About Us
The Heart of Shanan Christian School
Picture a GREENHOUSE, filled with a diversity of plants. Some are merely seedlings, while others are well-established and nearly ready for planting out. Some bear fruit and other flowers. Some are beautiful for their simplicity and others for their abundant foliage. Each plant is unique. Provided with the ideal amount of water, nutrients and sunlight they thrive and develop a solid root structure. The time spent in the safety of the greenhouse enables each plant to continue to flourish when the time comes for it to be planted out in the elements… This is the heart of Shanan Christian School.
Overview of our curriculum
What We Stand For
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
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.
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
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
