Derona Academy Private School

🌤️ Dear Derona Academy Parents 🌤️

On this blessed Ascension Day, we are reminded of the hope, faith, and promise of our Lord’s return. As Jesus ascended into heaven, He left us with peace in our hearts and strength for our journey ahead.

May this special day bring renewed faith, love, and blessings to you and your family. May your home be filled with peace, joy, and gratitude.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and partnership in shaping the hearts and minds of our children at Derona Academy.

Wishing all our Derona families a peaceful and blessed Ascension Day. ✨🙏

“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus… will come back.” – Acts 1:11

💙 Derona Academy
“Staan Sterk • Stand Strong”

Today, with hearts heavier than words can carry, we say goodbye to a truly extraordinary soul —

🤍🕊️ Mam Rika Classen. 🤍🕊️

After a week-long battle following two strokes, Heaven gained one of the purest hearts this world has ever known.

Mam Rika was not only beautiful in style and grace, but even more beautiful in spirit. She carried herself like a queen — elegant, strong, loving, and full of light.

Everywhere she went, she left kindness behind. Every person who had the privilege of knowing her felt her warmth, her compassion, and her unforgettable presence.

She had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her smile could comfort a hurting heart, and her gentle spirit touched every life that crossed her path. She was the definition of grace.

This morning, 13 May 2026 at 07:30 at Arwyp Hospital, Mam Rika took her final Walk of Heroes as an organ donor. Even in her final moments, she chose to give life, hope, and healing to others. That is who she was — a giver until the very end. One last act of love. One final selfless gift. 🤍

Today we do not only mourn a loss; we honour a legacy. A woman whose beauty was not only seen on the outside, but deeply felt within her soul. A legend. A lady. A Fashion Queen. A mother figure to so many.

Though our hearts are broken, we know her light will never fade. It will live on in the lives she touched, in the memories she created, and in every heartbeat she helped save.

Rest peacefully, beautiful soul.

You walked this earth with elegance, strength, and endless love.

And now Heaven wears your crown. 👑🕊️

Forever in our hearts, Mam Rika Classen. 🤍

2026 – A Year of Firsts for Derona Academy! 🏐✨

2026 is proving to be an exciting year filled with new beginnings at Derona Academy.

One of our proudest milestones is the introduction of Primary School Netball — a wonderful step forward for our learners!

Under the dedicated guidance of Mam Chantel Reyneke, our Under 13 Netball Team has already started building strong foundations, teamwork, and school spirit.

We are also incredibly grateful for the generous sponsorship from Asia Direct & Sisol Holdings, who provided our team with beautiful netball bags and water bottles.

Your support means so much to our players and contributes to making their sporting journey even more special.

Here’s to many more firsts, growth, and unforgettable moments on and off the court! 💚🤍

Well done to our amazing Red Team! 🔴

Congratulations on being the winners of the Sport Day held on 9 February at the Kempton Hoërskool sports fields. Your teamwork, determination, and spirit truly stood out.

The trophy was proudly received by your team leader, Ndalo Radebe. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you. Keep shining and continue making Derona Academy proud! 🏆👏

🏆 Derona Academy Athletics Day Highlights – 9 February 🏆

We are incredibly proud to announce our top achievers from our Athletics Day held on 9 February at the Kempton Hoër sports fields!

Victor Ludorum: Sfiso Ndlovu
Victrix Ludorum: Shared between
Keiyra Rhodes and Jessica Muller

Congratulations on your outstanding performances on the athletic field. Your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship truly shone through. We celebrate your excellence and the spirit you brought to this special day. Well done to all our athletes who participated and made the event unforgettable!

At Derona Academy, we believe every child deserves a caring, nurturing start to their growth and development 🌱

From Grade RR to Matric, we offer wonderful continuity, a safe environment, and dedicated educators who walk every step of the journey with your child.

Our aftercare facilities provide peace of mind for parents and a loving space for learners to grow beyond the classroom.

✨ Enrol your little one now and give them the advantage of an environment built on values, care, and excellence.

Become part of the Derona Academy family, where God is the captain of our sailing boat ⛵🙏

📍 36 Sim Road, Glen Marais, Kempton Park






🌟💫🎉👏💕

🌟 Welcome to our Grade 8s! 🌟

A very warm welcome to all our new Grade 8 learners and families joining the Derona Academy family. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with growth, learning, friendships, and unforgettable memories.
As you step into high school, know that you are supported, encouraged, and believed in. Be curious, be brave, work hard, and always be kind. We can’t wait to watch you discover your talents and become the best version of yourself.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead—welcome home to Derona Academy

14 January 2026

🌟 Welcome Back to School! 🌟
A warm welcome back to all our learners and teachers. We hope you are refreshed, motivated, and ready for a year filled with learning, growth, and success.

May this term bring new opportunities, positive energy, and many achievements for everyone at Derona Academy.

Let’s make it a great one—together! 💙📚✨

🎉 Celebrating Our Choral Verse Winners! 🎉

Our Grade 1 and Grade 4 learners proudly presented their winning choral verses to the school today. Derona Academy congratulates these talented learners for their outstanding achievements and the wonderful spirit they’ve shown throughout the journey. 🌟👏

🎉 Eisteddfod Nationals Achievement! 🎉

We are incredibly proud to announce that our Grade 1 learners won 1st place in the Junior Section – English Choral Verse, and our Grade 4 learners achieved 2nd place in the Senior Section – Afrikaans Choral Verse at the Eisteddfod Nationals held on Friday, 24 October 2025! 🇿🇦✨

It is the very first time in the 6 years of our existence that Derona Academy took part in the Nationals Eisteddfod — and what an incredible debut! 🌟 The bar has been set! 👏

A huge congratulations to these talented learners and their amazing teachers — Ma’am Cathy (Grade 1) and Ma’am Chantel (Grade 4) — for their dedication, creativity, and hard work. You have truly held Derona Academy’s name high! 💙💛