About Us
Who we are
For close on 40 years, Shanan Christian School has been committed to raising learners who thrive academically, grow in character and walk confidently in their God-given purpose.
At Shanan, we offer a Bible-centred, individualized approach to education through the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) system – developing not only strong academics, but disciplined, confident and independent learners.
The Heart of Shanan Christian School
For close on 40 years, Shanan Christian School has been committed to raising learners who thrive academically, grow in character and walk confidently in their God-given purpose.
At Shanan, we offer a Bible-centred, individualized approach to education through the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) system – developing not only strong academics, but disciplined, confident and independent learners.
The Heart of Shanan
Picture a greenhouse, filled with a diversity of plants.
Some are young seedlings, while others are strong and nearly ready to be planted out. Some bear fruit, others flowers. Each one is unique.
Within the greenhouse, every plant is carefully nurtured – receiving the right balance of light, water and nutrients. In this protected environment, strong roots are developed, ensuring that when the time comes, each plant can flourish beyond the greenhouse.
This is the heart of Shanan Christian School.
Every child is unique and valued. Within a safe, nurturing, and structured environment, each learner is guided individually – developing strong foundations in faith, character, and knowledge – so that they are equipped to thrive in life beyond the classroom.
Overview of our curriculum
Our Story – The Vision Lived Out
Shanan Christian School was founded on faith, obedience and a clear sense of calling.
In 1952, while standing on the banks of the Vals River in the Free State, Pastor Billy Smook – a young Bible scholar at the time – felt a vision take root in his heart; to one day establish a Christian school. Not just any school, but one firmly rooted in God’s Word, where children would grow in truth and purpose.
Like a seed planted in faith, this vision would take time to grow. In the years that followed, Pastor Smook quietly nurtured it through prayer and deep conviction.
Finally, in November 1988 – 36 years later – the seed broke through the soil. During a Sunday morning service, a prophetic word was given publicly to Pastor Smook. The prophecy declared that he would open a school that would be a place of joy and light; a place where children would flourish, grow in confidence and develop a love for learning.
With bold faith, Pastor Smook declared:
“Next year, we are opening a Christian School.”
This was a time in South Africa’s history when our nation was deeply divided; yet the vision of Shanan was rooted in a different truth – one that recognized the God-given value of every child, regardless of colour or ethnicity.
With courage and conviction, Pastor Smook partnered with ACE and in January 1989, the seed of faith that he had so diligently nurtured sprang to life. Shanan Christian School opened its doors, welcoming learners of all backgrounds and reflecting the Biblical truths of unity, dignity, and Christ-centred love – values that continues to shape the culture of Shanan today.
Our Culture (Values) and Mission
At Shanan, our school culture is rooted in four pillars:
Love – God – Learn – Grow
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10a),
These values shape our environment, relationships and daily decisions. Just as seedlings in a greenhouse require sunlight, water and careful attention to grow and bear fruit, these four core values define the fruit we aim to cultivate in the life of each child:
What We Stand For
Our Vision
To diligently teach and train up children in the way they should go
The name of our school, ‘Shanan’, is a Hebrew word found in the Old Testament meaning ‘to diligently teach’. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently (Shanan) to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (Deut. 6:6-7)
At Shanan, we are committed to diligently teach the academic curriculum and cultivate academic excellence. However, we are equally committed to diligently teach God’s Word and develop Godly character in our learners. Our unique curriculum weaves God’s truths and principles through all the learning areas and across all grades. When combined with the love and guidance of our Educators, one can visibly see the growth in the learners.
The culture of our school is encompassed by four words:
‘Love – God – Learn – Grow’ and is founded on the following scripture “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10a)
These four overarching values guide every decision we make. On a daily basis, they permeate our school environment.
From a combination of the above four words, we acquire our school mission:
- Wisdom – Love learning
- Equip – Grow through learning
- Impact – Grow in love
- Worship – Love God
- Discipleship – Learn about God
- Maturity – Grow in God
To diligently teach and train up children in the way they should go
The name of our school, ‘Shanan’, is a Hebrew word found in the Old Testament meaning ‘to diligently teach’. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently (Shanan) to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. (Deut. 6:6-7)
At Shanan, we are committed to diligently teach the academic curriculum and cultivate academic excellence. However, we are equally committed to diligently teach God’s Word and develop Godly character in our learners. Our unique curriculum weaves God’s truths and principles through all the learning areas and across all grades. When combined with the love and guidance of our Educators, one can visibly see the growth in the learners.
Our School Culture (Values)
The culture of our school is encompassed by four words:
‘Love – God – Learn – Grow’ and is founded on the following scripture “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10a)
These four overarching values guide every decision we make. On a daily basis, they permeate our school environment.
