DIBBER SA

Dibber The Whisken Officially Opens: Bringing Heart-Led Learning to Midrand Preschoolers

“Our mission is to embark as many children as possible on a magical learning journey – giving them the best start in life and fostering a lifelong love of learning.”— Hans Jacob Sundby, Founder, Dibber International Preschools Crowthorne, Midrand – Today marked the official opening of Dibber The Whisken. This brand-new early childhood development centre is situated in the heart of the Whisken Lifestyle Estate on Whisken Avenue. The new campus is the latest addition to Dibber’s growing family of international preschools in South Africa. It offers young children in the local community a nurturing and inspiring start to their learning journey. Located in one of Gauteng’s vibrant residential hubs, Dibber The Whisken is set to become a cornerstone for families. It offers meaningful, values-driven early learning in a safe and stimulating environment. The school is led by principal Drew Ellis and her passionate team of educators. Bharti Daya, Dibber’s Pedagogy and Operational Lead for Montessori campuses in South Africa, provides pedagogical guidance. With a global foundation across nine countries, Dibber is known for its heart-led early education. In South Africa, the network now spans 17 schools across Gauteng and the Western Cape. A new Western Cape campus opens in March. A franchise model will soon launch to expand access even further. Dibber’s unique philosophy centres on nurturing the whole child, with a strong emphasis on the holistic development of the child. Every Dibber school is rooted in its local community. The curriculum combines global best practices with South African cultural richness and play-based discovery. Children are encouraged to explore, question, imagine, and connect. Engaged educators see and celebrate the individual strengths of every child. “At Dibber, we believe children are the most important people in the world. That belief shapes everything we do – from how we build our classrooms to how we greet each child in the morning. With the opening of Dibber The Whisken, we’re so proud to extend this culture of care and curiosity to even more families,” said Lizelle ‘t Lam, Growth, Integration and Marketing Lead, Dibber South Africa.  The Whisken campus offers Montessori-inspired classrooms and interactive outdoor play areas. The daily rhythm balances structure with creativity. Parents benefit from Dibber’s emphasis on family partnerships, transparent communication, and values-based education. Dibber invites all parents in the Midrand and greater Johannesburg area to explore what makes its schools different. Open Days and enrolment tours are available upon request. For more information, visit www.dibber.co.za or contact Dibber The Whisken directly – 0729975013 | [email protected]

January 15, 2026
The Collective Genius Centre

When traditional school isn’t the right fit: a different way for your teen to thrive

Every child is intelligent — but not every child thrives in a traditional school system. For many parents, the signs are clear: a capable teen who feels overwhelmed, misunderstood, anxious, disengaged or labelled as “difficult,” “lazy” or “falling behind.” Often, the problem isn’t your child — it’s an environment that was never designed to accommodate different ways of thinking and learning. The Collective Genius Centre offers a powerful alternative for learners who need something more personalised, flexible and human-centred; a place where learners are supported, and where diversity is not just accepted but valued. A different kind of school The Collective Genius Centre is a boutique learning centre for Grade 8 to 12 learners, offering an internationally recognised Cambridge-aligned curriculum in a calm, structured setting. With small classes of just four to ten learners, students receive meaningful individual attention and are never lost in the crowd. This personalised approach allows tutors to adapt lessons to suit each learner’s strengths, challenges and pace, ensuring real understanding rather than rushed content coverage. A supportive environment for neurodivergent learners For learners with ADHD, dyslexia, autism spectrum differences, anxiety or sensory sensitivities, the right educational environment can be life-changing. At The Collective Genius Centre, tutors understand neurodiversity and actively accommodate different ways of learning. Teaching is flexible, patient and responsive, helping learners feel safe, capable and supported. This means: When learners feel understood, confidence grows, and learning follows naturally. Inclusive, calm and confidence-building Diversity is valued at The Collective Genius Centre, not only in background, but in thinking styles, personalities and strengths. The atmosphere is inclusive and respectful, allowing learners to show up as themselves without fear of judgement or comparison.  The centre is also able to support learners managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, as well as those with physical challenges, by offering flexibility, understanding and practical accommodations that allow learners to focus on learning without added stress. Parents are kept closely involved through regular progress feedback, creating a strong partnership between home and school. Because thriving matters If your child is capable but unhappy, bright but overwhelmed, or struggling to fit into a traditional system, it may be time to explore a different path. The Collective Genius Centre offers an alternative where learners are supported, understood and empowered to succeed, academically and personally. WhatsApp us for more information.

