Calling Education believes in the inspirational and guiding influence of passionate teachers. We would rather have excellent teachers teaching in average facilities, than average teachers teaching in excellent facilities. It is one of our highest priorities to recruit outstanding teachers who understand “calling” and share our dreams for Calling Education.
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Ben Greyling
Principal
Ben Greyling
Ben Greyling is a devoted husband and proud father of three. He completed his high school education at Boland Landbou before pursuing a degree in Sport Science at Stellenbosch University, where he also obtained his Honours in Marketing.
After university, Ben spent 11 adventurous years traveling the world while teaching, during which he completed a PGCE in Mathematics and Science, later adding his Mathematical Literacy (FET) extension. He also served as lead pastor for four years during this time.
Responding to God’s call, Ben and his family returned to South Africa, where they were led to Calling Academy—a place where his passion for faith, education and leadership converge.
He finds deep joy in seeing children grow, develop and mature into young boys and girls who are ready to take on the challenges of life.
TEACHERS
Alicia van Zyl
Teacher of Afrikaans
Alicia van Zyl
Alicia grew up in Paarl and pursued her studies at Stellenbosch University, where she completed a BA in Humanities with Afrikaans and Psychology as her majors, followed by a BEd Honours in Educational Psychology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). She began her teaching career as an Afrikaans educator before embracing opportunities abroad.
Her time in Australia broadened her professional experience, where she worked as both a therapist and a learning support educator. These roles deepened her commitment to a holistic, student-centered approach to education. Alicia is passionate about creating a nurturing environment in which students feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Outside the classroom, Alicia is a devoted wife and mother to a lively young daughter. She treasures family time and enjoys reading, music, films, and word puzzles in her spare moments.
Chris White
Teacher of English
Chris White
A lifelong learner who loves to empower the minds of those around him. Mr White grew up in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape. He was afforded the privilege of learning the value in education, sport and gentlemanly manners. As a result, he has come to appreciate the sturdy approaches towards Holistic learning.
Mr White’s soul is energised by not only education, but sport and farming. Mr White’s journey is rooted in nature, agriculture and humour after spending his youth on Hilton Farm. It was only in 2016, after a trip to South Korea, that his calling for education was awakened. He then spent another two years in Asia refining his teaching craft. His pedagogy reached its Zenith in 2021 when he wrote an essay on “A Pedagogy for Education around Enrichment, Empowerment, Enhancement and Enjoyment in
Learning”. From there he developed his own teaching methodology of “Making Education More Human”.
Mr White continues to adapt himself to the needs of the people around. His foremost goal as a teacher is to make education and learning not only a top priority, but also to equip learners with the necessary tools in order to succeed.
Shané Petersen
Teacher of Economic and Management Sciences
Shané Petersen
Shané was born in Cape Town and raised in the small town of Piketberg, where she completed her schooling at Piketberg Hoërskool. She obtained a Diploma in Sports and Marketing from Boland College, Stellenbosch, before discovering her true passion for teaching. She completed her degree in Education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in 2018.
Shané specialises in Business Studies, EMS, and Mathematical Literacy, and gained valuable international teaching experience during a year spent teaching in Thailand. She is married to her supportive husband, Chestlyn, and together they are proud parents to their daughter, Zya.
Gershuné Marthinussen
Teacher of Natural Sciences
Gershuné Marthinussen
Born and bred in Wellington, Gershuné matriculated at Wellington High School. She furthered my studies through the University of South Africa, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in Life Sciences and Geography. During this time she took every opportunity to gain in-class experience.
Her teaching philosophy is rooted in inclusivity, learner support, and academic growth, with a strong commitment to helping learners reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom. Her experience in remedial work motivated her to further enhance her professional training by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Education.
She is hardworking and has a genuine love for serving others, values which drew me to Calling Academy and she aligns closely with its mission. She is also an adventurous person who loves being outdoors, a passion that complements her teaching approach and encourages active, engaged learning.
Mareli Robertson
Teacher of Mathematics
Mareli Robertson
Mareli grew up in Wellington, Cape Winelands, in a close-knit community where strong values, discipline, and love for learning were nurtured from a young age. Her life experiences, both personal and academic, have shaped her into a compassionate, resilient, and purpose-driven educator who is deeply committed to serving others through teaching.
She holds a B.Ed (Cum Laude) degree with majors in Biology, Mathematics and Human Movement Sciences. Mareli is passionate about guiding learners to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and grow not only academically, but also in character and integrity. Her teaching is grounded in a desire to instill hope, purpose, and strong moral foundations, encouraging learners to see their lives as meaningful and value-driven.
Beyond the classroom, Mareli enjoys staying active, spending time with her family, and engaging in activities that promote personal growth and wellbeing. She has a love for sport, outdoor activities, photography, and community involvement, and she is especially passionate about teaching and mentoring others in a way that reflects compassion, service, and faith-centred values.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Ms Gordon
Receptionist and Administrator
Tamsen Gordon
Born and raised in the heart of Paarl, Tamsen Gordon completed her high school career at Paulus Joubert Secondary School before obtaining a National N Diploma in Management Assistance at Boland College. She has 8 years of experience in the corporate industry.
In 2025, Tamsen felt the call to transition to a role where she could contribute more directly to her local community. This led her to join Calling Academy in Paarl, where she now serves as the receptionist and administrator.
Tamsen is passionate about creating welcoming and organized environments and is excited to be part of a team dedicated to helping learners reach their full potential.
Outside of work, Tamsen is a proud wife to her high school sweetheart, and together they have two beautiful children. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, particularly on nature walks, road trips, and exploring new food hubs.
Gerrit Esbach
Groundskeeper and Landscaper