Our Tapestry, Our Signature

Our rich blend of community, connection and belonging.

Born From Community,
Guided by Nature

Southern Cross Schools was founded in 2002 by a group of Hoedspruit parents who wanted an English-medium school that combined strong academics with a meaningful connection to the natural environment in which the school was situated.
Starting as a small community school, we expanded to include Grades 8 and 9 in 2008 and celebrated our first matriculating class in 2011.
Our name is drawn from the Southern Cross constellation historically used for navigation. It symbolises our purpose: to guide young people as they find direction, confidence and belonging.

Vision and Mission

Our Purpose

To nurture confident, capable young people who know themselves, care for others, and are ready to adapt, persevere and think critically.

Our Vision

To be a leading, community-rooted and eco-conscious school that holds academic achievements and emotional well-being in equal regard, while staying deeply connected to the natural world.

Our Mission

To deliver intentional, experiential, and future-focused learning, enriched by nature; to know each child and balance academic growth with emotional support.

The Southern Cross Signature

Our Community

An engaged Parent Teacher Association and Fundraising Committee work closely alongside the school to support projects, events and enrichment opportunities that enhance the experience of every child. Parents and staff come together to share ideas, contribute their time and skills, and create opportunities. This spirit of collaboration strengthens our close-knit community and ensures that families feel an active and valued part of school life.

Environment

As a school situated within a wildlife estate, we consider our environment one of our greatest educational assets. Our proximity to the Kruger National Park and location within the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere Region, provide unique opportunities for learning and exploration. Our children have the rare opportunity to be immersed in nature every day, enriching both their educational journey and emotional wellbeing. This distinctive setting shapes children who are curious, grounded and environmentally aware, a rare gift in an increasingly digital world.

Holistic Education

We are committed to an education that develops the whole child. Alongside academic excellence, we nurture creativity through our cultural programmes, physical wellbeing through sport, emotional resilience, and a strong connection to nature. We believe that children thrive when they feel supported and valued. Through a rich and balanced range of experiences, we equip children with the confidence, skills and values to succeed both at school and beyond.

Dedicated Staff

Our passionate and dedicated staff are at the heart of Southern Cross Schools, bringing expertise, enthusiasm and care to every aspect of school life. From teaching and coaching sport to nurturing culture and accompanying children on school trips, our staff are deeply involved in the experiences that shape each child’s journey. This close involvement allows them to build meaningful relationships and play an important role in helping children grow and thrive, both inside and beyond the classroom.

Governance

The SCS Board of Directors provides strategic direction and fiduciary oversight, ensuring that the school’s mission and values remain at the heart of its decision-making. Comprising committed individuals from our wider community, the Board brings a wealth of experience and a shared investment in the continued success and wellbeing of our school. A dedicated Trust supports the school’s long-term sustainability, helping to strengthen our facilities, programmes and resources for generations of learners to come.

Giving Back

Through partnerships with local conservation organisations and community groups, our children learn that meaningful change begins with taking responsibility for the world around them. Initiatives such as Mandela Day and the Santa Shoebox Project, among others, provide opportunities to foster empathy, kindness and a sense of social responsibility. These experiences encourage children to look beyond themselves and understand the positive impact they can make in their communities.

Our Alumni

 Our graduates leave as capable, reflective and resilient young people, taking with them the values and connections built during their time at SCS. Our old scholars’ association, Aquilae keeps these connections alive, providing opportunities for past pupils to reconnect, celebrate achievements and remain part of the SCS community. We invite parents, professionals and community leaders to connect with our growing alumni network and be part of this extended SCS family.

Learning Support

Our Learning Support team works in partnership with teachers and families, together with external support specialists, to ensure every child is equipped to achieve their full potential. Through early identification, targeted intervention and personalised support, the team helps students overcome learning challenges while building confidence and independence. By working collaboratively across all phases of the school, Learning Support enables every child to access the curriculum and thrive in a caring, inclusive environment.

Pedagogical Coach

Our Pedagogical Coach plays a vital role in maintaining and strengthening the quality of teaching and learning across Southern Cross Schools. Working alongside teachers in every phase, the coach provides mentoring, collaboration and professional development, while supporting the use of evidence-based teaching strategies. This commitment to ongoing growth ensures that our teaching remains innovative, engaging and responsive, giving every child the opportunity to experience exceptional learning every day.

Our Dedicated Staff

Our Board of Governers

Jurie Moolman
Jurie Moolman is chairperson of the Board of Governors and a founding parent. He is co-owner of Djuma Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand and brings strong leadership grounded in conservation and education.
Richard King
Richard King is a chartered accountant and founding trustee of the school’s trust. With decades of governance experience, he played a key role in shaping our school's early direction.
Nina Wolf-Scott
Nina Wolfs-Scott is co-owner of Tanda Tula in the Timbavati. A current parent, she supports education, transformation and skills development through both her work and foundation initiatives.
Richard Napier
Richard Napier, chairman and CEO of Thornybush Nature Reserve, has served on the board since 2013. He brings extensive corporate and governance experience and is also a trustee.
Maryam Aboobaker
Maryam Aboobaker is an experienced educator and entrepreneur with a special interest in learning support and inclusive education. She co-owns a business with her husband, Rafik, and is a parent of four children at the school. She is passionate about contributing to the school and its continued growth.
Deon van der Ploeg
Dêon Van der Ploeg is a parent of two children at the school. He is co-owner of Sausage Tree Safari Camp in Olifants West Nature Reserve and brings extensive board experience and financial knowledge, grounded in an international corporate background of over 40 years.
Mike Grover
Mike Grover is a conservation specialist with experience in ecology, rangeland restoration and sustainable agriculture. His work focuses on supporting indigenous land users through conservation investment. He is a parent of two children at the school.
Sue Godding
Sue Godding is a founding member of the school and its trust, as well as the owner of Godding and Godding. With a background in education and safari tourism, she is deeply commited to environmental stewardship and learner development.
Alan Mansfield
Allan Mansfield is a former chairman of Glenrand MIB and founder of the Southern Cross Schools Trust. He continues to guide the trust with a strong focus on conservation and education.
Sam Hamman
Sam Hamman is the Executive Head of Southern Cross Schools. With extensive experience in independent education, he is passionate about academic excellence, meaningful relationships and innovation. His leadership is guided by a commitment to developing confident, resilient young people who are prepared for an ever-changing world.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY

Begin Your Journey at
Southern Cross Schools

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