Our Team
Administration
Nicci Hayes - Principal
Ms Nicci Hayes is passionate about the power of education to transform lives. She has 30 years of experience in education in Makhanda including Drama, English and Maths teaching, ranging from Grade R to postgraduate teacher training at Rhodes University. She has a masters in Education and is currently working on her PhD. Having previously been a principal of a high school of 1000 learners, she loves the small gentle loving nature of Holy Cross School. She loves to travel and explore and try new things but believes that nowhere in the world is as beautiful as here.
Tembisa Mantewu - Administrative Clerk
Affectionately know as sis’T, Ms Tembisa Mantewu is the keystone that holds the staff and parents and children of Holy Cross together. She is everyone’s go to person. She always seems to have time for everything and everyone including administration and finance.
Foundation Phase
Joyce Teyise - Grade R Teacher
Ms Joice has been with Holy Cross for 12 years. She has experience and qualifications in Early Childhood Development and in Intermediate phase but Grade R is her favourite place to be. She is committed to a learning through play approach as well as developing pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills in a bi-lingual environment. She serves on the School Council as the educating staff representative.
Nokuzola Lukwe - Grade 1 Teacher
Ms Zola joined our team in 2024. She comes to us with years of varied experience. She has high expectations of her Grade 1s and is passionate about values-based education.
Zimkita Mdingi - Head of Department: Foundation Phase; Gr. 2 Teacher
Ms Zim is our artistic and super organized HOD of Foundation Phase. She has been teaching at Holy Cross for nearly 10 years and is an expert in literacy. She recently completed the School Leadership Course through Rhodes University Business School and is currently registered for Honours in Education.
Simon Barker - Grade 3 Teacher
Mr Simon has a number of years of experience teaching abroad, particularly in Japan. In addition to his teaching qualification, he has an LLB under his belt. He brings a broad range of experience to the classroom along with his passion for cricket.
Senior Primary School: Intermediate Phase and Senior Phase
Zanexolo Klass- Head of Department: Senior Primary School; Grade 7 Class Teacher; isiXhosa; Creative Arts; Social Sciences; High School Readiness
Mr Klaas spearheaded the growth of our senior primary school and is the HOD for this section of the school. He as a range of educational and business experience which, along with his passion for isiXhosa, enables him to bring a wealth of deep educational skills to the classroom. His other passion is gardening and we look forward each year to the fruits of the gardening club’s labour. He has a deep knowledge of indigenous herbs and plants and fosters cultural pride in our learners.
Jessica Winkler - Gr. 4 Class Teacher English; E.M.S; Social Sciences; Maths
Ms Winkler is our English and Economic Management Sciences expert with training in finances and education. She has both local and Interational teaching experience and her initial Foundation Phase training makes her the perfect class teacher for Grade 4s, helping them to bridge the gap from Foundation Phase to senior primary school.
Anelisa Mfenyana - Gr. 4 Class Teacher; IsiXhosa, English, Maths; Natural Sciences
Ms Mfenyana graduated in 2023 with her PGCE; following her BA (Hons) in psychology. She brings a youthful but strict energy to the classroom. She is passionate about the education of the whole child.
Jenny McConnachie - nurse
Nurse Jenny is a full time missionary volunteer who has devoted her whole life to the service of others. The Holy Cross children and staff now benefit from her expertise and her daily care.
Bernadette Hubbard - Gr. 6 Class Teacher; Maths; Creative Arts; Technology; Experiencial Learning
Ms Bernie is a rare blend of Artist and Scientist. With an MSc under her belt she brings a depth of knowlege to the Maths and Science classes that is exceptional. She is an advocate of STEAM and heads our robotics club.
Support Staff
Phumzile Kumkani - caretaker and driver
Tat’Phumzile brings the farm children safely to and from school every day. In addition he keeps the grounds looking good and does maintenance work on the property. His keen love of cars means that we benefit from his technical expertise as well.
Limanye Papu - caretaker
Sis’Limanye makes sure that all of our classrooms are neat, beautiful learning environments for our children; and that our facilities are clean and healthy. She also cares for all the children in the school as though they were her own.