Samantha Thomas - Managing Director and Principal
English and History
I’m Samantha Thomas, a teacher with 24 years of experience. Lifelong learning is my mantra, something I instill in my students too. I strongly advocate for critical literacy, believing it’s essential for children. My Honours thesis at Wits focused on critical literacy’s impact on digital literacy.
I teach skills to navigate information overload and interpret texts’ intentions, empowering students to enact positive change. As a mother of two, I’ve seen the shortcomings of traditional schooling firsthand.
Beyond teaching, I cherish time with family, indulge in my passion for animals, and enjoy horse riding. My dream is a holistic school environment where every child finds their voice and passion. At Legacy House, we’re committed to nurturing each child’s potential.
Vanessa Potgieter
English, Afrikaans and Life Orientation
My name is Vanessa Potgieter and I am extremely excited to be joining this awesome new school.
I come from Johannesburg and moved down to this fantastic town called Plettenberg Bay with my family, during 2020. I am a qualified, experienced teacher with five years classroom experience and two years as a free-lance tutor, tutoring Afrikaans. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education through UNISA and I am also TEFL qualified. I have a great passion for teaching. My main aim is that my students learn in a fun, meaningful way and are able to apply what they learn. Every child learns differently and we need to create a learning environment that caters for every child. I am passionate about teaching Afrikaans as I feel it is such an interesting and descriptive language.
My interests include hiking, walking my dog and keeping fit. I am honoured and privileged to have the opportunity to join this wonderful team of educators and this unique school.
Mauritz Lourens
Visual & Creative Arts, History and Afrikaans
Hello, everyone! I’m thrilled to continue this exciting journey with you at Legacy House. Whether we’re bringing creativity to life in Visual Arts for Grades 10 and 12, exploring the beauty of Afrikaans for Grades 8 and 9, diving into fun Art projects for Grades 8 and 9, or learning about life and growth in Life Orientation, we’re going to have an amazing time together. Get ready for classes filled with creativity, curiosity, and plenty of fun!
Stephen Deetlefs
Computer Application Technology
I’m Stephen Deetlefs, a seasoned Business Professional with 37 years of experience in Banking and IT. I’ve managed projects, led teams, and held line-management positions until my retirement in 2007. Post-retirement, I ventured into real estate, lecturing, consultancy, and web design.
Teaching Business Economics and Accountancy at Deutsche Schule Johannesburg in 2015 ignited my passion for education. Recently, I filled in as an IT teacher at Redford House, Blue Hills, where I taught Java Programming. Now, I’m thrilled to join Legacy House Plettenberg Bay to impart my firsthand business knowledge and contribute to student success and character building.
Burgert Blom
Physical Science and Maths
Having spent nearly two decades in Europe, I returned to South Africa in July 2024 to take up a position as an Honorary Research Associate (A/Prof) in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Cape Town, where I am involved in the development of anti-cancer drugs—a role I continue to hold. Prior to this, I served as Associate Professor of Chemistry at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, following a decade in Germany where I completed a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Bonn (summa cum laude) and conducted postdoctoral research in Berlin. With over 25 years of teaching experience—spanning high school science, undergraduate and postgraduate chemistry, and including previous teaching roles at UNISA
I am deeply committed to student-centred pedagogy. I have consistently championed problem-based learning (PBL) and research-based learning (RBL), approaches I practiced extensively during my tenure at Maastricht. I am excited to join the team at Legacy House, as its commitment to student-centred learning closely aligns with my own educational philosophy and experience. I am also establishing a STEM consulting company called Launchpoint_STEM which will focus on academic advising and university consulting.
Nokwanda Ndlovu
Life Science, Natural Science, Social Science
I am Nokwanda Ndlovu a science educator with experience spanning both formal classroom teaching and outdoor education.
I have worked in school settings as a teacher and in the field as an environmental educator, experiences that have equipped me with a broad range of skills and practical knowledge in science education, conservation, and community engagement. My professional interests are complemented by a strong creative side. I enjoy writing and storytelling, working with colours and fabric, and exploring social and cultural narratives. These interests inform me educational approach, allowing me to connect science with creativity, culture, and real-world experiences. Deeply connected to nature, I find purpose in work that supports and protects the environment. My passion for nature has guided me toward conservation-focused roles, where I have collaborated with several conservation organisations. Outside of work, I enjoy listening to music and watching reality shows, which bring balance and joy to my everyday life. I believe education should empower students to think critically, ask questions, and apply knowledge beyond the classroom. My goal goal is to create a supportive learning environment where every student feels confident to participate and grow.
Nerine Kemink
Maths Litracy, Business Studies and Economic and Management Sciences
My name is Nerine, and I am passionate about education and inspiring a love for learning. While completing my studies, I worked as an Accounting Senior, but I have always known that my true calling is teaching.
I have experience teaching across the IEB, Cambridge, CAPS, and American curricula, including at a prestigious international school abroad. I believe every student is capable of success when they are supported, encouraged, and challenged in the right way.
My teaching approach is student-centred, focusing on helping learners develop a deep understanding of concepts by exploring the *why* behind what they learn. I create engaging, interactive lessons using digital tools, real-world applications, and collaborative learning to cater to different learning styles. My goal is to build confident, independent thinkers equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Penny Wheeler
Administrator
My name is Penny Wheeler, and I recently relocated to Plettenberg Bay from Johannesburg. I am pleased to have joined Legacy House in an administrative role.
I bring extensive experience in Public Relations, bookkeeping, administrative roles and Executive Personal Assistance, offering a well-rounded skill set with strong organisational and communication abilities.
I look forward to contributing effectively to the team and supporting the continued success of Legacy House.