The Teachers of Linkside Pre-Primary
The Teachers of Linkside Pre-Primary
Our Quality Teachers
As a teacher it is true what they say – Every year we make a little family and with heavy hearts we say goodbye and pass our boys on at the end of each year. Luckily for all of us we will all forever belong to the Linkside Family!
Sharon Westcott
Principal & Teacher of the Eagles Class
Sharon Westcott
4 year Higher Diploma in Pre-Primary Education at Barkly House Teachers College, Cape Town
Sharon Westcott is a dedicated and passionate educator with extensive experience in early childhood education. She holds a 4-year Higher Diploma in Pre-Primary Education and has served as the Principal and teacher at Linkside Pre-Primary since 1997. Sharon’s teaching philosophy emphasizes creating a nurturing and positive environment where students are encouraged to be happy, confident, and curious learners. She believes in instilling a love for learning and employs a stress-free, problem-solving approach in her classroom to help all students thrive and have fun while learning.
Maxine Proctor-Sims
Bachelor of Ed Foundation Phase NMMU 4 Years
Maxine is a passionate and dedicated educator with extensive experience in early childhood education. A significant portion of her career was spent at Westering Primary School, where she taught Grades 1 to 3 and held the position of Grade 1 Head for two years. Her teaching career has also taken her to Hong Kong, where she spent a couple of years teaching Kindergarten and Nursery. She joined Linkside in 2025. Maxine is a creative, driven teacher who inspires children to be curious and confident. She strives to foster a love of learning in her students by creating a safe environment for them to use their imaginations and express themselves.
Maxine Proctor-Sims
The Rhinos Teacher
Joanne Blow
The Dolphins Teacher
Joanne Blow
B Prim Ed 4 year degree NMMU
Joanne is a dedicated educator with a wealth of experience. She holds a B Prim Ed 4-year degree from NMMU and has been shaping young minds for many years. Joanne spent a significant portion of her career at Westering Primary, where she taught both Grade 2 and Grade 1, and also served as Grade Head. Since 2010, she has been contributing her expertise to Linkside Pre-Primary, currently teaching Grade R. Joanne’s teaching philosophy centers on creating an interconnected learning atmosphere that fosters holistic understanding. She values respect as a key element in her classroom, aiming to inspire mutual respect among her students. Her passion for guiding young learners on their educational journey drives her commitment to making a meaningful difference in every child’s life.
Shannon Connell
Bachelor of Ed Foundation Phase NMMU 4years
Shannon is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor of Education in the Foundation Phase from NMMU. Her teaching career has taken her to various places, including Grade 1 at Kabega Primary and College Hill Prep from 2009 to 2011, a teaching stint at a Hong Kong kindergarten in 2012, and her current role at Linkside Pre-Primary since 2013. Shannon deeply values the connections she forms with her students and their families, considering each class as a “little family.” While saying goodbye to students at the end of each year is always challenging, she takes pride in being part of the enduring Linkside Family, where lasting bonds are formed among students, families, and educators.
Shannon Connell
The Leopards Teacher
Our Beloved Staff
Barbara Louw
Secretary
Barbara Louw is our secretary and has been at Linkside Pre-Primary since 2021. She is a past parent of the school and understands our ethos.
Sarah Rijs
Teacher Assistant
Sarah Rijs started as the Assistant Teacher in 2025 and is responsible for the outdoor activities and gross motor skills. She also assists in the classes on a rotational basis. Sarah has a B.Ed Foundation Phase degree.
Rosie Mati
Maintenance Staff
Rosie Mati has been at Linkside since 2016 and is responsible for maintaining the inside facilities.
Glad Sinyongo
Maintenance Staff
Glad Sinyongo started at Linkside Pre-Primary in 2019 and is responsible for the maintenance of the outside facilities.
Alfred Xakaxa
Maintenance Staff
Alfred Xakaxa has been at the school since 2010. He has reached retirement age, but enjoys the school atmosphere and works part-time.
Lynnete Snelgar
Aftercare Staff
Lynnete Snelgar started in 2024.
Sheila Hardimann
Aftercare Staff
Sheila Hardimann started in 2021.
Join The LPP Family
Register your child today and become part of the Linkside Pre-Primary family!
Please note that completing an application form does not guarantee a place at the school, but secures an interview.
