I am Mrs. Photi – Bonneygrove’s resident South-African teacher. I left Cape Town more than 20 years ago and was planning on staying in the UK for 6 months… but life had other plans for me.
I have been part of Bonneygrove’s Early Years Team for 4 years, first teaching in Reception and now in Nursery (which I love!). I lead Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) across the school.
Working with young children reminds me every day that the world is filled with awe and wonder when viewed through their eyes. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than helping children learn the essential skills they will need to live happy lives one day.
I have been working with the under-5s for 22 years now… in almost every role imaginable: nanny, teaching assistant, childminder, play therapist, child psychometrist and teacher. My role as a mother to three children has perhaps taught me the most over the years – mainly patience! We also have a cat called Zorro, a puppy called Tizzy and 47 goldfish (at last count).
I love singing. One of the most uplifting experiences of my life has been singing in a mass choir performing 70s and 80s classics to an audience of a thousand people. I also enjoy dancing, reading and playing the piano.