School Type: Special Needs

The Leading Edge in Learning Support

Set in tranquil park-like surroundings, Japari provides a caring, friendly and personal approach to pupils who are encouraged and guided to take their rightful place as confident, independent members of society. At Japari, cognisance is taken of the overall emotional and creative development of each child, through the active boosting of self-esteem and endeavour.

It is the wish of every parent that his or her child is a happy and confident person. When a new learner arrives at Japari with a totally negative self-concept which may have been gained through struggling in mainstream schools, the concerted efforts of the multidisciplinary team and the committed teaching staff bring about a visible change in the child’s view of himself. The child is able to participate in and experience a qualitatively different way of thinking and problem solving, enabling optimal exploitation of future options.

OUR HISTORY

In the early sixties a dedicated woman, Dr Sonia Machanick, wondered why some of the brighter learners struggled with seemingly simple tasks. After some research she decided to dedicate her life to this cause. Through nurturing and encouraging her students she was able to help them overcome the hurdles that slowed their progress and make them confident enough to return to mainstream schools.

In 1966, with a class of six, she opened Japari. She passed away in 1977 and the school became ‘an association not for gain’. Japari grew soon and as more space was needed, the school moved to Dundalk Avenue in Parkview where it is today. Our staff still stands by Dr Machanick’s basic principles enabling learners to thrive in a stable, tolerant and understanding environment.

OUR METHODS

Our classes are small – no more than 15 learners in each. From this we are able to attend to the individual needs of our pupils according to their learning style and potential. We apply a dynamic and flexible approach to encourage each child’s confidence in his own ability. The field of ‘learning support’ is developing fast and we combine some of the very latest research with our tried and tested methods.

OUR THERAPY

Our team of psychologists and therapists assess, counsel and guide – using a holistic approach to help support the learner and his or her parents in the academic programme. Occupational, speech and language, and music therapy are available.

OUR EXTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES

We provide sports and cultural activities such as athletics, karate, tennis, cricket, hockey, netball, swimming, soccer, freestyle dancing, cookery, art, computers, choir and drama. These help develop self esteem, encourage teamwork, strengthen friendships and also make sure that no hidden talents go unnoticed.

OUR AFTERCARE

After school care is provided. Teachers are on duty to assist with homework. This is available until 17h00.

OUR FOCUS

We offer a full range of subjects, exactly the same as those provided by mainstream schools from Grade R to Grade 7. The curriculum is modified to suit individual learning potential. Japari is undoubtedly a successful school with a special mission.

School Phase:

• Primary

Lowest Grade: Grade 0
Highest Grade: Grade 7
Boarding: No
Number of Pupils: 192
Founding Year: 1967
Religious Affiliation: Interdenominational
Lowest Tuition Fees Per Annum (2008): R39750
Highest Tuition Fees Per Annum (2008): R41400
Examinations or Curricula:

• General Education and Training (GETC)

Postal Address: 1 Dundalk Avenue, Parkview
Postal Code: 2010
Telephone: 011 646 2132
Fax: 011 646 2158
Website: http://www.japari.org.za
Suburb: Parkview
City/Town: Johannesburg
South African Province: Gauteng
Country: South Africa