Christel House South Africa is the proud recipient of 40 school desks that were created from recycled waste, collected during the 2018 Two Oceans Marathon. Launched in 2006 by the environmental charity, WildTrust, the Green Desk project recycles multi-layer, multi-film plastics into school desks without using a drop of water.

The newly donated Green Desks tie in with our efforts to become more environmentally responsible and teaching our students to reduce, re-use and recycle.

During his tour to southern Africa, Keith DeHaan, son of Christel House International founder, Christel DeHaan, paid our school a special visit in May. As his second visit to our Ottery-based campus, Keith enjoyed a school tour including one-on-one sessoins with small groups of students; a community tour accompanied by our Social Services team and musical items prepared by our junior school music department. Students enjoyed the opportunity toe ask Keith questions about his mother, Christel, her vision for starting the Christel House institutions around the world and her love for South Africa.

Much like his mother, Keith also enjoys the fine arts and was treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creative magic taking place in our high school art classroom. "Where we differ is that my mother favours the horns and strings and I have a passion for the brush and easel," added Keith. Thank you for your visit, 'Mr Keith'!

During the Easter school break, local contractors worked around the clock to revamp our school's foundation phase playground. The project was pioneered by former Christel House SA CEO, Nicky Sheridan, who took part in the 2017 Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon and called on kindhearted donors to support his quest. Through the generosity of many 142 donors, Nicky raised a whopping R138 773 via his GivenGain campaign page.

Now completed, the long-anticipated overhaul includes spacious grassed play areas and paved sidewalks, colourful obstacle courses, a bicycle track, a new playpen and swings, two sandpits and new toys for cognitive development. Thank you to all who contributed to this project! #MakingTheImpossiblePossible

New thought-provoking book, The Other End of the Telescope, is a collection of fascinating essays on the absurdities and challenges of gettings things done in large companies, and the inherent contradictions in leadership and organisational behaviours that prevent businesses from realising their potential and achieving greater success. Author and board member of Christel House SA, Ian Russell, is donating the royalties from his new book towards our school's transformational work. Read more here.

We are delighted to share our 2018 Annual Report. Read about our project and programme highlights, by viewing our online annual report here.  

Avalon Springs Resort in Montague, one of the sought-after properties on Dream Hotels & Resorts, received 15 special art pieces produced by Christel House students in a special art fundraiser collaboration. The art is exhibited in the Resort's restaurant and lounge and they are planning to sell collectible prints of the artwork to generate further funds for our school. Thank you to all at Avalon Springs and Dream Hotels for believing in the future of our students! 

During the first term school break, Christel House's grade 12 student leaders hosted members of the Leadership Committee for Africa, a non-profit organisation run by students of the Culver Academy in Indianapolis (USA). 18 Students took part in a week-long leadership exchange workshop, learn about each other's backgrounds, shared leadership tips and brainstormed the pathway to a prosperous Africa. Culver students also pioneered various fundraising campaigns in aid of our school and its programmes. Thank you Culver!

We do not just educate, feed, provide healthcare or help your child into a great career – we do all these things! We are now recruiting for the Grade R class of 2020. Click through for more info: https://sa.christelhouse.org/about-us/admissions/. All admissions to Christel House are awarded 100% scholarships.

 On Tuesday, internationally renowned trailblazer in transformational education, Professor Jonathan Jansen, paid a friendly visit our campus to learn first-hand how we work towards breaking the cycle of poverty. He later posted on his personal Facebook page: “Understand Christel House, and you have the keys to solving our national school crisis.” Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/2Cd93aW

On Wednesday, 14 November, Microsoft held their annual 48-hour international skype-a-thon to connect nearly half a million students, teachers and guest experts from around the world using ‘Skype in the Classroom’ and Christel House South Africa was the only school in South Africa selected to be part of this 2-day online conversation.

At Christel House, we focus on the whole child. Watch this video of a typical day at our school and experience how Christel House works.

Christel House South Africa is celebrating a 97.8% percent matric pass rate – well above the national average for the 10^th consecutive year. For the 46 jubilant matriculants, the positive results provide them with a chance to break free from a life of poverty. Read more here: Matric Results 2017

Nontando and her family lived in poverty, in a one room shack in a violent neighborhood. Now she's a successful chemical engineer. See how Christel House South Africa helped her succeed.

How yoga is helping learners succeed in school.

See how this Grade 11 student is inspired to mentor younger students and to make a positive impact on the lives of others.