January 14, 2026
Educ8 SA

Back to School with Educ8 SA in 2026

New Year, New Skills: Tips for Online Students As we welcome the new year, we would like to wish all students a fantastic return to their studies. This year is destined to be one of the best yet! With the new school term underway, students are preparing for their return to online learning. While this has become the norm, adjusting can still be challenging for many. That’s why Educ8 SA, as a leading educational resource provider, is here to assist you in this transition and provide the resources that will help students make the most of their online learning experience. 1. Time Management is Key   One of the biggest challenges of online learning is effectively managing your time. Without the structure of a physical classroom, it’s easy to get distracted and fall behind on assignments. Therefore, it’s essential to create a schedule and stick to it. 2. Create a Designated Study Space Having a designated study space can significantly enhance your online learning experience. Find a quiet and comfortable area in your home where you can focus and minimise distractions. 3. Set Goals for Yourself Setting goals is crucial in any academic journey. In online learning, establishing realistic short-term and long-term goals is especially important. This practice will keep you motivated and organised. 4. Stay Connected with Peers and Teachers While online learning may feel isolating, it’s vital to stay connected with your friends. Join study groups, participate in online discussions, and reach out for support and guidance when needed. This not only enriches your learning experience but also helps you build relationships and stay motivated. In today’s fast-paced world, technology has become an integral part of our lives, continuously evolving and changing the way we live, work, and learn. As we look to the future, it’s clear that digital education will play a crucial role in shaping the minds of the next generation. With this in mind, Educ8 SA is proud to announce our innovative online educational platform, set to revolutionise education in 2026. We recognise the importance of providing quality education in a convenient, accessible manner. That’s why we have developed a state-of-the-art online educational platform that combines cutting-edge technology. Our online school is designed to meet the ever-changing needs of students, delivering a personalised learning experience that empowers them to reach their full potential. Unlike traditional schools, Educ8 SA offers a flexible learning schedule, allowing students to access their lessons anytime, from anywhere. This enables students to learn at their own pace without the constraints of a physical classroom. Our online platform features a user-friendly interface, making it easy for students of all ages to navigate and access learning materials. We also understand the importance of hands-on learning and practical knowledge. That’s why we have incorporated a variety of interactive learning tools into our curriculum. Fees: As we continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of education in 2026, Educ8 SA remains committed to delivering a world-class learning experience for our students. With our unique features, flexible learning options, and expert educators, we are confident that we will continue to lead in the online educational space. In conclusion, at Educ8 SA, we believe that education should not be limited by time, place, or resources. Our online educational school is a testament to our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to students worldwide. Join us on this exciting journey as we strive to shape the future, one student at a time. Enrol your child at Educ8 SA and witness the difference for yourself. Contact Us Today! 084 685 2138 [email protected] www.educ8sa.com

January 14, 2026
Impaq

Class of 2025: Impaq celebrates exceptional results, higher bachelor passes, and total of 558 distinctions 

 Impaq, a member of the Optimi Group and South Africa’s largest home and online school provider, congratulates its Class of 2025 on their National Senior Certificate results. Learners who completed their studies through Impaq’s distance and online learning models, have shown that alternative schooling pathways can meet family needs while preparing students for recognised academic outcomes.  Results show year-on-year gains in both bachelor passes and overall passes, alongside a rise in total distinctions.  Impaq Matric Results “To every matriculant, parent and teacher who put in the work this year – well done,” says Louise Schoonwinkel, MD of Optimi Schooling of which Impaq is a registered trademark. “These results show steady commitment, and the lift in bachelor and overall passes reflects that effort.”  Remarkably, the class of 2025 entered high school in the shadow of Covid-19. In 2020, while completing Grade 7 amid lockdowns and rotational timetables, their transition to Grade 8 was shaped by backlogs and hybrid learning in 2021. They advanced into the FET phase in 2023, sat SACAI’s compulsory common assessments in June 2025, and have now completed Grade 12—a full high-school journey navigated through disruption, consolidation, and steady progress.  Impaq Top 10 (NSC 2025) Impaq’s Top 10 matriculants set the pace for the Class of 2025, each completing seven subjects with averages between 81.14% and 92.29%.   Drawn from across South Africa, this group showcases standout strengths across languages, commerce and STEM – among them Mathematics (up to 96%), Business Studies (98%), Afrikaans FAL (95%), CAT (91%) and English HL (88%). Their performances underline what disciplined study, clear structure and steady teacher support can deliver in home and online schooling.  Congratulations to the following top students of Class of 2025: Overall, Impaq students achieved a total number of 558 distinctions cross 21 subjects. Chris Klopper, CEO at SACAI, explains, “The release of the results emanates from a comprehensive process of interaction with Umalusi, the quality assurer. The quality assurer’s process comprised the following to ensure that the quality of the results of the three examination bodies is on par with each other and that parents and candidates can be assured of the credibility and quality of the results, i.e.:   Home & Online Schooling Success Amidst Challenges The achievements of these learners come at a time when more families are exploring alternative education options. Homeschooling offers parents and students a way to overcome challenges such as school placement issues, language barriers, and overcrowded classrooms.  Impaq’s focus remains on equipping families with the resources and support they need to meet education requirements and deliver quality learning experiences in the home environment.  “Distance and online learning are no longer a “second-best” alternative for many families – it has become a practical and effective model that offers flexibility, accessibility, and, increasingly, proven academic success,” Klopper says.  “The quality of distance education providers that make use of the latest technology for teaching, continuous assessment and proctoring has improved with leaps and bounds over last few years. It is now clearly a viable alternative model for quality education. Based on the success of these institutions, SACAI has identified best practice principles that will form part of an advocacy programme to ensure that all institutions are drawn up to the highest common denominator,” Mr Klopper concluded. 

