Bellavista SHARE

04/09/2026

We had the privilege of hosting our first-ever Cape Town Conference: Burnout, Barriers and Brokering Hope and what a success it was!

The conference opened with keynote speaker Alison Scott, who explored the teacher crisis in South Africa. Tamara Victor followed with Regulating the Regulator, sharing practical sensory strategies to support optimal teaching and learning.

Karen Archer explored the anxious student, while Lauren Davis & Tamara introduced participants to the power of the Mediated Learning Experience and neuroplasticity.

The final session, led by Karen & Alison, focused on navigating tough conversations and provided delegates with practical tips for managing these conversations effectively.

A common thread throughout the day was the importance of regulation- recognising that when educators and learners are regulated, they are better able to connect, think, learn and thrive.

We closed the day with reflections from Jess Cassidy, a fourth year teaching student, who brought a valuable perspective to the day’s conversations.

A special thank you to Western Province Prep School for hosting us so graciously and to all our delegates for joining us.

Cape Town, we’ll see you again in 2027!

27/08/2026

Struggling to spread peanut butter. Battling with shoelaces. Tripping over nothing in particular. If this sounds familiar, you're not imagining things, and your child isn't being lazy or careless.

Elena Lewis, HOD Occupational Therapy at Bellavista School, breaks down what's actually happening in the brain when a child has dyspraxia, and why it's really a "brain-body disconnect" rather than clumsiness. She also shares practical, everyday ways to support your child, from chunking instructions to building in sensory-motor play.

If any of this sounds like your child, it's worth a read. 💙

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You may have noticed that your child seems clumsier than other children their age, or that they struggle with things their friends seem to pick up without effort.

25/08/2026

Our Director, Karen Archer, recently had the pleasure of visiting The Link, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the development of literacy and numeracy in children, to present the ever-popular Regulate to Educate workshop.

It was a wonderful session filled with enthusiastic participation and meaningful conversations. We truly believe the insights shared will make a positive and lasting impact within the community.

Thank you for having us!

19/08/2026

📢15 Days to go!

South African education is at a crossroads and the need for change has never been greater. On 03 September 2026, the Bellavista S.H.A.R.E. Conference: Burnout, Barriers and Brokering Hope comes to Cape Town for a powerful one day experience exploring burnout, barriers and how we broker hope in our schools.

Through thought-provoking keynote presentations, practical workshops and evidence-based strategies, this is a space for educators ready to reflect, rethink and lead meaningful change.

Don't miss out on this one!

🔗Learn more:
https://bellavista.org.za/cape-town-conference-2026/

17/08/2026

⏳17 Days to go!
Cape Town Conference: Burnout, Barriers and Brokering Hope

Closing Words - The Impact of a Teacher

In this closing session, Jessica will reflect on her journey through school and the learning challenges she encountered along the way. Through a heartfelt and hopeful reflection, Jessica will celebrate the lasting impact that caring, committed educators can have in transforming a child’s confidence, aspirations and future.

🔗Learn more:
https://bellavista.org.za/cape-town-conference-2026/

14/08/2026

Burnout, Barriers & Brokering Hope Conference:
Session 05 - Navigating Tough Conversations: Building Bridges between Home and School

As educators and health professionals, we are often called to have conversations that are uncomfortable but essential – about student behaviour, wellbeing or progress. How do we approach parents with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries?

How do we balance compassion with accountability and ensure that students are active participants in repairing relationships and learning from their actions? This session explores practical frameworks for restorative communication, tools for de-escalation and strategies for fostering trust and shared responsibility between schools, families and students.

🔗Learn more:
https://bellavista.org.za/cape-town-conference-2026/

13/08/2026

Five minutes of quiet from a screen, or a calmer, more regulated child from an afternoon in the mud kitchen?

In this articke, Chelsea Whalley writes about why sensory-rich play - sand, water, cushion forts, pinecone hunts - does more for your child's emotional wellbeing than any app, and how you can bring more of it into everyday life at home.

Read the full article:

The pace of life is fast and the juggle of being a parent is challenging.

12/08/2026

We received excellent feedback following our recent Regulate to Educate Workshop presented by our OT team at Bellavista. Participants shared how practical, engaging and interactive the experience was with many appreciating the new methods and strategies they can take straight into their practice.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. 💚

Are we coming to your school next?
Get in touch with us for curated training that works for your school and team.

[email protected]

10/08/2026

Cape Town Conference: Burnout, Barriers and Brokering Hope

Session 04:
The Cognitive Classroom: An Introduction to the Power of the Mediated Learning Experience

What is intelligence? Is it fixed or can it be developed? Does academic success always lead to achievement in life? Are schools preparing today’s learners to develop metastrategic thinking tools?

This session will dive into two main theories behind cognitive education: Structural Cognitive Modifiability – the conviction that every human being has a propensity to learn, and the Mediated Learning Experience – a high quality modality of interaction serving as the mechanism for facilitating this cognitive transformation. This session will give you a taste of the evidence-based cognitive education programmes, tools and strategies that set up learners for success.

🔗Learn more:
https://bellavista.org.za/cape-town-conference-2026/