Woodlands International College continues to strive to meet the goal imposed by its motto “To Rise Above Mediocrity”.
Jan de Lange will be taking up the position of head of music for the junior and senior college, while Lauren Dance will be joining Woodland’s physical education department.
De Lange has taught at some of Johannesburg’s top private schools as well as at a private music academy. He is an accomplished pianist, who has worked as musical director for plays and musicals, taught marimbas and classical music, conducted choirs and performed solo concerts.
He has a passion for ensemble and choral work.
De Lange only started music in his Grade Nine year after being inspired by his choir master. He went on to achieve a distinction for music in matric and in his BMus Honours degree.
He wants to use this experience to inspire future musicians.
“A common misconception around the study of music lies in the belief that developing any meaningful proficiency in the field requires starting and specialising early on in childhood.
“While there definitely is evidence to suggest that this helps, I want to use my own journey as a musician to show children that it is never too late to start,” said de Lange.
De Lange plans to lead the school’s music department to new heights, creating an environment in which creativity can flourish, talents can be developed, and a deep understanding and enjoyment of music is nurtured.
“I firmly believe that music is an art form that by its nature, rooted in the use of the voice and acoustic instruments, has a unique ability to keep us tethered to our humanity in an increasingly impersonal world,” said de Lange.
Dance is a dedicated sports scientist with a background in athletics. Her passion for sport and physical activity is what allows her to connect with and inspire learners to achieve their best on the sports field.
Dance’s primary responsibilities will be in developing an assessment programme to identify possible points of weakness and injury in the athletes at Woodlands College and to assist in the senior college’s physical education programme.
De Lange and Dance will work in both the senior and junior colleges and are joined on the junior college team by Bev Stroberg, who will be moving into the Grade Four space.
Stroberg graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a bachelor’s degree in primary education.
Stroberg has been pursuing her passion for primary education at a number of schools in the Boksburg area, including Parkdene Primary School and School of Transformation.
“My passion for these little people with their zany senses of humour, innocence and almost-adult opinions is immense, and I really enjoy engaging with this age group,” said Stroberg.
On the senior college side of the campus, another new face is Annette du Plessis, who is a passionate Afrikaans teacher who is no stranger to the Woodlands family.
“It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I will be joining the Woodlands family again. It is true that you do not appreciate what you have until you do not have it any more, which is what Woodlands College represents for me,” says du Plessis of her emotional return.
Du Plessis started her high school teaching career at Sunward Park High School and has since taught at such schools as Reddam House in Bedfordview and Waterstone College.
After her first stint at Woodlands, du Plessis has been teaching at the Deutsche Internationale Schule.
Du Plessis says of her own teaching style: “It is important to me to get to know my learners both in and outside the classroom. I feel it is crucial for my learners to feel comfortable and at ease in my classroom for optimal learning to take place and to build their confidence in Afrikaans and life in general.”
Also joining the senior college is May Klynsmith, who joins an already an efficient admin team.
Klynsmith has been involved with the Woodlands family indirectly for many years. She said: “She is looking forward to the new challenges and expectations.”
