Earlier this month, Keller Education welcomed some old friends – a group of Dutch school principals from Onderwijs Maak Je Samen, a distinguished educational organisation in the Netherlands with whom we share a longstanding relationship. As part of their South African tour, we were thrilled to bring the group to one of our partner schools, Mondeor Eco School.
With its unique approach to holistic education, Mondeor Eco School challenges conventional schooling by blending academic learning with emotional well-being, life skills, and a commitment to inclusivity. The visit showcased Mondeor’s distinctive educational model and highlighted the remarkable impact schools can have when they embrace innovation and engage in collaborative partnerships.
A Warm Welcome and a Distinctly South African Experience
The morning at Mondeor Eco School began with a warm welcome from Primary School Principal Anne-Lett and her dedicated team. Conversations flowed easily, with everyone exchanging ideas and celebrating shared values and commitment to student-centred learning. A thoughtfully curated programme kept the group engaged and inspired, but a special highlight was the selection of proudly South African welcome treats and packed lunches, prepared by Mondeor students. This small yet meaningful detail underscored the school’s focus on practical life skills and preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
Student-Led Tours: Pride in Practice
The tour was led by none other than Mondeor’s own student guides, who showcased their school with such enthusiasm that we couldn’t help but be inspired. These young ambassadors demonstrated impressive knowledge, engaging the Dutch principals with questions about life in the Netherlands and sharing stories of their own learning journeys at Mondeor. Their curiosity, confidence, and genuine excitement were a testament to Mondeor’s nurturing environment, which fosters both academic and personal growth. The experience reinforced a central tenet of Keller Education: when students feel valued and connected, they thrive.
Witnessing CARE Circles: Where Learning Meets Well-being
One of the morning’s most powerful moments was observing Mondeor’s CARE Circles in action. These weekly circles provide a safe space for students to express themselves and support one another. Seeing students engage openly and empathetically, even in front of visitors, was a clear demonstration of the transformative power of focusing on emotional intelligence and well-being. At Mondeor, students aren’t just mastering content; they’re learning empathy, connection, and self-awareness too.
Inclusive Education at the School of Skills
As advocates for inclusive education, the Keller Education staff and Dutch principals were deeply moved by Mondeor’s commitment to meeting every student’s needs. At the School of Skills, which focuses on vocational and life skills, we witnessed how inclusivity is embedded in the school’s mission. Here, students receive tailored academic support, practical experience, and a sense of purpose that prepares them for life beyond the classroom. This approach ensures that no student feels left behind, allowing everyone to experience success, regardless of background or ability.
Celebrating Excellence: The Keller Education Flagship School Award
In recognition of Mondeor Eco School’s exceptional commitment to education and its longstanding partnership with Keller, Brad Keller proudly presented Principal Anne-Lett with the Keller Education Flagship School Award. This award honours Mondeor as a centre of innovation and inspiration, dedicated to the Keller Methodology and making a meaningful impact on its students and the wider community. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with Mondeor and look forward to continued collaboration, united by a shared vision of educational excellence. By awarding this status, we hope to inspire other schools to follow a similar path and join a community committed to impactful, innovative, student-focused education.
A Lasting Partnership and a Bright Future
As the morning concluded, everyone left with fresh inspiration and new perspectives. The visit was a powerful reminder of how collaboration drives meaningful change in our schools. When educators from different backgrounds come together to share ideas and practices, we not only broaden our own horizons but also deepen our collective commitment to transformative learning.
At Keller Education, we are dedicated to building partnerships that bring the best practices in education to life, supporting schools in becoming Flagship leaders. Whether you’re a long-standing partner of Keller Education or new to the concept, we’re here to help your school achieve its unique vision for excellence. Ready to join the ranks of Keller’s Flagship Schools? Together, let’s reimagine schooling and make educational excellence the standard, not the exception!