January 14, 2026
Dalza

Why Can’t my Child Cope with New-Term Change?

Beneath the calendar reminders and stationery lists that accompany a new school year is the real worry: How will all this change affect my child’s body and brain?  For many families of neurodivergent children, the weight of that question becomes heavier through the first few weeks of the new school year.  Many autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and sensory-sensitive learners rely on predictability to stay regulated.  When people, places, and pace all shift at once, their cognitive load and anxiety can climb, which makes it tougher to focus, follow instructions, or find their footing socially.  Practical routines matter: for example, clear, predictable structures and consistent cues reduce uncertainty and support attention.  You might also want to consider what experts call “acute monitoring.” In plain language, that means capturing quick notes, often daily or weekly for two to four weeks, to track how the recent changes are affecting your child and to adjust support quickly.  What should you track when everything shifts?  Keep it light but useful, just the breadcrumbs adults can act on: Equally important is where those breadcrumbs live. School is only a slice of your child’s year (a child spends on average 14% of the year in school). What happens at home, aftercare, and therapy shows up in class, and the other way round.  When notes sit in scattered emails and WhatsApp threads, the teachers miss patterns and parents end up re-explaining. Strong parent–teacher partnerships are consistently linked to better academic, social, and emotional outcomes; sharing a clear, current picture is what makes that partnership work.  That’s where Dalza helps. It’s an award-winning, secure app that holds a living record of your child. One hub you control, where school, home, and therapy can see the same up-to-date essentials. Tracking Patterns • Feedback • Action Plans (made simple): It only takes a quick note each evening to start spotting patterns and feel the stress of trying to remember it all lifting.  You decide who sees what, when (POPIA/GDPR-aware by design). If school staff or therapists change, all the necessary information is immediately available, so your child’s support doesn’t skip a beat.  Change is inevitable; disruption isn’t. With a short burst of acute monitoring and one calm place for Patterns • Feedback • Action Plans, your child’s support stays responsive, and you don’t have to hold it all in your head.  Try Dalza free at dalza.com.

January 13, 2026
DIBBER SA

Why Free Play, Gentle Guidance, and Community Matter More Than Ever 

In a world of packed schedules, rising anxieties, and digital distractions, the way we parent has never been more complex, or more important. Children don’t need perfect childhoods, they need real ones. Ones filled with play, protection and participation to grow. “Today’s parenting styles often come from a place of deep love,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director for Dibber International Preschools in South Africa. “But when we hover too closely or clear every obstacle before our children reach it, we can unintentionally rob them of the small struggles that help them thrive.” Modern terms like ‘helicopter parenting’ and ‘lawnmower parenting’ describe well-intentioned behaviours. ‘hovering’ to protect and help or smoothing every path to prevent discomfort. While these approaches are rooted in care, they often overlook what child development experts call the ‘just-right challenge’. Dibber’s approach, built on Nordic pedagogical principles, embraces this balanced philosophy which gives children the support they need while encouraging and maintaining independence. “Children build confidence by trying, failing, and trying again. That’s where resilience begins”, explains Assis. “When we pair warmth with boundaries, and love with opportunity, we see incredible growth -not just academically, but socially and emotionally.” Free play remains one of the most powerful developmental tools in early childhood. Whether it’s climbing, balancing, or imaginative playing, these experiences help children build executive function, manage emotions, and understand social dynamics. With adult support close by – but not overbearing – these activities become safe and enriching opportunities to learn. In South Africa, Dibber believes parents have a unique advantage: community. Grandparents, neighbours, and extended families as they often play a vital role in raising children. “That village of support is our strength,” Assis adds. “We encourage families to use it -plan outdoor playdates, invite cousins to join, share learning spaces. There’s no app that can replace the value of human connection.” At Dibber’s campuses across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, the focus is on nurturing not just cognitive skills, but the whole child. Teachers act as gentle guides, helping children navigate early life’s hurdles with empathy, patience, and clear structure. The result? Children who feel seen, heard, and confident enough to explore the world. “Resilience doesn’t come from a perfectly smooth path. It comes from knowing that when life gets bumpy, someone is there to support you while you take the wheel,” says Assis. “At Dibber, we’re not raising perfectionists—we’re helping raise capable, compassionate human beings.” For parents wondering whether they’re doing it ‘right’, Dibber offers this reassurance: there is no single perfect parenting style. What matters most is balance. Guide, protect, listen, and most importantly let children play, explore, and grow into who they want to be.

January 13, 2026
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