Meet Chantelle Smith, the new Head of Preschool at Curro Salt Rock. With a background in Early Childhood Development and a passion for child-centered education, Chantelle brings dynamic vision to nurturing young learners in Ballito, Durban.
Curro Holdings, the JSE-listed independent school group, is thrilled to announce the recent appointment of Chantelle Smith as the Head of Preschool at Curro Salt Rock, a leading educational institution known for its commitment to excellence in Ballito, Durban. With an impressive background in Early Childhood Development and a wealth of experience within the Curro family, Smith brings a dynamic vision and a passion for child-centred education to her new role.
Born in Port Elizabeth and raised in Gauteng, Smith discovered her love for teaching early on and pursued the Montessori Pre-Primary Teaching Diploma Course. Since joining Curro in July 2017 as a preschool Educator at Curro Castle Mount Richmore, Smith’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
Over the past six years, she has made significant contributions to the development and growth of the preschool programmes at Curro Salt Rock and her experience has provided her with valuable insights into creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where each learner can thrive.
“I am truly excited about this new phase in my journey with Curro Salt Rock. I have been a part of the school’s talented team for a while and have grown with my colleagues. I love the comprehensive curriculum and the volume of resources and knowledge that comes from being part of a large group like Curro. With the support of the dedicated teachers, staff, and parents, I am confident that we will continue to thrive as we adapt to new educational approaches and nurture the growth of each and every learner,” she says.
In her new role as the Head of Preschool, Smith envisions a school that provides a safe and stimulating environment, inspiring learners to explore, learn, and grow. She is passionate about fostering a love for learning through creativity and curiosity.
One of Smith’s proudest accomplishments is the establishment of the Learner Support Class at Curro Salt Rock Preschool. Through this initiative, she has been able to deliver the Curro curriculum in an individualised manner, providing necessary support to learners facing challenges in mainstream classes. By working closely with parents and assembling a team of specialists, Smith has been determined to help these learners transition into mainstream schooling successfully.
Sean Friedenthal, Executive Head at Curro Salt Rock, expressed his confidence in Smith’s leadership and the future she envisions, stating, “Chantelle’s deep understanding of Curro’s philosophy coupled with her proven ability and passion for education make her the ideal candidate to spearhead Curro Salt Rock’s Preschool. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of her leadership on the young minds entrusted to our care.”
