Prep’s Grade 6 teacher, Mr Warren van Vuuren, has been part of the Prep family since 2014 as a Grade 6
teacher. Here is a little bit about him and his family:

Q: Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha – such a great city to grow up in!

Q: Give us a bit of info about your school and work
history:
My school years were the best ever! I went to Lawson Brown High School (so did my Mom, her siblings and my brothers and sister). I managed to balance my academics and sport life, although I lived for Saturdays and sport. It was such an honor to play 1st Team Rugby and Cricket for my school.

My first teaching post was at Westering and then I moved on to Wynberg Boys for a lengthy spell – some of the most useful and happy years of my early professional
career.

I then applied for a post at Elkanah House – a private school in Bloubergstrand, where I was able to grow even more as an HOD.

At the end of 2013, we decided that it was time to return to the Eastern Cape and I was fortunate enough to
get a post at St Andrew’s Prep.

This has been an adventurous journey! I have learnt so much about people – both parents and children – that the text books don’t teach you.

Q: Tell us about your family:
In 1999, I met Hayley on a blind date through a parent. We married in 2002. We have two children; Luke (17) and Rachel (12). I thank my lucky stars that I have them in my life. Hayley works at DSG, where she is the PA to the two Deputy Headmasters. She loves her job and enjoys being a Tutor to her Grade 11 girls.

Q: What are your personal interests and hobbies:
I played club rugby and cricket for Olympic Blues in Port Elizabeth while I was in my twenties, and loved to get out onto the rugby and cricket fields. During my Army days, I played cricket for 6 SAI here in Grahamstown as well.

I enjoy cooking, so that’s where I am most nights (although my wife claims that she is a chef at heart). Spending time in the kitchen is theraputic and I always have a glass of red wine nearby. Braaing and the occasional potjie is a frequent activity in our household, as there are so many opportunities to try new recipes and the cooking process is a social one.

I collect red wine as a hobby but of course lockdown saw my stock plundered. I am slowly rebuilding my stocks.

Q: What do you appreciate about teaching at Prep:
I love teaching, but most of all, making a difference in a child’s life. I’m out of my comfort zone in an office with admin work. I thoroughly enjoy the interaction with the children, which of course is fulfilling for me professionally.

Prep is without a doubt, a very special place indeed. We may be a small school in terms of pupil numbers, but our children, from Grade 1 to Grade 7 show heart on the sports field, and that builds character in so many ways. Preppies know that the Prep Staff care about them and this makes our school a good place to be at.

I am particularly fond of our Student Housemasters and Interns, as they play such an important and vital role in the success of our Boarding structures. Their care for the children and their nurturing is what makes this school a great working environment. I have the greatest respect for them, as they not only work very hard in the classroom and sports fields, but also teach our Preppies good morals and values.