Our Mission
From a combination of the above four words, we acquire our school mission:
- Wisdom – Love learning
- Equip – Grow through learning
- Impact – Grow in love
- Worship – Love God
- Discipleship – Learn about God
- Maturity – Grow in God
A Legacy of Growth
Through the years, the vision planted by Pastor Smook was carefully nurtured by a number of dedicated individuals, including the founding principal, Mr Vincent Willems, and a committed team who tended to the early growth of the school.
In 1992, Mrs Van Heerden took over as principal, and under her stewardship, Shanan continued to flourish. The school became firmly rooted in the community and blossomed, growing in both strength and influence.
In 2009, Shanan was awarded a Crystal Trophy at the ACE Administrator’s Seminar for 20 years of successful operation. Ten years later, in 2019, the school was again honoured for 30 years of dedicated service – proof that the careful nurturing of its early years had yielded lasting impact.
Today, Shanan continues to stand as a thriving greenhouse of learning and character, a living testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of a vision nurtured with diligence, consistency, and faith.
f.Our Culture (Values) and Mission
At Shanan, our school culture is rooted in four pillars:
Love – God – Learn – Grow
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10a),
These values shape our environment, relationships and daily decisions. Just as seedlings in a greenhouse require sunlight, water and careful attention to grow and bear fruit, these four core values define the fruit we aim to cultivate in the life of each child:
- Wisdom = A deep love for learning
- Equipped = Personal growth through learning
- Impact = Growth in love for others
- Worship = A genuine love for God
- Discipleship = Learning about God and His Word
- Maturity = Growing in God
Our School Badge
Meaning of the symbols on the Shanan SCHOOL BADGE:
Triangle:
Represents unity in the Trinity; God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Bible:
Our school is founded and rooted in God’s Word.
Flame:
A symbol of the knowledge which comes from God’s Word.
The Cross
Christ and His sacrifice for us.
Sword and Pen:
Represent how the Spirit of God will quicken/ empower learning and knowledge
The Leaves:
Represent growth and life as learners are nurtured in a safe environment.
The Badge as a whole:
The cross, the leaves and the flames represent hearing and following the leading of God’s voice (as seen in that moment in the Bible when God spoke to Moses through the burning bush).
Our Leadership Team
Ps Oliver Oosthuizen
Ps Oliver is the Senior Pastor of the House of the Lord, Full Gospel Church Benoni. This is the covering church for our school ministry. Ps Oliver was appointed to this position in 2016. He serves as the Chairperson of the School Governing Body as well as the School Chaplain. He is passionate about worship, the sharing of God’s Word, prayer and missions. He motivates the staff and learners through these four elements to develop a deeper walk with God and is committed to raise up disciples of Christ through his input into the school.
Denise Cillie’
Mrs Cillie’ has been actively involved in education for the last 24 years. She took up the position as Director of Education for Shanan Christian School in 2018. Her primary role at that time was to facilitate the transition of leadership as the previous Principal retired and the new Principal and Vice Principal took up the reigns. Since then, she has been instrumental in casting a fresh vision, driving the strategic development plan of the school and streamlining all administrative and governance processes. Mrs Cillie’ has a passion for the growth and development of her staff and a real desire to see all those associated with Shanan thriving.
Kirsten Oosthuizen
Mrs Oosthuizen has faithfully served at Shanan for 28 years. As a qualified Maths and Science teacher, she has effectively headed up the High School Learning Centre. She has a passion for the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) system and has guided hundreds of learners through to successfully graduate from Shanan. For many years she has served as the HOD for the Intermediate and High school phases. She continues to impart her wisdom and experience as she mentors the staff that serve alongside her. Mrs Oosthuizen was appointed as Principal in July 2021. In that capacity she drives academic and procedural excellence and is instrumental in the spiritual discipleship of the learners.
Thandiwe Rakale
Mrs Rakale has always had a passion for children and a keen interest in education. She joined the Shanan Senior Management Team in July 2021. For the 7yrs prior to that, Mrs Rakale managed the Corporate Social Investment programme of a large corporation. In this capacity, she dealt with many NGOs, schools, community projects and tertiary students. In her role as Senior Administrator, she is responsible for the management of the school and for providing leadership in driving the school’s growth and improvement strategies. She manages the school property and assets and is responsible for maintaining good governance and administration in all financial, policy and employment matters. Through her role at Shanan, Mrs Rakale maintains an environment within the school conducive to learning, growth and development for both learners and staff.
Years of operation
Students
Shanan is proudly associated with
