School for the Blind in Pietermaritzburg, where he learnt to read Braille so that he could better support children. Later, he accepted a promotion as the live-in Deputy Principal at V.N. Naik School for the Deaf in Durban, where he easily mastered South African sign language. Those schools were more than just his workplace; they became part of our family’s life.
As children, my sisters and I spent countless hours walking the corridors of the school, sharing meals with students in the dining hall, accompanying children on outings, and forming friendships with staff members who welcomed us as though we were family. Looking back, I realise that those experiences quietly shaped my understanding of inclusion, belonging and the extraordinary potential of every child.
Those early memories taught me that educational differences should never define a person’s limits. Instead, they challenge us as humans to think differently, teach creatively and advocate courageously.
As I hand the reins to Shirley Gray, who has agreed to once again take on the role of Chairperson, I do so with complete confidence. Shirley’s experience, dedication and passion for inclusive education showcase her commitment to what SAALED stands for, and I know the association will continue to flourish under her guidance.
Our next webinar takes place on 17 September 2026 at 18h00 and will be presented by Michelle Hackmann- Academic Leader and Early Years Programme Coordinator- Crawford International Sandton Pre-Primary. Thee webinar entitled “Early Years. Ready to Learn: Play, Purpose, and Progress”. How do we move beyond “just play” and create meaningful learning experiences with purpose and progress?
Join this engaging SAALED webinar as we explore the powerful connection between play and the curriculum within an inquiry-based programme. Together, we will unpack what intentional play looks like in the early years, how educators can thoughtfully scaffold learning through play, and why play remains one of the most effective ways for young children to develop curiosity, agency, critical thinking, and a love for learning.
To read the entire newsletter, please click on the link.