Uplands is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs Sally Wiggill as Head of Department: Foundation Phase. Sally brings with her over two decades of experience, deep community roots, and a passionate commitment to early childhood education.
Born in the Lowveld and raised in Hoedspruit, Sally began her journey in education at the Pretoria College of Education, later specialising in Foundation Phase through UNISA. Her career spans teaching across Grades 0 to 12, but it is in the formative early years that her heart truly lies. Since joining Uplands in 2012, she has been a familiar and respected figure, shaping young lives with care, creativity, and a deep understanding of each child’s developmental journey.
Sally’s vision is centred on developing confident, curious and compassionate learners, with a focus on play-based and kinaesthetic learning. “My philosophy centres on fostering a nurturing, inclusive and stimulating environment where all children can develop a lifelong love for learning,” she says. “Foundation Phase education is about laying strong academic, social, and emotional foundations.”
Her appointment comes with a dynamic strategy for innovation and growth. This includes consolidating the NumberSense programme, enhancing phonics and reading resources, and introducing thinking skills workshops to encourage lateral thinking. Further plans are in place to strengthen the transition between Grade 0 and Grade 1, and between Grade 3 and Grade 4, while continuing to develop the playground environments and expand parent engagement workshops.
Sally is deeply committed to collaboration and is thrilled to lead a capable and experienced team, including new members of staff Sue Gibbs, Michelle Shelton, and Tammy Fargher, as well as a strong cohort of interns who bring energy and insight into the classroom. While she steps out of a full-time teaching role, she will continue to support extension teaching and offer personalised support to both advanced and developing learners.
A long-standing member of the White River community, Sally is not only a respected educator but also a proud Uplands parent – her children, Mary-Ann, Robert and Graham, matriculated in 2008, 2012 and 2016 respectively. Her youngest son Graham is now teaching at Uplands College. The family is eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild in Canada.
Beyond the classroom, Sally enjoys padel, pilates, reading, and long walks through the bushveld she calls home. Her vision for Uplands is one of joy, creativity and community: “We are heading towards a future that embraces creative thinking, robotics, and a focus on developing children who are not only well-balanced and confident, but also kind and caring.”
In Sally’s own words: “Children don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.” At Uplands, we are confident that under her leadership, our Foundation Phase will continue to be a place where every child is seen, supported and inspired.